A recent leak revealed all the details about Genshin Impact's version 5.5 , including the full banner lineup and the arrival of a new playable region in Natlan. The reveal, published by sources familiar with the game's leaks, confirmed that the update will bring two new characters, Varesa and Iansan, both from the Pyro nation. The main highlight is Varesa, an Electro catalyst user designed to fill the role of main carry (hypercarry) in teams.
- Nintendo Switch 2 to use artificial intelligence in graphics
- Take-Two removes GTA 6 map mod adapted for GTA 5
The update's first banner will feature Varesa and Xianyun as five-star characters. Joining them will be four-stars Iansan, Gaming, and Chevreuse. The roster selection seems strategic: they all have synergies with reactions like Overload, which favors compositions with high elemental damage.
Chevreuse, for example, once again stands out as one of the most useful options for players who opt for this setup. The addition of Iansan, debuting as an Electro javelin, also expands the tactical possibilities at the start of the new version.
The second half of 5.5 will see the return of Venti and the arrival of Xilonen, a five-star Geo swordswoman. They will be accompanied by Faruzan, Beidou, and Yanfei. Although Beidou and Yanfei are older units, Faruzan remains highly relevant as an Anemo support, especially on Venti-centric teams.
The leak also revealed that this phase's weapon banner will feature exclusive gear with strong appeal for support characters, increasing the interest of players looking to strengthen their builds.
New area in Natlan focusing on the Great Tollan Volcano
Among the most relevant information from the leak is the confirmation of a new area in Natlan. The developer included the Great Volcano of Tollan in the expansion, one of the most anticipated regions since the announcement of the Pyro nation. This addition reinforces the trend of updates introducing large, content-rich maps, a hallmark of recent releases.
The zone is expected to feature not only main quests but also side events, new materials, and enemies. Furthermore, the leak indicates that the location's setting will be crucial to the development of Varesa's narrative and characters linked to the nation's past.
Natlan has been gaining prominence since update 5.0, but the arrival of the Great Volcano could represent a turning point in the region's history in the game.
Players looking to invest in Varesa should consider this expansion as a strategic opportunity. The character has direct synergy with the new challenges and enemies that will emerge in Natlan.
According to the leak, their best teams don't necessarily involve Xianyun, but rather Xilonen, featured in the version's second banner — which will require resource planning from the community.
Version 5.6 may mark the return of the main narrative to Mondstadt
Another high-profile leak indicates that version 5.6 will bring the Mondstadt region back to the center of the main story. Mondstadt, Genshin Impact's first explorable city, hasn't received any significant new content since 2020.
The new update, scheduled for May, should change this scenario with a new batch of missions, a weekly boss, and a possible expansion of the map in the northern area of the region.
The information reinforces theories already circulating among fans about a return to the Windy City. It's speculated that the expansion could serve as a bridge to the introduction of Nod-Krai, a region recently mentioned in the official teasers and supposedly connected to Snezhnaya. Sources believe that Nod-Krai is south of Snezhnaya, which would justify Mondstadt's expansion northward and create a direct connection between the two regions.
The leak included the Windblume Festival as a possible highlight among the new version's seasonal events. The event, which ran in 2021 and 2023, is a player favorite and could mark the reunion of classic characters.
There is also speculation about the emergence of Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, who is still physically absent from the game, despite constant mentions in dialogue and letters.
Leaks suggest two new playable characters will be released in May.
Leakers have already revealed the names of two new characters in version 5.6: Ifa and Escoffier. Ifa is a chef from Fontaine, while Escoffier is a veterinarian from the Flower-Feather clan. Furthermore, both are expected to play a central role in the new version's main event.
Sources following the development claim that Escoffier is expected to act as a support player on Freeze teams, a strategy often used by experienced players.
Additionally, there are rumors that Escoffier may have direct ties to Varesa, suggesting that the two characters' narratives are intertwined. This may indicate a thematic continuity between versions 5.5 and 5.6, which is not uncommon in recent updates. The presence of characters with diverse backgrounds, such as Fontaine and Natlan, also reinforces the game's cosmopolitan character in the current Teyvat phase.
Detailed leaks of upcoming versions not only provide previews of content but also directly influence player preparation. Resource planning, team formation, and priority setting depend on this unofficial information, which often turns out to be accurate. In this scenario, leaks have become an essential part of the hype and strategy cycle within the Genshin Impact community.
