Genshin Impact 3.4: Release, Banners & Events Guide

Hey there, Travelers! Are you guys ready for a massive dose of new content, incredible characters, and a celebration that will light up your screens? Because Genshin Impact 3.4 isn't just an update; it's a monumental event that brings so much to Teyvat, you'll barely know where to start! We're talking about the highly anticipated return of the Lantern Rite Festival, brand-new playable characters like the enigmatic scribe Alhaith and the adorable Yaoyao, exciting banner reruns featuring fan favorites, and a whole new section of the vast Sumeru desert just begging to be explored. This update, often considered one of the most exciting of the year due to the annual Lantern Rite, is absolutely packed with things to do, Primogems to earn, and stories to uncover. From its exact release date to deep dives into character kits, event details, and exploration tips, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to make the most of Genshin Impact 3.4. So, buckle up, grab your best party, and let's dive into all the incredible new features and content that await us in this epic new patch!

Genshin Impact 3.4 Release Date: Mark Your Calendars, Travelers!

Alright, let's cut straight to the chase because we know you're all eager to know exactly when Genshin Impact 3.4 drops! Following miHoYo's highly consistent update schedule, which typically sees new patches arriving every six weeks, Genshin Impact 3.4 was officially released on January 18th, 2023. This means by now, many of you have already plunged headfirst into the new content, but for those who might have missed the initial hype or are looking for a refresher, that's the day it all began! Before the grand launch, we always get a few hours of server maintenance, usually starting in the early morning hours UTC+8. During this time, the developers work their magic, patching everything up, and delivering those sweet, sweet Primogem compensation rewards for your patience – so it’s always a good idea to factor that in! The pre-load option typically becomes available a couple of days before the actual update, allowing you to download a significant portion of the new files in advance. This is an absolute lifesaver for anyone with slower internet, ensuring you can jump straight into the action of Genshin Impact 3.4 the moment the servers go live. So, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newer player, knowing these details helps you plan your day around maximizing your Teyvat adventures. Get ready, because the moment the servers are back up, a whole new world of exploration, challenges, and characters is waiting to be discovered in this fantastic update!

Unveiling the New Characters in Genshin Impact 3.4

One of the absolute biggest draws of any new Genshin Impact patch, and Genshin Impact 3.4 is no exception, is the introduction of fresh faces to our ever-growing roster of playable characters! This time around, we're not just getting one, but two fantastic new Dendro characters who are ready to shake up the meta and add some serious green power to your teams. These characters bring not only unique combat abilities but also rich lore and engaging personalities, making them exciting additions for both gameplay strategists and lore enthusiasts alike. Let's get into the details of who these awesome new adventurers are and why you'll want them on your squad.

Alhaith: The Dendro Main DPS You've Been Waiting For

First up, guys, we have the incredibly stylish and highly intelligent Alhaith, the Dendro main DPS that many players had been speculating about since his first appearance in Sumeru's Archon Quests. As a 5-star Dendro Sword user, Alhaith brings a unique and incredibly satisfying playstyle centered around rapid Dendro application and massive personal damage. His kit revolves around generating Chisel-Light Mirrors through his Elemental Skill, which converts his Normal, Charged, and Plunging Attacks into Dendro damage. The number of active mirrors directly influences his damage output, making skillful management of these mirrors key to unleashing his full potential. His Elemental Burst then deals a burst of Dendro damage, and critically, if he has Chisel-Light Mirrors active, they are consumed to create even more mirrors afterward, allowing for sustained Dendro application. This intricate yet rewarding kit makes Alhaith a fantastic choice for teams focusing on Dendro reactions like Spread and Aggravate, where his consistent Dendro application and high personal damage shine. For artifacts, a 4-piece Deepwood Memories set is often optimal to shred Dendro resistance, especially if no other Dendro character is running it. Alternatively, a 4-piece Gilded Dreams can significantly boost his Elemental Mastery and ATK, which are crucial for his damage scaling. When it comes to weapons, his signature weapon, Light of Foliar Incision, is tailor-made for him, but other excellent options include Haran Geppaku Futsu, Mistsplitter Reforged, and even the craftable Iron Sting for F2P players. Team compositions often involve Electro characters like Raiden Shogun, Yae Miko, or Kuki Shinobu for Aggravate/Spread, and a strong shielder or healer to keep him safe during his on-field time. Alhaith is a powerful and versatile addition to any account, especially if you're looking to elevate your Dendro-based teams in Genshin Impact 3.4.

Yaoyao: Your Adorable New Dendro Healer

Next up, we have the absolutely adorable and much-anticipated Yaoyao, a 4-star Dendro Polearm user who brings much-needed healing and Dendro application to the game! Yaoyao has been a character in the lore for a long time, and players have been eagerly awaiting her arrival, and Genshin Impact 3.4 finally delivered! Her kit is delightfully straightforward yet incredibly effective, making her a fantastic support unit. Her Elemental Skill, Raphanus Sky Blaster, summons a little companion named Yuegui that throws out White Jade Radishes. These radishes either heal the active character or deal Dendro damage to enemies, prioritizing the character with the lowest HP. This makes her an excellent reactive healer, perfect for keeping your team topped up during intense fights. Her Elemental Burst, Moonlight Resonance, puts her into an enhanced state where she runs faster and continuously summons Yuegui, throwing out radishes at an accelerated rate, providing both significant healing and constant Dendro application. This Burst is fantastic for setting up Dendro reactions while ensuring your team's survivability. For artifacts, a 4-piece Deepwood Memories set is often her best-in-slot, as it boosts the team's Dendro damage, which is incredibly valuable in Dendro-focused compositions. Alternatively, a 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith can work to boost the team's ATK, though Deepwood is generally preferred for Dendro teams. Her build typically focuses on HP% for healing effectiveness and Energy Recharge to ensure consistent Burst uptime. Weapons like Black Tassel (for pure HP) or any polearm with Energy Recharge like Favonius Lance or Kitain Cross Spear are excellent choices. Yaoyao fits perfectly into a variety of Dendro teams, synergizing well with characters like Alhaith, Nahida, and Electro DPS units. She's a fantastic F2P-friendly option that adds incredible value, making her one of the most exciting 4-star additions in Genshin Impact 3.4!

Banner Reruns: Returning Favorites in Genshin Impact 3.4

While new characters are always thrilling, Genshin Impact 3.4 also brought back some of the most beloved and powerful characters in the game for highly anticipated reruns. These reruns are a golden opportunity for players who missed out on these titans of Teyvat before, or for those who are looking to get constellations to further power up their existing units. The banners in 3.4 were absolutely stacked, featuring a fantastic mix of top-tier DPS and incredibly versatile support characters, ensuring that there was something for everyone, regardless of their team needs or playstyle preferences. Getting your hands on these characters can significantly elevate your account and open up new team compositions that were previously out of reach. So, let's take a closer look at who made a glorious return in this exciting patch, giving us another chance to wish for them during Genshin Impact 3.4's duration.

Phase 1 Reruns: Xiao's Return

In Phase 1 of Genshin Impact 3.4, alongside the debut of Alhaith, we saw the much-anticipated return of the Vigilant Yaksha, Xiao! As a 5-star Anemo Polearm user, Xiao is one of the most iconic and distinct Hypercarry DPS characters in the game. His playstyle is all about plunging attacks, dealing massive Anemo damage within his Elemental Burst, Bane of All Evil. While in this state, he sacrifices a portion of his HP to gain increased jump height and vastly enhanced damage, making him a high-risk, high-reward character. He's known for his incredible single-target and AOE damage potential, especially against groups of enemies. To maximize Xiao's potential, strong shielders like Zhongli or healers like Jean or Bennett are almost essential to keep him alive and well during his HP-draining Burst. Anemo batteries like Sucrose or Jean are also crucial for his energy needs, as his Burst is quite expensive. For artifacts, a 4-piece Vermillion Hereafter set is tailor-made for him, boosting his ATK as he loses HP. Alternatively, a 2-piece Viridescent Venerer and 2-piece Gladiator's Finale (or Shimenawa's Reminiscence) can also work. His signature weapon, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, is fantastic, but other excellent options include Staff of Homa, Deathmatch, or Blackcliff Pole. Xiao's rerun during the Lantern Rite Festival always feels incredibly fitting, given his ties to Liyue and his solemn, protective nature. If you're looking for a powerful, engaging, and utterly cool Anemo DPS, Xiao in Genshin Impact 3.4 was your chance!

Phase 2 Reruns: Hu Tao and Yelan Light Up the Desert

Phase 2 of Genshin Impact 3.4 brought another pair of absolute powerhouses: the incredibly popular Hu Tao and the versatile Yelan! This was an insane rerun combination that had many players agonizing over their Primogem decisions. Hu Tao, a 5-star Pyro Polearm user, is renowned as one of the best single-target Pyro DPS characters in the game. Her unique kit revolves around entering a Paramita Papilio state via her Elemental Skill, consuming a portion of her HP to significantly boost her ATK. She shines brightest when her HP is kept low (below 50%), where she gains even further Pyro DMG Bonus. Her Elemental Burst, Spirit Soother, deals massive Pyro damage in an AoE and heals her based on the number of enemies hit, making her a phenomenal self-sufficient DPS. Hu Tao excels in Vaporize teams, often paired with Hydro applicators like Xingqiu or the very Yelan she shared a banner with! For artifacts, a 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames is generally best, though a 4-piece Shimenawa's Reminiscence can also be competitive. Her signature weapon, Staff of Homa, is her undisputed best-in-slot, with other great options like Dragon's Bane (especially in Vaporize teams) or Deathmatch. Right alongside her, we had Yelan, a 5-star Hydro Bow user who quickly became one of the most sought-after off-field Hydro applicators and damage dealers. Yelan’s Elemental Skill allows her to quickly traverse the battlefield while marking enemies, dealing Hydro damage upon release. Her Elemental Burst, Depth-Clarion Dice, summons a mysterious dice that follows the active character, dealing Hydro damage coordinated with their Normal Attacks. This makes her an incredibly valuable support for characters who rely on Normal Attacks for their damage or to trigger elemental reactions, providing consistent Hydro application and significant off-field damage. Yelan scales primarily with HP, making her relatively easy to build. A 4-piece Emblem of Severed Fate is her best artifact set, focusing on Energy Recharge, Hydro DMG Bonus, and Crit stats. Her signature weapon, Aqua Simulacra, is fantastic, but Favonius Warbow or Sacrificial Bow are excellent F2P options for energy generation. The synergy between Hu Tao and Yelan is legendary; Yelan provides the perfect off-field Hydro application for Hu Tao's Vaporize reactions, making them a match made in Teyvat heaven. Securing either of these characters, or ideally both, during Genshin Impact 3.4 was a game-changer for many players' accounts!

Lantern Rite 2023: The Exquisite Celebration of Genshin Impact 3.4

Guys, if there's one thing that truly defines Genshin Impact 3.4 and makes it unforgettable, it has to be the glorious return of the Lantern Rite Festival! This annual event, celebrating Liyue's rich culture and commemorating those who have passed on, is consistently one of the most beloved and grandest events in the entire game. For those new to Teyvat, think of it as Genshin Impact's equivalent of Lunar New Year, filled with vibrant festivities, heartwarming stories, and a shower of incredible rewards. The 2023 iteration, titled "The Exquisite Night Chimes," truly lived up to its name, offering an array of engaging mini-games, touching character interactions, and a festive atmosphere that permeated all of Liyue Harbor. What makes Lantern Rite particularly special is its generosity; it consistently offers one of the best freebies in the game: a free 4-star Liyue character of your choice! This is a huge deal, especially for newer players looking to round out their rosters or for veterans aiming for specific constellations. Beyond the free character, players could dive into a variety of limited-time events, each offering unique gameplay. We had challenges like "Paper Theater," a puzzle-solving mini-game where players guided characters through intricate stages, and "Iridescent Cloud-Striding," a parkour challenge that tested our movement skills. There were also combat challenges and even a rhythm game, ensuring a diverse range of activities that catered to different player preferences. Accumulating event currency from these activities allowed us to exchange for valuable rewards, including Crown of Insight, Character Ascension Materials, Talent Books, Mora, and of course, a mountain of Primogems! But beyond the gameplay and rewards, Lantern Rite shines through its storytelling. It brings together a huge cast of Liyue characters, allowing us to see their interactions, learn more about their lives, and partake in new, emotional quests that deepen our understanding of Teyvat's lore. The sight of thousands of Mingxiao Lanterns floating into the night sky, accompanied by breathtaking fireworks, is an annual spectacle that never fails to evoke a sense of wonder and unity. It's truly a celebration of community, culture, and the enduring spirit of Liyue. So, if you were around for Genshin Impact 3.4, you know the magic we're talking about; if not, mark your calendars for next year, because Lantern Rite is an event you simply cannot miss!

Exploring the New Desert Expansion in Genshin Impact 3.4

Beyond the festive glow of Lantern Rite, Genshin Impact 3.4 also plunged us deeper into the mysterious and dangerous lands of Sumeru with a brand-new desert expansion! This wasn't just a small patch of sand; we got an entirely new sub-region known as the Desert of Hadramaveth, an area that vastly expanded the already sprawling Sumeru map. This new zone immediately captivated Travelers with its stark beauty, ancient ruins, and environmental hazards, making exploration a thrilling and often challenging endeavor. Unlike the initial Sumeru desert areas that focused on underground structures, the Desert of Hadramaveth introduced us to towering sandstorms, treacherous canyons, and a sense of untamed wilderness that truly felt distinct. The new area came complete with its own unique puzzles, mechanisms, and of course, plenty of chests and collectibles to discover. One of the most significant additions was the Wenut Tunnels, a vast underground network carved out by colossal creatures, leading to intricate pathways and hidden secrets. Navigating these tunnels, often battling against the fierce desert environment, was a core part of the exploration experience. This expansion wasn't just about new scenery; it also introduced new enemies and formidable world bosses that tested our combat prowess. The Setekh Wenut, a giant Anemo worm, became the new challenging world boss, dropping materials vital for ascending some of the new characters. We also encountered new types of Fungi and desert-dwelling Eremites, each requiring different combat strategies. The lore implications of the Desert of Hadramaveth were also profound, delving deeper into the history of the ancient Sumeru civilization, the mysteries of King Deshret, and the lingering influence of the Scarlet King. New World Quests seamlessly wove into this exploration, offering compelling narratives that unveiled the secrets of this desolate yet captivating region. These quests often involved intricate puzzles and extended storylines, adding significant depth to the overall experience. The sheer scale and detail of this new area, coupled with its challenging environmental mechanics and rich lore, made the Desert of Hadramaveth a standout feature of Genshin Impact 3.4, providing countless hours of content for explorers and adventurers alike. It's a testament to the developers' commitment to continuously expanding the world of Teyvat in meaningful and exciting ways!

Other Exciting Events and Updates in Genshin Impact 3.4

While the Lantern Rite and the new desert expansion were undeniably the headliners, Genshin Impact 3.4 didn't stop there! This update, like all major patches, brought a plethora of other events, quality-of-life improvements, and subtle additions that enriched the overall game experience for everyone. It's these smaller, yet equally valuable, pieces of content that truly make each patch feel robust and engaging, ensuring there's always something new to look forward to even beyond the main attractions. For instance, we saw the return of popular mini-events and new challenges that kept our Primogem counts healthy and our adventurer spirits high. One notable event was "Warrior's Spirit," a combat challenge that tested our parrying skills, offering a fresh take on combat mechanics and rewarding us with valuable resources. There were also other smaller web events and login bonuses that ran throughout the patch, constantly providing opportunities for freebies and fun. Beyond events, Genshin Impact 3.4 also introduced new weapon banners, featuring signature weapons for the new characters like Alhaith's Light of Foliar Incision, as well as powerful rerun weapons like the Staff of Homa and Aqua Simulacra, giving players more options to optimize their character builds. For the strategists and card game enthusiasts among us, the Genius Invokation TCG also received its share of updates, including new character cards that expanded the meta and offered fresh deck-building possibilities. These additions constantly keep the TCG experience dynamic and exciting. Moreover, quality-of-life improvements are always a welcome sight, and Genshin Impact 3.4 included some tweaks and optimizations that made the daily grind a little smoother, enhancing overall player convenience. These could range from minor UI adjustments to improvements in character selection or artifact management, all contributing to a more polished game. In essence, Genshin Impact 3.4 was a masterclass in content delivery, proving that even outside of its biggest draws, there was a wealth of new experiences, challenges, and rewards awaiting every Traveler. It truly showcased miHoYo's dedication to keeping the game fresh, engaging, and utterly captivating for its massive global audience.

Conclusion

Whew, what a ride, right, guys? Genshin Impact 3.4 was undeniably one of the most content-rich and exciting updates in recent memory, leaving an indelible mark on the world of Teyvat and its devoted Travelers. From the precise moment of its release on January 18th, 2023, to the very last Primogem earned, this patch delivered on every front. We welcomed the incredibly powerful Alhaith and the charmingly effective Yaoyao, adding significant depth to our Dendro teams. The return of beloved characters like Xiao, Hu Tao, and Yelan through their highly anticipated reruns gave countless players the chance to strengthen their rosters or finally get their hands on long-desired units. The grandeur of the Lantern Rite Festival once again captivated us with its breathtaking visuals, engaging mini-games, heartwarming stories, and that incredibly generous free 4-star Liyue character. And let's not forget the expansive and challenging new Desert of Hadramaveth, pushing the boundaries of exploration in Sumeru and adding layers of lore and peril. Coupled with various other events, weapon banners, and quality-of-life improvements, Genshin Impact 3.4 proved to be an absolute powerhouse of an update. It truly solidified Genshin Impact's reputation for delivering consistent, high-quality content that keeps us coming back for more. So, whether you were pulling for new characters, immersing yourself in Liyue's festivities, or braving the desert storms, we hope this guide helped you navigate and appreciate all the incredible things that this fantastic version had to offer. Here's to many more adventures in Teyvat, and always remember to keep exploring, Traveler!