Genshin Impact 2.5: Release date, Yae Miko, Kagura's Verity catalyst, character banners, and more

Genshin Impact is finally wrapping up its version 2.4 update, setting the stage for the impending arrival of the next gameplay patch in February. This comes after several leaks from multiple sources in weeks prior, which has painted a clear image of what Travelers can expect in the world of Teyvat.

So, as we look towards the upcoming 2.5 Special Program live stream on 4th February 2022, we already know plenty of details that emerged ahead of the 2.5 update's release. This includes the highly-anticipated arrival of a 5-star character, a new 5-star weapon and a stacked Character Event Wish banner worth brewing with excitement.

When will the 2.5 update be released?

miHoYo will be releasing the 2.5 update for Genshin Impact on 16th February 2022,  following the conclusion of the 2.4 update. Servers will be down for a few hours before Travelers can enjoy the new content available.

The long-awaited debut of Yae Miko

The Grand Narukami Shrine Maiden, Yae Miko, is set to join the roster of playable characters in the Genshin Impact 2.5. Indeed, the character was first rumoured to join in 2.2 after appearing in the 2.0 trailer; however, miHoYo had other plans in mind.

The 2.2 trailer confirmed Yae Miko wielding the Electro element, with a catalyst as her preferred weapon type. Since Yae Miko heads the Yae Publishing House as its editor-in-chief, the priestess has been featured or referenced in a few Archon Quests in the Inazuma region.

Yae Miko ‧ Astute Amusement
Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine

The Grand Narukami Shrine's head shrine maiden and a descendant of Kitsune lineage, Eternity's servant and friend... and the intimidating editor-in-chief of Yae Publishing House, a publisher of light novels. pic.twitter.com/xgMxeQrTnp

— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) December 31, 2021

We previously covered the required ascension and talent level-up materials needed to ascend Yae Miko and where they can be located. We also know that Yae Miko will be featured in Phase 1 of the Character Event Wish banner for the 2.5 update.

All featured Genshin Impact 2.5 character banners

miHoYo revealed three characters that will receive Character even Wish banners in the 2.5 update. Phase 1 of Genshin Impact's Character Event Wish banner will be featuring the 5-star Electro catalyst-wielding character, Yae Miko.

The second phase of the 2.5 update will feature two banner reruns for the Raiden Shogun and Sangonomiya Kokomi. However, the developer has yet to announce the 4-star characters that will feature for both phases of the Character Event Wish banners.

Genshin Impact 2.5: New 5-star Kagura's Verity weapon

The Kagura's Verity is the featured new weapon arriving in Genshin Impact with the 2.5 update. The weapon is a 5-star catalyst which could likely be made available through the Epitome Invocation Wish banner is also noted for being the signature weapon for Yae Miko.

With a Base ATK of 46, reaching 608 as the max level and a bonus CRIT DMG% of 14.4% and up to 66.2% at max level, the catalyst comes with a special passive that will increase Elemental DMG by 12/15/18/21/24%.

This occurs when the character activates the Elemental Skill and can stack the effect three times. To ascend this weapon to the max, you will need the following weapon materials:

• Mask of the Wicked Lieutenant
• Concealed Claw
• Spectral Husk
• Mask of the Tiger's Bite
• Concealed Unguis
• Spectral Heart
• Mask of the One-Horned
• Concealed Talon
• Spectral Nucleus
• Mask of the Kijin
• Mora

For alternative weapons to Kagura's Verity, the Widsith and Lost Prayer of the Sacred Winds make suitable replacements if Travelers cannot acquire the weapon through the Weapon banner.

Genshin Impact 2.5: All new quests and events

In terms of what to expect from the Story Quests, Yae Miko and Raiden Shogun will receive a new Story Quest in the 2.5 update. Travelers will need to first complete Shogun's Story Quest to unlock Yae Miko's Story Quest.

The Story Quests for Yae Miko and Raiden Shogun are the following:

• Yae Miko: "Divina Vulpes Chapter: Act I"
• Raiden Shogun: "Imperatrix Umbrosa Chapter: Act II - Transient Dreams"

The Enknaomiya area will be gaining an exploration event arriving in the 2.5 update. The "Three Realms Gateway Offering" will be centred on the Bokuso Box gadget that uses energy to expel light, dealing DMG to enemies.

According to the developer, Travelers will need to collect specific items called Sigils for the Bokuso Box. They will also need to survive the harsh environmental effects of darkness covering Enkanomiya using the Bokuso Box.

Collect enough Sigils to level up the box which can be offered at various statues on the map. This will unlock more abilities to Travelers every time they level up the item.

Another exciting event arriving in the 2.5 update has a more casual setting called "Of Drink A-Dreaming". This bartending event will task Travelers to mix unique concoctions to obtain new dialogue choices for selected characters, including Shenhe, Eula and Jean, to name.

There are other events that Travelers can look forward to participating in and collecting the rewards including:

• Divine Ingenuity
• Hyakunin Ikki
• Overflowing Mastery

The Genshin Impact 2.5 Special Program live stream will be broadcasting on their official channels on 4th February 2022. The details for the update's release will be announced during the broadcast.

• Read more: How to watch Genshin Impact 2.5 livestream: Date, time, leaks, and more

Featured image courtesy of miHoYo.