Genshin Impact Luna III Patch: Durin Debuts, Hexerei Arrives

Genshin Impact’s Version 6.3 "Luna III — Song of the Welkin Moon: Interlude" is an inflection point for veteran and returning players alike. With the first-ever playable Durin banner and the live introduction of the Hexerei party system, the update marks a tectonic shift in both gameplay meta and endgame options.

For banner planners, event optimizers, or lore hunters, Luna III delivers an intermission packed with forward-looking mechanics and the return of some of Mondstadt’s most beloved faces. Here’s what matters most right now—and what to do before and after update day to maximize your gains.

At a Glance: Version Luna III Key Details

Update window: Maintenance begins 2025-12-03 06:00 UTC+8, estimated 5 hours. Claim compensation (300+300 Primogems) within 30 days, AR5+ required.
Banner headline: Durin (Pyro, 5★, Sword) debut; Jahoda joins as new Anemo 4★ healer/bow support.
Hexerei System: New talent layer for select Mondstadt/Nod-Krai units, cooperative party buffs, and eligibility to recruit Fischl, Sucrose, or Razor for free.
Story expansion: Two new Archon Quests (Acts V–VI), Durin’s own Story Quest with an unlockable outfit, and batch side content unlocks.
Artifacts & QoL: Major artifact and UI upgrades; increased city reputation gains; streamlined inventory flows.

Banner Schedule: Luna III | EarlyGG Official Breakdown

Banner Phase	Start – End (UTC+8)	Featured	Weapons
Phase 1	2025-12-03 to TBA	Durin (5★), Jahoda (4★, others TBA)	Athame Artis (Sword), The Daybreak Chronicles (Bow)

Weapon Event Wishes: Both Athame Artis and The Daybreak Chronicles can only be acquired via limited weapon banners this phase.

Exact end date and additional 4★/5★ returning units: Not stated in official materials. Readers are advised to check in-game notices at launch for banner overlaps and rerun specifics.

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

Durin's debut is historic: this is the first time an elemental dragon from lore is both playable and offers a dual combat mode mechanic. He can alternate between high AoE (White Flame) for team debuffing, and high-reaction single-target (Dark Decay) boosting Melt/Vaporize comps. If you’re seeking top-tier Pyro versatility, Durin is a competitive, meta-flexible choice.

F2P/low-spenders:
– If you skipped recent Pyro DPS banners (e.g., Lyney, Hu Tao), Durin provides unusual team flexibility and strong future-proofing.
– Competes for gems with high-utility reruns, though details on reruns this phase were not stated in official materials.
– New 4★ Jahoda is a unique Anemo healer with on-demand element conversion—a rare support, though her max value needs constellation testing.

Weapons:
– Athame Artis favors Burst-centric carries. The Daybreak Chronicles bow is best for off-field and quickswap bow DPS.
– Both weapons have Hexerei synergy—if you plan Hexerei-based teams, strong candidates.

Pity/Resource Tips:
– Both new 5★ units and weapons are event-limited.
– Hexerei system—if interested—greatly favors units available now, so consider pulling if you aim to maximize mechanic launch rewards.
– Ensure you have at least 180 wishes for hard-pity planning; as always, check for banner overlaps.

For detailed character and banner analytics, see the Genshin Impact 6.2: Durin Playable Release & Banner Start recap.

Hexerei System: Changing the Mondstadt Meta

Hexerei transforms eligible Mondstadt/Nod-Krai units with an additional talent—"Witch's Eve Rite"—after a specific questline (Witch's Homework). You’ll need to reach Lv. 70 on selected characters (Durin, Venti, Klee, Albedo, Mona, Fischl, Sucrose, Razor), and finish the quest to unlock Hexerei’s cooperative buffs.

Key mechanisms:
– Having two+ Hexerei characters in party triggers Hexerei: Secret Rite, team-wide stat buffs, and access to new kit synergies.
– Free unit reward: After finishing "Witch’s Homework: Solution," invite Fischl, Sucrose, or Razor to your roster (if not owned).
– Optimally, plan for quick-leveling all eligible Hexerei units to establish a versatile roster for the new endgame content.

Events, Story, and Deadlines: What to Clear

Main Storyline

Archon Quests:
- "Song of the Welkin Moon: Act V — A Nocturne of the Far North" (AR28+, permanent)
- "Song of the Welkin Moon: Act VI — Melting Moonlight in the Morning Mist" (AR28+, unlocks after Act V, permanent)
Durin Story Quest:
- "Draco Rubedo Chapter: Act I"
- AR40+, unlocks after Archon VI. Five-day timed quest line.
- Free outfit for Durin: "Toward the Distant Horizon"

Quick Start option is available until 2026-01-13 14:59 UTC+8 if you’re AR28+ and have cleared "A New Star Approaches."

Other Events

Soulblazers’ Snowbound Journey:
- Earns 4★ "Rainbow Serpent's Rain Bow" plus refinements by event completion (open to all, with tasks TBA).
Miliastra Wonderland: Major UI/cosmetic updates, several new obtainable cosmetic sets. New "Tranquil Snowcourt" public lobby theme and special template.
Genius Invokation TCG: Escoffier, Gaming, and Black Serpent Knight: Rockbreaker Ax join as character cards. New action/event cards, challenge rules.

All mail/claim rewards from maintenance/compensation and new collab recipes must be claimed within 30 days of update.

Quality of Life & System Overhauls

Major improvements anchor Luna III, many driven by player feedback:

Artifact Management:
– Direct enhance shortcut; highest level artifacts prioritized in material UI.
– Set lock and definition functions are clearer/expanded.

Reputation System:
– Double rewards per city/tribe task; notable for AR/rep collectors and blueprint chasers.

Character List:
– Sorting displays Constellation/Friendship directly; new party enhancement filter streamlines team setup.

Battle Pass:
– Cross-version Imaginarium Theater task tracking eliminates missed missions when updates overlap.

Accessibility:
– Improved support for keyboard/mouse in multiple interfaces; audio compression for smaller install sizes.

Dozens of targeted bug fixes and minor optimizations accompany these changes across events, UI, and combat.

Preparation Checklist: To-Do Before Update

Bank daily commissions, Resin, resin-fragment rewards (avoid cap overflow pre-update).
Level Hexerei-eligible Mondstadt/Nod-Krai units to 70, gather talent/ascension mats.
Clear all time-limited events, Domains, and Season BP tasks before 2025-12-03 06:00 UTC+8.
Check Story Quests: Finish "Welkin Moon" acts and prior main quests to avoid progression locks.
Pre-install client on PC/mobile for faster patch day access (see launcher/App Store/Play Store instructions).

Day-1 Priorities: What to Check First

Log in promptly to secure Primogem compensation (expires 30 days from issue).
Begin Hexerei unlock questlines; invite free 4★ if eligible.
Claim new world/Archon/story quests and progression rewards.
Participate in first event phase: e.g., "Soulblazers’ Snowbound Journey" for limited bow reward.
Review new Spiral Abyss phase (Pyro/Electro emphasis) if pushing 36-star clears.

Conclusion: Luna III’s Lasting Impact—and What’s Next

Version Luna III plants lasting seeds across Genshin’s core systems and player economy. Most notably: the Hexerei system invites experimentation with neglected units, while Durin’s versatile, dual-mode kit signals a new era for Pyro teams. Coupled with meaningful QoL, the patch reconfigures not just the Mondstadt meta, but also long-term progression on nearly every front.

For deeper character, weapon, and Hexerei coverage, see our full Welkin Moon Interlude Update Analysis and Luna III banner review on EarlyGG.

Suggested Visuals:
– Banner schedule table with Phase/Start/End/Featured units (alt text: Phase-by-phase Genshin Impact Luna III banner breakdown)
– Hexerei mechanic diagram or flowchart (alt text: Visual guide to Hexerei talent system, showing eligible characters and cooperative effects)
– Limited Bow event artwork or in-game screenshot (alt text: New "Rainbow Serpent's Rain Bow" showcased in event menu; highlights event rewards)

Genshin Impact Luna III Patch: Durin Debuts, Hexerei Arrives