The Genshin Impact Version 4.4 update, titled "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze" has arrived! This update not only promises the eagerly awaited Lantern Rite festivities but will also introduce two new characters to the ever-expanding roster, unveil a map expansion for Liyue, and bring forth a host of other exciting events!
Exciting information has been revealed in the 4.4 Livestream, providing a sneak peek into the characters and rewards that players can eagerly anticipate. Without delay, let's delve into what awaits us in Version 4.4!
Genshin Impact 4.4 release date
Genshin Impact Version 4.4 was released on 31 January 2024, coinciding with this year's Lunar New Year.
Following the established maintenance schedule for new updates, Version 4.4 went live at 3 AM (GMT). Please note that due to timezone differences, players in the United States received the update on 30 January 2024, at 11 PM (EST).
The Version 4.4 Livestream took place on 19 January 2023!
4.4 banners
The haughty and elegant Adeptus, Cloud Retainer, is back, but with a twist! In Version 4.4, she's swapped her mountaintop abode for the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, donned her human form, and taken the name Xianyun. Players will have the chance to obtain Xianyun in Version 4.4!
Xianyun will make her grand debut alongside the beloved Dendro Archon, Nahida in Phase 1 of Version 4.4.
Phase 2 promises to be equally exciting, with the long-awaited return of the ever-popular Xiao, fellow Adepti and guardian of Liyue, and the playful Lady Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko.
On top of that, a new 4-star character, Gaming, whose design revolves around the traditional Lion Dance, will also make his debut in Phase 1 of Version 4.4. His unconventional name and unique abilities have propelled his popularity in the community, and fans can't wait to witness his fiery potential on the battlefield!
To sum up, here are the Version 4.4 character banners in each phase:
Phase 1 (5-stars):
- Xianyun
- Nahida
Phase 1 (4-stars):
- Gaming
- Faruzan
- Noelle
Phase 2 (5-stars):
- Xiao
- Yae Miko
Phase 2 (4-stars):
- Xinyan
- Ningguang
- Yaoyao
4.4 new weapon
Version 4.4 will introduce a brand-new 5-star Catalyst called Crane’s Echoing Call. This Catalyst serves as Xianyun's signature weapon.
4.4 new Story Quest
In the upcoming update, players will have the chance to learn more about the legendary Adepti, Xianyun!
- Xianyun Story Quest (Grus Serena Chapter: Act 1)
4.4 flagship event: "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze"
The flagship event of Genshin Impact Version 4.4 is called "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze"!
Get ready for a breathtaking celebration in Version 4.4, as the fourth edition of the Lantern Rite Festival takes flight! This vibrant event, themed around kites and coinciding with the real-world Lunar New Year, is Genshin Impact's most significant annual celebration. Prepare to reunite with familiar faces, indulge in a grand feast of festivities, and witness awe-inspiring sights!
Like what the Windblume Festival is to Mondstadt and the Fontinalia Festival is to Fontaine, the Lantern Rite is one of the most important events in Liyue. There will be three mini-game challenges that players can enjoy:
1. Paper Shadows A-Foraging
Experience a unique tabletop game that blends Fontainian film technology with Liyue's traditional Paper Plays to create a thrilling "Paper Theatre" performance. Within a limited turn count, solve puzzles and overcome obstacles as you guide Guoba and Yuegui on a quest to gather ingredients for delectable Liyue dishes.
2. Joyful Beasts and Their Auspices
Based on Wushou Dance, this co-op challenge throws you into the heart of the festivities. Battle against fellow Travelers across three thrilling stages:
- “Good Things Come Rolling In”: Collect as many Lucky Teabricks as you can
- “Race to the Top": Fight for control over highlighted platforms
- “To Pluck Goof Fortune”: Stay in a dedicated safe zone for as long as possible while avoiding danger
3. Iridescent Cloud-Striding
Use the “Golden Carp’s Leap” and take to the skies with this traversal challenge! While soaring through a night sky full of fireworks, players are tasked to collect as many Jade Lotus Lanterns as possible to get a higher score.
4.4 other events
Along with all the exciting festivities, character banners, and flagship event minigames coming with the 4.4 Lantern Rite update, there will be three other events for players to enjoy and collect valuable rewards from in Version 4.4!
1. Receiver of Friends From Afar
Sharpen your culinary skills in “Receiver of Friends From Afar”, where players are tasked to introduce the delectable flavours of Liyue cuisine to familiar faces from other regions. Players will assist the head chef of the Wangmin restaurant in cooking authentic Liyue-style dishes. Master the art of slicing, mixing, and cooking in quick succession, then plate and decorate your dish for a truly unforgettable feast!
2. Journey through Hiligmatic Terrain
Infiltrate Hilichurl camps to find and investigate the disruptive Mysterious Statues! Use the Eye of Upano to possess enemies and navigate their camps undetected. But beware of vigilant Samachurls who can see through your disguise! Uncover the secrets of the Mysterious Statues and face off against a powerful Samachurl, utilising the battlefield's buffs to claim victory.
3. Triumphant Frenzy
Participate in a combat challenge featuring four rounds of battle per stage; within each battle round, players can strategically select two or four Trial Characters from a variety of options to join their lineup. Each challenge has its own unique Roiling Resolve mechanism — pay attention to these buffs and use them effectively!
4.4 map expansion introduces Chenyu Vale
In Version 4.4, a new Liyue map expansion called Chenyu Vale will be introduced. This "idyllic earthly paradise" connects Liyue with Fontaine.
The launch of Fontaine brought a variety of new environments, ranging from the pristine Court of Fontaine to the scenic mountain ranges of the Beryl region, as well as the multi-layered beauty of Belleau. Version 4.1 opened its doors to two large points of interest in Fontaine: the Fortress of Meropide, and the abandoned Fontaine Research Institute.
Version 4.2 added the Lumidouce Harbor, a port connected with an area in Liyue called Chenyu Vale, which is expected to be released in Verison 4.4 as part of the Lunar New Year patch update.
4.4 QoL updates
As Version 4.4 approached, the Genshin Impact community was abuzz with excitement as the recent 4.4 Livestream and Developers Discussion HoYoLAB post revealed a list of long-awaited quality-of-life updates, including Fast Equip Artifacts and more.
Learn everything you need to know about the 4.4 QoL updates in our "All QoL Changes Coming to Genshin Impact in Version 4.4" article here!
That was everything you need to know about the Genshin Impact Version 4.4 update!
For more about Genshin Impact, discover all that you need to know about the 18 new characters set to be released during the game's Fontaine cycle. On top of that, the Version 4.5 banners have been leaked! Get ahead of the curve and start planning your Primogem savings for your future party members with our Fontaine character banner schedule here.
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