Want to know when the Genshin Impact 2.8 release date is? Despite the 2.7 update delay that disrupted Hoyoverse’s usual six week development cycle for the anime game, the studio has already announced the release date for the next major update.
The Genshin Impact 2.8 release date has been set and we’re also getting a new Genshin Impact character and new Genshin Impact events, and other new content to work through as well. From events, to banners, and whatever else we’ve managed to discover, here’s everything we know about Genshin Impact 2.8, including the release date.
Genshin Impact 2.8 release date
The Genshin Impact 2.8 release date is July 13, 2022. This was confirmed during the version 2.8 special program preview on July 2. While there’s a chance that this could change (should another delay occur, for example), we can expect this to be the date that version 2.8 releases.
Genshin Impact 2.8 Trailer
The Genshin Impact 2.8 ‘Summer Fantasia’ trailer shows off a look at the new update and several of the planned events – you can check it out below:
Genshin Impact 2.8 livestream
The Genshin Impact 2.8 livestream aired on July 2, 2022 at 8am (UTC -4), and you can watch it on the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel.
Genshin Impact 2.8 banners
Heizou is an upcoming character who has been referenced in game files, but was finally – officially – announced by Hoyoverse on May 16. Leaked information from a 2.8 beta has also led to Heizou’s ability data leaking online. This mirrors the pattern of Yelan and Kuki Shinobu – two new characters who were first announced and featured in the 2.7 beta, who debut on the current Genshin Impact banners for patch 2.7.
Heizou’s banner release date has now been confirmed, and we know that he will be featured in the first phase of 2.8 in returning banners ‘Leaves in the Wind’ (featuring five-star Anemo character Kazuha) and ‘Sparkling Steps’ (which includes five-star Pyro character Klee).
We also know that Genshin Impact 2.8 phase 2 will feature the returning Tapestry of Golden Flames banner, which will provide a large boost to the drop rate of five-star pyro character Yoimiya.
While we wait for Heizou’s arrival, the leaked ability data combined with knowledge that Heizou is the game’s first melee catalyst user means we can take some early stabs at putting together a good Heizou build, as well as what a good Heizou team composition might look like.
Genshin Impact 2.8 events
Hoyoverse has announced several events for Genshin Impact 2.8, including a Summertime Odyssey event revolving around Fischl. This ties in with a rumour from Genshin leaker Genshin Intel, which suggested that we could be getting a new event to obtain Fischl for free:
The main event of 2.8, "A Summer Sea Sojourn" (summer islands v2), rewards an event currency (something similar to the Shiny Flotsam in 1.6).
A free Fischl can be redeemed using 2000 event currency. https://t.co/vQgGvSf7Yw
— Genshin Intel (@Genshin_Intel) May 17, 2022
In addition to this, the Summer Fantasia trailer also shows off a new outfit for Fischl, along with a stylish new red-jacketed look for Diluc. Hoyoverse says that Diluc’s outfit, which is available in the store, features “new idle animation, effects, and backstory.”
Furthermore, the Resonating Visions and Reminiscent Regimen events will see the Golden Apple Archipelago open up to players with a massive makeover. The Hidden Strife event takes players to the Dawn Windery, where “the Traveler and Paimon notice something from the past that might pose a threat.”
A story quest for Kazuha, whose banner is featured in the first phase of Genshin Impact 2.8, will also be part of the event schedule, as will a hangout event for new character Heizou.
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That’s everything we know about Genshin Impact 2.8. For more Genshin tips, check out our Genshin Impact tier list to find out who the best characters currently are, and we also have plenty of Genshin Impact codes for free primogems.
Additional contributions by Ken Allsop