Genshin Impact 2026 Character Roadmap: What Varka & Sneguroč

Genshin Impact 2026 Character Banner Roadmap: Varka, Snegurochka, and the Nod-Krai Lineup

With the recent surge of information around Genshin Impact Version 6.x, players are already strategizing for the next wave of characters and map updates slated for 2026. The confirmed introduction of Varka and Snegurochka as 5-stars in Versions 6.4 and 6.5, respectively, marks a pivotal moment for both lore and gameplay. For F2P and optimal spenders, knowing who arrives when—and which banners overlap—can decide whether to stockpile or spend hard-earned Primogems now.

At a Glance: Key Updates & Timeline

Patch 6.3 Banners (Early 2026):
- Columbina (5★ Hydro, Catalyst)
- Zibai (5★ Geo, Sword)
- Illuga (4★ Geo, Polearm)
Patch 6.4:
- Varka (5★ Anemo, Claymore)
Patch 6.5:
- Snegurochka (5★, Vision/Weapon type TBA)
Future banners: Nicole, Alice, and Sandrone (All 5★; details unconfirmed)
Major map expansions: Dornman Port (6.4), Hyperborea Ruins (6.5)
New character upgrade quests: Witch's Homework (debut 6.2; expands Hexerei group)

Banner Schedule: Confirmed & Unconfirmed Releases

Version	Phase	5★ Character	Vision	Weapon	Banner Date
6.3	1/2	Columbina	Hydro	Catalyst	Q1 2026 (exact dates TBA)
6.3	1/2	Zibai	Geo	Sword	Q1 2026 (exact dates TBA)
6.3	1/2	Illuga (4★)	Geo	Polearm	Q1 2026
6.4	TBA	Varka	Anemo	Claymore	TBA, likely Q2 2026
6.5	TBA	Snegurochka	Unknown	Unknown	TBA, likely Q2/Q3 2026
TBA	TBA	Nicole	Pyro	Unknown	Not announced
TBA	TBA	Alice	Pyro	Unknown	Not announced
TBA	TBA	Sandrone	Unknown	Unknown	Not announced

Banner timings sourced from reliable community leakers (DK2); all future details not shown in official materials are Unconfirmed — subject to change. Global server time zones and exact starts will be covered at official reveal.

Character Factions: Lunar Reaction & Hexerei

2026’s new cast splits into two key Mondstadt-offshoot groups:

Lunar Reaction:
- Centered on Columbina.
- Characters here are expected to highlight unique new elemental interactions tied to upcoming Nod-Krai regions.
Hexerei:
- Expanded with the "Witch’s Homework" event.
- Albedo, Klee, Venti, Mona, Fischl, Sucrose, Razor, and now Durin, Varka, Alice, Nicole are associated with the Hexenzirkel, a lore-favorite cabal of Mondstadt’s witches.

F2P and meta players should track these group affiliations, as future patch synergy bonuses or event locks could apply.

Should You Pull? F2P, Low-Spend, and Meta Implications

Columbina: Expected centerpiece of Lunar Reaction teams. As Hydro Catalyst, pairs well with Dendro and Pyro units for high-reaction setups. For F2P, she's an investment if you missed Furina or Yelan.
Varka: The long-awaited Knights of Favonius Grand Master. As an Anemo Claymore, he may redefine the Swirl meta (unlike Jean or Sayu, potential for unique grouping or disruption). Save Primogems if you favor versatile supports or Claymore teams.
Snegurochka: Details sparse, but links to the lore-rich Hyperborea ruin. Strong candidate for unique new mechanics or off-field utility. Wait for official kits or banner order to solidify.
Nicole, Alice: Pyro 5-stars, but kit leaks are not official. Prudent players should hold on major pulls until in-game previews or test banners.

Banner overlap caution: As 2026 introduces several new regional and event-limited 5-stars, Primogem management is critical. Expect reruns of Fontaine and Sumeru favorites to return in between new nodes—forcing tough choices for F2P collections.

Pity rates remain unchanged: 90 (character) / 80 (weapon) full pity; soft pity at 75; 50/50 system applies for all standard banners unless official changes announced.

Material & Prep Checklist for Version 6.x

For Varka (Anemo, Claymore):
– Pre-farm Anemo ascension gems, upgraded Hilichurl weapon materials, Wolfhook (if leaked Mondstadt tie-in holds), and talent books from Forsaken Rift (if no new domain).

For Columbina and Snegurochka:
– Stockpile regional specialties from Nod-Krai.
– Save Fragile Resin for new boss/weeklies in Dornman Port and Hyperborea (expansion regions).
– Weekly boss mats: Not officially stated; review upon patch preview livestream.

General:
– Prioritize current "Witch’s Homework" event quests for upgrade materials and ascension resources; F2P-friendly conversion rates likely for early Hexerei characters.
– Complete daily commissions tied to Mondstadt and Nod-Krai for bonus exp and Primogem stockpiling.

Unconfirmed & Subject to Change: Rumors and Leaks

The following details are sourced from community leakers and are not validated by HoYoverse. Exercise caution with resource planning.

Sandrone is listed in internal IDs after Nicole and Alice; her role, element, and weapon type are currently unknown.
Nicole, Alice may debut late 2026 or early 2027, depending on the Hexerei event schedule and region order.
Hyperborea’s status as a subregion with unique mechanics (weather, traversal) is probable, but gameplay features remain unannounced.

Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

2026 is primed to offer the largest expansion to the Genshin Impact roster since Sumeru, with Nod-Krai and Mondstadt evolutions deepening the meta and lore. For players optimizing pulls, now is the time to chart target banners, hoard Primogems, and stay alert for official kit reveals. The addition of the Hexerei and Lunar Reaction groups could signal a reshuffling of team-building favorites.

For detailed pre-release planning: See Genshin Impact Leak Teases Dornman Port & Hyperborea Expans, Genshin Impact 6.3 Leak: Nod-Krai Map Expansion, Banners & F, and Genshin Impact 6.2: Durin’s Reveal Reshapes Pyro Teams & F2P on EarlyGG.

Featured image: Art of Varka, Snegurochka, and the Nod-Krai launch, with Mondstadt ruins in background (alt: "Upcoming Genshin Impact characters Varka and Snegurochka stand overlooking the evolving landscape of Teyvat’s Nod-Krai region; vivid elemental visuals highlight new Hydro and Anemo effects.")