Genshin Impact 2.4 release date: Genshin update time, maintenance and Shenhe Banner

One of the world’s most popular action RPG titles is about to be updated with new content, and Genshin Impact update 2.4 promises to be a big one. The world of Genshin will get a little bigger this week with the release date of the new expansion, named “Fleeting Colours In Flight”.

Revealed during a recent livestream event peppered with new codes, Genshin 2.4 includes fresh characters to unlock and new areas to explore across the map. It will also mean server maintenance before everything starts and a new download waiting for those logging on during release day.

Developers Mihoyo has confirmed that beneath the still waters around Watatsumi Island lies a new realm that has been sealed away for thousands of years. Enkanomiya is a huge floating island located beneath the ocean, deprived of the normal day and night cycle until the rise of an ancient civilization brought with it the creation of an artificial sun, Dainichi Mikoshi.

A message from the Genshin team adds to the mystery, telling fans: “Clues to this lost civilization are buried in the ruins of the abandoned library, shrines, laboratory, and the city’s remains. As you delve into the depths of Enkanomiya, the transition switch between day and night through Dainichi Mikoshi is the key to solving many puzzles. Also, beware of Bathysmal Vishaps and the new Abyss Lector on your quest.

“Bathysmal Vishaps are extremely dangerous predators living in the dark waters. Pack members hunt together and can take advantage of their surroundings in combat. The Abyss Lector: Fathomless Flames can unleash Pyro attacks that deal delayed bursts of damage regardless if characters are shielded or not.”

WHEN DOES GENSHIN IMPACT 2.4 BANNER START?

Mihoyo has confirmed that the Genshin Impact 2.4 release date has been set for 3am GMT on Thursday, January 6 in the UK.

Due to the time difference, gamers in North America will start playing at the earlier time of 7pm PT on January 5.

And before the new update can be downloaded and installed, there will be a period of downtime for the game’s servers.

Mihoyo has confirmed that Genshin Impact maintenance will begin at around 10pm GMT on January 5, and will last five hours.

This means that the game will not be playable across PS4, PS5, Mobile and PC platforms until the maintenance has been completed.

WHAT IS IN THE NEW GENSHIN BANNER?

And like in the past, Mihoyo plans to introduce new characters to the game while also bolstering the rank with past recruits.

Mihoyo will begin update 2.4 with a fresh Banner featuring Shenhe and Yun Jin, who will likely be paired with returning favourites.

Shenhe is a five-star character who wields the power of Cryo and a polearm. She can summon a Talisman Spirit and play the role of support.

The good news is that both Shenhe’s Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst can help her party deal increased Cryo damage, providing plenty of multiplier opportunities.

Meanwhile, Yun Jin will be the four-star character available to unlock alongside Shehe.

Yun Jin is a Geo polearm user that is designed to support players who favour Normal Attacks. Her Elemental Skill can shield herself and charge up for a more powerful strike, while her Elemental Burst will cause AoE Geo DMG and grant all nearby teammates a Flying Cloud Flag Formation.

Mihoyo has also confirmed that Shenhe and Yun Jin will be available in the first Event Wish, coinciding with Xiao‘s Event Wish.