Everything we know about Genshin Impact version 3.4

Wowza! Genshin Impact just outdid itself as a multiple award-winning game. It made headlines as Mobile Game of the Year during the Game Awards 2021, but it’s since surpassed that, claiming victory in three different categories for the 2022 ceremony. In short, this train just keeps chugging along.

The new year brings a few changes, including the swap back to the game’s standard update schedule, and even more expansions coming to Sumeru. Time flies! Even Yaoyao, who leaked as far back as last year’s Lantern Rite Festival, is finally coming to the game.

Here’s what we know so far about Genshin Impact version 3.4.

What is the Genshin Impact version 3.4 release date?

Genshin Impact 3.4 will launch on January 18, 2023, which aligns with the developer’s typical six-week schedule.

Genshin Impact had switched over to a five-week model starting with Genshin Impact 3.0, but HoYoverse specified that this tighter schedule would only last from version 3.0 to 3.2. Based on how long the banners for version 3.3 are slated to run, it seems the game has returned to its previous schedule.

What are the Genshin Impact version 3.4 character banners?

Alhaitham, who the player has already met multiple times during the Sumeru Archon Storyline, and the long-awaited Dendro four-star Yaoyao will finally arrive in Genshin Impact 3.4. Xiao, Yelan, and Hu Tao will rerun as the five-star characters alongside Alhaitham and in the second half of the update.

These were the Genshin Impact 3.4 banners confirmed in the latest livestream:

• Phase 1: Alhaitham, Xiao, Yaoyao (4-star)
• Phase 2: Yelan, Hu Tao

Yaoyao is the only four-star character confirmed for Alhaitham and Xiao’s banners. The other four-star characters haven’t been confirmed yet but will likely be announced closer to the actual day of the update.

What is the new area coming in Genshin Impact version 3.4?

The Genshin Impact 3.4 livestream introduced a new area called the Desert of Hadramaveth, which houses the “Sandworm World Boss” that was leaked a couple of months ago. Sagiri shared where it would be in the new “Sandstorm” area, which Blank said would be a new addition to the Sumeru desert region in the 3.4 update.

The Sandworm has a tan-colored body with bright green detailing toward the top of its body. Its head looks like an green drill with jagged scales and glowing eyes. It’s apparently the boss that the player will need to farm for Alhaitham’s ascension materials, which makes sense because he’s involved with its story.

What else is coming in Genshin Impact version 3.4?

Genshin Impact’s signature Lantern Rite festival will return in the 3.4 update. As per the latest livestream, it will include an event story involving Xiao, Yelan, and Hu Tao. Musicians and performers like Xinyan and Venti will also get some spotlight this year. Participating players will also get the chance to unlock one of the four-star Liyue characters for free.

Lisa and Ayaka will also receive their own custom skins. Players can unlock Lisa’s skin for free during the Lantern Rite festival, but Ayaka’s will only be available for purchase.