Genshin Impact is a visually stunning game that delivers a truly magical experience. With the release of the Natlan 5.0 expansion, players can now explore an entirely new nation and meet captivating new characters. Natlan, the sixth nation in Teyvat, is known as the Nation of Dragons. I had the opportunity to get an early look at Natlan during Gamescom 2024.
I had the chance to play as three of the new characters – Mualani, Kachina, and Kinich. Every time I try to pick a favorite, I’m reminded of how much I love the others. You’ll definitely enjoy experimenting with new team combinations that make the most of their diverse styles and abilities.
Mualani is a 5 star Hydro Catalyst wielder from the People of the Springs who throws water balloons and has an awesome surfing shark attack – its traversal while dealing damage make her so flexible in combat. She can also surf on the Spiritways for a quick method of travel.
Kinich, from Scions of the Canopy, has this great retro cyber aesthetic which stands out and yet fits it, he fights with a hook which latches onto enemies giving slick circular movement and damage. He is a 5 star Dendro Claymore wielder, and his grappling hook can be used when exploring to reach high places using Coilgrass Sigils.
Kachina is a 4 star Geo Polearm wielder from the Children of Echos and is just so gosh darn adorable, her run animation is so cute and paired with her Geo abilities and Turbo Twirly attack she is formidable. Her Turbo Twirly can also be ridden around and used to climb cliffs and walls. She is also a free character from completing the Natlan Archon Quest, so how can you not love her.
Natlan is a great area for exploration and traversal. Early on, you’re introduced to an injured baby Saurian, which you help, name (I called mine Nibbles), and in return, you gain the ability to transform into a Saurian yourself.. Currently there are 3 types of Saurian – Teptlisauraus (Earth), Yumukasauraus (Air), Koholasaurus (Water). I have to admit, I spent a lot of time simply exploring as a Teptlisaurus, since they can burrow underground, swim swiftly, or scale walls. There are also speedrun challenges that each type of Saurian can assist with, helping you achieve higher rankings.
The tribes in Natlan also bring so much life to the area, 5.0 introduces us to 3 out of 6 new tribes. The first tribe I encountered was the Children of Echos who are live in the canyons. They are deeply connected to about the arts and entertainment and one of the first items you are given is a camera which is paired with missions to explore and take photo’s of wildlife. This really helps bring Natlan to life as you explore the themes of art, graffiti and what it means to be Avant-Garde. The other tribes available are the Scions of the Canopy and the People of the Springs which we get to learn more about and uncover mysteries with.
I can’t wait to see and play more of Genshin Impact: Natlan, and it is able to be unlocked fairly early/ mid-game by completing all Mondstrat Archon Quests and reaching AR 19, to unlock Archon Quest complete all of Liyue’s Archon quests and reach AR 28. You can also claim an extra 500 primo gems after completing Natlan Archon Quests during 5.0. Plus there is a new world level increase, you can get to world level 9 by reaching Adventure Rank 58 and completing the Ascension Quest.
