HoYoVerse hosted a new stream this morning, February 13th, and detailed the new content that will come with the next major update for Genshin Impact. Referred to as “Version Luna V”, the game will take players back to Monstadt, the very first city you go to as soon as you start your adventure across the world of Teyvat.
The official title of the new update is “Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind”, and it will also introduce one of Genshin Impact’s most mentioned characters — one that, despite its legendary status on the game’s lore, we’ve only come to meet after we started the Nod-Krai storyline two updates ago.
But the plot-based content is just the main part of the next Genshin Impact update, so read on to find out what Version Luna V actually brings.
Genshin Impact Version Luna V (6.4), detailed
The most significant highlight of this update is the official arrival of Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and Jean’s boss. After years of being mentioned in the lore as a legendary hero, he finally joins the playable roster as a 5-star Anemo claymore wielder (“Anemo” refers to the element of the Wind in Genshin-speak, while others, like Pyro, Electro, Dendro, Cryo, Geo and Hydro refer to Fire, Shock, Nature/Grass, Ice, Earth and Water, respectively).
Players will get to explore his personality further through a dedicated Story Quest, which depicts Varka leading his allies against a “Wild Hunt” disaster while the Great Wolf King of the North deals with a major crisis. While early stories painted him as easygoing, this new content reveals his more dependable and courageous side.
Dual-wielding combat style
Alongside Varka, Genshin Impact Version Luna V also introduces a unique combat mechanic to the game: dual-wielding. Unlike traditional claymore users, he utilizes two different types of elemental damage at the same time.
- Elemental Flexibility: His Elemental Skill imbues his right-hand weapon with the element of his teammates (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo), while his left-hand weapon consistently deals Anemo damage.
- Enhanced Offense: By using specific Normal Attacks, he can trigger a powerful Charged Attack that requires no stamina or reset his special Elemental Skill more frequently.
- The Hexerei Effect: This special mechanic further amplifies his damage by allowing for even more frequent use of his core abilities.
As an added bonus, players can unlock a special free weapon appearance for both of Varka’s blades by defeating a Wolf Spirit fragment in battle.
Nostalgia and New Challenges in Mondstadt
The flagship event for Version Luna V focuses on cherished memories and reunions with the Knights of Favonius. This “Song of the Welkin Moon” update uses evocative visuals to create a sense of déjà vu for long-time players revisiting their first steps in Teyvat.
Engaging Activities and Mini-Games
- Echoes of Memory: Players will use a “Spotter Kamera” to identify subtle differences in familiar landscapes from their past adventures.
- Custom Mixology: A social event allows Travelers to reconnect with old friends by preparing specialized drinks tailored to their individual preferences.
- Combat and Gliding: Thrill-seekers can participate in challenges where they summon “Knight Shadows” to help expose and destroy enemy weak points.
- Global Sightseeing: A new Kamera challenge tasks players with photographing landmarks across Natlan, Fontaine, and Sumeru.
- Strategic Defense: A new mode will be introduced where players must defend against incoming waves of enemies.
By participating in these events, players can earn the “Phantasmal Gift: Star Omen,” a unique weapon appearance designed for Catalyst users.
Banners and System Updates
The update’s character banners are split into two distinct phases:
- Phase I: Features the debut of Varka alongside a rerun for Flins.
- Phase II: Sees the return of the powerful characters Skirk and Escoffier.
- Chronicled Wish: A Mondstadt-themed Chronicled Wish banner will also be available for those looking to pull specific characters from the region.
The Varka/Flins combo may be a nice addition for Genshin Impact players who like to dish out real damage: Varka’s Claymore-wielding capacity might make for some hard hits, while Flins’s spear attacks and dual-phase Elemental Burst (a character’s most powerful ability) make for a nice finisher.
Furthermore, Varka’s capacity of using a partner’s elemental affinity may give yuo some transition capacity.
Miliastra Wonderland and Cosmetics
Significant updates are coming to Miliastra Wonderland, including the official launch of a voice feature and new gameplay modes built around it. Furthermore, players can claim a new “Owl Envoy” cosmetic set for the Manekin/Manekina system for free through participating in the update’s events.
Genshin Impact Version Luna V will be available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and mobile platforms. The PlayStation 4 version is still available until September, when it will be discontinued.
