Image: HoYoverse
This version features a new limited-time summer map and will be the final update before the release of Natlan.
Genshin Impact version 4.8 “Summertime Scales and Tales” will be released on July 17 and will feature a new 5-star character in Emilie, new character skins for Nilou and Kirara, and a summer-themed event held in the limited-time Simulanka map.
This upcoming update will also be the last update before the highly-anticipated release of the game’s sixth region, Natlan, in version 5.0 some time in late August.
Here’s everything you need to know about Genshin Impact version 4.8:
New 5-star character Emilie
A new 5-star character will be joining Genshin Impact’s roster in version 4.8: Emilie, a Dendro Polearm user. Emilie is known by most people as a famous perfumer in Fontaine, though she also has a second identity as a forensic cleaner expert.
Emilie will be the game’s first character focused on the ‘Burning’ elemental reaction, which is triggered by inflicting Dendro and Pyro on enemies and constantly deals Pyro DMG to them over time.
Emilie’s kit is focused on the ‘Lumidouce Case’ summoned by her skill, which intermittently deals Dendro DMG to enemies in order to facilitate the Burning reaction. If an enemy already has the Burning effect, then the Lumidouce Case deals more damage, attacks faster, and has a longer attack range.
Emilie will make her debut in the first half of version 4.8 alongside her signature 5-star weapon, Lumidouce Elegy. Players can also begin Emilie’s Story Quest “Pomum De Ambra Chapter” to get more familiar with this new character.
Running alongside Emilie in the first half of version 4.8 will be a rerun for the Hydro Bow character Yelan. Meanwhile, the second half will see a double rerun banner featuring the Geo Claymore character Navia and the Hydro Sword character Nilou.
New summer-themed event in limited-time Simulanka map
As is tradition, the last version before the release of a new region will feature a summer-themed event with its own limited-time map. This year, version 4.8 will take players to Simulanka, a captivating world populated by origami creatures, clockwork figures, and other fantastical beings.
The Traveler will go on an adventure in Simulanka alongside an unlikely group of companions in Kirara, Nilou, Navia, and the Wanderer. They will explore Simulanka’s enchanting landscapes, assist in resolving an impending crisis, and uncover the truth of this magical world.
Aside from exploring Simulanka, players can also participate in a variety of mini-games and events to earn rewards. Some of the mini-games available include "Boreal Flurry" where they can shoot balloons while enjoying an aerial experience overlooking Simulanka, the claw-machine game "Flying Hatter’s Trick" to capture as many moving toy figures as possible, or "Metropole Trials" where they will have to assemble two teams of characters to take on the combat challenges.
Players can also get a free copy of the 4-star Dendro Sword character Kirara by playing through the Simulanka events.
New skins for Nilou and Kirara
A new summer event also means we’ll be getting new summer-themed skins! This time around, it will be Nilou and Kirara receiving new outfits.
Kirara’s new phantom burglar-themed outfit can be acquired for free by accumulating "Excerpts of Bliss" as they collect "Jubilant Feathers" and open "Fairytale Troves" around Simulanka. Meanwhile, Nilou's new floral-themed outfit will be available at a limited-time discount in the store.
System optimisations, including faster boss respawn times
Genshin Impact version 4.8 will also come with various optimisations to existing game mechanics, including faster boss respawn times and easier commission reward collections. To find out more about these upcoming optimisations, check out our breakdown here.
The upcoming update will also see the release of the new ‘Echo’ cosmetic effect, which leaves a unique trailing effect while sprinting. In Version 4.8, players will be able to obtain Echoes for Diluc, Qiqi, Kirara, Jean and Ningguang by completing the "Envisaged Echoes" challenges in the Imaginarium Theater lobby.
In order to access these challenges, players will require two special keys. Two keys will be granted to the player upon entering "Envisaged Echoes," while additional keys can be obtained by completing Act 6 of the Imaginarium Theater each season.
Our first look at Natlan characters
With version 4.8 being the last update before the highly-anticipated release of Natlan in version 5.0, Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse has also released a second sneak-peek at what’s to come in the new region.
This latest teaser features three Natlan characters, though they were not named. First is a little girl with a Geo Vision who uses a drill-like device to move around. Then there’s a taller girl with a Hydro Vision who can be seen fishing and surfing through the water atop a shark.
Third is a young man who soars through the air using devices used to navigate the terrain of Natlan, similar to the ones in Sumeru and Fontaine. While this third character flies around and bears a resemblance to the 5-star character Xiao, he seems to be using the Dendro element instead of Anemo.
The three characters shown in this latest teaser for Natlan seem to mirror the Saurian creatures showcased in the region’s first teaser, down to the elements they use and how they navigate through the terrain.
We also get a quick glimpse into some of the enemies we will encounter in Natlan in the form of a group of human bandits, similar to the Eremites of Sumeru.
