Many Genshin Impact players are still working their ways through some of the tail-ends of Version 1.2 of the game. Although Albedo's special event has concluded, and players have since gotten to meet the five-star Ganyu as well, there are still several events, like Marvelous Merchandise (Part 2) for Travelers to enjoy.
Travelers can currently still partake in two main events, Hypostatic Symphony, and Marvelous Merchandise, however, it seems that by the time those two Genshin Impact extravaganzas wrap up, players will already have new material lined up for release. As per this exciting new trailer, Version 1.3 will not only be introduced a bit earlier than predicted, but also bring in several unexpected mechanics, like a "kamera."
As of now, players are still scrambling to Wish for the newest five-star, Ganyu. The fabled "cocogoat" is a Cryo archer that was introduced in tandem with Albedo and the Dragonspine region during the game's Version 1.2 update. While some theories speculated that Inazuma and Version 1.3 would arrive together in March, it seems that they were incorrect. While there's still no official word on Inazuma, players can comfortably rest knowing that the official Version 1.3 release date, as of this new trailer, is February 3, 2021.
First and foremost, the trailer makes it 100% clear that Xiao will be at least one of the centerpieces of the game's next version. As predicted, Xiao will arrive together with the famous Lantern Rite Festival, which promises to light Liyue's skies in a glorious celebration. Among other lovely touches, one of the game's newer four-stars, Xinyan, can also be seen in the background of the trailer, delivering a celebratory concert to Liyue locals. Aside from showcasing the Lantern Festival sights, and Xiao's general movekit and style, the trailer also briefly covered a few of Version 1.3's big additions.
Namely, it seems that Xiao will be arriving as part of an event titled "All That Glitters." There will also be 3 new components, titled "Lantern Rite Tales," "Theater Mechanicus," and "Xiao Market." Lantern Rite Tales will likely concern Xiao and/or the Lantern Festival, while Theater Mechanicus, based on the trailer's dialogue, appears to be a tabletop game that Travelers will be invited to play. The trailer also highlights a recently leaked tower-defense-style event game, which upon further inspection, features tower "pieces" alike those seen on the Theater Mechanicus board.
Aside from the above, players can also expect a brand new boss, likely a mega-variant of the elusive Geovishap Hatchling. This large boss seems to appear in various Elemental varieties, and the trailer gives a glimpse at an event exploring a new resurgence of "vishaps," so these two things are probably related. And last but absolutely not least, the trailer gives players two quick teases: the first, a hint that the Traveler may finally find signs of their sibling.
The second, a subtle suggestion that players will be allowed to pick one free four-star character as part of something called "Stand by Me." Rather than receiving Intertwined or Acquaint Fates, players will simply select a character. Beidou, Chongyun, Ningguang, and Xingqiu, are among those featured, so players should surely look forward to this small bonus.
Genshin Impact is available now on the App Store, Google Play, PC, and PS4, and is currently in development for PS5 and Switch.