HoYoverse Kicks Off 2026 With Genshin Impact Version Luna IV
HoYoverse drops the first big patch of 2026 for Genshin Impact, titled Luna IV: A Traveler on a Winter's Night. The update lands on January 14 and brings welcome new faces to Teyvat. The Moon Maiden Columbina and Zibai, a Geo Adeptus from Liyue, join as playable characters. The Lantern Rite festival returns with extra rewards to kick off the New Year. Meanwhile, Nod-Krai pushes toward a decisive clash with Il Dottore, and Piramida—the Lightkeepers’ base—opens up north, teeing up a fresh front in the Wild Hunt fight.
A Dramatic Arc Near Its Peak in Nod-Krai
The story in Nod-Krai heads toward a major turning point. Il Dottore wields new lunar energy after seizing power from the Moon Marrows. He drives the struggle into his own shadowy domain, where rules bend and chaos takes careful shape. After finishing this chapter, the Traveler unlocks a new outfit that deepens their arc and grows their control of elemental power.
Columbina and Zibai Bring New Lunar Power
Columbina and Zibai Bring New Lunar Power
Columbina Hyposelenia, the Moon Maiden, enters as a 5-star Hydro Catalyst. She shines as a support who thrives on Lunar Reactions, even when she isn’t on the field. Her special move, Lunar Domain, boosts all Lunar Reactions with extra DMG and a suite of handy effects. Lunar Domain can add more thundercloud strikes for Lunar-Charged reactions, grant resources for Lunar-Bloom reactions, and boost Moondrift counts in Lunar-Crystallize plans. It can also swap Electro-Charged, Bloom, and Hydro Crystallize into Lunar Reactions. While Nod-Krai is active, she can even bring a fallen ally back, letting teammates keep fighting under the moon’s glow.
Zibai, the White Horse Adeptus, arrives as a 5-star Geo Sword user. He unlocks a unique state and builds energy to unleash a potent Elemental Skill that taps into Lunar-Crystalize DMG. The more Lunar-Crystallize reactions trigger, the more often this skill lands and the bigger its impact. Zibai becomes a strong front for a Lunar power strategy, delivering steady, forceful pressure on the field.
Lunar-Crystallize Enters the Fray
Version Luna IV adds a new elemental reaction named Lunar-Crystallize. It triggers when Geo meets Hydro under special conditions. When activated, it spawns three Moondrifts near foes. After three activations, Moondrift Harmony kicks in, dealing Geo DMG and giving a chance for critical hits against nearby enemies.
Columbina’s kit supports Lunar-Crystallize, but Zibai’s kit takes full advantage of it. As more Lunar-Crystallize reactions fire, Zibai’s own energy and the reactions he triggers rise in tandem, letting him press the attack with growing force.
Event Wishes and Reruns
The Version Luna IV event line splits into two phases. Phase one teams Columbina with a rerun of Ineffa. Phase two adds Zibai and Illuga, a new four-star Geo Lightkeeper who fights with a polearm alongside a companion messenger bird, plus a rerun of Neuvillette. Neuvillette also gets a new outfit in the shop for a limited time at a discounted price.
Piramida and the Lightkeepers Meet the World
Nod-Krai stretches northward for the first time to reveal Piramida, home base of the Lightkeepers. The fortress sits above the western Pillar of Embla and the Kipumaki Cliff, still shadowed by the Wild Hunt. A new World Quest asks players to join the Lightkeepers and Illuga in the ongoing fight against this menace.
Lantern Rite Returns to Liyue
Liyue’s annual Lantern Rite festival returns in full glow. The events focus on the adeptly tied stories of the White Horse Adeptus and the Moon-Devourer Zhanzhu. The tale hints at Zibai stepping back into the mortal world after a long quiet spell. Players can place Xiao Lanterns around Liyue Harbor and write wishes to share with others. They can also earn Fortune Coins from Auspicious Treasure Trees for special gifts and dive into a variety of festive mini-games.
Free Rewards Backed by Generous Events
Luna IV packs a hefty mix of freebies. Players can expect 1,600 Primogems by in-game mail, 10 Intertwined Fates from a login event, and a new Yaoyao outfit from the Lantern Rite activities. A four-star Liyue character can be invited for free, and a special horse mascot cosmetic set arrives by mail. There are more rewards to chase via diverse events.
New Modes and Ways to Play
Miliastra Wonderland adds a fresh Classic Mode. This mode lets players bring specific characters from Teyvat onto stage-like adventures. On top of this, a Colorful Surprise Box unlocks extra ways to play by supporting the Craftspeople and adding extra gameplay variety.
Cross-Platform Play and Tuning Details
Genshin Impact Version Luna IV lands on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS with cross-progression and co-op. The game has a Teen rating on PS5, Xbox, PC, and Google Play, and a 12+ rating on iOS. For more details, fans can visit the official Genshin Impact site or follow the title on social platforms.
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