miHoYo has announced the Genshin Impact 2.2 update is now available, adding the new Inazuma Island, a new playable character Thoma, new gear, new events, new quests, new mechanics, and more.
Here’s a rundown on the new update, from our previous coverage:
The update will introduce the lastof the six major islands of Inazuma, a new playable character Thoma, and a series of new challenges and mini-games full of fun and rewards. Meanwhile, players who have not claimed “Savior From Another World” Aloy will be able to receive this five-star crossover character for free.
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action RPG that brings players to the visually stunning world of Teyvat. The player takes on the role of the mysterious “Traveler,” who sets off on a journey to discover the fate of their lost sibling and unveils the mysterious secrets of Teyvat along the way. Currently, players can explore Mondstadt, Liyue Harbor, and Inazuma, three of the seven major cities in Teyvat, each with unique cultures, stories, and vast surrounding landscapes, and offering a diversity of creatures, monsters, secrets, and hidden treasures for players to discover. Further cities, stories, characters, and seasonal events will be released as the game progresses.
Tsurumi Island, the last major island of Inazuma, is finally open to Travelers with Version 2.2. The island is shrouded in dense fog, and players may easily get lost and encounter unprecedented challenges while exploring this area. The Rifthounds and the Rifthound Whelps are dangerous stealthy beasts lurking in the fog, waiting to launch a sneak attack. When an attack hits a character, all party members will be affected by the “Corrosion” status and continually lose HP regardless if they’re shielded or not. In addition, Tsurumi Island appears to be the focus of recent research by a scholar from Sumeru. In the “Shadow of the Ancients” event, players have to accomplish investigation commissions across Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma to defeat an “Anomalous Model Ruin Grader” that seems to be constantly drawing power from an unknown source of energy to regenerate itself.
Thoma, the popular “fixer” who made his debut in the Inazuma storyline, will be joining as a new four-star playable character. Thoma holds a Pyro Vision and wields a polearm as his weapon. He is also a reliable teammate in combat, providing strong defense and buffs. Players mayrecruit him in the second Event Wish featuring Thoma and Hu Tao after Childe’s return in the first Event Wish. Hangout Events for Thoma and Sayu will also be available with Version 2.2.
A brand-new series of seasonal events is also here along with the new update. In the “Labyrinth Warriors” event, players can venture into a mystic domain in Inazuma with “Childe” Tartaglia, Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers and Xinyan, Liyue’s rock ‘n’ roll musician. You will also be accompanied by a strange paper figure named “Shiki Taishou” who can provide special help and buffs. Tough fights and valuable rewards in the event shop await brave warriors. With another seasonal event “Tuned to the World’s Sounds”, players can enjoy the rhythm game and play different styles of music with Ningguang, Zhongli, Keqing, Xiao, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Kamisato Ayaka, and the Raiden Shogun.
With Version 2.2, plenty of optimizations will also be added to the current gameplay, and DualSense Controller support will be available on Genshin Impact’s PC version for the first time. More features are added into the Serenitea Pot, including a new Inazuma-themed realm layout “Silken Courtyard,” more Inazuma-style Furnishing Blueprints, a new furnishing type, Floating Platform, and flowers that can be used as furnishings from the limited-time “Dreams of Bloom” event.
Read the full patch notes on the 2.2 update here on the game’s official site.
Genshin Impact is available and free-to-play on Windows PC (via the official website), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS, and coming soon to Nintendo Switch. In case you missed it, you can find our review here (we recommend it!)