Genshin Impact's Next Update Adds Nod-Krai on September 10 and Teases Player-Created Sandbox Mode

HoYoverse has revealed Genshin Impact Version Luna I: “Song of the Welkin Moon – Segue,” set to launch on September 10, 2025. This update kicks off the yearlong “Song of the Welkin Moon” series, introducing the highly anticipated Nod-Krai region, new characters, enhanced gameplay systems, and exciting rewards in celebration of the game’s fifth anniversary.

The news was shared during the Genshin Impact Version Luna I Special Program.

Nod-Krai and Story Expansion

After finishing Natlan's storyline, players will head north to explore Nod-Krai, a region made up of three island territories imbued with the ancient elemental force called Kuuvahki. This energy shapes the environment and its people, offering players the chance to harness it during exploration and combat. Kuuvahki also allows transformation into Kuuhenki, an elemental form that can glide through mists and Moonlanes. In battles, it introduces unique enemies, allies, and Lunar Reactions specific to the region.

The new Archon Quests place Travelers at the center of new conflicts. They will ally with Lauma of the Frostmoon Scions in her struggle against the Fatui, fight alongside Flins against the supernatural Wild Hunt, and meet new residents of Nasha Town. The Fatui’s attempt to seize the moon’s power is led by Harbinger Sandrone, the “Marionette,” while Columbina (formerly known as the Harbinger “Damselette”) has returned to Nod-Krai, where she is honored as the Moon Maiden. Encountering her offers Travelers potential blessings to aid their journey.

Nod-Krai can be unlocked once players reach Adventure Rank 28 and complete Mondstadt’s main story, while the new Archon Quests require the completion of Liyue’s storyline.

New Playable Characters

Three new characters from Nod-Krai join the roster in Version Luna I:

• Lauma (5-Star, Dendro Catalyst): Known as the Moonchanter, Lauma introduces the Lunar-Bloom reaction. By generating Verdant Dew through her abilities, she enhances Bloom-related damage for the party. Lauma can also shift into a half-human, half-deer form that boosts movement with sprinting and leaping agility.

• Flins (5-Star, Electro Polearm): A Lightkeeper who wields Lunar-Charged strikes. Flins can focus his power into a single devastating blow or unleash rapid spear attacks. His Lightkeeper training grants him awareness of the Wild Hunt during exploration.

• Aino (4-Star, Hydro Claymore): An inventor who fights with support from her mechanical creations. Her workshop companions, including the duck-shaped combat machine “Knuckle Duckle,” add a playful element to battles. Aino can be recruited for free by progressing through Nod-Krai’s Archon Quests.

Wishes and Events

• The first half of Version Luna I will feature Lauma alongside Nahida in Event Wishes, accompanied by a Sumeru-themed Chronicled Wish.

• The second half will highlight Flins and Aino, along with Yelan’s rerun.

• “Meeting Points,” a new feature, will allow players to explore companions’ daily lives. Examples include the Frostmoon Scions’ legends with Lauma, the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop with Aino and Ineffa, and stories of the Lightkeepers at Flins’s home.

You can see some more images of Nod-Krai below.

Gameplay Optimizations and Progression

Version Luna I also introduces several quality-of-life updates:

• Adventure EXP can now be earned through more varied activities, speeding up leveling progress.

• Additional harvestable materials will be included in Battle Pass rewards.

• Players can preview locked Artifact affixes in advance.

• Expanded party setup slots allow more team presets.

• Masterless Stella Fortuna makes its debut, letting players convert surplus 5-star Stella Fortuna to push characters beyond the current level cap, all the way to Level 100.

Watch the trailer for the new update below.

Genshin Impact Version Luna I: “Song of the Welkin Moon – Segue” Trailer | Nod-Krai Arrives on September 10

Anniversary Rewards

To mark both the launch of the new update and Genshin Impact’s fifth anniversary, players will receive numerous rewards, including:

• A free 5-star character of choice from the Standard Wish pool

• 10 Intertwined Fate from a login event

• 1,600 Primogems delivered via in-game mail

• Two Nod-Krai–themed gadgets

• Additional celebratory items and bonuses

Miliastra Wonderland (UGC System)

Looking ahead, HoYoverse announced Miliastra Wonderland, a user-generated content (UGC) system. Starting with Version Luna II, players can access the Miliastra Sandbox, a tool for designing and sharing custom gameplay stages.

Using Genshin Impact's existing assets, the system will offer a variety of new experiences, including simulations, party games, and survival challenges. Players can upload and explore content created by others, broadening the game’s scope beyond its traditional framework.