Genshin Impact 5.8 release date, new characters, banners, story, and more!

Genshin Impact 5.8 is almost here, and it’s loaded with fresh content just before we step into Version 6.0 and Nod-Krai. Expect a powerful new Electro character, rerun banners, an exciting summer event, two new skins, and an Archon Quest that bridges us to the next major chapter. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Genshin Impact 5.8 releasing?Genshin Impact 5.8 drops on July 30, 2025. Preceded by the usual server maintenance on July 29, this update is the final stop before the Nod-Krai expansion in 6.0. No delays are expected, so finish up your 5.7 activities soon. Thanks to time zones, some players may even get access late on July 29.
New Character in Genshin 5.8: Meet IneffaOnly one new character joins the roster this time, but she’s far from ordinary.
Ineffa (5 star Electro Polearm)

• A humanoid automaton from Natlan
• Introduces Lunar-Charged, a new Electro-Hydro reaction
• Off-field Electro support with CRIT-scaling potential
• Summons Birgitta, her robot sidekick, for added burst impact

Ineffa doesn’t need to apply Electro herself, you can team her with Fischl or Raiden and still trigger Lunar-Charged effects. Think of her as an evolution of Electro team comps.


Character Banners: Who’s Getting Reruns?5.8 features two phases of banners:

• Phase 1:
  
  • Ineffa (New)
  • Citlali (Rerun)
    
• Phase 2:
  
  • Mualani (Rerun)
  • Chasca (Rerun)
    

Mualani and Ineffa could’ve made an interesting duo for testing Lunar-Charged builds, but the banner split gives players more time to farm Primogems.
Archon Quest & Story ProgressionThis patch includes a new Archon Quest starring Ineffa in Natlan, delving into her origins and tying into the upcoming Nod-Krai storyline. It’s not just filler; it sets the stage for everything that’s about to unfold in 6.0.


Summer Event: Sunspray Summer ResortHoYoverse brings in the sunshine with Sunspray Summer Resort, a summer-themed event centered around Bennett. His quest becomes a permanent part of the game, but limited-time rewards include:

• New Bennett skin (free)
• Event-exclusive 4-star claymore
• Crafting materials

The event is set in Mare Jivari, and includes exploration of two distinct versions of the region. Expect to encounter a new boss, Bakunawa, tied to Rhinedottir’s experiments.
Extra Content: Skins, Side Stories & Farming Boosts

• Yelan gets a paid skin, while helping in a Fontaine side mission.
• Photography event: Mementos of Teyvat returns.
• Ley Line Overflow: Double up on farming materials.
• New updates to Genius Invokation TCG and music event challenges.
  

With Ineffa’s debut, banner reruns, a summer splash event, and a bridge story into Nod-Krai, this patch packs plenty for veterans and new players alike. Stock your Primogems, and prepare to dive in before the next big chapter arrives.