Genshin Impact 3.4 debuts new characters Alhaitham and Yaoyao

Genshin Impact is now about halfway through its Sumeru era, the latest region of the game that introduced a new element: Dendro. In Genshin Impact version 3.4, HoYoverse is bringing back the annual Lantern Rite event, filled with giveaways and minigames to earn Primogems and other rewards. On top of that, you’ll get the chance to use these rewards in earning two new Dendro characters that are set to release in Genshin Impact version 3.4, Alhaitham and Yaoyao.

Yaoyao is a 4-star Dendro character teased much earlier in the game’s lifecycle in previous Lantern Rite events. Yaoyao will also be the Dendro element’s first healer, giving the element a sorely needed niche that it was missing before. As a character who hails from Liyue, Yaoyao will also be included as a character you can pick for free, as the Lantern Rite allows players to pick one 4-star Liyue character at no cost whatsoever.

New Dendro characters are coming to Genshin Impact 3.4

However, most fans will covet the devilishly handsome Alhaitham in Genshin Impact, the next 5-star Dendro DPS character of your dreams. Both wise and powerful, this character was an integral part of Sumeru’s Archon Quest. And he’ll be the next limited 5-star character you can pull for in the Character Event Wish. Alhaitham’s kit is best comparable to Keqing’s, as an on-field Dendro DPS character with a very similar playstyle and kit to the game’s first hypercarry character.

Other things to expect in Genshin Impact version 3.4 is the Lantern Rite event, which features a whole lot of celebrations for the people of Liyue, including a music festival. There’ll also be an expansion to Sumeru’s desert area, giving players even more areas to explore in the game’s largest region to date. You can check out what to expect in the upcoming update in the official gameplay trailer below. Genshin Impact version 3.4 launches on January 18.