Raiden Shogun delivers a massive preview of the next wave of Genshin Impact characters—Alice, Colombina, Nicole, and Varka—set to release between Versions 6.3 and 6.7. While there won’t be a new Archon anchoring the cycle, HoYoverse is clearly aiming for something just as impactful: a streak of lore-heavy, game-defining characters years in the making.
Here’s everything you need to know about who’s coming, why it matters, and how Genshin’s future is about to change.
Colombina: Rank 3 Harbinger, Version 6.3
Colombina, one of the Fatui’s top-ranked Harbingers, is finally arriving in Version 6.3.
- Rank: 3rd among the Fatui Harbingers (above Arlecchino and Scaramouche)
- Element (rumored): Hydro
- Role: Likely a unique Hydro DPS, possibly with musical or delayed AoE mechanics
Characters like Tartaglia have hinted that Colombina is the most terrifying Harbinger of them all—a statement not made lightly. She’s expected to be a major narrative force in the Nod Krai arc.
A region trailer is expected on July 25, with Colombina likely front and center. This will be the first time we see her fully animated, setting the tone for Nod Krai.
Varka: Grandmaster Returns in Version 6.5
Varka, the long-lost Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius, is expected in Version 6.5.
- Role: Rumored Anemo DPS
- Lore: Leader of Mondstadt’s expeditionary force, mentor to Jean
Varka has only been mentioned in dialogue and letters since launch, but now he’s finally stepping onto the battlefield. His kit is expected to be fast and aggressive, making him the first new Anemo main DPS since Wanderer.
His arrival could also trigger a new Mondstadt chapter, possibly teasing connections to Celestia or Khaenri’ah.
Nicole: Hexenzirkel Witch, Version 6.6
Nicole is one of the most mysterious figures in Genshin’s lore.
- Role (rumored): Cryo Support
- Group: Member of the Hexenzirkel (alongside Alice and Reindottir)
- Status: One of the few known Descenders, like the Traveler
She first appeared (via voice) in Version 3.8’s Hexenzirkel cutscene, hinting at the false sky theory and her deep knowledge of Teyvat’s hidden truths.
If her kit includes Cryo buffs, energy generation, or resistance shred, she could become the universal Cryo support players have been waiting for.
But more importantly, Nicole could advance the Traveler’s arc and offer answers about Celestia, the Abyss, or Descenders.
Alice: The Ultimate Pyro Chaos DPS, Version 6.7
Alice, Klee’s mother and legendary adventurer, is finally joining the roster.
- Element (rumored): Pyro
- Role: Expected to be a high-damage, chaos-style Pyro DPS
- Lore: Author of parenting books, narrator of major events, and chaos architect
If Klee is Genshin’s walking explosion, Alice is the one who taught her how to detonate islands. Her kit could include bombs, alchemy, delayed explosions, or field manipulation.
Her release alongside Nicole could bring the Hexenzirkel arc into full view—possibly setting up returns from Reindottir and other witches.
Why This Matters: No Archon, No Problem
Version 6.x will not feature a new Archon, a major break from past region releases. Instead, HoYoverse is:
- Stacking multiple major lore characters across five patches
- Treating each one as a headline-level release
- Turning every patch into a narrative milestone
From 6.3 to 6.7, we’ll see:
- Colombina (Hydro DPS, terrifying Harbinger)
- Varka (Anemo DPS, Mondstadt’s Grandmaster)
- Nicole (Cryo support, Descender, Hexenzirkel)
- Alice (Pyro chaos DPS, Klee’s mother)
It’s one of the most lore-rich and powerful rosters Genshin has ever planned. Each unit stands alone as a meta-defining character with deep ties to the story.
Final Thoughts
Version 6.x is shaping up to be a landmark era for Genshin Impact. Despite the lack of an Archon, the inclusion of characters like Colombina, Varka, Nicole, and Alice promises narrative shifts, mechanical breakthroughs, and major gameplay shakeups.
This isn’t just a transition—it’s a reset. And with hype building across every patch, the real question is: Who are you saving for?
For more updates, lore deep dives, and future patch previews, visit ExploreGenshin.gg.
This article is based on insights from Raiden Shogun’s full video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there no Archon in Version 6.x?
Correct. HoYoverse is instead focusing on major character releases like Colombina, Alice, Nicole, and Varka.
When is Colombina coming?
She is expected in Version 6.3 and will likely appear in the Nod Krai region trailer dropping July 25.
Who is Alice in Genshin Impact?
Klee’s mother and one of the oldest named characters in the lore. She’s a legendary adventurer and Hexenzirkel witch.
What makes Nicole important?
She’s a Descender, like the Traveler, and may know the truth behind Celestia, the Abyss, and the false sky.
Will Varka be a DPS?
Leaks suggest he’ll be an Anemo DPS, similar in role to Xiao or Wanderer.
Is this a good time to save Primogems?
Absolutely. With four highly anticipated characters coming soon, Version 6.x may be the most stacked release cycle yet.