The Definitive Genshin Impact Update Tracker: 5 Key Dates You Need For Version 6.3 'Luna IV'
The next major Genshin Impact update, Version 6.3, is officially scheduled to arrive in January 2026, continuing the massive "Luna" story arc and bringing a host of new characters and map expansions. As of today, December 19, 2025, players are currently midway through the Version 6.2 "Luna III" patch, which launched on December 3, 2025, and featured the banners of Durin and Jahoda.
Anticipation is already building for the Version 6.3 "Luna IV" content, which is set to conclude the highly-discussed Nod-Krai storyline and introduce three brand-new playable characters. HoYoverse has confirmed the official date for the crucial Special Program livestream, giving players a firm timeline for when they can expect the next wave of primogems, events, and story content.
Genshin Impact Update 6.3: The Official Release Timeline (Luna IV)
The Genshin Impact update schedule is one of the most consistent in the live-service gaming industry, operating on a predictable 42-day cycle for each major patch. This consistency allows the community to accurately predict the release date of a new version based on the end date of the current one. Version 6.3, titled "Luna IV," follows this rigid structure.
Here is the definitive timeline for the transition from Version 6.2 to Version 6.3:
- Current Patch End Date: Version 6.2 "Luna III" is expected to conclude on or around January 14, 2026.
- Next Patch Release Date: Genshin Impact Version 6.3 "Luna IV" is projected to launch immediately following the maintenance period on January 14, 2026 (pending official confirmation).
- Version 6.3 Livestream Date: The official Special Program for "Luna IV" is confirmed for January 2, 2026. This is where HoYoverse will unveil all the new content, banners, events, and provide Primogem redemption codes.
The update maintenance typically begins at 6:00 AM (UTC+8) and lasts for approximately five hours, after which the new patch is live globally. Players are compensated with 300 Primogems for the downtime, plus an additional 60 Primogems for every hour the maintenance runs over the standard time.
The Version 6.3 update is a critical step in the ongoing narrative, as leaks and official teases suggest it will wrap up the complex storyline involving the Nod-Krai region, setting the stage for the next major story chapter.
Who Are the New Characters in Genshin Impact 6.3?
One of the most exciting aspects of any new patch is the introduction of fresh playable characters, and Version 6.3 is no exception. The "Luna IV" update is slated to feature three new characters, alongside highly anticipated reruns of fan-favorites. This update significantly expands the roster, giving players new elemental and weapon combinations to explore.
Phase 1 Banners (Expected January 14, 2026)
The first half of the Version 6.3 update is rumored to introduce two of the new characters, focusing on the conclusion of the Nod-Krai narrative. The characters expected in Phase 1 are:
- Columbina (New 5-Star): A highly anticipated character whose kit and lore are central to the new region's story.
- Zibai (New 4-Star): Expected to be a versatile support unit, likely complementing the new 5-star’s abilities.
- Neuvillette (5-Star Rerun): A much-requested rerun, providing players another chance to acquire one of the most powerful Hydro DPS units in the game.
Phase 2 Banners (Expected February 4, 2026)
The second half, which will follow the first phase's 21-day duration, will introduce the final new character and another high-value rerun. The expected characters for Phase 2 are:
- Illuga (New 5-Star): The second new 5-star character of the patch, likely a key figure in the post-Nod-Krai world.
- Ineffa (5-Star Rerun): A strategically placed rerun to offer a different elemental or weapon type for players who missed her initial release.
The banners will also feature a new set of 4-star characters, new weapons, and the highly anticipated "Chronicled Wish" banner, which is a new type of banner introduced to help players acquire older, less-frequently rerun characters and weapons.
What New Content is Coming in Version 6.3 "Luna IV"?
Beyond the new characters, the "Luna IV" update is packed with fresh content that will delight both casual explorers and dedicated end-game players. The focus is heavily on map expansion and the continuation of the main storyline.
The Nod-Krai Storyline Conclusion and New Maps
The most significant addition is the expected completion of the Nod-Krai storyline. This narrative arc has been building for several patches, and its conclusion in 6.3 is expected to be monumental. Accompanying this story conclusion are two new map expansions, which will further open up the world of Teyvat:
- The Whispering Steppes: A vast, open area with unique environmental puzzles and new enemy types, likely connected to the Dendro and Geo elements.
- The Azure Depths: A new underground or underwater area, reminiscent of the Enkanomiya or The Chasm, promising challenging exploration and hidden lore.
Key Events and Quality of Life Updates
The Version 6.3 update will also feature a series of limited-time events, which are the main source of Primogems between story quests. While the full list will be revealed during the Special Program, players can expect:
- The Grand Gala Festival: The main flagship event, likely offering a free 4-star weapon or a new gadget.
- Combat Challenges: New domains and boss challenges with unique mechanics, designed to test the limits of new and existing team compositions.
- Rerun Events: Smaller, fan-favorite mini-games will return, offering quick and easy rewards.
Crucially, HoYoverse is also expected to roll out several Quality of Life (QoL) improvements. These often include inventory management enhancements, new Paimon's Bargains items, and adjustments to the Spiral Abyss to accommodate the new characters and meta shifts.
Topical Authority: The Standard Genshin Update Cycle
To fully understand "when is the Genshin update," it’s essential to grasp HoYoverse’s predictable release pattern. The entire content release structure is built around a single, non-negotiable timeframe:
- Patch Duration: Every major version update (e.g., 6.2, 6.3, 6.4) lasts for exactly 42 days (six weeks).
- Banner Phases: Each patch is split into two phases of 21 days (three weeks) each. Phase 1 features a set of character banners, and Phase 2 features a different set.
- Livestream Timing: The Special Program (livestream) for the *next* patch always airs approximately 10-12 days before the current patch is scheduled to end. For 6.3, the current patch (6.2) ends around January 14, 2026, and the livestream is on January 2, 2026—a perfect fit.
- Maintenance Window: Updates always occur on a Wednesday or Thursday (depending on your time zone), with a maintenance window starting at 6:00 AM (UTC+8).
This consistent cycle means that even if a date is not officially announced, fans can calculate the next update's arrival with near-perfect accuracy. The Version 6.4 update, for instance, can already be predicted to arrive 42 days after the 6.3 launch on January 14, 2026, placing it around late February 2026.
Key Entities and Topical Keywords: Genshin Impact, Version 6.3, Luna IV, HoYoverse, Special Program, January 14, 2026, Nod-Krai, Columbina, Zibai, Illuga, Neuvillette, Ineffa, Luna III, December 3, 2025, 42-day cycle, Primogems, Spiral Abyss, The Whispering Steppes, The Azure Depths, Quality of Life, Lantern Rite, Teyvat.
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