Genshin Impact Version 3.1 Special Program Offers A Look At Creating Sumeru And Teases An Anime

This morning, HoYoVerse hosted a Special Program for the upcoming Genshin Impact 3.1 update. The stream began with a look at Sumeru’s desert region and what the process was behind designing it. That includes everything from looking at real-world sources to taking the time to give the true feeling of the Traveler walking through the desert and sinking into the sand. It also looks at the culture of the desert people of Sumeru and the area’s history.

Before delving into all that, however, the stream started off with a bit of drama, teasing what players will encounter in the next part of the game’s story. It looks like something disastrous may happen to a friend of ours. I won’t go into details on that one, as some of you may consider it spoiler-y, but you can see for yourself by watching the trailer.

The stream also offers a look at a few new playable characters that will be available in the next update: Candace – the guardian of Aaru Village, General Mahamatra Cyno, and the dancer Nilou. The abilities and some related story elements for all three characters are detailed in the stream. Cyno and Candace will be part of the same event wish, with Candace being the four-star and Cyno being the five-star in Phase 1. Venti will be there as well, for those who still haven’t picked him up. Nilou will be part of Phase 2 as a five-star along with Albedo.

Of course, a new update means new monsters. Version 3.1 will add a new ruin monster known as the Aeonblight Drake. This is a dragon-shaped combat machine and it looks daunting.

Speaking of new update traditions. There are new events. It’s probably not surprising that Mondstadt has found another reason to have another festival – this one celebrating wines and other brews. Venti’s going to be so excited. Particularly since “Weinlesefest” is a festival dedicated to having the Anemo Archon try out new wines. But, the event isn’t just about getting Venti drunk. He can do that on his own if he really wants to. This event will also reveal more about everyone’s favorite raised-by-wolves boy, Razor.

In addition to the above event, some older ones will be making a return. There will also be general login-in events and rewards distributed via in-game mail. The top-up bonuses will be reset again as well.

For the TCG fans among us, the in-game card game, Genius Invokation, will be coming to the game as a permanent feature. This isn’t a 3.1 offering, however. Instead, it will be added in Version 3.3. Players will be able to challenge different playable characters and NPCs to matches or play against friends. It is primarily intended to be a casual PvE mode, so don’t expect any kind of reward for playing against friends. It’s also worth noting the cards will be made available through general gameplay.

As a final note, Genshin Impact is getting an anime. HoYoVerse has teamed up with anime studio ufotable to create a long-running project. We don’t have a specific date for the show’s release. All they said in the Special Program was “soon”, but you can watch the trailer below, and it is beautiful.

Oh yes, and we didn’t forget the codes. Remember that these are only good on the day this was written, so be sure to plug them in before you go to bed tonight if you want free stuff.

• Code 1: 3B6RYY7AHX9D
• Code 2: JT78YH7SGWRZ
• Code 3: 2BP9HY6BYFR5