We may earn a commission when you buy through links in our articles. Learn more.

Genshin Impact 3.5 release date, banners, new characters, and events

The Genshin Impact 3.5 release date introduced Mika and Dehya to Hoyoverse’s gacha game, and featured banner reruns of several fan favorites.

Genshin Impact 3.5 release date: Mika and Dehya standing next to each other

What was the Genshin Impact 3.5 release date? This update offered players the chance to get their hands on a long-awaited character finally making their return to the banner rotation, as well as the opportunity to return to Mondstadt for a limited-time event.

Genshin Impact fans were also introduced to two brand new characters as part of the main storyline: Dehya and Mika. Dehya had been teased since 3.0 with the introduction of Genshin Impact Sumeru, whereas Mika offered new synergies with the best characters on our Genshin Impact tier list thanks to his Cryo support kit. Here’s everything you need to know about the Genshin Impact 3.5 release date.

Genshin Impact 3.5 release date

The Genshin Impact 3.5 release date was Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Genshin Impact 3.5 livestream

The Genshin Impact 3.5 livestream was broadcast on Friday, February 17, 2023. Genshin Impact livestreams break down the contents of the next big update, and they typically air two weeks before launch. The livestream also included limited-time Genshin Impact codes that could be redeemed for primogems and level-up materials.

Genshin Impact 3.5 introduces its own version of Pac-Man in new event: anime boy looking at a piece of paper next to a woman

Genshin Impact 3.5 banners

The first phase of Genshin Impact banners for the 3.5 update were Auric Blaze and Twilight Arbiter. These two banners ran concurrently following Genshin Impact 3.5’s release date, and featured five-star Pyro user Dehya and five-star Electro user Cyno, respectively. Both banners also came with additional pull rates for four-star characters Barbara, Collei, and Bennett.

The second banner phase began on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 with The Heron’s Court and The Transcendent One Returns. These banner reruns gave players a second chance to pull Kamisato Ayaka and Shenhe, two five-star Cryo characters. Both banners also featured boosted rates for four-star Cryo user Mika.

Genshin Impact 3.5 also introduced Dehya’s signature Genshin Impact weapon, Beacon of the Reed Sea, which was available to pull from the Epitome Invocation banner during phase one of the update.

Genshin Impact Dehya - a lady in red and black wraps with gold-tipped hair and wolf ears

Genshin Impact 3.5 characters

While the Genshin Impact 3.5 release date brought with it plenty of old faces, it’s most notable for the debut of Genshin Impact characters Mika and Dehya.

Mika hails from Mondstadt, and has a vital role under the Knights of Favonius as the Front-Line Land Surveyor. His job is to explore unidentified lands to create accurate maps. Take a look at the Genshin Impact Mika banner and abilities to find out if the pint-sized cartographer could improve your team comp, as well as the Genshin Impact Mika ascension materials to get him up to speed once you pull him.

Meanwhile, Dehya is part of the Eremites, a group of mercenaries based in Sumeru. Her deadly claymore and fiery fists serve her well as a warrior-for-hire, along with her incredible combat and survival instincts. If her suite of abilities appeals, be sure to collect the Genshin Impact Dehya ascension materials before her banner rolls around.

A side shot of Shenhe with her polearm at her side after attacking an enemy in Genshin Impact 2.4

Genshin Impact 3.5 events

Windblume’s Breath was by far the most anticipated Genshin Impact event following the 3.5 release date. This festival of romance is a reoccurring event that tasks players with completing a variety of challenges within Mondstadt to earn primogems, and Genshin Impact leveling materials.

The Windblume’s Breath event was swiftly followed by Fungus Mechanicus and Spices From The West: Northerly Search, which both featured limited-time challenges for yet more rewards.

That’s everything you need to know about the Genshin Impact 3.5 release date. Check out all the best Genshin Impact artifacts and Genshin Impact builds to invest in while completing quests and wishing on banners. Alternatively, take Genshin Impact Genius Invokation TCG for a spin if you need a break from exploring the ever-expanding world of Teyvat.