Genshin Impact Showcases Natlan and Anniversary Rewards in 5.0 Special Program

Genshin Impact’s fifth major region, Natlan the Nation of War, has finally been fully unveiled in a new Special Program for the game’s Version 5.0 update. Not only did this livestream give us an in-depth look at what Natlan’s world, story and characters will be like, but it also gave us a glimpse at several important optimisations coming to the game and what the slate of 4th Anniversary reward for Genshin Impact will be. 

Before we go any further, though, here are the three special redemption codes which were given out during the 5.0 Special Program. Redeeming all three codes will net you 300 Primogems as well as a number of character and weapon upgrade materials. These  codes are only valid for 24 hours so redeem them fast:

• 2SMTYV59TLFD
• 7SMTGV59BLXH
• 8T4TGDLRA5E5

Natlan is the Nation of both Pyro and War in Genshin Impact. Overseen by the Pyro Archon Mauvika, Natlan has a tepid and storied history, especially when it comes to battle with the people of Natlan having won many wars and conflicts, with specific mention of a war with the Abyss. Unlike other major nations in Teyvat, Natlan doesn’t have a central city as the people of Natlan are broken up into six distinct Tribes, all of whom have their own areas of Natlan which they call home. 

The tribes of Natlan each have a special connection with a group of creatures known as the Saurians. There are a wide number of Saurians in Natlan and each possesses a different ability, from the Tepetlisaurus’ penchant for burrowing into the earth to the Koholasaurus’ ability to swim through water and lava. During our time in Natlan, we’ll discover how to commune with the Saurians, allowing us to turn into them for exploration or challenge purposes. 

When the Traveller arrives in Natlan, a great event known as the Pilgrimage is about to begin where each of the nation’s tribes send forth their best candidate to compete against one another. However, something dark is brewing in the depths of Natlan. Between talks of reviving the dead and the arrival of El Capitano, the strongest member of the Fatui who seeks out the Pyro Archon for a duel, Natlan’s peace may soon be shattered.  

Version 5.0 will introduce Acts 1 and 2 of the Natlan Archon Quest, with further Acts set to arrive in Versions 5.1 and 5.3. Additionally, as an incentive for completing the Archon Quest in the version they are released in, players can claim 500 additional Primogems from the events screen after beating Act 2 of Natlan’s Archon Quest during 5.0. This will hold true in Version 5.1 and 5.3, where completing that version’s AQ will also net 500 extra Primogems. 

Mualani of the People of the Spring

Of course, no new region is complete without a set of new characters to pull for and play as. Version 5.0 of Genshin Impact sees the addition of two new limited 5-stars as well as a new 4-star which all have unique traversal elements. Mualani is a new 5-star Hydro Catalyst with a fun and bubbly personality from the People of Springs. Mualani’s Skill summons her Sharky Surfboard which she can use to either traverse the world at high speeds or attack enemies with a series of deadly bites which empower her following attacks, such as her Burst which fires out a massive shark missile. 

Alongside Mualani, 5.0 will also add Kinich as a new 5-star Dendro Claymore character. Kinich is a stoic courier from the Scions of the Canopy. Accompanied by his strange pixilated companion Ajaw the Dragon, Kinich excels in high-speed movement, with his Elemental Skill allowing him to grapple around the environment at his leisure, similar to the Four-Leaf Sigil mechanic from Sumeru. In combat, Kinich can tether himself to an enemy using his Skill while his Elemental Burst summons forth the true strength of Ajaw to rain down terror onto your foes.

The final new character of Genshin Impact Version 5.0 is Kachina, a new 4-star Geo Polearm. Kachina’s kit revolves around her Turbo Twirly drill which she can summon using her Elemental Skill. Kachina can either ride her drill – allowing her to climb up walls and move across the world faster – or summon it to attack enemies in battle as a separate combat unit. Additionally, similar to Collei in Version 3.0, all players will be able to get one free copy of Kachina by partaking in the Natlan Archon Quest. 

In phase one of Version 5.0, Mualani will star as a featured limited 5-star alongside Kaedhara Kazuha. On both of these banners, Kachina will be one of the three rate-up 4-stars, giving you a higher chance of pulling her. Meanwhile, in 5.0’s second phase, Kinich will take over as the new limited character and he will be accompanied by the Electro Archon, the Raiden Shogun. 

The arrival of Knich and Mualani also brings two new 5-star weapons, which you can obtain by pulling on the Weapon Wish while their associated character is running on the Character Wish. Mualani’s new 5-star Catalyst is the Surf’s Up whereas Kinich’s new Claymore is the Fang of the Mountain King. 

In addition to all the Natlan-centric updates, Hoyoverse also announced a suite of optimisations and updates to pre-existing Genshin Impact features. Firstly, World Level 9 is being added. This will increase the level and difficulty of all enemies of the world while also increasing the rewards they drop; World Bosses, in particular, are guaranteed to drop 3 Materials at WL9. Additionally, 10 Intertwined Fates are being added to the Stellar Reunion rewards for returning Travelers who haven’t logged on for 45 days or more.

One of the most important new announcements was Sanctifying Elixir, a new consumable being added in 5.0 which will give Travelers the ability to create their own artifacts. Once an Elixir has been used, players can create an artifact of their choice while also selecting the main affix and two sub-affixes of said artifact. Elixirs will be available from the Battle Pass, open-world exploration, and from salvaging large amounts of artifacts.

Wishes are also being updated. First of all, the maximum Fate Points required to guarantee a 5-star weapon on the Epitomized Path will be reduced from 1 to 2. Meanwhile, a new feature for 5-star limited characters is being introduced called Capturing Radiance. Radiance has a chance to trigger if you are not guaranteed to win the 50/50; if Radiance does trigger during your Wish, you are guaranteed to get the limited 5-star and win the 50/50. 

Version 5.0 Events

Lastly, the release of Natlan and Version 5.0 coincides with Genshin Impact’s 4th Anniversary, meaning that all Travelers will have additional rewards and bonuses to collect. Firstly, as always, 10 Intertwined Fates can be obtained during the Brilliant Dawn log-in campaign, with other rewards – including 1,600 Primogems, a free Sanctifying Elixir, the Firstborn Firesprite minion, and more – being sent by mail.

Additionally, once the Version 5.0 update launches, all players can claim one free Standard Banner 5-star of their choice. The list includes Jean, Qiqi, Mona, Diluc, Keqing, Tighnari, and Dehya. Hoyoverse also confirmed that this will be a recurring anniversary reward going forward, with additional confirmation that they will continue adding new characters to the Standard Banner. 

So, when will all of this become available? Genshin Impact Version 5.0, which includes the new Natlan region, Natlan Archon Quest, and the 4th year Anniversary rewards, launches on August 28th.

SOURCE: Genshin Impact 5.0 Special Program