HoYoverse has confirmed the global release of Genshin Impact's 5.7 update for June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM Beijing Time. The new version brings the long-awaited debut of Skirk as a playable character, along with new quests, limited banners, and special events. Players in all regions can now prepare for the maintenance period leading up to the update. The initial phase will also include the return of Shenhe and the Hydro Dahlia support character.
In addition to the new characters, Genshin Impact version 5.7 expands the main narrative with another chapter of the Archon Quest focused on the confrontation with the Abyss Order. The update also includes improvements to the rewards system, new mobile features, and new combat challenges. The content was revealed during HoYoverse's special pre-launch program. The community is eagerly awaiting the debut of the Stygian Onslaught mode and the Akademiya tactical minigame.
Skirk joins the cast as the new five-star Cryo
Skirk will finally be released as a playable character after years of community speculation. Known as Childe's mentor and Surtalogi's former apprentice, the Abyss warrior arrives with a dual combat style, alternating between sustained physical attacks and AoE elemental blasts. Her unique mechanics dispense elemental energy and utilize a unique skill called Serpent's Subtlety, requiring strategy to maximize damage.
The character will be featured in the first banner alongside Shenhe and Dahlia, offering special synergy on teams composed solely of Cryo and Hydro users. She also brings the five-star Bluelight sword, which will be available on the weapons banner. Players who invest in this set will gain access to powerful builds focused on frozen reactions and constant attack buffs.
New Archon mission takes player to the heart of the conflict in Natlan
The main narrative continues with the unfolding Archon Quest, now exploring the Abyss Order's plan in Natlan. The new chapter reveals more about the Traveler's brother and features Dainsleif in a new role. Mavuika and his allies step in as defenders of the territory as the shadows of the Abyss intensify.
The story's events promise to expand the plot's political and emotional complexity, deepening the relationship between the protagonist brothers. The Natlan setting heightens the plot's tension and introduces new dilemmas regarding loyalty and power. HoYoverse is banking on this narrative to capture the attention of veteran players and attract those seeking an immersive experience.
Dahlia is revealed as a new Hydro support with a focus on shield and speed
Dahlia, the deacon of the Church of Favonius, is presented as a versatile four-star support character. Her kit revolves around creating shields that replenish through normal attacks or freeze reactions. Additionally, her passive talent increases allies' attack speed, creating opportunities for aggressive compositions.
Dahlia's elemental ability also allows her to manipulate the battlefield by launching allies into the air or dealing direct Hydro damage to enemies. These traits make her a valuable addition to teams focused on crowd control and sustained damage. Because she's readily available in the first phase of the update, the character promises to be well-received among free-to-play players.
New permanent combat mode will be a challenge for experienced players
Genshin Impact version 5.7 debuts Stygian Onslaught, a permanent combat mode with three rotating bosses and six increasing difficulty levels. The challenge offers artifacts as rewards, in addition to the new Dust of Enlightenment item, which allows rerolling secondary bonuses on level 20 artifacts. This new feature addresses a long-standing community demand for greater control over character optimization.
HoYoverse will also implement improvements to the use of Fragile Resin, allowing for triple rewards in Domains and Ley Lines. This change aims to facilitate progression for players with limited time. Along with the new mode, the update includes Envisaged Echoes challenges for characters like Raiden Shogun and Shenhe, strengthening endgame content.
Limited-time events feature tactical minigames and side stories
One of the highlights of the update is the Akademiya event, a strategy minigame that combines team building, luck, and alternate paths on forest and desert-themed routes. Players can strengthen their pieces, collect buffs from Paimon, and participate in alternate narratives. Upon completing the event, Sethos can be added to the team as a playable character.
Additionally, the Traveler's Tales chapter returns with short stories set in various regions of Teyvat. Neuvillette visits Merusea Village, Thoma returns to Mondstadt, and Dori negotiates with Sayu in Inazuma. These short stories offer lighter, more relaxed moments between major main quests, maintaining a pleasant pace.
HoYoverse announces launch and maintenance times by region
HoYoverse will release Genshin Impact version 5.7 globally on June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM Beijing Time. Due to time differences in Brazil, the content will be available starting at 11:00 PM Brasília Time on June 17.
Server maintenance will begin approximately five hours before the official launch, and players will receive Primogems as compensation for the downtime.
See some of the main schedules by region:
- Pacific (PDT): June 17 at 8 p.m.
- Central (CDT): June 17th at 10pm
- Brasília (BRT): June 17 at 11 p.m.
- London (WEST): June 18 at 4am
- Berlin (CEST): June 18 at 5:00 a.m.
- Tokyo/Seoul (JST/KST): June 18 at 12:00 p.m.
Players are advised to complete important activities before maintenance begins to avoid losing rewards or progress.
