Genshin Impact’s Major July Update Finally Revives 1 of Its Most Anticipated Characters

Sandrone, the Seventh of the Fatui Harbingers, finally makes her grand return to Genshin Impact for the game’s major July 2026 expansion launching on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and mobile devices. In addition to the fan-favorite character’s long-awaited return, Genshin Impact is introducing a brand-new region that expands the world of Teyvat to the stars above.

Hoyoverse, the global gaming publisher behind international hits like Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai: Star Rail, officially revealed that Sandrone will finally become a playable character for Genshin Impact players this July. Alongside her highly anticipated return to the main storyline, players will be able to depart the fantastical world of Teyvat for a new sci-fi landscape: the Moon.

Genshin Impact Version Luna VIII, “Sunny Summer Fontinalia,” will launch on multiple gaming platforms on July 1, 2026. The upcoming update includes new and returning 5-Star playable characters, new gameplay and story events, and additional fixes to further improve the user experience.

Genshin Impact July 2026 Update Shines the Spotlight on Sandrone

“Sandrone, the Seventh of the Fatui Harbingers, makes an unexpected return in this version as a 5-star Cryo Claymore wielder,” her character description reads, via an official press release. “After a tense first encounter, players witnessed her selfless sacrifice in the fierce battle against The Doctor, helping Columbina and the Traveler secure victory. Now that she has returned, the truth behind her resurrection is set to be revealed.”

Sandrone’s introduction — or, rather, reintroduction to Genshin Impact — brings forth a brand-new elemental reaction to the game’s combat system: Cryo-Electro reaction. A Cryo-Electro reaction can be triggered by certain Cryo and Electro characters, resulting in a Polestar Field surrounding the area, producing buffs for Stellar-Conduct damage, as well as Cryo and Electro damage dealt by all characters within range. It also reduces an opponent’s physical resistance, while also providing unique enhancements for Cryo and Electro characters within the field.

In combat, Sandrone can increase the entire party’s Stellar-Conduct DMG through the Polestar Field. She commands Fagio, a fully autonomous construct that deals Stellar-Conduct DMG 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 can maneuver through the Polestar Field while firing at opponents, reducing Decoding Power to prevent Fagio from overloading. Her Elemental Burst bombards opponents with artillery fire, and beam DMG dealt within the Polestar Field will be considered Stellar-Conduct DMG.

Genshin Impact July 2026 5-Star Banner Lineup Reveals Sandrone, Citlali and More

Genshin Impact players will have the chance to obtain Sandrone during the first half of the July 2026 5-Star Character Wish Banners. Additionally, Citlali — or, as fans lovingly call her, “Granny Itztli” — will once again be available during part one of the wish banner. Just in time for her new outfit, which will be available at a limited-time discount. The second half of the July Wish Banner will include Sandrone’s better half, Columbina, as well as Raiden Shogun from the Inazuma region.

The Genshin Impact July 2026 update also includes:

• Map Expansion
  • Players will board a spacecraft and journey beyond the skies of Teyvat, finally setting foot on the moon, where a vast new region awaits exploration.
• New Limited-Time Event
  • The Fontinalia Film Festival in Fontaine will feature a variety of fun mini-games. Complete them to invite Charlotte to your party for free and obtain a new outfit for her.
• Miliastra Wonderland
  • A brand-new summer-themed lobby will be added, alongside updates to the Editor tools and assets.

Genshin Impact Version Luna VIII is scheduled for release on July 1, 2026. The free-to-play open-world Japanese-style role-playing game is available to download on mobile devices (iOS and Android), PC, PS5 and Xbox consoles. A Nintendo Switch 2 version has yet to be announced.