Genshin Impact Version Luna IV Arrives 14 January with Columbina, Zibai and New Outfits

HoYoverse has announced the first Genshin Impact update of 2026 with Version Luna IV, titled “A Traveler on a Winter’s Night,” set to go live on 14 January. The update pushes the ongoing Nod-Krai storyline toward its climax, while also introducing new playable characters, a brand-new elemental reaction, and the return of Liyue’s annual Lantern Rite festival.

As tensions in Nod-Krai reach a breaking point, the latest Archon Quest brings the region’s arc to a dramatic conclusion. After seizing the power of the Moon Marrows, Il Dottore accelerates his research, forcing the Traveler and their allies into an inevitable confrontation. For the first time, Nod-Krai expands northward to Piramida, the headquarters of the Lightkeepers, where the conflict against the Wild Hunt continues to escalate.

Completing the new Archon Quest will also unlock a brand-new outfit for the Traveler, offering further insight into their personal journey and evolving connection to elemental power.

One of the major highlights of Version Luna IV is the arrival of Columbina Hyposelenia, better known as the Moon Maiden, as a playable character. She joins the roster as a 5-star Hydro Catalyst user focused on Lunar Reactions. Columbina excels as an off-field support, triggering coordinated Lunar Reaction damage even when she is not actively on the battlefield.

Her signature ability, Lunar Domain, enhances all Lunar Reactions by granting a general damage bonus alongside additional effects. These include summoning extra thundercloud strikes for Lunar-Charged reactions, generating additional resources for Lunar-Bloom reactions, and increasing the number of Moondrift attacks for the newly introduced Lunar-Crystallize reaction.

Columbina can also convert Electro-Charged, Bloom, and Hydro Crystallize into Lunar Reactions, and during the Nod-Krai storyline, she is even capable of reviving a fallen teammate under specific conditions.

Version Luna IV introduces Lunar-Crystallize as a brand-new elemental reaction, triggered when Geo interacts with Hydro under certain circumstances. This reaction summons three Moondrifts near enemies, and after being triggered three times, activates Moondrift Harmony, dealing Geo damage to nearby foes with a chance to land CRIT hits.

While Columbina enables Lunar-Crystallize teams, its potential is pushed even further with the introduction of Zibai, a new 5-star Geo Sword wielder. Known in Liyue’s folklore as the White Horse Adeptus, Zibai enters a special state during combat, building up unique energy to unleash powerful Elemental Skills that deal Lunar-Crystallize damage.

As more Lunar-Crystallize reactions are triggered, both the frequency and damage of his attacks increase, allowing him to maintain constant pressure on enemies.

Version Luna IV’s Event Wishes are split across two phases. The first phase features Columbina alongside a rerun of Ineffa, while the second phase introduces Zibai and Illuga, a new four-star Geo Lightkeeper who wields a polearm and fights alongside a messenger bird. Neuvillette also returns in the second phase, and his new outfit will be available in the shop for a limited time at a discounted price.

Back in Liyue, the annual Lantern Rite celebration makes its return with festive activities, story content, and generous rewards. This year’s Lantern Rite story unfolds under the celestial signs of Zhanzhu the Moon-Devourer, revealing how the long-reclusive White Horse Adeptus steps back into the mortal world. Players can place Xiao Lanterns throughout Liyue Harbor, inscribe wishes to share with others, collect Fortune Coins from Auspicious Treasure Trees, and take part in a variety of themed mini-games.

To round out the update, Version Luna IV offers a substantial lineup of free rewards. Players will receive 1,600 Primogems via in-game mail, 10 Intertwined Fates through a login event, a brand-new outfit for Yaoyao obtainable through Lantern Rite activities, and the opportunity to invite one four-star Liyue character for free. Additional rewards include a special horse mascot cosmetic set delivered via in-game mail, alongside further bonuses earned through limited-time events.