Genshin Impact Update 4.4: Special Program Livestream Date and New Character Reveals

Introduction to Genshin Impact Update 4.4

Genshin Impact has officially confirmed the exact date and time of the Special Program event for version 4.4. Before each new update arrives, developer HoYoverse hosts a livestream event that reveals most of the upcoming content, such as new characters, storylines, weapons, etc. The addition of the Fontaine region has introduced tons of new Genshin Impact characters along with their intriguing storylines, with the Hydro Archon Furina being in the main spotlight. The game's social media accounts have already confirmed the arrival of two new playable units for update 4.4.

Twitter article posted by Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact Special Program Date and Time

Genshin Impact's official Twitter account has revealed that the upcoming Special Program livestream event will be held on January 19 at 07:00 AM (UTC-5). Following the previous update release patterns, players can expect Genshin Impact version 4.4 to drop around January 31. This update will feature the Lantern Rite Festival, an annual event in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The events of this festival almost always take place in the Liyue region, which makes sense since its design is based on Chinese culture. During this time, developer HoYoverse usually slows down the development of the main Archon Quest and switches its focus back to the Geo nation.

New Characters in Genshin Impact Update 4.4

Two new characters have already been confirmed to arrive in this update, Xianyun and Gaming. Xianyun has been mentioned in numerous rumors over the last couple of months, and she was referred to as the human version of the Cloud Retainer. While HoYoverse revealed this character's design in a teaser video, Cloud Retainer has yet to make an in-game appearance in her human form. As an Adeptus, Cloud Retainer is one of the most powerful characters in the Geo nation who works alongside Morax. When it comes to her power on the field, recent leaks have revealed that Xianyun will be a new Anemo user who has the potential to be a powerful support. Supportive characters that use this element can be very flexible, since Anemo cannot interfere with other elemental reactions, unlike most other elements. Unlike Xianyun, there is not a lot of official information about Gaming other than the details provided in this official bio. He is described as a spirited performer known for his iconic Wushou Dance in Liyue Harbor. Gaming is also a guard whose duties are tied to cargo shipments and client escorts. He is expected to be a new four-star character obtainable for free during the Lantern Rite Festival.