Genshin Impact Sets Sail for Nod-Krai in September’s ‘Luna I’ Patch, Teases Upcoming UGC Editor

Genshin Impact is preparing to launch its seventh explorable region. HoYoverse has announced that Version Luna I, titled “Song of the Welkin Moon: Segue,” will be released on September 10th. This update marks the beginning of a year-long story arc centered on the moon and its impact on Teyvat. The patch introduces Nod-Krai, a frozen archipelago located north of Natlan, along with new quests, three new playable characters, and several quality-of-life improvements.

This release is strategically timed to coincide with the free-to-play open-world RPG’s fifth anniversary this fall. HoYoverse typically accompanies significant anniversary rewards with a major feature. This year, the spotlight is shared between Nod-Krai and the highly anticipated user-generated content (UGC) suite, Miliastra Wonderland, which is slated for the subsequent update.

Key features of Version Luna I:

• Nod-Krai: The next major explorable region, accessible after completing Mondstadt’s story and reaching Adventure Rank 28.
• New Archon Quests: Players will be drawn into a three-way conflict involving the Fatui, the Frostmoon Scions, and the local Lightkeepers.
• New Characters: Lauma (5-star Catalyst, Dendro), Flins (5-star Polearm, Electro), and Aino (4-star Claymore, Hydro) are joining the playable roster. Aino will be obtainable for free through story progression.
• New Elemental Mechanic: Kuuvahki will introduce new exploration abilities like temporary shapeshifting and “Lunar Reactions” in combat.
• Quality-of-life Updates: Includes additional party slots, harvestable materials in the Battle Pass, and a preview of locked Artifact sub-stats.
• Masterless Stella Fortuna: Allows players to convert surplus 5-star constellations to raise characters to Level 100.
• Anniversary Rewards: Features a selectable free 5-star character from the standard banner, 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, and two Nod-Krai-themed gadgets.

The “Luna I” branding suggests that more content of this type is planned. HoYoverse has announced that the next update will include Miliastra Wonderland, a UGC editor with the potential to extend the game’s life span in a similar way to how Super Mario Maker revitalized Nintendo’s platformers. For a game already known for its six-week content cycles, providing players with their own creation tools could represent the most significant shift since its initial launch. HoYoverse appears to be transforming Genshin Impact into a platform that offers both the core game and user-created content.

The upcoming UGC editor, showcased in the trailer above, which offers a glimpse into user-created games within Genshin Impact, is what I’m personally most excited about.