Arlecchino, also known by her codename ‘The Knave’, is stirring up quite a storm in the Genshin Impact community due to leaks that suggest her potential demise in the upcoming Fontaine Archon quest. However, recent leaks have brought to light a surprising revelation: Arlecchino's character model was found among the playable characters' files, strongly indicating that she may indeed become a playable character in the future.
In a groundbreaking trailer released back in July 2022, HoYoverse gave fans a glimpse at eight of the remaining Fatui Harbingers of Snezhnaya, including the white-haired Arlecchino. The iconic red exes in her eyes and her fierce personality have since captured the attention of Genshin fans. However, ever since then, HoYoverse has kept details about 'The Knave' tightly under wraps.
Arlecchino is one of the 18 Fontaine characters set to debut in the much-anticipated Fontaine update! Read on to find out everything we know about the elusive Harbinger.
Will Genshin Impact Arlecchino, The Knvae, be playable?
After a series of leaks that hinted at Arlecchino’s eventual release as a playable unit, several well-known and credible leakers, such as vississ and HutaoLover777, have revealed otherwise.
Arlecchino is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Fontaine story quest, released on 16 August. This will mark her first-ever in-game appearance. Fans have been shocked to discover leaked information regarding her potential death, as revealed by notable Chinese leakers. If these rumours turn out to be true, she would become the second Harbinger to meet her demise within the main storyline of Genshin.
However, it is worth noting that HutaoLover77, who initially made these claims, has recently retracted their statement following the emergence of leaked character model images of Arlecchino.
In reference to Arlecchino's character model concept art sheet above, HutaoLover77 tweeted:
"Real" Arlecchino concept art in full
As I said in the side account before: sword, pyro
Arlecchino fans worldwide breathed a collective sigh of relief as the newfound information effectively confirmed the Harbinger's playability, as evidenced by her assigned weapon and element.
Who is Genshin Impact Arlecchino?
Arlecchino is one of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers hailing from the land of Cryo, Snezhnaya. She is also known as 'The Knave'. Though unconfirmed, she is likely the tenth Harbinger.
The Eleven Harbingers serve as the executive heads of the Fatui and act as the Tsaritsa's lieutenants. Each of them has a distinct role and responsibility. For example, Pantalone is in charge of economic policies, while Il Dottore leads dubious scientific advancements.
Little is known about Arlecchino’s role among the Harbingers, except that she oversees the House of the Hearth - an orphanage that supplies the Fatui with soldiers. A brief mention of her involvement with the House of the Hearth was made during 'The Very Special Fortune Slip' quest, where players encounter Lyudochka Schneitzevna who states that they grew up in an orphanage set up by ‘The Knave’. Once children raised in the House of the Hearth grow up, those who are deemed to ‘have potential’ are enlisted in the Fatui and are dispatched as sleeper agents to other nations. Eerily, the fates of children without ‘potential’ remains unaddressed.
Like the other Fatui Harbingers, Sandrone's name and alias were derived from a stock character in commedia dell'arte, a form of traditional Italian pantomime theatre characterised by its masked characters and representation of fixed social types. ‘Arlecchino’ (now better known as 'Harlequin') plays the role of an astute servant, often seeking to thwart the plans of his master and pursuing his love interest, Columbina. He often finds himself in rivalry with the more serious and melancholic Pierrot.
Arlecchino’s personality certainly reflects that of the ‘Harlequin’, reinforced by the only two voice lines we have on her character, coming from Tartaglia and Wanderer. Both of which have strong ties with the Harbingers.
Tartaglia, about The Knave: Look, I've got nothing against people who have their own agendas — I myself joined the Fatui to get more experience in combat. But I don't like her at all. If she stood to benefit from betraying others, she'd turn against the Tsaritsa in a heartbeat. There isn't a sane bone in her body.
Wanderer, about The Knave: A wolf in sheep's clothing. To exert a higher level of control over people, she puts on a graceful and cordial front. Most of those who have seen her true, crazy self... have gone poof.
We can expect Arlecchino to have an authoritarian personality hidden behind a veneer of gracefulness; quick to foil plans for her own gain. Perhaps her death will be caused by an untimely betrayal, suffering the wrath of the Cryo Archon, Tsaritsa.
Recently, Arlecchino made a chilling appearance in the Overture Teaser: The Final Feast, a Fontaine trailer released by HoYoverse. In the teaser, she is depicted overseeing Lyney and Lynette's magic "performance", and making remarks about the distinction between being a "magician" and an "actor" who manipulates the crowd. It seems that Arlecchino will be one of the main antagonists in the Fontaine storyline.
Genshin Impact Arlecchino Voice Actors
Arlecchino is voiced by Huang Ying in Chinese, Erin Yvette in English, and Nanako Mori in Japanese.
Reaction from Genshin Community
Understandably, fans were upset when news of Arlecchino's death made its rounds. Some fans are questioning HoYoverse's tendency to kill off their female villains (La Signora, now Arlecchino), while simultaneously redeeming their male villains and making them playable (Childe, Scaramouche, possibly Il Dottore), causing heated debate.
Yet, despite leaks pointing towards her death, some remain hopeful that she will become playable in the future.
It’s important to bear in mind that leaked information can be subject to changes and should be taken with a cask of salt. So, don't be too disheartened by the news - there is always a chance for Arlecchino to be added to the playable roster!
Stay tuned as we continue to unveil both leaks and official information to keep you well-informed!
Arlecchino is set to take centre stage in Genshin Impact Version 4.0 Fontaine Update, but before that, we have details on all 18 leaked Fontaine characters that will accompany Arlecchino's arrival.
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