Alright, fellow Travelers, Genshin Impact leaks are out again, and this time, it’s shaping up to be massive. Word on the street is that version 5.3 might just bring back one of the most popular Cryo characters—Shenhe! Yep, if you’ve been waiting to add her to your team, this could be your chance. But that’s not all. Alongside her rerun, there are whispers of two new 5-star characters making their debut: Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, and Citlali, a mysterious Cryo character. So, let’s break down everything we know (or think we know) about this upcoming update.
Shenhe’s Rerun: It’s About Time!
If you’ve been playing Genshin for a while, you know how rare some of these character reruns can be. Shenhe first popped up in version 2.4 and had her last rerun back in version 3.5, so players have been itching to see her again. She’s a 5-star Cryo polearm user, best known for her crazy good support capabilities—especially if you love running Cryo-heavy teams with Ayaka or Ganyu.
But why bring her back now? Well, the 5.3 update is likely going to coincide with the Lantern Rite festival in Liyue, and who’s more perfect for that than Shenhe, right? With her strong ties to Liyue’s culture, it feels like the perfect time to reintroduce her. If the leaks are accurate (fingers crossed), her banner will appear in the second phase of the update, around late January 2025. So, if you’re low on Primogems, it might be time to start saving up!
New Faces in 5.3: Mavuika and Citlali
Now, for the exciting part—new characters! Leakers are buzzing about two new 5-star characters joining the roster, and honestly, it’s hard not to get excited.
- Mavuika (5-star Pyro)
First up is Mavuika, the Pyro Archon. If you’ve been waiting for another Pyro powerhouse, this could be your moment. From what we’ve heard, she’ll be a Claymore user, which is great news for fans of high-damage, tanky characters. She’s expected to lead the first phase of the banner, dropping on January 1, 2025—what a way to start the new year, right? Imagine the elemental reactions and power she could bring to your team. Pyro supremacy might just make a big comeback with Mavuika. - Citlali (5-star Cryo)
Now, Citlali is a bit more mysterious. She’s confirmed to be a Cryo character, but we don’t know much beyond that—no leaks on her weapon type yet. But here’s what we do know: she’s involved in the ongoing Natlan Archon Quest, which means she’s probably going to be pretty important to the story moving forward. Whether she’s a catalyst user, polearm user, or something entirely different, you can bet she’ll bring some serious Cryo power. And with her coming alongside Shenhe’s rerun, Cryo teams might just be unstoppable this update!
The Community is Hyped
Whenever there’s a leak like this, the Genshin community lights up. Twitter and Reddit are filled with players discussing team comps, Primogem strategies, and whether to pull for Shenhe or wait for Mavuika. One Reddit user summed it up perfectly: “I’ve been waiting for Shenhe’s rerun forever, but now I don’t know if I can pass up the Pyro Archon!”
It’s a real dilemma, isn’t it? Shenhe’s Cryo support is legendary, but a new 5-star Pyro Archon could shake up the meta. Plus, Citlali’s mystery adds an extra layer of excitement. Honestly, it’s a good problem to have.
How Will This Impact the Meta?
Shenhe’s rerun means Cryo-heavy teams are about to get a major boost—again. If you’re into permafreeze comps with Ayaka or Ganyu, Shenhe is practically made for you. She enhances Cryo damage like no other, and if you missed her before, now’s the perfect time to snag her.
On the other hand, Mavuika’s entrance as the Pyro Archon is a game-changer. Pyro characters are already strong, but Mavuika could take things to the next level. Whether she’s pure DPS or a versatile support character, her kit will likely offer new synergies for Pyro teams that we haven’t seen before. If you love characters like Diluc or Hu Tao, you’re going to want to keep an eye on Mavuika.
And Citlali? Well, her connection to the Natlan story hints at some deep lore, and her role in the Archon Quest could make her a pivotal character. Depending on her abilities, she might either complement Shenhe or fill an entirely different niche on Cryo teams.
What Should You Do?
If you’re like me, the struggle is real when it comes to choosing where to spend your hard-earned Primogems. Shenhe’s rerun is a huge opportunity, especially if you’ve been building a Cryo team. But the introduction of Mavuika and Citlali complicates things in the best possible way.
My advice? Keep an eye on the official announcements, and maybe don’t rush to spend your gems just yet. We don’t have full details on these new characters, and HoYoverse could always throw a curveball. But hey, no matter who you’re aiming for, 5.3 is shaping up to be an exciting update for all of us Genshin fans!