Genshin Update: Lantern Rite Character Revealed

Recent leaks strongly suggest that Madame Ping, the beloved Streetward Rambler, will be the next playable character introduced during Genshin Impact's Lantern Rite event. While her eventual inclusion as a playable character has long been anticipated, the exact timing remained uncertain until now. Her model, alongside Cloud Retainer's, was showcased in the Version 3.4 Lantern Rite cinematic, with Cloud Retainer becoming playable in Version 4.4.

Unlike most Adepti, Madame Ping is depicted as a kindly elderly woman residing in Liyue Harbor. She serves as a mentor to Yao Yao and Xiangling and previously cared for Yanfei. In-game, she assists the Traveler in setting up their Serenitea Pot. However, credible leaks from hxg_diluc, a reputable Genshin Impact leaker (though they've flagged this as questionable), point to her debut as a 5-star polearm character in Version 5.4 (2025). Her signature weapon boasts an impressive 88% CRIT DMG bonus, making it a particularly appealing option for Xiao users lacking the Primordial Jade-Winged Spear. Whether her release falls within the first or second half of Version 5.4 remains to be confirmed. Players eager to acquire Madame Ping and her weapon should begin saving Primogems.

Madame Ping's Elemental Affinity: A Hydro Hypothesis

Madame Ping's mastery of martial arts and polearm usage seem fitting for her character. However, her elemental type remains a subject of much debate. Her attire, featuring fish scales and a predominantly blue color scheme, strongly suggests she will be a Hydro character – potentially the first 5-star Hydro polearm user in Genshin Impact.

Version 4.8 is slated to introduce Emilie, a 5-star Dendro polearm user, and Version 5.0 will feature three Natlan characters: a Dendro Claymore, Hydro Catalyst, and Geo Polearm user. This suggests a possible HoYoverse shift towards emphasizing Pyro reactions rather than solely focusing on the Pyro element itself during the Natlan era.