The latest update for open-world action RPG Genshin Impact launches today. Genshin Impact update 1.2 adds a new icy area to explore, new characters and quests, and new equipment to acquire.
What's new in Genshin Impact update 1.2?
The biggest addition in Genshin Impact update 1.2 is the new Dragonspine area. This frozen area features a subzero climate, which means your characters will continually accumulate the Sheer Cold status effect while they're there. If you don't tend to Sheer Cold, you'll start losing HP. You can tend to Sheer Cold using heat sources like cooking fires, and there's also a new craftable item in the game that will allow you to banish Sheer Cold's effects.
In addition to the new area, you'll find two new characters in update 1.2. Ganyu is a bow-using Cryo character with qilin blood in her veins. Albedo is a Geo sword user who's also the focus of the new "The Chalk Prince and the Dragon" event, which prompts you to undertake a series of quests in order to obtain the Festering Desire sword. You'll also find a new "Stellar Reunion" event, which offers new rewards, extra double drop opportunities, and more.
Are there any big gameplay changes in Genshin Impact update 1.2?
Gameplay-wise, some new monster types have been added to Genshin Impact to correspond to the new Dragonspine area. As you'd imagine, they're mostly Cryo-themed and will react well (or badly, depending on your outlook) to Pyro. New floors have been added to the game's Spiral Abyss dungeon, too. You'll also find a new private chat function so you can talk with friends one-to-one, as well as the function to edit friends' names in your list. New optimizations have been added to Genshin Impact's co-op play function, allowing you to disband co-op teams and quit them more easily.
If you'd like to read a full list of the changes in Genshin Impact update 1.2, you can do so right here. Updating the game is easy. On PC, simply close and re-open the launcher, then click Update. PS4 players should highlight Genshin Impact in the Home screen and click "Check for Update" on the Options menu. On iOS, you'll need to update the game via the App Store, while if you're an Android user, you'll need to update the game from within the app itself.
Will you be diving back into Genshin Impact to check out Dragonspine? Let us know in the comments below!