Genshin Impact new characters in the 5.6 update and beyond

Want to know about new Genshin Impact characters? During each new update, there's usually at least one brand-new playable character introduced to the roster. They typically appear on event banners with increased drop rates, including one five-star character and three four-star characters.

While we know which characters are likely to appear on the next Genshin Impact banners, some characters featured in this guide might not be playable right now, but they can still be found in Genshin Impact. We've also included some characters who are rumored to join the free PC game down the line, but may not have an in-game model just yet. While none of this information is official until Hoyoverse says otherwise, here's a round-up of all the current rumors and speculation.

The new and upcoming Genshin Impact characters are:

Escoffier

Available in the first phase of banners in Genshin Impact 5.6, Escoffier is the latest Cryo support character coming to the game. Escoffier was first spotted in Varesa's character reveal trailer, and now we finally get to see what this restaurant owner is capable of. She regularly uses Varesa's fruits in her cooking, but Escoffier is said to be a strict judge and will happily send large batches of fruit back if they're not to her standards.

Ifa

Also Available in the first set of banners in the 5.6 update, Ifa is very similar to Yumemizuki Mizuki who only recently arrived on the roster. Ifa is an Anemo healer, specializing in buffing Elemental Mastery to support his teammates. He's a renowned veterinarian and, according to Mualani, Ifa is quick and efficient at everything he does.

Upcoming Genshin Impact characters

Skirk

This powerful swordswoman resides in the Abyss, and taught Tartaglia the Foul Legacy combat technique after he fell into her realm. The Traveler first encountered her during their battle with the All-Devouring Narwhal, where she revealed herself as Surtalogi's disciple. Skirk is slated to debut in Genshin Impact 5.7, and it looks like she's a Cryo DPS with a powerful elemental burst.

Dahlia

Dahlia is set to arrive in version 5.7 according to the latest rumors. The deacon of the Church of Favonius has certainly been a long time coming, having first been introduced during the Traveler's time with Rosaria and Barbara in Mondstadt. Since we're set to return to Mondstadt in 5.6, now is the perfect time for him to make his debut. Dahlia, the four-star sword-wielding Hyro user, is also coming in the 5.7 update.

Varka

Said to be the strongest person in Mondstadt, Varka is the Grand Master and Knight of Boreas, a subsection of the Knights of Favonius. As with most of the upcoming Genshin Impact characters, there's no telling when Varka is likely to become available. Varka has been referenced by several characters over the course of Genshin Impact's story, but he doesn't have an in-game model. He's currently away on an expedition, leaving Jean in charge of the Knights of Favonius.

Dainsleif

Dainsleif, the Bough Keeper, was officially announced by Hoyoverse during the 2020 Tokyo Game Show - however, no release date was attached. His voice actor has been announced, but we have no indication of when he might arrive. Dainsleif is from Khaenri'ah, an underground realm that is not part of Teyvat itself - so perhaps one day in the future we'll meet Dainsleif when we explore his homeland.

These are all the new and upcoming Genshin Impact characters that are due to turn up in the gacha game sometime in the future. We'll add new candidates as we discover them. Don't forget to claim the latest Genshin Impact codes for free primogems.