Since the end of 2020, rumors and leaks about the new region Inazuma have been circulating, which is supposed to come to Genshin Impact. MeinMMO summarizes all known information about the region and a possible release for you.
What is Inazuma? This is a new region that is currently not available in Genshin Impact. Since then, there has been constant speculation about when at least the first parts of the region could be introduced into the game.
The region stylistically draws heavily from ancient Japan. This is especially evident in the names for the region, its characters, and initial concept drawings. Many known details revolve around spirits, souls, and temples, which are important aspects of Japanese mythology. Similar to Japan, Inazuma consists of several islands.
We summarize what we know so far about Inazuma and also try to give an outlook on when a release can be expected.
Possible Release of Inazuma
When could the region be introduced into the game? That remains open for now. The region is still under development at miHoYo, and it is considered unlikely that it will be included in the next update. Some even assume that Inazuma may only come with a larger update 2.0, which would ultimately be in September. (forbes.com)
Are there any official details on this? As reported by dualshockers.com, the developers recently commented on this in a Q&A. It appears that parts of Inazuma could possibly be introduced into the game with Update 1.7. (via dualshockers.com)
When is that? The release of Update 1.6 is expected in early June, as miHoYo follows a 6-week rhythm and 1.5 was released at the end of April. In 1.6, players can expect new characters and events, as well as character skins: It seems that Genshin Impact will really get skins with Update 1.6
1.7 is expected to appear sometime in mid-July. However, it is also possible that this changes by then. There are already character leaks that show the Ayaka and Yoimiya banner.
Inazuma, Land of Lightning
This is what is known so far: So far, only rough information based on leaks and character statements is available. We know from the NPC Atsuko at least some general facts:
- She describes the land as dangerous.
- It may be beyond the seas of Liyue.
- Inazuma is ruled by the member of the Seven, the Electro Archon Baal.
- Baal is also described as a “roguish samurai” and has driven the spirits of Inazuma into the forests.
- However, Baal does not rule personally but placed the entity Inazuma Bakufu as the ruler.
- The borders are controlled by another entity that Baal created.
- This is the Kanjobugyo, which does not let any citizen pass without an official permit.
- Atsuko escaped from Inazuma by boat.
- Apparently, Inazuma is at war.
According to Atsuko, this border control makes entering and leaving Inazuma considerably more difficult, and only the Fatui are able to cross the border without hurdles due to their diplomatic status. Inazuma is therefore on the path to complete isolation from the outside world.
Baal also issued a statement calling for the hunt for vision bearers. The Archon collects all visions from the inhabitants of Inazuma in the arm of a statue of the thousand-armed, hundred-eyed god. The exact reasons for this are not yet known.
With Patch 1.5, there were at least some concept images and first information about the region. Based on the concept images, Inazuma strongly resembles an interpretation of ancient Japan:
Tatarasuna 
Mikage Furnace 
Narakumi Island 
Tenshukaku, Inazuma Island 
Yashiori Island
These are the official descriptions (via YouTube):
- Tatarasuna – “Mountain surrounding the Mikage Furnace. Flowers continue to bloom, unaffected by the impacts of war.”
- Mikage Furnace – “The largest smelting device on the island of Inazuma, surrounded by jagged, rocky terrain. It was shut down due to the war.”
- Narakumi Island – “The residence of the Supreme One in all of Inazuma. It stands high at the highest point of the city and watches over all under the rule of the Electro Archon.”
- Tenshukaku, Inazuma Island – “A sight that all arriving travelers to Inazuma behold. [There lie] the great Narukami Shrine and the Sacred Sakura at the mountain and the city of Inazuma on the coast.”
- Yashiori Island – “The skeleton of a large serpent rests on this island. The presence of evil is palpable here.”
Architecture, design, and the previous snippets of information about the story of Inazuma are clear indications of the connection to Japan. The names and designations make this clear as well.
There is talk of a shogun, and terms like “Bakufu” and “Kanjobugyo” are directly borrowed from Japanese and refer to various military or official activities within a shogunate. Ultimately, the name itself is enough of a hint: Inazuma means “Lightning”.
How could the story continue? That is currently open; however, there are certainly a few possibilities. The Electro Archon Baal is likely to play an important role in this, and the hunt for visions could also open exciting options.
Also, the isolation of Inazuma could provide material for exciting stories, as the inhabitants of the island are likely to face some problems there.
Whether the Fatui will also be involved in the possible storyline remains to be seen. It is at least possible since they are allowed to move freely across the border and have been portrayed as a hostile faction in the previous story. However, without official information, this remains speculation.
What do you think of the information that is known so far? Are you looking forward to Inazuma? What do you think how the story will continue? Let us know your opinion.
