Key Takeaways:

1. Mavuika and Citlali make their debut as powerful new 5-star characters in Phase 1 of the 5.3 banners, alongside new weapons designed to maximize their potential.
2. The update introduces exciting Lantern Rite 2025 celebrations, Archon Quest continuation, new bosses, permanent gameplay modes, and highly anticipated quality-of-life updates.
3. Returning fan-favourites like Arlecchino and Clorinde headline Phase 2 banners, while the Chronicled Wish Banner brings back Liyue’s iconic characters like Shenhe and Ganyu.

As Genshin Impact’s journey through Teyvat continues, the latest update, Version 5.3, titled “Incandescent Ode of Resurrection,” promises to be a landmark patch for the game. With thrilling new characters, banners, weapons, and events, this update brings players deeper into the heart of Natlan while celebrating traditions like the Lantern Rite Festival. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of all the content arriving in the 5.3 update.

Genshin Impact 5.3 Release Date and Schedule

Version 5.3 is scheduled for release on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 3:00 AM (GMT), following the usual maintenance downtime. For global players, the release times are as follows:

• United States (PT): Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 7:00 PM
• United States (ET): Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 10:00 PM
• Japan (JST): Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM
• Australia (AET): Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 2:00 PM
• United Kingdom (GMT): Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 3:00 AM

This update also marks the third major expansion in Natlan’s storyline, adding exciting new quests, characters, and challenges.

Genshin Impact 5.3 Banners Overview

Phase 1 Banners: Mavuika and Citlali (January 1 – January 21, 2025)

The spotlight in Phase 1 is on two brand-new 5-star characters:

1. Mavuika (Pyro – Claymore)
   • Known as the Pyro Archon and ruler of Natlan, Mavuika has been a central figure in Genshin lore. Her heroic defense of Natlan against the Abyss and her duel with Il Capitano have made her a fan-favorite even before her release. Mavuika’s abilities focus on unleashing fiery AoE damage and providing team buffs, making her an excellent choice for both DPS and support roles.

Signature Weapon: A Thousand Blazing Suns (Claymore) – A weapon designed to enhance Mavuika’s damage output and maximize her synergy with Pyro-based reactions.

2. Citlali (Cryo – Catalyst)
   • As a revered shaman and mentor to Ororon, Citlali brings a unique playstyle centered around crowd control and elemental bursts. Her rare Cryo spells make her an invaluable addition to freeze and melt team compositions.

Signature Weapon: Starcaller’s Watch (Catalyst) – This weapon boosts Citlali’s Cryo abilities, allowing her to dominate the battlefield with precision and power.

Note: The 4-star characters joining Mavuika and Citlali in Phase 1 are yet to be confirmed.

Phase 2 Banners: Arlecchino and Clorinde (January 22 – February 11, 2025)

Phase 2 introduces returning fan-favourites alongside a new 4-star character:

1. Arlecchino (Pyro – Polearm)
   • The enigmatic Pyro polearm user returns, bringing her high-risk, high-reward playstyle back into the spotlight.
2. Clorinde (Electro – Sword)
   • As an elegant sword-wielder with electrifying combat skills, Clorinde is a versatile character who can shine in both support and DPS roles.
3. Lan Yan (Anemo – Catalyst)
   • A brand-new 4-star Anemo character, Lan Yan combines crowd control and utility, making her a great choice for exploration and team synergy.

Expected Weapon Banner: Alongside these characters, the Chronicled Wish Banner will feature returning weapons like Polar Star (bow), Calamity Queller (polearm), and Primordial Jade Cutter (sword).

Chronicled Wish Banner: Liyue’s Stars Return

For the first time in months, the Chronicled Wish Banner allows players to wish for popular Liyue characters, including:

• Shenhe, Ganyu, Xiao, Tartaglia (Childe), Keqing, Baizhu, and Qiqi.

Additionally, Liyue-themed 5-star weapons like Jadefall’s Splendor (Catalyst) and Primordial Jade Winged-Spear (Polearm) return, making this banner perfect for veterans and newcomers alike.

Events and Features in Version 5.3

Lantern Rite 2025: A Festive Celebration

The Lantern Rite Festival returns with new storylines, mini-games, and co-op challenges. This year’s event, titled “Springtime Charms,” features appearances by Hu Tao, Xiao, and other beloved Liyue characters.

Event Rewards Include:

• A new outfit for Xiangling
• Free 4-star Liyue character selector
• Primogems, character and weapon materials

New Archon Quest and Story Quests

1. Act 5 of Natlan’s Archon Quest continues the overarching storyline with Mavuika as a central figure.
2. Mavuika’s Story Quest explores her past as Natlan’s Pyro Archon and her struggles against the Abyss.
3. Citlali’s Tribal Chronicles (Part 3) dives deeper into her shamanic origins and connection to Ororon

New Bosses

Prepare to face off against two terrifying new bosses:

• Lord of Eroded Primal Fire (Pyro elemental challenge)
• Wayward Hermetic Spiritspeaker (Cryo elemental challenge)

Permanent Gameplay Additions

• Repertoire of Myriad Melodies: A music rhythm game mode that lets players compose, share, and play musical scores permanently.
• Artifact Inventory Expansion: The limit is now 2,100, saving players from resource management headaches.
• Boss Respawn Improvements: Bosses now respawn after 5 seconds without requiring teleportation.

Other Quality of Life Updates

• A new Training Guide button in the character menu for easier optimization.
• Improved Genius Invokation TCG with new cards and actions.
• Check-in Rewards: Players will receive 10 free Intertwined Fates and 1,600 Primogems as part of the 5.3 celebration.

FAQs

Q: When does Genshin Impact 5.3 release?
A: The update launches on January 1, 2025 (GMT), following standard maintenance downtime.

Q: Who are the featured 5-star characters in 5.3?
A: Phase 1 introduces Mavuika (Pyro, Claymore) and Citlali (Cryo, Catalyst). Phase 2 highlights returning favorites Arlecchino (Pyro, Polearm) and Clorinde (Electro, Sword).

Q: What events are part of Version 5.3?
A: Major events include the Lantern Rite 2025, Emblem of Steadfast Valor, On the Trail of Behemoths, and Shuyu’s Beetle Battle Bowl.

Q: What’s new in terms of permanent content?
A: A music rhythm mode, boss respawn improvements, and an increased artifact inventory cap are among the major permanent additions.