The reveal of Genshin Impact’s mysterious Shades has ignited one of the most intense debates in the community: Will we actually be able to play them? According to lore enthusiast and content creator Juice, the answer might be yes—and it could signal the beginning of Genshin’s true endgame.
Let’s break down the arguments, evidence, and challenges behind the possibility of playable Shades, and what it means for the future of the game.
Who Are the Shades?
The Shades are some of the most powerful and lore-significant beings in Teyvat, created directly from the Heavenly Principles to govern aspects of reality itself. They include:
- Istaroth – Time
- Ronova – Death
- Naberius – Life
- Asmoday – Space
These beings predate the Archons and even the current world order. They’re fundamental forces woven into the structure of the world—so naturally, making them playable seems like a stretch… or is it?
Why Some Believe They Won’t Be Playable
Skeptics have two main concerns:
- Power Creep – The Shades are so overpowered in the lore that giving them to players might break game balance. If they control time, space, life, or death, how could their kits possibly compare to standard characters?
- Lore Consistency – Shades aren’t just strong—they’re cosmic entities. Some fans argue that it would feel wrong or narratively inconsistent to have godlike figures join the same roster as Amber and Razor.
This line of thinking parallels the earlier debate around Senora, who was killed off before becoming playable. Unlike Arlecchino, whose morally grey narrative left room for redemption, Senora was seen as a “pure villain” with no redemptive arc—making her a no-go for banners.
Juice’s Argument: Yes, They Will Be Playable
Despite the concerns, Juice remains optimistic that the Shades will be playable, and here’s why:
1. Hoyoverse’s Marketing Patterns
Juice points to the original Fatui Harbinger trailer as precedent. Characters like Columbina, Dottore, and Arlecchino were revealed years before their releases. While some (like Senora) didn’t make it, most Harbingers are slowly making their way into the game.
Releasing a Shades trailer with fully designed models implies long-term planning. According to Juice: “There’s always intent behind these reveals.”
2. We’ve Already Had Powerful Lore Characters
Characters like Neuvillette (a Dragon Sovereign) and Skirk (a Descender from beyond Teyvat) already stretch the lore-power ceiling. And yet, neither has broken the game. Skirk, for instance, is strong in her best team, but not irreplaceable.
If the developers can balance a literal dragon god, they can balance the Shades.
3. Gameplay and Lore Aren’t One-to-One
This is a recurring trend in Genshin. Lore strength does not always equal in-game dominance. Zhongli, Raiden Shogun, and Nahida are all divine figures, yet they’re balanced alongside 4-star characters in combat.
As Juice puts it: “Just because someone’s strong in the story doesn’t mean they’re unbeatable on the field.”
4. Design Effort Isn’t Wasted
The Shades’ designs are elaborate, layered, and full of detail. To Juice, that’s evidence Hoyoverse has long-term plans for them. While the final playable designs might be simplified—just as Raiden Shogun’s in-game model differs from her cutscene appearance—it’s unlikely they’ll go unused altogether.
“My heart goes out to the 3D modelers if they keep all that detail,” he jokes, “but they’re too well-made to just vanish.”
When Could the Shades Be Playable?
Here’s the caveat: it’s not happening soon.
Juice predicts that the Shades are being saved for Genshin’s endgame, possibly during the Celestia arc or Teyvat’s final region. The release timeline could be years away—but the groundwork is clearly being laid.
He suggests Asmoday (the “Sustainer of Heavenly Principles”) and Istaroth are prime candidates, particularly if the game takes players to Celestia, which both Zhongli and Venti have referenced in dialogue.
Who’s the Most Likely to Be Playable?
If any Shades make it to the roster, Istaroth may be the front-runner. She has a track record of helping mortals, from aiding Enkanomiya to assisting Raiden Ei during Makoto’s parting. She fits the mold of morally complex characters like Nahida or Arlecchino—making her more palatable as a playable ally.
Conversely, Ronova, associated with death and seen as cruel in lore, may be too evil to become playable.
The Big Picture: Nodcry and What’s Next
Nodcry is being positioned as Genshin’s most lore-heavy region yet, and Juice believes it will escalate the power scale even further. While no new Archon is expected next year, characters like Columbina or Pierro may fill that hype gap.
Whether or not all Four Shades arrive, the overarching narrative suggests we’re heading into the final chapters of Teyvat. And when that happens, the odds of facing—and possibly playing—these divine beings rise dramatically.
Final Thoughts
For Juice, it’s not a matter of if, but when. The Shades are coming. Maybe not all of them. Maybe not immediately. But Hoyoverse didn’t showcase those designs, reveal those names, and tease those powers for nothing.
As Juice concludes:
“They’re saving the Shades for Genshin’s endgame. Get ready.”
For more Genshin analysis, theories, and updates, visit ExploreGenshin.gg.
Source: Juice on YouTube
Frequently Asked Questions About Genshin’s Shades
Are the Shades confirmed to be playable?
No. Hoyoverse has not confirmed the Shades as playable characters, but there are strong narrative and marketing hints suggesting it’s possible.
Who are the Shades in Genshin Impact?
The Shades—Asmoday, Istaroth, Naberius, and Ronova—are powerful entities created by the Heavenly Principles to govern space, time, life, and death.
Which Shade is most likely to be playable?
Istaroth is the most likely, based on her compassionate actions in lore and narrative alignment with playable characters.
Could the Shades be too powerful to balance in-game?
Not necessarily. Characters like Neuvillette and Skirk show that lore strength doesn’t always result in broken gameplay.
When will the Shades release?
Most likely in the final regions or Celestia arc, which could be several years away.
Will all Shades become playable?
Unlikely. Some may remain antagonists or story-only characters—just like Senora.
