Genshin Impact 2.8 Leaks: Character Banners, Weapons & Latest News

Genshin Impact 2.8 is a couple of weeks away, and the next update in line will be the prelude for the arrival of Sumeru and the Dendro Nation.

While there are no new 5-star characters or weapons in version 2.8, the update promises to be a crowd-pleaser all the same.

With some exciting long-waited returns, including reruns for Kazuha and Klee, Yoimiya, and a new Golden Apple Archipelago event.

Here’s everything we know so far about Genshin Impact 2.8 including its release date, banners, events, and all the latest news.

Genshin Impact 2.8 Release Date

Genshin Impact 2.8 is expected to go live on July 13, 2022 based on the schedule so far, and should last until August 24, 2022.

It seems this is the final date, as Hoyoverse announced that Genshin Impact 2.7 will be 6 weeks long, though this remains to be confirmed.

Diluc & Fischl Skins Revealed

The last time players visited the Golden Apple Archipelago, we got the first alternative outfits, or skins, in the game – the Summer attires for Jean and Barbara.

It seems Hoyoverse is repeating the formula, releasing a new set of Summer skins for Diluc and Fischl in Genshin Impact 2.8.

• Fischl Skin – Ein Immernachtstraum
  • Get this skin for free by completing challenges in the main event, Summertime Odyssey.
• Diluc – Red Dead of Night
  • This skin is available in the in-game shop at a discount for as long as the event remains active, then will remain in the store (only more expensive) after.

For more details on how to obtain these skins, check them out here.

Genshin Impact 2.8 Livestream

We are a week from the version 2.8 Special Program, the Livestream in which Hoyoverse will reveal the new content coming in the next patch.

The Version 2.8 Special Program is expected on Friday, July 1, 2022, at 8 pm server time (Chinese Standard Time).

In other time zones, this translates to:

• July 1, 2022, 8 am EST
• July 1, 2022, 5 am PT
• July 1, 2022, 1 pm GMT

Where to Watch

The Genshin Impact 2.8 Livestream is broadcasted on the Genshin Impact Twitch Channel.

If players miss the live version, the Special Program will also be available on the Genshin Impact YouTube Channel some hours after.

During the version 2.8 livestream, we will receive Promo Codes good for 300 Primogems, for more details about these freebies and the Special Program check our full coverage here.

Genshin Impact 2.8 Banners

Genshin Impact will not introduce a new 5-star character, instead will feature three reruns and the debut of the last new character before Sumeru, the 4-star Anemo Sword User called Heizou, according to leaks.

First Phase Banners

• Leaves in the Wind will feature Kazuha – a 5-star Anemo Sword Character.
• Sparkling Steps will feature the rerun of Klee – a 5-star Pyro Catalyst Character.

First Weapon Banner

The first weapon banner, which leaks suggest will be called Epitome Invocation, will reportedly feature the 5-star sword, Freedom Sworn, and the 5-star catalyst, Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds.

Second Phase Banners

For the second half of Genshin Impact 2.8, arriving on August 3, 2022, we are reportedly receiving one rerun banner:

• Tapestry of Golden Flames will feature the rerun of Yoimiya – a 5-star Pyro Bow character.

It is most likely the new 4-star character, Shikanoin Heizou, is also part of this banner, but this information is subject to change.

Second Weapon Banner

The second weapon banner will reportedly feature the rerun of the 5-star bow, Thundering Pulse, the signature weapon of Yoimiya.

The second 5-star weapon of this banner is still a mystery.

New Region

For Genshin Impact 2.8, Hoyoverse is reintroducing the Golden Apple Archipelago, a temporary region that players last saw as the transition from Liyue to Inazuma.

Even though the Archipelago will be back, we are receiving new islands and content around it, including an abandoned castle and a brand-new event, A Summer Sea Sojourn.

The return of the GAA will be very crowded. Initial leaks indicate that the following characters will show on the summer island:

• Kazuha, Fischl, Xinyan, Yun Jin, Mona, Venti, Xiangling.

The event may also give players the first glimpse of Nahida who, according to rumors, is the mortal vessel of the Dendro Archon Kusanali.

READ MORE: Genshin Impact 2.8: Heizou Farming Guide, All Ascension & Talent Materials

Genshin Impact 2.8 Events

The events in version 2.8 are bringing back the action to Mondstadt. Most of the stories are located in the Golden Apple Archipelago, but we have news of a combat challenge taking place in the Dawn Winery.

• New Story Quest
  • We will receive a new hangout event and a story quest based on two Anemo characters:
  • Shikanoin Heizou Hang Out event
  • Kazuha Story Quest: Acer Palmatum Chapter: Act I.
• A Summer Sea Sojourn
• The event will be divided into different mini-games:
  • Evermotion Mechanical Painting: In this challenge, players must solve painting puzzles.
  • The Reminiscent Regimen: This challenge has three themes: Convoy, Raid, and Abseil, and players will complete time challenges.
  • Surfpiercer Challenge: This challenge is a Waveriders competition that can be played in Co-Op mode.
• Resonant Visions
  • Players need to collect Phantasmal Conches in exchange for Primogems and Rewards.
  • The event will have the participation of Kazuha, Mona, Fischl, and Xinyan.
  • Players will enter domains designed according to the background story and personality of guests characters.
  • This event is likely to be the one that granted Fischl Skin.
• Hidden Strife
  • Event associated with Diluc and the Dawn Winery.
  • Combat Challenge with seven stages, there are no trial characters this time around.
  • Every stage will grant a buff during battle if players manage to complete challenges.
    • Stage 1: 6 bursts
    • Stage 2: 20 vape/melt reactions / Buff: 70% Electro Shred.
    • Stage 3: 20 Electro reactions / Buff: Electro shred 70% DEF
    • Stage 4: 20 Swirls Reactions / Buff: All DMG increase 75%
    • Stage 5: 20 Claymore hits / +50% DMG from claymore
    • Stage 6: 20 normal attacks / Buff: 40% Normal Attack Speed
    • Stage 7: 20 frozen reactions
  • This event don’t reward Diluc Skin, players need to get it by using Genesis Crystals.

Genshin Impact 2.8 Spiral Abyss

• The Version 2.8 will mark the debut of the Ruin Serpent, the return of the Cryo Hypostasis and the Thunder Manifestation
  • Check the complete list of enemies here
• Blessings of the Moon
  • Phase 1: Characters will get Fortitude Stacks every time they take the field, Max 3 stacks.
    • When characters with 3 Fortitude stacks hit opponents with Charged Attacks, a shockwave dealing True DMG.
  • Phase 2: When a character triggers Swirl on an opponent, that opponent’s DEF is decreased by 12% for 10s.
    • Max 3 stacks. Each stack’s duration is counted independently.
  • Phase 3: Normal, Charged, or Plunging Attacks hit opponents, that character’s Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attack DMG is increased by 12% for 8s.

Looking at the Blessings for the version 2.8 Spiral Abyss, we can feel confident Kazuha, Klee and Yoimiya are the reruns for the next update.

READ MORE: Genshin Impact Dendro Archon: Release Date, Character design, and Latest News