HoYoverse released the Version 5.7 update for Genshin Impact, titled “A Space and Time for You,” on June 18, 2025. This patch is especially exciting for the community because it finally introduces Skirk; a long-anticipated 5-star Cryo character steeped in lore. Skirk has been a figure of legend in Genshin’s story (known as the mysterious mentor of Childe), and players have speculated about her for years.

With 5.7, she makes her playable debut as a powerful Cryo swordswoman who fights in two distinct styles. According to official notes, Skirk can shift stances between sustained normal-attack damage versus an Elemental Burst mode dealing massive AoE Cryo damage. She even has a unique resource mechanic (“Serpent’s Subtlety”) instead of the usual energy costs, and provides special buffs when team compositions include Hydro and Cryo allies. In short, Skirk arrives as a complex, high-impact DPS character; fittingly unveiled as Genshin’s 100th playable character and one of its most hyped additions.

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What’s More

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Alongside Skirk, the update added Dahlia, a new 4-star Hydro support character (a deacon from Fontaine’s Church) whose kit includes a renewable shield and team attack-speed buffs. The first phase event banners featured Skirk and Dahlia (plus a Shenhe rerun) from June 18 to July 8.

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Another highlight is the continuation of the main storyline: Version 5.7’s Archon Quest chapter “A Space and Time for You” pushes the Traveler’s journey forward, reuniting us with Dainsleif and revealing new twists in the struggle with the Abyss Order in Natlan. Players also get Skirk’s personal Story Quest (Crystallina Chapter) to delve into her backstory as Childe’s mentor from the Abyss. 

On the gameplay side, a new permanent endgame mode called Stygian Onslaught has been introduced; a challenging gauntlet with rotating bosses and escalating difficulty tiers that yield artifacts and a new artifact-enhancing item. Quality-of-life improvements (like quest resource management to free device space, and interface tweaks) were also added to smooth out the experience.

Perhaps the most tantalizing part of the 5.7 update was not what’s playable now, but what it teased for the future. During the 5.7 livestream on June 6, HoYoverse unveiled the first preview of Nod-Krai, the next major region coming to Teyvat. A short trailer titled “Prelude to Moonlight” gave a sneak peek of this new land: Nod-Krai is described as a harsh, snow-blasted realm at the southern edge of Snezhnaya, filled with relentless winter storms and requiring new cold-weather survival gameplay. 

HoYoverse hasn’t confirmed exactly when Nod-Krai will be unlocked, but based on the game’s schedule many expect it to arrive in Version 6.0 around September 2025. The teaser sent the fanbase buzzing: the prospect of an icy new nation (possibly with Russian/Snezhnayan influences) and its characters has theory-crafters busy. In the teaser’s narration, a mysterious “witch” is hinted to guide the Traveler, suggesting rich lore to come.

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What’s the Buzz?

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The African Genshin community, which is sizable and passionate, received this update with as much excitement as players anywhere. They finally know who to invest their saved Primogems in (Skirk instantly shot to the top of wish-lists), and they have confirmation that a whole new region, with new cultures, quests and characters, is on the horizon. 

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This simultaneous release of content means African fans stay on equal footing with global players, able to avoid spoilers and join the discussion in real time. Local forums and Discord groups lit up with Skirk build advice and Nod-Krai speculation, showing the hype is truly universal. 

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To help you jump into the adventure fully, the Carry1st Shop now makes it easy and secure to top up Genesis Crystals with local payment options and instant delivery. Whether you're aiming for Skirk’s banner or planning ahead for Nod‑Krai quest rewards, now’s the time to build your crystal reserves. With Carry1st you can top up Genesis Crystals directly from your phone or desktop. No international fees, no delays.

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In A Nutshell
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Overall, Version 5.7 reinforces that Genshin’s world is ever-expanding. For players in Africa, it’s gratifying to be part of that journey from Day 1, and it exemplifies how global games today deliver content parity so no fan base is left behind. The teaser of Nod-Krai also builds anticipation that in the coming months, a new adventure awaits; one that African gamers will explore at the same time as everyone else, perhaps even finding relatable elements if HoYoverse adds more diverse cultural inspirations.
 

In short, the update brings global excitement home, keeping local fans just as hyped and involved as their counterparts worldwide.