With the release of Genshin Impact's highly anticipated 5.0 update on the horizon for late 2026, the gaming community is abuzz with early leaks concerning Natlan's first wave of playable characters. These rumors, originating from sources with a track record of reliability, suggest the Pyro nation's debut will introduce a trio of new fighters, potentially offering a more robust starting lineup than previous regional expansions. While official details from HoYoverse remain under wraps, the leaked information paints an exciting picture of what adventurers can expect when they finally set foot in the Nation of War and Dragons later this year.
According to leaks disseminated by a source known as 'Foul' and shared on community forums, Version 5.0 is set to introduce three new Natlan characters. The information, while labeled as 'Questionable' due to its early nature, comes from a leaker with past credibility. If the established pattern holds, HoYoverse is expected to officially tease these characters around mid-July, shortly before the launch of the preceding Version 4.8 update. This initial roster is rumored to consist of two 5-star characters and one 4-star character, a notable shift from Fontaine's introductory patch which featured only one 5-star unit.
The leaks provide intriguing, if sparse, details about each character's potential kit and appearance.
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5-Star Dendro Claymore User (Male): Described as a 'boy,' this character is speculated to utilize a younger body-type model, similar to Bennett or Chongyun. A Dendro-wielding claymore user would be a first for the game, potentially opening up new elemental reaction strategies centered on heavy, sustained Dendro application.
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5-Star Hydro Catalyst User (Female): Touted as a 'front DPS' or primary on-field damage dealer, this character is rumored to have a female model akin to Kamisato Ayaka or Furina. Most intriguingly, the leak suggests she will possess 'rapid movement on water.' It remains unclear whether this ability will mimic Furina's water-walking or Neuvillette's enhanced underwater mobility, but it hints at a unique traversal mechanic tied to Natlan's environment.
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4-Star Geo Polearm User (Female): The least detailed of the three, this character is said to wield a Geo Vision and a polearm. Beyond her weapon and element, her specific skillset and role remain a mystery.
A consistent thread across all rumors is the characters' aesthetic. The leak mentions all three will have 'dark skin' tones, with community notes clarifying that the original term used is broad, potentially indicating complexions similar to existing characters like Dehya or Xinyan. This would align with fan expectations for Natlan's cultural inspirations and offer greater representation in Teyvat's roster.
The potential release of two 5-star characters in a single update poses both an opportunity and a challenge for players. While it promises a stronger initial team composition for exploring Natlan, it also stretches the resources of free-to-play adventurers. Obtaining both premium characters in one patch would require significant luck or savings. However, history offers a silver lining for the 4-star unit.
HoYoverse has established a precedent of gifting a free 4-star character from the new region in its debut update—Collei for Sumeru (3.0) and Lynette for Fontaine (4.0). This serves to help players engage with new region-specific mechanics. It is, therefore, highly plausible that the rumored 4-star Geo polearm user will be distributed for free to all players upon 5.0's launch, acting as an introduction to any unique combat or exploration systems native to Natlan, much like the Arkhe system in Fontaine.
Compared to the lead-up to Fontaine in 2025, information about Natlan has been notably scarcer. The drip-feeding of these character details, however, signals the start of the pre-release hype cycle. As the summer progresses and the official 5.0 livestream approaches, more concrete information about these warriors of the Pyro nation—their stories, their roles in the looming conflict hinted at by Neuvillette and Capitano's interest, and their connection to the legendary Saurian dragons—is sure to follow. For now, Travelers can begin planning their Primogem savings strategies for what looks to be a impactful arrival in the ever-expanding world of Teyvat.