Genshin Impact 3.8 has arrived! As per tradition, this update brings two phases of character and weapon banners and a host of thrilling new events for players to enjoy.
Alongside a brand-new limited-time region featuring exciting event-exclusive minigames and unique mechanics, this version offers highly-anticipated character banner reruns, flashy skins, a new hangout event, and other thrilling additions. Most notably, the return of a long-absent character is stirring up quite a storm within the Genshin community.
Without further ado, let's dive right into the fresh waters of Veluriyam Mirage!
3.8 release date
Genshin Impact 3.8 is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, 5 July and is expected to end on 16 August.
The release will follow the usual maintenance schedule for new updates, with Version 3.8 becoming available at 4am (BST). It's important to note that due to timezone differences, players in the United States will receive the update on Tuesday, 4 July.
Here's what that means for your timezone:
Time zones | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
Pacific Time Zone (PT) | 4 July | 8pm |
Central Time (CT) | 4 July | 10pm |
Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 4 July | 11pm |
British Summer Time (BST) | 5 July | 4am |
Central European Summertime (CEST) | 5 July | 5am |
Indian Standard Time (IST) | 5 July | 8:30am |
Korea Standard Time (KST) Japan Standard Time (JST) | 5 July | 12pm |
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) | 5 July | 1pm |
Character banners
After a prolonged absence of over two years since her last banner in November 2021, the champion of vengeance, Eula, is making her triumphant return. Alongside the adorably destructive troublemaker Klee, the two Mondstadters will occupy the character banners for the first phase of Version 3.8!
They will be accompanied by much-anticipated reruns of Kokomi and Wanderer in Phase Two of Version 3.8.
To sum up, these are the characters in each phase of 3.8:
Phase 1 (5-stars):
- Eula
- Cryo, Claymore
- Klee
- Pyro, Catalyst
Phase 1 (4-stars):
- Mika
- Cryo, Polearm
- Thoma
- Pyro, Polearm
- Razor
- Electro, Claymore
Phase 2 (5-stars):
- Kokomi
- Hydro, Catalyst
- Wanderer
- Anemo, Catalyst
Phase 2 (4-stars):
- Rosaria
- Cryo, Polearm
- Yanfei
- Pyro, Catalyst
- Faruzan
- Anemo, Bow
Interestingly, all versions of the game so far have featured at least one new character, like Heizou in Version 2.8, or Kirara in Version 3.7. This version marks the first-ever update without the release of any new characters!
Some Genshin fans believe that the absence of new characters in 3.8 is a blessing in disguise, as it allows them to save up for the exciting host of characters from Fontaine.
Weapon banner
While the weapon banners for 3.8 have yet to be officially revealed by HoYoverse, Genshin leaker @ukrisreng shared convincing leaks detailing the appearance of the following weapons in the first phase of the Epitome Invocation banner:
- 5-star Claymore: Songs of Broken Pines
- 5-star Catalyst: Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds
- 4-star Bow: Mitternachts Waltz
- 4-star Claymore: Rainslasher
- 4-star Catalyst: Eye of Perception
- 4-star Polearm: Favonius Lance
- 4-star Sword: Alley Flash
Phase 1 of version 3.8 is expected to last approximately three weeks, concluding on 26 July. We will keep this section updated as soon as official information is released!
New skins
HoYoverse has announced the release of new skins for two beloved characters from Mondstadt - Klee and Kaeya. Klee's skin is a red-themed witch's costume, which seems to pay homage to Alice (Klee's mother), who is a member of the Hexenzirkel, Teyvat's organisation of witches.
On the other hand, Kaeya's outfit shares a striking resemblance to the clothes worn in the Sumeru region, possibly uncovering a new layer of lore about his mysterious character.
Not sure how to claim their skins? Look no further! Check out how to obtain Klee's Blossoming Starlight and Kaeya's Sailwind Shadow here!
"Bottleland" event minigames
The summer flagship event of 2023 is held in a limited-time region that is inside a bottle located in Veluriyam Mirage, called "Bottleland".
Travellers are tasked to collect vouchers scattered around the region in order to collect rewards such as Primogems, Mora, and Hero's Wit. Most notably, players will get the chance to acquire a copy of Kaeya’s skin, and 4-star Cryo character Layla following the completion of the event! You have access to various tools, including crystal locators and more to aid you in your search for these valuable vouchers.
Furthermore, there are unique attractions and new mechanics introduced within Bottleland, such as special streaming projectors that allow you to construct corresponding items with the power of your imagination.
A delightful new travel mechanic has made its debut! Introducing the "Choo-Choo Cart", a makeshift rollercoaster that offers players a whimsical and speedy mode of transportation across the enchanting lands of Bottleland.
On top of that, there are a total of four fun-filled event minigames in Bottleland!
1. Spino Blaster
In Spino Blaster, you are tasked to shoot down balloons using Hydro bullets fired from a cannon to collect points! There will be different types of bullets, which significantly varies your gameplay. For example, you can unlock infinite ammo from the "Overdrive Ball" buff.
2. Sojourns of the Barking Fox
Next, we have Sojourns of the Barking Fox, where you control and manoeuvre a floating “Barking Fox” while avoiding obstacles to collect as many adventure coins as possible!
3. Dance of Flashing Thought
Following that, we have an "elegant" combat minigame inspired by the world of theatre. Defeat opponents to accumulate "Honed Will," and once you've gathered enough, you'll unlock the powerful "Honed Focus" effects. These effects will shine a spotlight on your character, swiftly defeating all enemies in your path.
4. Bing-Bang Finchball
Finally, this is a unique tabletop game where players aim to launch Finchballs onto coloured zones on a board in order to score as many points as possible! Each zone on the board corresponds to a different point value, creating a thrilling challenge to strategise and aim accurately.
You can consult our comprehensive guide on the Bottleland event minigames to help you glide through this limited-time region with ease!
3.8 events
In addition to the new minigames and events that take place within Veluriyam Mirage, 3.8 features three separate events for players to enjoy and obtain valuable rewards from!
Shared Sight
Help an Amurta research to find and recover small animals using the "Inscribed Mirror". You can use the mirror to view the environment from the animal's point of view to figure out its location!
You can read our Shared Sight guide here.
Perilous Expedition
Study Sumeru's geography and hydrology through a rerun combat event. Similar to Perilous Trail in Version 2.7, a new dangerous domain will be unlocked every day for you to explore.
You can read out Perilous Expedition guide here.
Adventurer's Trials: Advanced
A rerun of the Trials event, but with different characters. There will be domains filled with a large variety of fun minigames, such as kicking slimes into goals!
You can read our Adventurer's Trials: Advanced guide here.
The Forge Realm’s Temper: Endless Swarm
TCG is also getting a long-awaited update in 3.8! This game mode will introduce an array of new mechanics and game-changing modifiers.
In this event, players will need to pit their decks against endless waves of enemies for a set amount of rounds; the more enemies you defeat, the more points you earn.
You can read our The Forge Realm’s Temper: Endless Swarm guide here.
Hangout event
Kaeya fans, rejoice! We are finally getting his hangout event in this update. This much-anticipated event will shed light on the mysterious Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius.
That concludes our overview of Genshin Impact 3.8. We will continue to update this guide as official updates and news are released, so stay tuned!
As you may already know, the next major region release of Fontaine is just on the horizon. If you're interested in learning everything you need to know about the nation of Hydro, we've got you covered! Check out our Deep Dive into Fontaine and All 18 Fontaine Characters Leaked guide here.