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Genshin Impact's upcoming update will introduce a new character called Xiao alongside the Lantern Rite event

You'll also be able to grab a free 4-Star character

Genshin Impact's upcoming update will introduce a new character called Xiao alongside the Lantern Rite event

One of the most popular games to release in 2020, Genshin Impact, is set to receive an update soon. Version 1.3 is set to arrive on February 3rd and will be the game's first update in 2021. It will see players celebrating the new year with one of Liyue's oldest traditions, the Lantern Rite.

Players will be able to dive head-first into this annual tradition by helping out the locals who live in Liyue with their various preparations. Once all that has been completed, they'll also be able to attend the grand ceremony which takes place on the night of the year's first full moon.

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Once the ceremony is underway, a myriad of lanterns will be released to light up the night sky, each carrying a wish from the various homes in Liyue. Meanwhile, the streets will be littered with food stalls and other festive activities that will be exclusive to the Lantern Rite, one of which will be a tower defence strategy game called Theater Mechanicus.

Alongside this celebratory event, a new character called Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, will be added to the game's roster of characters. He wields a polearm and possesses the power of Anemo. All of this makes Xiao powerful warrior who can unleash elemental bursts that increase his damage output at the cost of draining his health.

There will also be a host of rewards up for grabs when version 1.3 arrives. During the Lantern Rite period, players can claim 10 free Intertwined Fates through a daily login event and net themselves over 1,600 Primogems and plenty of resources, including the Crown of Insight by completing other festive events. They can also snag a 4-Star character from Liyue for free.

Genshin Impact is available now over on the App Store and Google Play. It's a free-to-play game with in-app purchases.

Check out our guide to Genshin Impact where we've provided some basic tips to start your adventure.
Stephen Gregson-Wood
Stephen Gregson-Wood
Stephen brings both a love of games and a very formal-sounding journalism qualification to the Pocket Gamer team.