Genshin Impact Version 2.6 Zephyr of the Violet Garden coming March 30

Today, HoYoverse has announced that the next update for the acclaimed anime RPG Genshin Impact is coming on March 30. Called Zephyr of the Violet Garden, this is version 2.6 and brings the long-awaited and rumored new area, The Chasm, as well as the highly anticipated new playable five-star character Kamisato Ayato.

The Chasm consists of a distinct violet-red area with an unfathomably deep space underground. The area has been closed due to a series of mysterious accidents and is now overrun by monsters, Treasure Hoarders, and the Fatui. The new boss enemy Ruin Serpent and unknown danger from the Abyss also await at the end of The Chasm, where the main story continues with the new Archon Quest “Requiem of the Echoing Depths” in the company of Dainsleif. Meanwhile, a gadget named the Lumenstone Adjuvant will be handed to players to help illuminate pathways. Travelers can also unlock bountiful rewards including a four-star Weapon Billet and an all-new Namecard.

After the Sakoku Decree was abolished, Inazuma and the Magnificent Irodori Festival are now welcoming talents and guests all across Teyvat. Organized by the Yashiro Commission andYae Miko, this year's Irodori Festival will invite Venti, Xingqiu, and many old acquaintances to celebrate a time of arts and culture. In the meantime, rich rewards always come with festivities and games, ranging from taking themed photographs for a Mondstadt bard, clearing stages in the upgraded Theater Mechanicus, dueling in sword fighting, or practicing the art of flower arrangement. With all challenges accomplished, players can unlock a chance to recruit the four-star playable character Xingqiu.

Kamisato Ayato will make his debut as the newest five-star character during Version 2.6. As the young but highly accomplished head of the Yashiro Commission's Kamisato Clan, Ayato is a man of many ways and means. In his Story Quest, players will see how Ayato handles troubles and an unusual occasion as Inazuma steps into a new era of progress. In terms of combat, Ayato wields a sword and holds the Hydro Vision. He can unleash immense Hydro damage in a short amount of time, and is capable of increasing the effects of his party's Normal Attacks.Players may recruit Kamisato Ayato and Venti in their Character Event Wishes, followed by the first rerun of Kamisato Ayaka in the latter half of the update. The Weapon Event Wish will feature a new five-star sword from Inazuma called “Haran Geppaku Futsu,” among others.

HoYoverse is the Chinese developer previously known as miHoYo that achieved global fame with Genshin Impact, although it already had a massive hit with the sci-fi anime RPG Honkai Impact 3rd. The company is working on several new games, including Honkai Star Rail, an open world RPG with turn-based combat that is a spin-off from the Honkai series. But there's more, including a shooter game set within a living, breathing paranormal world. Sounds great, and we'll keep an eye out for it.