Nina Forneloza 
Genshin Impact update 5.8 is rapidly approaching, and players will want to know which characters are making it to the game’s new banners.
The first glimpse of Schneznaya is coming as the Natlan arc ends. Version 6.0 will bring Nod-Krai to Genshin Impact with a bunch of new characters teased in the game’s latest trailer. But before players can officially make their way into the new region, Genshin Impact version 5.8 will take place first with a new summer event, an elemental reaction, and of course a new five-star character accompanied by several prominent reruns.
Here’s everything to know about the upcoming Genshin Impact 5.8 banners.
Genshin Impact 5.8 first and second phase banners
Genshin Impact version 5.8 brings a well-rounded banner with Ineffa, Citlali, Mualani and Chasca.
First phase:
- Five-star characters: Ineffa (5-star) and Citlali (5-star)
- Five-star weapons: Starcaller’s Watch (5-star) and Fractured Halo (5-star)
Ineffa steps in as the first playable character from the region of Nod-Krai. She’s a five-star Electro sub-DPS who brings shields and steady off-field damage. Her main gameplay loop is expected to revolve around Lunarcharged, so players anticipate that she will best click with hydro and electro characters such as Neuvillette and Clorinde.
Joining her in the first phase is Citlali with her signature weapon, Starcaller’s Watch. She’s a cryo support that fits right into Melt teams, especially Mavuika teams.
Second phase:
- Five-star characters: Mualani (5-star) and Chasca (5-star)
- Five-star weapons: Astral Vulture (5-star) and Surf’s Up (5-star)
Meanwhile, the latter half of version 5.8 leans heavily on damage dealers. Mualani and Chasca are both DPS units from Natlan and have been tearing through the Spiral Abyss since their initial release. Mualani is a Hydro DPS with a strong focus on single-target damage, while Chasca is an on-field Swirl damage dealer.
The banners are pretty stacked with three meta favorites and a new character who could shake things up. Citlali, Mualani and Chasca have already made names for themselves in the game’s current meta, and Ineffa, who happens to be the first from Nod-Krai, brings a new elemental reaction called “Lunar-charged” that could see more play down the line.
No matter who ends up on the team, there’s a good chance they’ll bring something useful to the table.
When is the Genshin Impact 5.8 release date?
Genshin Impact 5.8 is expected to hit the live servers on either July 29 or 30, depending on the player’s region.
This patch is expected to be the last before the big 6.0 update drops, and that update will kick off the Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya chapters. Along with new characters and reruns, players can look forward to the debut of the Lunar-charged reaction, brand new areas to explore, an Archon Quest update, and an exciting new summer event.
