Genshin Impact new 2.8 update leaks

The latest update to the Genshin Impact software, version 2.8, has been released and appears to include new domains for the three girls who were added in the previous version: Mona, Kazuha, and Xinyan.

In addition to confirming their existence within the software itself, there is also progressive screencaps that show their progress through each of the new areas. Each area seems to be tailored to the girl's interests and personality, with Mona's being a resort-like atmosphere where she seems to be enjoying a nice summer day at the beach or poolside. Kazuha's seems to be a shopping district (complete with other NPCs), and Xinyan's is another vacation spot like Mona's but more geared toward relaxing instead of physical activity. The 3rd area for Erika will presumably be along a similar theme as her previous one when it comes out.

The Genshin Impact 2.8 leaks revealed new domains for Kazuha, Mona, and Xinyan from Golden Apple Archipelago: goldenapple-archipelago.net, mona-nemesis.com, and xinyan-katanashi.jp. These domains have not been active yet (though goldenapple-archipelago.net has had a whois change), but it is likely the characters will have a new web presence soon enough.

With the recent leak of the new Genshin Impact update to 2.8, dedicated fans have been scouring it for any hints about what's coming next. They've found some interesting things! A couple of weeks ago, I translated the likely text for a new character named Mona from the Golden Apple Archipelago (part of the Chinese-only region). As you can see in this leak, the text has her listed under "Mona" in both her character intro and her details. 

Genshin Impact: Leaked images of new domains coming to Golden Apple Archipelago in patch 2.8

The Golden Apple Archipelago is getting a facelift! The latest issue of the official newspaper, Genshin Impact, contains leaked images of several new zones that will be added to the expansion. Some of the new zones include:

-The Golden Mesa -A sun-dappled meadow with rolling hills and a view of a distant mesa.

-The Great Desert -An expanse of sand dunes and craggy rock formations.

-The Sunken Forest -Partially submerged trees covered in moss with the occasional body of water.

-El Nido Triangle -A set of three islands near El Nido, named "North Island," "South Island," and "East Island"

The new Genshin Impact expansion promises to bring the Golden Apple Archipelago into the fold with its own array of new content. While we’re still on the fence about whether or not to buy a season pass, we’re definitely excited to hear that the new zones will be available for free play alongside the new quests, weapons and armor. It seems that some leaked images have shown up on the forums.  

The Genshin Impact is here! This week, the Golden Apple Archipelago expansion was revealed, and it looks like players will be seeing a lot of new things. The sister to the Whitefall Steppes, these islands are designed for level 50+ players and feature new dungeons and areas.

In an interview with Gamasutra, game designer Jesse Anderson said that the expansion pack was an opportunity to "double down" on what players love about Golden Apple: "We're taking the things that players love about Golden Apple -- new content, exciting adventures, crazy monsters -- and doubling down on all of that."

Director of World Design Rohan Scott also spoke with Gamasutra, saying: "This is a much more visually diverse area than we've ever had before. We have different environments within this area, so you can have desert-like islands or grassy islands. We were really trying to capture a kind of tropical feeling."

If you love the Golden Apple Archipelago as much as we do, and can't wait for what comes in patch 2.8, you can find more information at The Golden Apple Archipelago website!

The 2.8 patch is right around the corner, heralding in an age of new content, features and fixes for Final Fantasy XIV. We've already seen a teaser trailer for the patch, but now we're getting some concrete information about what to expect. Genshin Impact's blog offers screenshots of the new content that will be available in 2.8, including two new types of dungeons and a series of quests that will let you participate in the story via your own character.