Publisher and developer miHoYo announced a release date for the latest update to Genshin Impact, “Summer Fantasia” or version 2.8.

Genshin Impact update 2.8 is launching on July 13th across all supported platforms.

Here’s a new trailer:

English version

Japanese version

Here’s a rundown on the update:

The Golden Apple Archipelago will greet Travelers again with brand-new areas, engagingstories, intriguing puzzles and treasures, and various island recreations. Meanwhile, Diluc and Fischl will sportfreshlooksin their new outfits, while Kaedahara Kazuha and a bunch of old friends will be revisiting along with the new playable character Shikanoin Heizou.

The coming update will start the big Summertime Odyssey seasonal event in the company of Fischl, Xinyan, Kaedahara Kazuhaand Mona. The Golden Apple Archipelago has undergone a drastic makeover, adding new realms, extensive exploration gameplay, more treasure chest, and unexpected storylines about the Traveler’s companions. Those who experience thesethrilling adventures maythenhave a chance to recruit the four-star playable character Fischl for free.

The Golden Apple Archipelago also offers refreshing island recreations whether players journey soloor with friends. During the “Resonating Visions” event, players may collect special conches carrying tales and messages, and redeem Fischl’s new outfit. With the latest co-op event “Reminiscent Regimen,” players can set sail with friends together and complete various challenges atsea.

Meanwhile on land, Diluc, Kaedehara Kazuha, and the new playable four-star Shikanoin Heizou will receive events and stories oftheir own. Diluc will receive a new outfit featuring a distinctive look, new idle animation, and new effects, available in-store at a limited-time discount. The outfit also carries its back story that can be found in the “Hidden Strife” challenge event. Another character Kaedehara Kazuha is also ready to reveal more about himself with the first chapter of his Story Quest opening soon. Besides, his friend Shikanoin Heizou, ayoung genius crime solver for the Tenryou Commission, will premiere in Version 2.8. And players are welcome to join Heizou in being a detective for a day in his Hangout Event.

In combat, Shikanoin Heizouis noteworthy for being the first melee catalyst user in the game. He can deal Ameno damage with powerful strikes and kicks, and he can even cause extra elemental damage to enemies affected by Hydro/Pyro/Cryo/Electro. Heizou will be available in the EventWishes of Kaedehara Kazuha’s and Klee’s rerun in the early phase of Version 2.8. Yoimiya’s Event Wish will be available in the later phase of the update.

Genshin Impact is available and free-to-play on Windows PC (via the Epic Games Store and official website), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS, and coming soon to Nintendo Switch. In case you missed it, you can find our Genshin Impact review here (we recommend it!).