If you’ve been waiting for Shenhe to finally get her rerun in Genshin Impact, I’ve got some bad news. A recent leak is squashing any hopes of seeing her in Version 5.2. Yep, you read that right—Shenhe, the beloved Cryo support, is once again sitting this one out. Fans are understandably frustrated, especially since it’s been over a year since her last appearance. So, what’s the deal with Shenhe’s extended absence, and what does this mean for Cryo teams moving forward? Let’s break it down.
Shenhe’s Mysterious Absence
Remember when Shenhe was first introduced in Version 2.4? She quickly became a must-have for Cryo-based teams, boosting damage and reducing Cryo resistance like a pro. If you’re running characters like Ganyu or Ayaka, having Shenhe on your team makes them absolute powerhouses. But here’s the thing: despite her popularity, she hasn’t been featured in a banner since Version 3.5! That was way back when she appeared alongside Ayaka in a Cryo-dream team.
Now, fans were hoping she’d make her grand return in Version 5.2. I mean, it seemed like the perfect opportunity, right? But according to some well-known leakers (looking at you, hxg_diluc and DK2), it’s not happening. And just like that, we’re back to wondering when—if ever—she’ll return. It’s been over a year, and the longer Shenhe stays out of the banner lineup, the more players are left twiddling their thumbs.
Cryo Drought: It’s Real, and It’s Frustrating
Honestly, Shenhe’s extended absence is just part of a bigger problem. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that we haven’t had any exciting new Cryo characters for a while. Sure, we got Charlotte in Version 4.2, but she’s a four-star. And let’s be real—when it comes to Cryo, we’re all looking for another heavy hitter, something to really shake up the Cryo meta.
Cryo characters are still some of the most popular in the game, especially when it comes to tackling tougher challenges like Spiral Abyss. So yeah, fans of the Cryo element are feeling a bit left out. Social media is flooded with comments from players venting their frustrations, with some fans even making tracking charts to show just how long Shenhe’s been absent. Spoiler alert: she’s now one of the most overdue five-star characters for a rerun.
Hope on the Horizon? Citlali Could Be a Game-Changer
But hey, all hope isn’t lost. Word on the street is that Version 5.3 might finally bring us some Cryo love in the form of a new character—Citlali. According to leaks, Citlali is from the Natlan region (which means she’s probably going to have a fiery backstory). She’s expected to join the game alongside Mavuika, the Pyro Archon everyone’s been waiting for.
So, what’s the big deal with Citlali? Well, if the leaks are anything to go by, she could be the next major addition to Cryo teams, offering some fresh strategies and team comps. Citlali could be just what we need to mix things up. Plus, her design and abilities will likely bring something different to the table compared to Cryo characters we’ve seen before.
The Community’s Reaction: Mixed Emotions
Unsurprisingly, the news of Shenhe’s continued absence has sparked quite a bit of chatter in the Genshin Impact community. Fans have taken to Reddit and Twitter to voice their disappointment, and some of the threads are downright heartbreaking. One of the main theories floating around is that HoYoverse is delaying Shenhe’s return on purpose—maybe they’re saving her for a special event or an anniversary?
On the flip side, some fans are focusing on the positive: Citlali. A new Cryo character is exciting, after all, and there’s already buzz about how she might change the game. Still, the disappointment over Shenhe is hard to ignore. People have been waiting a long time for her return, and the lack of news on when she’ll actually come back is wearing thin on even the most patient players.
What’s Next for Genshin Impact Players?
So, where does that leave us? If you’re a Cryo fan, it’s a bit of a mixed bag right now. Shenhe’s absence is a bummer, but Citlali’s potential debut in Version 5.3 could breathe some life into Cryo teams. And who knows? Maybe HoYoverse is cooking up something special for Shenhe’s eventual rerun, and it’ll be worth the wait. Until then, we’ve just got to keep our Primogems handy and our fingers crossed.
One thing’s for sure: Genshin Impact players are in for some interesting updates in the next few patches. Whether you’re holding out for Shenhe, excited for Citlali, or just here for the ride, the future of the Cryo element looks like it’s finally starting to heat up.