Genshin Impact players have been waiting for Hydro claymore users and Cryo catalyst-wielding characters for quite a long time now. And it seems that the release of the new region Fontaine will give rise to both of these character types.

Let's see what we can expect in the forthcoming updates.

New Cryo catalyst and Hydro claymore characters

In the recent update, Charlotte has been introduced as the first Cryo catalyst user in Genshin Impact, although she is only a 4-star character. Other than this, Fontaine will use feature Hydro units that wield Claymore as their weapon.

In detail, leakers revealed that the Fontaine Chief Justice - Neuvillette will be the one that uses this element and weapon. The 5-star character apparently has a mature-male design with light grey hair and bangs on the side. Also, rumor has it that he is not human. He may be half mermaid or an Oceanid (?).

Neuvillette
New Fontaine update may introduce Neuvillette, the Chief Justice of Fontaine.

Players are expecting him to showcase a new style of playing being the first Hydro Claymore unit. However, we should wait for more details from the official source in the time coming.

Regarding Neuvillette release date, he may have his first banner in version 4.0 or 4.1. As of now, it is rumored that Lyney and Lynette will appear in version 4.0 while version 4.1 will mark the introduction of Wriothesley. The Hydro Archon might release in version 4.2.

Genshin Impact 4.0 expected release date

According to current speculation, Genshin Impact 4.0 is anticipated to be released on August 16, 2023. This estimation is based on the pattern of previous patches lasting approximately 42 days.

Prior to Fontaine's introduction, the only versions released are 3.7 and 3.8. We know that 3.7 began on May 24, 2023, so by adding 42 days, we can estimate the release of 3.8 on July 5, 2023.

Fontaine Characters
A slew of Fontain character designs.

To determine the expected release date for Genshin Impact 4.0, we add another 42 days to July 5, 2023. It's important to note that August 16, 2023, as Fontaine's debut date, hasn't been confirmed by HoYoverse and is subject to change. However, the countdown provided below refers to that release window.

The countdown not only indicates August 16, 2023, as the expected release date for Genshin Impact 4.0 but also counts down to 11:00 am (UTC+8) on that day. This aligns with the historical trend of previous Version Updates being released around 11:00 am (UTC+8).

Unless there are any alterations to the anticipated release time, the projected maintenance period from 6:00 am (UTC+8) to 11:00 am (UTC+8) should be accurate. It's worth noting that the countdown applies to all servers since Version Updates are released simultaneously worldwide.