The highly anticipated Genshin Impact 4.0 update, titled As Light Rain Falls Without Reason, has officially launched, bringing with it a host of new content. Version 4.0 introduces players to the expansive new region of Fontaine and a groundbreaking underwater exploration feature. Alongside this, players can look forward to a fresh batch of limited-time banners, events, story content, and gameplay updates.
Banner Phases: New and Returning Characters
As with previous updates, Genshin Impact 4.0 is divided into two banner phases, each spotlighting a mix of debuting and returning characters.
Phase 1, which runs from August 16 to September 5, features:
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Lyney: A brand-new 5-Star Pyro archer introduced via the Conjuring Chiaroscuro banner. Lyney is one of Fontaine’s standout characters and brings an elegant, performance-based combat style.
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Yelan: The 5-Star Hydro archer makes her return in the Discerner of Enigmas banner.
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Lynette: A new 4-Star Anemo sword user, Lynette appears on both Lyney and Yelan’s banners as a boosted drop. Players should note that she is also available for free once reaching Adventure Rank 25.
Phase 2 kicks off on September 5 and ends on September 26, just before the anticipated 4.1 update. It features:
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Zhongli: The dependable 5-Star Geo polearm user returns in the Gentry of Hermitage banner.
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Tartaglia (Childe): The 5-Star Hydro archer reappears in the Farewell of Snezhnaya banner.
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Freminet: A new 4-Star Cryo character who wields a claymore, Freminet joins both Phase 2 banners as a boosted 4-Star.
The upcoming Weapon Banner will also introduce The First Great Magic, Lyney’s signature 5-Star bow, adding another valuable asset to the arsenal of archers.
Here’s a quick summary of all characters featured in Version 4.0 banners:
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Lyney (Phase 1): New 5-Star Pyro, bow user
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Yelan (Phase 1): Returning 5-Star Hydro, bow user
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Lynette (Phase 1): New 4-Star Anemo, sword user
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Zhongli (Phase 2): Returning 5-Star Geo, polearm user
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Tartaglia (Childe) (Phase 2): Returning 5-Star Hydro, bow user
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Freminet (Phase 2): New 4-Star Cryo, claymore user
Major Gameplay Additions and Events in 4.0
Version 4.0 isn’t just about new characters — it delivers some of the most significant gameplay innovations to date:
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Fontaine Region: A visually stunning new area filled with quests, NPCs, and lore.
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Underwater Exploration: Players can now swim and dive, opening a new dimension of traversal and puzzle-solving.
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New Artifact Sets: Two fresh artifact sets have been added to deepen combat customization.
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Battle Pass Weapons: New weapon options are now available through the battle pass.
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Craftable Weapons from Fontaine: Players can forge unique regional weapons.
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New Story Content: Includes an Archon Quest, additional World Quests, and Lyney’s personal Story Quest.
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Gameplay Enhancements: A multi-layered map has been implemented for better navigation, along with quality-of-life improvements like a new party menu interface.
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New Bosses and Enemies: The update introduces fresh combat challenges across the Fontaine region.
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Trading Card Game (TCG) Updates: Spectator Mode is now available for players who enjoy watching matches.
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PS5 Enhancements: Gyroscope support and significantly faster loading times improve the experience for console players.