Genshin Impact version 2.8 will release next week with islands to explore

It’s almost easy to forget that version 2.8 of Genshin Impact will release next week after an endless barrage of leaks — and the fact that version 2.7 is still ongoing. While fans cross their arms waiting for Sumeru, we still have a full update to get through. Fortunately, it looks like version 2.8 is full of fun and exciting adventures for Genshin Impact players, including a new character and a temporary islands for travelers to explore on July 13.

Fans of last year’s summer event will remember the Golden Apple Archipelago, a timed set of islands that was the perfect location to explore. This area was only available during one update, but it will be brought back this year in a reworked state. With completely new zones, puzzles, and stories, it’s basically unrecognizable from last year’s version. Regardless, it seems like HoYoverse is setting up a yearly tradition for a limited-time, summer-themed island.

Kicking it on the beach

The Golden Apple Archipelago will feature four characters who I never thought would be in the same sentence. Kazuha, Xinyan, Fischl, and Mona will join you on your summer adventures. The latter two have been featured in an event before, but pairing them with a character from Inazuma and Liyue is an interesting choice. Fortunately, this also means that Kazuha will receive a rerun next version, alongside the brand new character Shikanoin Heizou.

Shikanoin Heizou is a prodigy detective who plays like a kickboxer, using the Anemo element and a Catalyst to deliver a flurry of devastating kicks and punches. If you aren’t interested in the new temporary area, at least this new character might tide you over.

You can expect all of this new content to drop when Genshin Impact version 2.8 hits its release date of July 13. For a closer look at what to expect, check out the trailer below.