HoYoverse has confirmed Version Luna IV for Genshin Impact with a January 14, 2026 release date, introducing two new five-star playable characters and expanding the game’s elemental reaction system with Lunar-based mechanics. The update, subtitled “A Traveler on a Winter’s Night,” concludes the current Archon Quest arc in Nod-Krai with a decisive confrontation against Il Dottore, the second-ranked Fatui Harbinger who has seized the power of the Moon Marrows to conduct research within a manipulated domain where conventional reality rules are suspended. Players who complete this Archon Quest will unlock a new outfit for the Traveler character, reflecting their evolving comprehension of elemental power throughout the narrative.
Columbina Hyposelenia, referred to as the Moon Maiden, joins the roster as a five-star Hydro Catalyst support character designed around Lunar Reaction mechanics. Her kit enables her to trigger coordinated Lunar Reaction damage from an off-field position while her signature ability, Lunar Domain, provides a general damage bonus to all Lunar Reactions and activates unique effects for each reaction type. The Lunar Domain summons additional thundercloud strikes for Lunar-Charged reactions, generates extra resources for Lunar-Bloom reactions, and increases the number of Moondrift attacks for the newly introduced Lunar-Crystallize reactions. Columbina possesses the capability to convert standard Electro-Charged, Bloom, and Hydro Crystallize reactions into their Lunar equivalents, and during Nod-Krai exploration specifically, she can revive a fallen teammate.
The update introduces Lunar-Crystallize as a new elemental reaction that occurs when Geo interacts with Hydro under conditions established by characters possessing the Lunar Blessing passive talent. This reaction summons three Moondrift projectiles near enemies, and after being triggered three times consecutively, it activates Moondrift Harmony, which deals Geo damage to nearby opponents with the potential to land critical hits. Zibai, the White Horse Adeptus from Liyue mythology, arrives as a five-star Geo Sword wielder optimized for Lunar-Crystallize damage output. The character enters a specialized state that accumulates unique energy, allowing Zibai to execute a powerful Elemental Skill that directly inflicts Lunar-Crystallize damage, with both frequency and damage scaling upward as more Lunar-Crystallize reactions are triggered during combat.
The banner schedule for Version Luna IV divides into two phases, with Phase 1 featuring Columbina alongside a rerun of Ineffa from January 14 to February 3, 2026. Phase 2 introduces Zibai paired with Neuvillette’s rerun banner and includes Illuga, a new four-star Geo polearm user from the Lightkeepers faction who fights with the assistance of a messenger bird and supports Lunar-Crystallize team compositions. Neuvillette will receive a new outfit available in the shop at a limited-time discounted price during this phase.
Nod-Krai receives its first northern expansion with the addition of Piramida, the headquarters of the Lightkeepers organization. The new territory overlooks the western Pillar of Embla and Kipumaki Cliff, areas where the Wild Hunt threat remains active. A new World Quest chain involves players collaborating with the Lightkeepers and Illuga to continue operations against the Wild Hunt forces.
The Lantern Rite festival returns to Liyue with narrative content focusing on Zhanzhu the Moon-Devourer, exploring how the reclusive White Horse Adeptus Zibai re-enters the mortal world. Festival activities include placing special Xiao Lanterns throughout Liyue Harbor with inscriptions that can be shared with other players, collecting Fortune Coins from Auspicious Treasure Trees to exchange for rewards, and participating in festive minigames. The reward structure provides 1,600 Primogems through in-game mail, 10 Intertwined Fates from a login event, and a new outfit for Yaoyao obtained through Lantern Rite event participation. Players can also select one free four-star Liyue character and receive a horse mascot cosmetic set via mail, with additional rewards distributed through event activities.
Miliastra Wonderland introduces a Classic Mode that allows players to recruit select characters from Teyvat for on-stage adventures, and the Colorful Surprise Box can be purchased to support the Craftspeople while unlocking additional gameplay experiences. Version Luna IV maintains cross-progression and cooperative play functionality across PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS platforms, with ESRB ratings of Teen for console, PC, and Google Play versions, and 12+ for iOS.
