Genshin Impact 8.0: Release date, the Frost Moon and Sandrone

The highly anticipated Genshin Impact 8.0 update is just around the corner, and HoYoverse is not holding back. With the launch scheduled for July 1, as detailed by official community channels and ZonaMMORPG, the version titled "Luna VIII: Summer, Return, the Fontinal Festival!" promises to be one of the wildest expansions we've seen in the game to date.

This time, get ready to lift off, because we're leaving the skies of Teyvat behind to directly explore the surface of the moon. In addition to new gravity-defying maps, we will have Sandrone, a familiar face from the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, joining the roster of playable characters.

Genshin Impact 8.0 new features: The Frost Moon

The biggest highlight of this patch is undoubtedly the arrival of the Frost Moon, an entirely new permanent region. Travelers will board a spaceship to reach this satellite, which is full of luminous seas, space stations floating in the void, and ancient ruins connected to the dragons.

This won't just be about walking and exploring like always. HoYoverse has implemented new mechanics based on gravity manipulation, giving a fresh spin to both movement and combat. If that wasn't enough, the map will now feature a real-time layered system so you know exactly at what height or depth your character is exploring.

Sandrone and the new version 8.0 banners

If you were saving your Primogems, now is the time to spend them. Sandrone, the seventh of the Fatui Harbingers, will make her debut as a 5-star character of the Cryo element, armed with a claymore. The most interesting part of her gameplay is the new elemental reaction: Stellar Superconduct.

This mechanic is a direct evolution of mixing Cryo and Electro. When activated, it generates a field that boosts both elements and reduces the physical resistance of enemies. All of this will be perfectly utilized alongside her automaton Fagio, who will actively fight by her side.

As for the banners, the first phase will feature Sandrone sharing the spotlight with Citlali. If you prefer to wait for the second half of the patch, brace yourself for the returns of Colombina and the almighty Raiden Shogun.

Summer events and free rewards

As is tradition around this time, we will have a permanent main event. The Kinographic Fontinal Festival will transform Fontaine with summer activities where we can manage our very own floating aquarium. The best news is that by participating, you can recruit Charlotte entirely for free and even score a brand-new outfit for her.

The patch also brings a new skin for Citlali, more cards and content for Genius Invokation TCG, and aesthetic updates in the Miliastra Eden editor. Remember that all this content will be available from day one on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, iOS, and Android.

With so many new mechanics and an area that promises to completely change how we explore, next month is going to be intense for players. Are you ready to take your team to space?

Need extra Primogems to pull for Sandrone and her signature weapon? Complete challenges and earn free rewards through Olagg.io's Genshin Impact Quests before version 8.0 drops!