Release Date, Livestream Codes, New Characters, Banners & Events

All of the details about Genshin Impact 6.3 have finally been revealed by developer HoYoverse, including the update’s release date, the new playable characters, the banner structure, story updates, and events planned for the period. Version 6.3 will be a massive patch for the action RPG, but all the information has now been confirmed during the Genshin Impact 6.3 livestream event.

Before the special livestream, there had already been a few leaks that detailed a lot of the information about the patch, such as the gameplay kits for all three characters, and the alleged character banners for Genshin Impact 6.3. All of these leaked details, however, have now either been confirmed or corrected by the official announcements made by HoYoverse during the event.

Genshin Impact 6.3 – Release Date

The Update Will Arrive In Mid-January

The official release date for the Version 6.3 update has been confirmed by HoYoverse following the livestream. As was previously speculated, the game is on course with its regular six-week schedule between updates, and, as such, Genshin Impact 6.3 will be released on January 14, 2026. This confirmation proves that the content has not suffered any internal delays that affect the patch schedule.

This will be an important patch from start to end, as it not only brings forth a massive update to the main story content, but players are getting three new playable characters and the annual Lantern Rite Festival event, which is loaded with content itself. The update should only last six weeks, however, so to optimize any Primogem gains, be sure to plan ahead.

Genshin Impact 6.3 Livestream Codes

Get 300 Free Primogems

In addition to the release date, HoYoverse revealed the special Version 6.3 livestream codes, which allow players to obtain several in-game items. This includes Character EXP Materials, but is most notable for its free Primogems. You can claim up to 300 free Primogems if you redeem all three livestream codes.

The table below lists all three Genshin Impact 6.3 livestream codes and their respective rewards:

The Version 6.3 livestream codes are limited and must be redeemed before they expire on January 4 at 11pm ET. After that, you’ll be cut off from any of the potential rewards they offer. You can redeem these codes through the game itself or via the official Genshin Impact website, where you’ll be required to log in. After redemption, the rewards will be sent to your in-game mailbox, from where they must be claimed.

Genshin Impact 6.3 – New Characters & Banners

Three New Characters Debut In The Update

As was mentioned, there are three new characters making their way to the roster in Version 6.3. The first of these characters is Columbina, a 5-star Hydro catalyst character. Columbina’s kit in Genshin Impact 6.3 allows her to operate as a hybrid support for Lunar-based reactions, as well as something of an off-field sub-DPS. Columbina can enhance the damage potential of Lunar-Charged, Lunar Bloom, and the brand-new Lunar Crystallize reactions.

For players who own characters like Nefer, Flins, and Lauma, Columbina will be an essential unit in the team comp. Even though Nod-Krai does not have an Archon, per se, Columbina can be interpreted as this year’s Archon character, given the game-changing potential she brings to the main gameplay mechanics introduced with the region.

The other new character in Version 6.3 is called Zibai, who is a 5-star Geo sword user. Zibai in Genshin Impact will operate as a main DPS character who focuses on Lunar Crystallize reactions. Even though she is, technically speaking, a character from Liyue, she is, for gameplay purposes, considered a Nod-Krai character. Zibai will synergize well with characters like Columbina and Aino.

Lastly, HoYoverse will introduce Illuga as a new 4-star Geo polearm character in Version 6.3. Illuga is a Geo support unit. Illuga will be capable of boosting his team’s stats, including CRIT stats, which will make him a perfect unit to run alongside Zibai, as she will get benefits from his presence as a Geo unit, therefore enabling more Lunar Crystallize reactions.

The Version 6.3 livestream also announced the banner structure for the update. Columbina will debut in Phase 1 banners alongside a Ineffa rerun, while Phase 2 will feature Zibai’s debut and a Neuvillette rerun. Illuga will debut in Phase 2 banners.

Genshin Impact 6.3 – Story Updates, Events, Lantern Rite, & More

Get Several Rewards During The New Update

In addition to all the new characters, Version 6.3 will be massive in terms of story content. The main Nod-Krai campaign will reach a turning point, as the Traveler will help return Columbina to face off against one of her main allies. This will culminate in a new boss fight in Genshin Impact 6.3, in which players will finally be able to face Dottore in battle after years of waiting for the encounter. HoYoverse hasn’t revealed much else so as not to spoil the experience.

This will come with an expansion to the Nod-Krai map. Furthermore, the update will have several events to participate in. The flagship event for the period is the Lantern Rite Festival, which will have several mini-games and, subsequently, rewards to claim. Of course, this will all be led by an exclusive story questline that, for the first time, will be playable after the end of the period. There will also be new character skins for Neuvillette, Yaoyao, and both versions of the Traveler.

There are other events to participate in during the upcoming patch, too, even though Lantern Rite is the most important of them all. Aside from the future 7.0 patch, which will send players to their brand-new destination, this is the largest Genshin Impact update of 2026, and it’s one you won’t want to miss out on.

Systems

Released

September 28, 2020

ESRB

Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact

Developer(s)

HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)

Publisher(s)

HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)

Engine

Unity