Genshin Impact 4.8 Update: New Characters, Events, and More

The latest update to Genshin Impact brings fresh content, new characters, and seasonal festivities to the world of Teyvat.

Released on July 17, 2024, version 4.8 of Genshin Impact has officially gone live across iOS and Android platforms. Developed by miHoYo, this globally popular action RPG continues to captivate millions with its lush visuals, deep storytelling, and dynamic combat system. The 4.8 update, titled "Inversion of Genesis," introduces two new playable characters, a major summer-themed event, and several gameplay refinements.

New Playable Characters: Furina and Mualani

The most anticipated addition in this update is Furina, the Hydro Archon and ruler of Fontaine, who finally becomes a playable character. Known for her complex narrative arc in the main storyline, Furina wields a sword and features a unique combat mechanic centered around "Existence Resonance." Her abilities manipulate party members' HP to generate powerful Hydro attacks, making her both a high-risk and high-reward character.

In addition, a new 4-star character, Mualani, debuts as part of the summer event. A surfing enthusiast from Inazuma with a Cryo vision, Mualani excels in crowd control and elemental reactions. Her skill set allows her to glide across water surfaces, making her ideal for the new event stages and exploration in aquatic environments.

Limited-Time Event: "Waverider Festival"

The Waverider Festival returns for its second year, transforming the shores of Inazuma and Fontaine into vibrant hubs of activity. Players can participate in surf races, treasure hunts, and rhythm-based mini-games to earn exclusive rewards, including Mualani's signature weapon, the Tidal Harp, and special costume vouchers.

The event features cooperative multiplayer challenges, allowing up to four players to team up in time-trial races across dynamic ocean currents. Event progress is tracked through a new in-game passport system, rewarding daily logins and task completion with Primogems, talent materials, and decorative items for Serenitea Pots.

"The Waverider Festival is our way of celebrating community and summer adventure," said a miHoYo spokesperson. "We wanted to blend fun gameplay with meaningful rewards."

Quality-of-Life Improvements

Beyond new content, version 4.8 includes several long-requested quality-of-life updates:

• Auto-Pathfinding: NPCs now offer route guidance in domains and quests.
• Inventory Sorting 2.0: Enhanced filters for weapons, artifacts, and materials.
• Co-op Quick Join: Matchmaking improvements for event co-op modes.
• Reduced Load Times: Optimizations for mid-tier Android devices.

Mobile Performance and Compatibility

Genshin Impact remains one of the most graphically demanding mobile titles, but miHoYo has continued to optimize performance. The 4.8 update includes better memory management and reduced thermal throttling on iOS 15+ and Android 10+ devices. Players with devices like the iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S20 are reporting smoother gameplay at medium-to-high settings.

However, some users on older devices have noted increased battery consumption during extended event gameplay. miHoYo recommends closing background apps and using the game’s built-in frame rate limiter to improve battery life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Teasers in the 4.8 patch notes hint at the upcoming 4.9 update, which will celebrate Genshin Impact’s fourth anniversary. Expected features include a new region expansion in Fontaine’s underground cities, a collaboration with a major anime studio, and a flashback event featuring fan-favorite characters like Ayaka and Xiangling.

miHoYo has also confirmed that the next major character, Navia (the upcoming Geo heroine), will receive her spotlight banner in early September.

With consistent updates and a strong seasonal content calendar, Genshin Impact continues to set the standard for live-service mobile games. Whether you're a story-driven player or a completionist, version 4.8 offers compelling reasons to dive back into Teyvat.