While Genshin Impact is focusing on Natlan characters for the near future, that doesn’t mean we won’t see characters from other regions. The Fontaine update, for example, brought Xianyun, Gaming, Chiori, and Sethos into the playable roster, even though none of them are from Fontaine. So, there’s still room for surprises!
With Mavuika and Citlali set to launch in Version 5.3, Natlan will have at least one character for each element by January 2025. While Inazuma has been getting a new character every year since its release, there’s also the upcoming Lantern Rite to think about. Leaks suggest that Madame Ping could become playable during the Natlan era, and there are rumors that the Lantern Rite event will introduce a new 4-star character from Liyue as well. Exciting times ahead!
The latest scoop comes from Tieba, with support from hxg_diluc, a trusted source in the Genshin Impact community. While it doesn’t confirm the rarity or element of the new character, the leak suggests that the upcoming addition will be from Inazuma and is set to drop in Version 5.4. Previous rumors hinted at a Pyro or Electro Catalyst debut after the Lantern Rite in 2025, but it’s unlikely these two rumors are connected. As always, keep in mind that leaks should be taken with caution, as Genshin Impact has been known to shift its character release plans unexpectedly.
New Inazuma Character in Genshin Impact 5.4
An Inazuma character dropping in Version 5.4 makes sense, especially since both Kirara and Chiori in Genshin Impact were released only after their region's Archon Quests wrapped up. However, one could argue that adding another Inazuma character might delay a much-needed new face for Mondstadt, which has only received one new character since Eula in Version 1.5. While Genshin Impact fans are still hopeful for Varka's debut with a future Mondstadt map expansion, it’s likely that Liyue and Inazuma will take the spotlight for the time being.
Interestingly, Inazuma remains the only region in Genshin Impact that's locked behind story progress. While players can technically access Inazuma early through certain characters or glitches, there’s no official way to enter it. This has led to the community seeing Inazuma characters as at a major disadvantage, since players can't farm their Ascension materials without unlocking the region first. Still, as shown with Chiori and Kirara, the developers don't hesitate to release new characters from Inazuma if the concept is solid. Players will get more details after Version 5.3 drops on January 1, 2025.
>>> Read more: When is Pyro Traveler Coming to Genshin Impact?