If you’re a long-time Genshin Impact player, you’ve probably been waiting years for one specific character to finally make their playable debut—right? That’s right, Version 6.4, launching February 25, 2026, is bringing Mondstadt back to the forefront, and it’s all centered around the long-teased Knight of Boreas, Varka. genshin-impact-version-6-4-mondstadt-returns-with-varka-image-0

While Version 6.4 might not pack the same sheer volume of content as its predecessor, Version 6.3, it’s a lore-rich update that deepens the story of Genshin’s oldest region and sets the stage for the next major story arc. Let’s break down everything you need to know, from banners to gameplay to what’s coming next.

Character Banners: Who’s Worth Pulling?

First up, let’s talk about the banners—because let’s be real, that’s what most players are here for. Version 6.4’s Event Banners are split into two halves:

Half Featured Characters Key Details
First Varka (5-Star) + Flins (4-Star) Varka’s long-awaited debut; Flins lets players complete Lunar-Charged teams
Second Skirk (5-Star) + Escoffier (5-Star) Both remain top-tier picks for Frozen teams

Meta theorycrafters have been a little hesitant about Varka at first, comparing his damage output to the strongest Fontaine and early Natlan 5-Stars. But let’s be honest—how many players are skipping a character they’ve waited half a decade for just because of raw damage numbers? Varka’s unique gameplay, dynamic animations, and years of buildup make him a must-pull for lore fans, even if he’s not the absolute strongest damage dealer on day one.

And if you’re a free-to-play (F2P) player? Pay attention: Version 6.4 only gives out 66 Intertwined Wishes total. That’s not a lot, so if you’re aiming for any of these 5-Stars, you’ll want to stock up on Primogems during the upcoming Lantern Rite event—no slacking on daily commissions or events, okay?

The Return of Mondstadt’s Chronicled Banner

Beyond the Event Banners, Version 6.4 brings back Mondstadt’s Chronicled Banner for the first time in nearly two years. This banner features fan-favorite Mondstadt 5-Stars: Klee, Albedo, Eula, Diluc, Jean, and Mona, plus their associated 5-Star weapons. If you missed any of these characters during their original runs, this is your chance to add them to your roster.

Lore & Story: Varka vs. Roland, and What’s Next?

Version 6.4 isn’t just about characters—it’s about expanding Mondstadt’s lore. The update includes Varka’s long-awaited Story Quest, which pits the Knight of Boreas against Roland, the Bloodstained Knight. The Flagship Event, set entirely in Mondstadt, also ties into this story, rewarding players with a free 4-Star Catalyst weapon appearance for participating in its story and mini-games.

But here’s the kicker: Version 6.4 is also a prelude to what’s coming next. Remember Liben teasing a new map expansion north of Mondstadt called Dornman Port back in Version 6.2? That expansion is expected to launch shortly after Version 6.4, so this update is setting up the next big chapter of Genshin’s story.

Gameplay Deep Dive: What Makes Varka Unique?

Curious about how Varka plays? The Special Program livestream revealed some key details about his kit. Varka has specific team restrictions: he needs at least one other Anemo teammate, plus two teammates of the same element (Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo). Most of his damage comes from his Elemental Skill, which infuses his dual claymores with Anemo and his secondary element, effectively swirling his Normal Attacks.

Right now, Varka can’t compete with the strongest Lunar Reaction teams in the game. But many fans are speculating that his best support characters haven’t even been released yet. Speaking of upcoming characters, the livestream also introduced Lohen, another Knights of Favonius member rumored to be a 5-Star Cryo character set to debut in Version 6.6. Lohen is expected to join the Standard Banner, and players are already hoping he’ll be one of Varka’s best teammates.

Other New Content

Version 6.4 has a few other surprises too:

  • New Character Anecdotes to dive deeper into Mondstadt’s cast

  • New Envisaged Echoes for the Imaginarium Theater

  • A new Nod-Krai-themed map for the Serenitea Pot

  • A fun mini-game called “Who’s That Character?” that challenges players to identify character silhouettes before time runs out

Final Thoughts

Version 6.4 is a love letter to long-time Genshin Impact players who’ve stuck with the game since the early Mondstadt days. It’s not the biggest update in terms of content volume, but it’s packed with meaning—finally giving Varka the spotlight he deserves, expanding Mondstadt’s lore, and setting up the next big adventure. Whether you’re pulling for Varka, chasing old Mondstadt favorites on the Chronicled Banner, or just excited to dive back into the region that started it all, Version 6.4 has something for everyone. So start saving those Primogems—February 25 is right around the corner.

According to coverage from GamesIndustry.biz, major live-service updates often matter as much for long-term engagement and brand loyalty as they do for short-term content volume, which helps explain why a lore-focused Genshin Impact patch centered on Varka and Mondstadt can still generate strong community interest even without an unusually large feature list.