We’re roughly halfway through the Lohen banner now in Genshin Impact, meaning today marks another Special Program detailing the next version’s update info. Version Luna VII comes to a close soon so make way for Genshin’s Luna VIII update! Launching on July 1st, 2026, reunite with Sandrone, who makes an unexpected return, and get ready to explore the new permanent map “Frost Moon”.
Bringing in the update is the new 5-Star Cryo Claymore user Sandrone. After a tense first encounter, Travelers witnessed her sacrifice herself to aid us in the battle against The Doctor, aiding Columbina and the Traveler secure victory. Of course, now that she’s returned, the truth behind her return is soon to be revealed.
Sandrone’s introduction to the playable roster brings both a new character and a new elemental reaction. Sandrone is a 5-Star Cryo Claymore user who specializes in the Cryo-Electro reaction “Stellar-Conduct”. If it sounds familiar, it’s probably because it’s like a super juiced Superconduct reaction. When triggered by specific Cryo and Electro characters, the surrounding area will briefly transform into a Polestar Field. This field can store extra Cryo and Electro energy, convert it into buffs, increase the Stellar-Conduct damage, as well as boost Cryo and Electro damage dealt by all characters within the field. This field also shreds opponents’ Physical resistances and boosting specific Cryo and Electro characters during the field’s uptime.
In combat, Sandrone can boost the whole party’s Stellar-Conduct damage through the Polestar Field. She also has command of her new mecha companion, Fagio. This fully autonomous construct deals Stellar-Conduct damage with each Charged Attack and accumulates Decoding Power. Once Fagio reaches its firing limit, its attack intervals will increase. By using her Elemental Skill, Sandrone maneuvers through the Polestar Field while firing at opponents, expending her Decoding Power to prevent Fagio from overloading. Her Elemental Burst decimates opponents with artillery fire, and any of her beam damage dealt within the Polestar Field will be considered Stellar-Conduct damage. Sandrone makes her debut in the first half of Version Luna VIII alongside Citlali’s rerun, while Columbina and the Raiden Shogun will return for the second half of the patch.
As for the new map, players will board a spacecraft and go beyond the skies of Teyvat, setting foot on the moon where a vast new region awaits exploration. You wanted to go to space right? The moon is home to a plethora of breathtaking views unlike anything ever before seen in Teyvat, including a luminous yet treacherous lunar sea and a space station suspended in outer space. Travelers will be able to gaze upon Teyvat from above as it quietly rotates in the distance. Additionally, there’s majestic ancient ruins awaiting your exploration, revealing more stories tied to the Dragon Sovereigns and the Dragon race. The moon exudes a unique ancient power, enabling players to traverse various types of terrain and manipulate the local gravity. To further assist exploration experiences, the moon and Teyvat maps will receive a new layered display feature that shows exactly what level the player is on in real time.
The Fontinalia Film Festival sets sail aboard the Wingalet in Fontaine, where Charlotte, Citlali, and many other familiar faces are gathering to celebrate a midsummer water festival. Sandrone will also join for this journey, while Columbina arrives with the film crew for a shoot. Similar to Bennett’s Natlan event story, this event story will remain a permanent addition to the game. Players will be able to help manage the ship’s aquarium and attract visitors to join the festivities. After finishing the event, you can recruit Charlotte to your party for free and obtain a brand-new outfit for her. Following that, Citlali is receiving a new outfit, available for a limited-time discount during Version Luna VIII.
With some Miliastra Wonderland updates, a new dance challenge back in Natlan, a whole new map to explore and more, Luna VIII of Genshin Impact brings so many things for Travelers to sink their teeth into and enjoy. As a reminder, Genshin Impact’s Luna VIII update releases on July 1st, 2026, and can be played on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and iOS with full cross platform cooperative play and cross progression.