Genshin Impact 5.6: Release Date and New Characters

Stefani Couto
A journalist by training, a gamer by passion! I write about games, trivia, and guides to help other players explore this incredible universe. If there's a new game...

Genshin Impact's long-awaited 5.6 update is scheduled for release on May 7, 2025. Following HoYoverse's regular schedule, the new patch promises to shake up the game's universe with the arrival of new characters, a new explorable island, and a series of temporary events.

The game, which has maintained a loyal player base since its debut in 2020, is now betting on a content expansion with the potential to redefine the current meta. In addition to the map updates, the update will introduce a new world boss and significant adjustments to team composition.

Genshin Impact 5.6 rpg
Photo: Disclosure/Hoyoverse

New characters promise to change the competitive landscape

Update 5.6 will introduce two new characters: Escoffier and Ifa. The former, briefly revealed in the Varesa trailer, uses a Cryo Vision aligned with Ousia and is expected to play a support role, empowering allies of the same element. There's no official confirmation yet about her rarity, but speculation points to a five-star character.

Ifa will be a healer with Anemo Vision and catalyst use. His main ability is to increase the party's elemental proficiency, as well as restore health to allies. Due to his constellations, he's likely a four-star character, with a focus on the buffs that appear at higher constellation levels.

Version 5.6 banners divided into two phases

Leaked information indicates that the banners will be divided into two phases, as usual. The first will include Escoffier, Kinich, Ifa, Layla, and Thoma. In the next phase, Raiden Shogun and Navia will take center stage, with Ifa, Layla, and Thoma remaining in the rotation.

This configuration reinforces the presence of characters with varied elemental synergies, favoring diverse compositions. This allows more strategic players to test new combinations in high-level battles.

Photo: Disclosure/Hoyoverse

New island and new boss expand Fontaine's universe

The geographic expansion will include a new island, speculated to resemble the Petrichor region, south of Fontaine. This new territory will include a world boss called the "Overseer Device," classified as a Cryo enemy and vulnerable to abilities associated with Nightsoul's blessing.

In addition to the new island boss, the update will include a weekly opponent in Mondstadt. Players are advised to bolster their teams with Natlan characters to exploit the new opponent's weaknesses.

Genshin Impact 5.6 data
Photo: Disclosure/Hoyoverse

Special events liven up the community in May

Genshin Impact version 5.6 highlights include themed events that will offer players valuable rewards and new challenges. The schedule includes:

  • Fiery Legends: Crossover Clash
  • Torrential Flow: Tactical Simulation
  • Harmonic Ballet
  • Strategic Wargame Chronicles

These events, in addition to bringing new combat dynamics, encourage continued community participation, maintaining engagement throughout the weeks after launch.

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A journalist by training, a gamer by passion! I write about games, trivia, and guides to help other players explore this incredible universe. If there's a new game in the field, I'm always on the lookout and ready to turn the experience into a great article.