With March coming to a close, Genshin Impact players are eagerly awaiting the release of the game’s newest update. The gacha-based role-playing game has gained an immense player base, partly due to the developers’ consistent update schedule. This allows for a steady stream of new content, and update 2.6 is no exception.
Genshin Impact’s 2.6 update is set for release on March 30, 2022. This announcement came after multiple leaks, essentially confirming what many in the community had already guessed. Version 2.6 has plenty to offer — from a new character banner and new character items to tons of new events.
Kamisato Ayato, Banner Reruns, and New Artifact Sets
The most notable addition in Genshin Impact’s update 2.6 is Kamisato Ayato. His character banner will be available the exclusive Event Wish, alongside a rerun of Venti’s banner. Ayato wields a sword and the Hydro element. Version 2.6 also introduces a new weapon, the Haran Geppaku Futsu, which is likely his signature weapon. After Ayato’s character banner, update 2.6 will also have a rerun of Kamisato Ayaka, his sister.
Aside from the new character and weapon, Genshin Impact’s 2.6 update will also introduce two new artifact sets. The first is the Echoes of an Offering set, which increases a character’s normal attack damage when in combat based on their ATK stat. This will likely be suited for characters who rely on their normal attacks, such as Ayato, Childe, Razor, and Yoimiya.
The second new artifact set is the Vermillion Hereafter, which increases a character’s ATK stat after they use their Elemental Burst. It then further increases their attack when the character’s HP decreases. This Genshin Impact artifact set seems best for Xiao, as he is the only character who continuously loses HP upon activation of his Elemental Burst.
New Quests, Locations, and Enemies
In terms of story, Genshin Impact’s newest update also has much to offer. Most notably, players can undertake a new Archon Quest, “Requiem of the Echoing Depths.” Here, the Traveler will accompany Dainsleif to a new location in the game known as The Chasm. Players will likely need the new gadget, the Lumenstone Adjuvant, to traverse this area. In doing so, they might also find Starshrooms, the new ascension items that will be introduced in version 2.6.
The Chasm will also be where players can access The Lost Valley, a new Genshin Impact domain where they can acquire the aforementioned artifact sets. Finally, the area will be home to a new enemy — the Ruin Serpent. The mechanical creature is described as a digging machine that’s come alive and is hostile to other creatures for reasons unknown.
Aside from the Archon Quest focusing on the new area, Genshin Impact’s 2.6 update will also feature Kamisato Ayako’s Story Quest, “Cypressus Custos Chapter.” This will likely give players a glimpse into Ayato’s life and what he does to maintain the Inazuma region. Though Ayato is the current head of the Kamisato Clan, his official introduction reveals that he prefers to keep a low profile, having a keen dislike for making public appearances.
Lastly, the update will also feature plenty of new Genshin Impact events. This includes the flagship event, “Hues of the Violent Garden,” which involves helping Ayato with the Magnificent Irodori Festival. Meanwhile, the events “Spices From the West” and “Vibro-Crystal Research” involve characters from Sumeru and Fontaine, respectively — two regions that players have yet to explore. There’s also the “Outside the Canvas, Inside the Lens” event, which has the Traveler taking photos for a girl named Asagiri.
As for Genshin Impact players looking to gather more Mora or character experience, version 2.6 will unveil a Ley Line Overflow event, which guarantees double drops. This makes it easier for those looking to level up their characters, especially if they happen to get a new one from the Event Wishes. Overall, update 2.6 seems very promising, both in terms of story and playable content.
Genshin Impact is now available on mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5 with a Switch version in development.
