Genshin Impact's Yelan and Kuki Shinobu officially revealed

Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse has officially introduced Travelers to the game's forthcoming characters: Yelan and Kuki Shinobu. Days away from the launch of Update 2.6, "Zephyr of the Violet Garden" the developer revealed their official in-game designs on social media.

Many have shown great excitement for their impending arrival while fueling much debate on their involvement in the current story. We explain who Yelan and Kuki Shinobu are and when we may expect to see them in Genshin Impact.

Who is Yelan in Genshin Impact?

As of writing, background details are pretty scarce; however, HoYoverse has outlined a few key details about this mysterious character. According to the developer, Yelan is suspected of working with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, an organisation located in Liyue Harbour

Yelan ‧ Valley Orchid
A mysterious person who claims to work for the Ministry of Civil Affairs

Yelan's identity has always been a mystery.
Like a phantom, she often appears in various guises at the center of events, and disappears before the storm stops.#GenshinImpactpic.twitter.com/XVCffaDUpL

— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) March 28, 2022

Whether she's originally from the region remains to be announced; however, we also know that she wields a bow as her chosen weapon due to multiple leaks. As such, it's worth noting that this may be subject to change as we get closer to Update 2.7, but the developer confirmed that she possesses the Hydro element.

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The character is hinted at as being a 5-star character that, together with Kuki Shinobu, will receive banners in Update 2.7. There has been some information circulating online on her kit regarding her abilities.  

A thread posted to the Genshin Impact Leaks subreddit recently provided some exciting details on Yelan's combat kit. While some details could be mistranslated, we advise taking this information with a grain of salt.

• Hydro effects can be applied once off the battlefield
• She does require HP-boosting sub-stats
• Possess low personal DMG
• Yelan is "a bit uncomfortable to play" with
• She will have an Energy Recharge issue if she doesn't acquire her first constellation
• Her constellations may allow her to "recharge energy" for all party members

There's still plenty more of her combat kit that we have yet to learn once the 2.7 beta starts. For now, we can assume that her weapon and skills will be tailored around her Hydro abilities and passives.

Who is Kuki Shinobu in Genshin Impact?

Travelers who've spotted messages on notice boards across Inazuma will be happy to know that the perpetrator is coming soon. Kuki Shinobu, another long-rumoured character, was also officially revealed alongside Yelan in a tweet posted on Genshin Impact's account.

Kuki Shinobu ‧ Mender of Tribulations

Deputy Leader of the Arataki Gang#GenshinImpactpic.twitter.com/2TtwpiDo8T

— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) March 28, 2022

Kuki is quite an intriguing character due to her close association with the Arataki Gang and its leader, the Oni, Arataki Itto. We have previously unpacked what we know about this character thus far; however, the developer confirmed that Kuki would be an Electro character.

Her close partnership with Itto is quite hot and cold as many view Kuki as more of a leader than Itto, being more rational and responsible. She has bailed him out of jail on a handful of occasions, making Kuki a character one shouldn't dare cross.

According to Genshin Impact source, Ubatcha, they provided some information regarding her kit, speculating her to wield a sword as her preferred weapon. Additionally, she may have some healing buff or be a healer; however, no details confirm this.

Lastly, as Kuki may be making her way to Teyvat soon, Itto will likely be involved in the update which the possibility of seeing him in Liyue, according to Ubatcha. This does fuel rumours of seeing more of Itto in Update 2.7.

When will Yelan and Kuki Shinobu be released in Genshin Impact?

According to a notable Genshin Impact source, Lumie, who speculated that both characters might be arriving in Genshin Impact's Update 2.7. Additionally, the source rumours that Yelan may be available in the first phase of the Character Event Wish banners, while Kuki Shinobu will appear in the second phase.

According to my 🐤, Yelan (5*) should be first phase of 2.7 followed by Kuki Shinobu (4*) in the second phase.

— Lumie (@lumie_lumie) March 25, 2022

With the Genshin Impact 2.6 update launching on 30th March 2022, we expect to see more information regarding Update 2.7 once the beta begins. As we wait for official confirmation from the developer, we'll continue to follow the latest leaks once they've become available.

Featured image courtesy of HoYoverse.