Genshin Impact 2.8 Countdown: Release time, banners, and events
Last Updated on: 13th July 2022, 10:15 pm
We’re only a few hours away from Genshin Impact 2.8. And while we know you’re already excited for 3.0 because of all the leaks circulating online, 2.8 also has a lot to offer that you definitely won’t want to miss.
For one, you must already know that the new Anemo character Shikanoin Heizou will soon be available. But what else can you expect in this new version? Which banners will have reruns? And what event/s can you participate in?
If you want to know more, read on. We’d be happy to tell you everything that we know about Genshin Impact 2.8.
What is the release time for Genshin Impact 2.8?
As mentioned during the 2.8 Special Program live stream, the game will have its maintenance for the new version at 6 am (UTC +8). As it usually does, this maintenance will end approximately after five hours of server downtime.
For your reference, you can expect to play the new version around the following hours:
| AREA | DATE & TIME |
| US East Coast | Tuesday, 12th July, 11 pm (EDT) |
| US Central | Tuesday, 12th July, 10 pm (CDT) |
| US West Coast | Tuesday, 12th July, 8 pm (PDT) |
| UK | Wednesday, 13th July, 4 am (BST) |
| Europe | Wednesday, 13th July, 5 am (CEST) |
| Japan | Wednesday, 13th July, 12 pm (JST) |
| Australia | Wednesday, 13th July, 1 pm (AEST) |
While waiting and in order to save time, you can already pre-install some Genshin Impact 2.8 content by:
- Tapping “Pre-install Resource Package” from the login screen for mobile
- Going to the Paimon Menu > Other > Pre-install Resource Package for PC
READ MORE: GENSHIN IMPACT: THE TRAGEDY OF ROSALYNE
What are the banners for Genshin Impact 2.8?
As mentioned earlier, Shikanoin Heizou will be making his debut during this version. As a 4-star character, he will not have his own banner. However, he will be featured in the two (2) rerun banners during the 1st phase of the version. For more information, below are the banners for Genshin Impact 2.8:
Phase 1 will include banner reruns for 5-star characters Kazuha and Klee. As for the three (3) featured 4-star characters for both banners, they are:
- Shikanoin Heizou
- Thoma
- Ningguang
As usual, the signature weapons of both 5-star characters will also be featured in the Epitome Invocation banner. These are Lost Prayer to the Sacred Winds for Klee and Freedom-Sworn for Kazuha.
For Phase 2, Yoimaiya will have her banner rerun. The three (3) featured 4-star characters for this banner are yet to be announced. However, we can expect her signature weapon, Thundering Pulse, to be featured in the Epitome Invocation banner by then.
While we are on the subject of weapons, a new 4-star Sword will also be released in this version. Called the Cursed Blade, this weapon has a base attack of 510 and a Bonus Stat of ATK + 41.3% at Lvl 90!
According to the tweet on the official Genshin Impact page, you can obtain this weapon by taking part in the new version’s storyline.
Per the usual cycle, banners run for three weeks. Therefore, Phase 1 is expected to end on 2nd August. Phase 2 will take over by then, which we can expect to end on 23rd August.
At the moment, Version 2.9 has not been confirmed, and there is a possibility that it will be skipped.
READ MORE: GENSHIN IMPACT: WHO IS COLUMBINA?
What are the events in Genshin Impact 2.8?
With Heizou‘s debut comes a new Hangout Event called Act 1 – Trap ‘Em By Storm. On the other hand, a new Story Quest centered on Kazuha will also become available.
However, those are a bit expected, so let’s talk more about the limited-time events in this version. We have a couple to look forward to, and one of them is the SUMMERTIME ODESSEY event.
Apart from new storylines, this event’s biggest feature is the Phantom Realms Domain. Here, you’ll need to activate mechanisms to trigger elemental effects and defeat enemies within a limited time.
By completing the challenges, you can get the event currency called Iridescent Flotsam and exchange them for awesome rewards such as a copy of a the 4-star character Fischl!
Of course, you can also get other rewards such as Primogems, Mora, Mystic Enhancement Ore, etc.
Now, if you have Fischl, you might also want to get her new skin. Lucky for you, her new skin will be up for grabs during the RESONATING VISIONS event!
Yup, you can get her skin for free if you complete the event, but if you won’t, her skin will still be available in the Character Outfit Shop for 1,680 Genesis Crystals.
There are also other exciting limited-time events such as REMINISCENT REGIMEN, HIDDEN STRIFE, and EVERMOTION MECHANICAL PAINTING, so be sure to check them out.
Are you excited about Genshin Impact 2.8? We know you are! Don’t worry! The wait is almost over.
