Key Changes: Version Luna 5

  • Version Name: Luna 5, "Song of the Welkin Moon: Variation - Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind"
  • Release Date: February 25
  • New Playable Character: Varka (5-Star Anemo Claymore, dual-wield combat, two Elemental damage types)
  • Rerun Event Wishes (Phase 1): Flins
  • Rerun Event Wishes (Phase 2): Skirk, Escoffier
  • Returning Feature: Chronicled Wish (Mondstadt character focus)
  • Major Event: Echoes of Memory (revisits Mondstadt, uses Spotter Kamera)
  • New Activities: Knights of Favonius social event, Gliding & Combat Challenges, minigames, Kamera Photo spots (Natlan, Fontaine, Sumeru), "horde mode" style combat.
  • Thematic Focus: Nostalgia, return to Mondstadt.

Alright, gamers, strap in. In Game News is here with the definitive breakdown of HoYoverse's latest content drop for Genshin Impact. Version Luna 5, sporting an unusually long and, frankly, needlessly layered title — "Song of the Welkin Moon: Variation - Homeward, He Who Caught the Wind" — is hitting our screens on **February 25**. Our take? This update is a full-on nostalgia play, taking us right back to Mondstadt, the original stomping grounds where many of us first set foot in Teyvat.

Varka's Grand Debut: A True Game-Changer?

The headline act, without a doubt, is the long-awaited playable debut of **Varka**, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. We've seen him in small cameos and more recently in the Nod-Krai chapters, so his arrival as a playable character feels perfectly timed with the Mondstadt return. Varka isn't just another pretty face; he's a 5-Star Anemo Claymore wielder, and his kit suggests a serious meta shift.

Dual-Wielding Mayhem and Elemental Flexibility

Varka’s combat style is what really caught our eye: a unique dual-wielding mechanic that allows him to deal *two different types of Elemental damage*. His Elemental Skill is the core here. It doesn't just boost his regular attacks; it dynamically converts the damage type of his right-hand claymore to match his teammates' elements (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo). Meanwhile, his left-hand claymore consistently dishes out Anemo damage. This isn't just a skin-deep change; it's a fundamental shift in how he engages with team compositions, potentially making him incredibly versatile.

Furthermore, Varka players will want to master his rhythm: the more normal attacks you land, the faster he can activate a special Elemental Skill or trigger a stamina-free Charged Attack. Add in the "Hexerei effect" which further boosts Elemental Skill instances and Charged Attacks, and we're looking at a potential monster damage-dealer. Oh, and for those keeping score, Varka's addition finally means we have a burly 5-Star male character for each elemental type — do with that particular meta-milestone what you will.

His Story Quest promises to expand on his encounter with the Wild Hunt and the Great Wolf King of the North, which we anticipate will add significant lore depth to this key figure.

Familiar Faces & Returning Wishes

Luna 5 isn't just about new blood; it's also about welcoming back some fan favorites. The first phase of Event Wishes will feature **Flins**, with **Skirk** and **Escoffier** headlining the second phase. For the collectors and completionists, the **Chronicled Wish** makes a welcome return, this time focusing on Mondstadt characters. If you missed out on some of those foundational units, now's your chance to round out your roster.

Events: A Trip Down Memory Lane

True to the nostalgic theme, the major event in Luna 5, "Echoes of Memory," centers on revisiting the early days of your Genshin Impact journey. Expect familiar scenes that have undergone subtle alterations, requiring you to bust out the Spotter Kamera to detect and record the differences. We're seeing the Kamera get some serious mileage here, and it's always a treat to see classic areas with fresh eyes.

Beyond the main event, the Knights of Favonius are hosting several other activities, including a social event where you can catch up with old friends over custom-made drinks. For those craving more action, new Gliding and Combat Challenges are on the docket, alongside a fresh batch of minigames to help you relax between expeditions. The Kamera is being utilized yet again for capturing sights across Natlan, Fontaine, and Sumeru — a nice touch for world exploration enthusiasts. And yes, there's even a "horde mode of a sort," where you'll fend off waves of enemies. A solid, if somewhat familiar, addition to the activity roster.

Overall, Luna 5 looks like a solid update focused on reinforcing the game's roots while introducing a genuinely impactful new character. Don't forget to grab your latest Genshin Impact codes before diving in!