Genshin Impact Version 5.3: Mavuika's Delayed Release and What It Means for Natlan's Storyline

Mavuika, the Pyro Archon of Natlan, is set to be released in Version 5.3 of Genshin Impact, marking a significant shift in how the game introduces its Archon characters. While Venti was available on the Event Banners at Genshin Impact's launch, later Archons have typically debuted at the end of a region's chapter. Zhongli and Raiden were released during Version 1.1 and Version 2.1, respectively, when Archon Quests were structured with three acts.

Inazuma's storyline had pacing issues due to its ambitious scope, leading to changes in Sumeru and Fontaine's design, which now include five acts. This extended chapter format allowed Nahida and Furina to be released a patch later than initially expected, a change that was well-received by players who praised the improved pacing of Fontaine's Archon Quest. Initially, Mavuika was expected to be playable in Version 5.2, but recent information suggests this won’t be the case.

A reliable source in the Genshin Impact community, FouL, recently claimed that Mavuika will debut on the Event Banners in Version 5.3. This delayed release suggests that the Natlan Chapter may have more than five acts, with its regional storyline concluding in Version 5.3. This delay also gives prominence to other highly anticipated Natlan characters like Xilonen in Version 5.1 and Chasca in Version 5.2. However, several factors need to be considered.

Genshin Impact Rumored Release Order for 5-Star Characters in Natlan:

• Mualani – Hydro Catalyst (Version 5.0)
• Kinich – Dendro Claymore (Version 5.0)
• Xilonen – Geo Sword (Version 5.1)
• Chasca – Cryo Bow (Version 5.2)
• Mavuika – Pyro Claymore (Version 5.3)
• Ping – Hydro Polearm (Version 5.4)

Natlan is already breaking patterns for Genshin Impact, as the Pyro Traveler will not be available in Version 5.0. This absence plays a significant role in Natlan's storyline. Some fans speculate that the Traveler might eventually gain the Pyro Gnosis, leading to a visit to Snezhnaya in the next chapter. While the odds of this are low, especially given the game's gacha nature, the Pyro Traveler could symbolically fulfill the role of an Archon if their abilities are released in Version 5.2.

Despite this, Furina's role as the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, without possessing divine authority, suggests that Mavuika might receive similar treatment from the developers, regardless of the storyline's outcome. At the very least, Mavuika's release in Version 5.3 gives players more time to save up Primogems, although acquiring characters like Xilonen in Version 5.1 might prove challenging.