Summary
- A new Genshin Impact Animated Short is expected to drop on May 22, 2025.
- Fans speculate the teaser may feature Skirk, Nod-Krai, or Varka.
- Skirk is rumored to become playable in Version 5.7 around June 18.
May 22 Genshin Impact Animated Short Leak Explained
A recent leak on Reddit reveals that a new Genshin Impact Animated Short will debut on May 22. These shorts usually accompany major story shifts or character reveals and are more cinematic than regular teasers. This time, fans are speculating that the upcoming video may spotlight Skirk, a fan-favorite Cryo character. This short has long teased her presence in the game’s lore and will also provide a first look at the next region: Nod-Krai.
Skirk Hype Builds Ahead of Version 5.7
Skirk will soon join the playable roster, with leaks indicating her release in Version 5.7 starting June 18. Since her introduction in Version 4.2, players have eagerly anticipated her addition to Genshin Impact. If the Genshin Impact Animated Short ends up focusing on her, it would follow HoYoverse’s usual pattern of building up hype for major 5-star characters right before their banners go live.
The character is rumored to be a powerful Cryo Sword user with ties to the Abyss and Tartaglia (Childe). And her cinematic reveal could further expand on that mysterious lore.
Will Varka Finally Appear?
Another strong theory is that the animated short will mark the first on-screen appearance of Varka, the elusive Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. He has been name-dropped several times in quests but never officially revealed. With Nod-Krai rumored to lie north of Mondstadt, and Varka reportedly operating there with his squad, this could be the perfect time to introduce him before the 6.0 update arc.
Genshin Nod-Krai: Next Region After Natlan?
Many fans believe the Genshin Impact Animated Short could also tease the next playable region, Nod-Krai. This location is expected to launch during the 6.X update cycle and might represent a sub-region or prelude to the larger Snezhnaya chapter. Recent quests and leaks have dropped hints about Nod-Krai, often connecting it to Varka and new factions such as the Knights of Favonius expedition and the Hexenzirkel.
Conclusion
The upcoming Genshin Impact Animated Short on May 22 could be a major lore moment for fans. Whether it introduces Skirk, finally shows Varka, or sets up Nod-Krai, it will likely give us the first real look at what’s coming in the next phase of Teyvat’s journey. Stay tuned for the premiere—this could be one of Genshin’s biggest reveals yet in 2025.