New Genshin Impact characters are almost always the focal point of a new update. The last couple of updates have had a similar pattern of releasing a new character alongside a double banner re-run.
Developer Hoyoverse usually introduces new additions to the playable roster exactly one update before their official release. The official Genshin Impact social media accounts have already confirmed the arrival of a new Hydro character, Kamisato Ayato.
An interesting video post on the official Genshin Impact Leaks subreddit shows the new character Kamisato Ayato fitting with increased attack speed. The player uses the characters Jean, Yun Jin, and Chongyun, as well as the Skyward Blade to apply multiple attack speed buffs for Ayato. The result is spectacular and Ayato cuts down an unlucky Hilichurl with tremendous speed. This also started the discussion in the comment section on why Hoyoverse keeps neglecting the attack speed stats. Multiple characters in the game would benefit from having an increased attack speed artifact set.
Kamisato Ayato is probably one of the most anticipated characters in the game since the game's main story revealed that he is the head of the Kamisato clan. Just like his sister, Ayato's official art shows him wielding a sword, which would make him the second Hydro sword character after Xingqiu. He is expected to appear on the first banner for Genshin Impact update 2.6, which, according to the game's usual update schedule, will arrive around April 10, 2022.
Previous leaks have revealed that Ayato could be a very strong Genshin Impact DPS character and his numbers have already been buffed multiple times. He will have a strong focus on Normal Attacks, similar to the recently released Geo character Arataki Itto. A recent post on the same subreddit has revealed the description for his two skills:
- Elemental Skill (E) infuses Ayato's attacks with Hydro damage and increases his range and AoE effect. It allows Ayato to dash sideways while casting forward an empty shell of himself that taunts enemies.
- Elemental Burst (Q) creates an area of damage and all allies standing within the field will receive an attack speed buff.
Another Genshin Impact character named Shikanoin Heizou was originally rumored to be released on the same update as Ayato, but his absence from the official Twitter announcement means that he has probably been delayed for one of the future updates. There is still not much information about this mysterious character other than that he's an Anemo vision holder and a popular detective from Inazuma.
Genshin Impact is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is currently in development.