On the heels of Zenless Zone Zero’s release, HoYoverse has an update for its other hit gacha game, Genshin Impact. From new characters to an exclusive summer area to explore, here’s everything new coming to Genshin Impact in Version 4.8!
Version 4.8 of Genshin Impact, titled “Summertime Scales and Tides,” releases on July 17, 2024. This will likely be the last Genshin Impact patch set in Fontaine before we move on to the nation of Natlan.
Genshin Impact 4.8 trailer
4.8 livestream Primogem codes
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Each code grants 100 Primogems and various other materials and can be redeemed either in-game or on Genshin Impact’s official website. They expire within a day of the special program’s premiere, so redeem them as soon as you can.
New character: Emilie
There’s one new character coming to Genshin Impact in Version 4.8: Emilie. Voiced by Amber Aviles (EN) and Hikasa Yoko (JP), Emilie is a perfumer from Fontaine who specializes in aromatherapy. She also moonlights as a forensic cleaner, aiding police investigations and keeping Fontaine smelling clean and fresh.
Emilie is a 5-star Dendro Polearm user, but she stands out from other Dendro units. She’s the first Genshin Impact character with a kit designed around the Burning reaction. Given how underutilized the Burning reaction is, Emilie could shake up Dendro and Pyro teams in interesting ways.
Emilie’s Skill summons a Lumidouce Case that periodically deals single-target Dendro damage to nearby enemies. This ability, when used with Burning, will deal increased damage and grant team buffs. Her Burst deals several instances of Dendro damage before re-summoning the Lumidouce Case and refreshing its duration. You can think of Emilie as a Dendro Fischl with a Burning-oriented kit.
A new Story Quest for Emilie will explore more of Emilie’s background. The Story Quest will be available starting the second half of 4.8, along with her character banner.
Genshin Impact 4.8 banners
The banners in the first half of Genshin Impact 4.8 will feature the 5-stars Navia (Geo Claymore) and Nilou (Hydro Sword). The weapon banner should consist of their signature weapons: Navia’s Verdict and Nilou’s Key of Khaj-Nisut.
The second half of 4.8 will feature the 5-stars Emilie (Dendro Polearm) and Yelan (Hydro Bow). The weapon banner will include their respective signatures, Lumidouce Elegy and Aqua Simulacra. Lumidouce Elegy is a brand-new weapon in Genshin Impact whose details will be revealed later.
New outfits for Nilou and Kirara
New skins are being added for Nilou and Kirara. Nilou’s outfit, Breeze of Sabaa, makes her look like a fairytale princess while Kirara’s Phantom in Boots outfit has a rogueish Puss in Boots feel. Going by previous outfit releases, Nilou’s outfit should be available as a purchase with Genesis Crystals while Kirara’s should be free for the duration of 4.8’s summer event.
Limited summer area: Simulanka
As with previous years, there’s a limited open world area to correspond with the summer event, Summertide Scales and Tales. The fairytale world looks absolutely beautiful, with toy castles, shooting stars, and talking origami squirrels.
The summer event will feature three different minigames to earn coins. These coins can be redeemed at a mini gacha machine to earn random origami figurines. The figurines can be displayed on a wooden stand, and you can trade figurines with other players if you’re missing any from your collection.
Exploring Simulanka and taking part in the event will reward players with a free Dendro 4-star character, Kirara, as well as her outfit. If you miss out on Kirara’s outfit, it should be added to the in-game store during the next Version.
Other events in Genshin Impact 4.8
Envisaged Echoes
In the Imaginarium Theater, astute Travelers may have noticed a painting easel in a corner of the room. Starting in Version 4.8, you can interact with this easel to unlock cosmetics for certain characters. The cosmetics consist of trailing particle effects when the character runs, and the effects are customized for specific characters. Diluc’s trail looks like fiery feathers, while Jean leaves dandelion seeds in her wake.
Each effect can be unlocked with special keys earned by participating in Imaginarium Theater cycles. Players will receive two keys to start with, and additional keys will be available with each successive Theater cycle.
Bing-Bang Finchball
The best minigame from last year’s summer event returns in the form of its own event. Launch Finchballs into delineated zones to earn points, and knock your opponent’s Finchballs outside of scoring zones to deny them points.
Outside the Canvas, Inside the Lens
If you enjoy taking screenshots of Teyvat’s gorgeous landscapes, there’s a photo-taking event just for you! Use specialized camera tools to take screenshots of characters in specific locales. You’ll have to meet certain objectives to complete the event, but you can also just use the spots to take photos of your favorite characters!
Energy Amplifier: Lemma
The Energy Amplifer combat event is back after more than two years of absence. Customize your buffs and craft the perfect teams to cut your way through waves of enemies. From the previews, this event looks pretty similar to its iteration in Version 2.3.
Overflowing Mastery
To close out Version 4.8, enjoy double drops from Talent domains during the Overflowing Mastery event. This is a good time to farm Talent books for building your characters, or stock up for future characters.
Quality of life updates
Version 4.8 will add various system optimizations to Genshin Impact, including the ability to store Encounter Points and review character dialogue during quests. We covered these updates in more detail in a separate post.
Natlan teaser
We also got another teaser for the upcoming nation of Natlan, featuring three new characters! Watch the full teaser on YouTube.
