The latest Genshin Impact Special Program has just wrapped up, and we’ve got a full breakdown of everything coming in Version 5.6! From brand-new characters and exciting events to generous rewards and quality-of-life improvements, this update is packed with new content, new storylines, and surprises you don’t want to miss.
First, the stream kicked off with a brand-new trailer that you can watch here:
New Characters for Version 5.6
Listed below are all the new characters releasing in Version 5.6 as showcased on the livestream:
Meet Escoffier – The Demon Chef of Fontaine
Escoffier was once the esteemed Head Chef at Hotel Debord and a renowned expert in Precision Gastronomy. Driven by her passion to make fine cuisine accessible to everyone, she’s earned quite the reputation across Fontaine. What looks like a tail at first glance is actually a high-tech culinary device that assists her both in the kitchen and on the battlefield—earning her the nickname “Demon Chef.”
Escoffier also has a mysterious past, having spent time in the Fortress of Meropide. More about her story will be unveiled in her Character Quest, arriving with Version 5.6. The quest will even feature a high-stakes cooking showdown that you can take part in!
Escoffier’s Abilities
Escoffier is a 5-star Cryo Polearm character who excels in supporting Freze teams. When her elemental Skill or Burst hits an enemy, it reduces resistance to Hydro and Cryo DMG. The more Hydro and Cryo characters are in your party, the higher the RES reduction. As long as an Elemental Burst or Skill hits the enemy, the resistance debuff applies—no need to freeze them for it to work.
She can also summon a special cooking device that follows the active character, dealing continuous Cryo damage to nearby enemies. In addition, her Burst also provides healing, making her a versatile pick for many team comps.
Outside of combat, Escoffier’s cooking tool can even be used to convert elemental energy into special dishes, adding extra utility.
Meet Ifa – Natlan’s Favorite Vet
The 4-star Anemo catalyst user from Natlan, Ifa, will be featured on Escoffier’s banner during Phase One of Version 5.6.
Known as the finest veterinarian in Natlan, Ifa has a heart for healing saurians, and sometimes humans. He even once treated Ajaw, hinting at his extraordinary ability to care for powerful dragons. He may even be able to fix even stronger Dragons! Ifa is always accompanied by his loyal saurian companion, Cacucu, who offers a unique aerial experience during and outside combat. While in the air, Ifa has the ability to sprint, and also attack, giving him a serious advantage.
Ifa’s Abilities
His Elemental Burst creates a wind current that pulls in enemies and deals damage. While Cacucu lifts him into the air during his elemental Skill, it allows him to deal AoE Anemo damage and restore health to the entire party. It’s a fluid mix of mobility, crowd control, and healing.
Additionally, when Ifa is in his Nightsoul Blessing state, he can increase swirl and electro-charged DMG based on the total of Nightsoul points across the entire party.
Ifa pairs especially well with characters who rely on Electro-Charged reactions or can generate Nightsoul Points, making him a flexible support option in a wide variety of team comps. During exploration, he can also consume his own Phlogiston to heal Saurians.
5.6 Wish banners
New Boss
Two new bosses are coming with version 5.6:
- Secret Source Automaton: Overseer Device – This boss will drop the materials required for leveling Escoffier!
- The Game Before the Gate – Alice’s trial! Defeat the King and Queen on the Chess board!
Special Program Redemption Codes
- GI56Paralogism
- ChefEscoffier0507
- IfaCacucu0507
All three codes are valid until April 28, 2025 12:00AM UTC-4.
New Event – Whirlwind Waltz
Characters from Natlan are making their grand entrance in Fontaine as part of a fun new event! Navia has organized a full-fledged amusement park, and both Ororon and Ifa are helping out by delivering supplies for the festivities. But amidst the fun, a smuggling incident unfolds in the shadows, leading Kinich and Wriothesley to join forces in an unexpected investigation.
Meanwhile, Ajaw and Cacucu have also made the journey to Fontaine. While Ajaw is laying low, Cacucu seems to be causing quite a bit of chaos! You’ll need to participate in the event to uncover all the details, and maybe even find out whether Neuvillette can actually interpret dragon-to-dragon speech with Cacucu. That alone is worth checking out!
This is a management-style event, where you’ll help organize and oversee the amusement park. Expect a variety of mini-games, fun activities, and valuable rewards, including a brand-new 4-star Bow: Sequence of Solitude.
Version 5.6 Archon Quest – Albedo on Trial
Version 5.6 brings us back to Mondstadt, but the City of Freedom is anything but peaceful. Albedo finds himself at the center of a shocking scandal: accused of murder and the unlawful disposal of human remains. Even more troubling, the trial is being conducted in secret, and the Knights of Favonius’ logistics captain claims to have undeniable proof.
The Traveler must take matters into their own hands, tracking down clues and uncovering the truth behind the accusations. But this case goes deeper than expected, drawing in several key and mysterious characters:
- Dahlia, Deacon of the Church of Favonius, who acts as a herald for Barbatos. His close friendship with Venti raises many questions…
- The Dodocommunication Device, which Venti uses to contact none other than Alice, elder of the Hexenzirkel.
- Grand Master Varka, still away on his long expedition. Could we finally hear from him?
- Alice: why does Venti need to reach out to her now?
- And of course, more members of the Hexenzirkel!
At the same time, monster activity across Mondstadt is surging, and many familiar faces are returning to defend the city.
Mondstadt is where our journey through Teyvat began, where we met our first companions and forged lifelong bonds. Now, the original home of the Traveler’s adventure is in crisis, and it’s up to us to protect it once more.
Additional Content & Features
On top of all the previously mentioned content, here is what else you can expect during version 5.6:
- More events:
- Operation Downpour Simulation: In a corner of the Court of Fontaine you will be able to participate in a new tabletop wargame!
- Legends Ablaze Cross-Border Brawl: Take part of a crossover challenge with a new innovative interactive woven scroll technology! Indwell Saurians and fight other players!
- Chronicle of Shifting Stratagems: Usual combat event.
- Ley Line Overflow Event.
- TCG updates: New cards, updated gameplay and mechanisms.
- System Optimizations:
- Imaginarium Theater Optimizations: Better blessing overview, restart button added to the final stage, and more!
- Character Talent and Constellation tab: Shorter skill descriptions to make core information more visible.
- Treasure Compass: Can now track the Natlan Warrior challenges and Tribal secret spaces.
- Map Pins: You can now delete custom pins in batches.
