Developer miHoYo has announced Genshin Impact version 2.0, the next major update for the game adding Ayaka and the long-awaited Inazuma region. Friday morning's reveal stream and Inazuma trailer also teased several other previously revealed and/or leaked characters, including Yoimiya, Sayu, Baal, Kokomi, and more.
In what was previously expected to be a direct follow-up to the current Genshin Impact 1.6 build, the formerly known "1.7" version will actually be the biggest content release for the game since its launch in September 2020. Genshin Impact 2.0 looks to its full new version number with an entire new region, Inazuma, which is inspired by Japanese geography and culture. With its popular gacha game mechanics, new characters are always the pillar of any new content drop, and 2.0 (as well as future Inazuma content) appears like it will be no slouch in that department.
In its Friday "New Version Special Program" stream, miHoYo dropped a new Genshin Impact 2.0 trailer showcasing the colorful, Studio Ghibli-inspired Inazuma region, how it will evolve the game's story, and much-hyped characters like Ayaka and Kokomi. The playable characters coming in 2.0 have been confirmed as Cryo swordswoman Ayaka, Pyro archer Yoimiya, and claymore-wielding Anemo Sayu, who were previously revealed alongside 1.6's Kazuha. Coming in updates sometime after version 2.0's release on July 21, the characters Baal, Thoma, Kujuo Sara, Kokomi, Gorou, and Yae Miko were also teased in the epic cinematic trailer.
Version 2.0 is easily the game's single largest batch of post-launch content to date, and it's especially impressive when considering Genshin Impact hasn't even celebrated its first birthday yet. With Inazuma's Electro bent (considering Baal is the Electro Archon and all) leading to the entire element's combat utility being expanded, there will be significant gameplay changes beyond the addition of the update's new handful of characters. However, the change of scenery and a new region to explore will be the biggest transformation that players will feel on a moment-to-moment basis in version 2.0, and it helps that Inazuma may be Genshin Impact's most visually impressive locale yet.
While the near future holds a lot in store for dedicated, returning, and new Genshin Impact players alike, some are no doubt already looking ahead past version 2.0. A beta for version 2.1 is already available for eligible players selected by miHoYo, and some widely requested quality of life improvements like a Serenitea Pot load limit increase are still pending despite all of 2.0's coming changes and additions. Come July 21, though, there's little doubt that the vast majority of Genshin Impact players will be too busy diving into Inazuma and all it has to offer to care for a little while.
Genshin Impact is available on PS5, PS4, PC, iOS, and Android.
Source: Genshin Impact
