Back before Zhongli’s banner announcement, it was thought that Xiao would release for Genshin Impact in the fall. However, fans figured that, based on early closed beta testing, Xiao wouldn’t release until around the Lantern Festival in February. Recent leaks showing off Xiao in action all but confirmed this theory. Another character by the name of Hu Tao was then rumored to follow right behind Xiao during Genshin Impact’s 1.3 update, but it looks like players will have to wait a bit longer to Wish for the polearm wielder.
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During today’s Genshin Impact Version 1.3 special program, hosted by Paimon’s, Aether’s, and Ganyu’s voice actors, the banner following behind Xiao’s will instead feature Keqing. Keqing’s banner, Dance of Lanterns, will go live on February 17, and there are many fan theories as to why Hu Tao may have been delayed, if she was delayed at all. Because Keqing works for the Liyue Qixing, her story may tie into the Lantern Festival, similar to Xiao.
Recently, miHoYo has been cracking down on players leaking Genshin Impact information, especially those who participate in closed beta tests and sign non-disclosure agreements. The developer has posted multiple warnings online, asking fans and players not to share unreleased information of upcoming characters, saying that it could change the course of updates and roadmaps. It’s possible releasing Keqing in Hu Tao’s place is miHoYo’s way of discouraging CBTs from leaking information.
On the other hand, Keqing is a widely popular five-star character in the Genshin Impact community, sometimes named “Best Waifu” by fans or on tier lists. It’s been theorized that Genshin Impact might start either bringing back old banners like Venti’s or releasing other five-star banners for characters who haven’t yet received a dedicated one, like Jean or Diluc. The latter theory would apply to Keqing, who some fans are excited to see get her own banner.
It’s also possible that the Pyro Vision user Hu Tao wasn’t meant to be released during Version 1.3 at all and was a mistake by dataminers, though her entire kit and all abilities have been leaked online. Still, Genshin Impact players are excited to see Xiao finally officially confirmed with a hard release date.
Genshin Impact is available now on the App Store, Google Play, PC, and PS4, and is currently in development for PS5 and Switch.
MORE: Genshin Impact Officially Announces Xiao Banner Start Date
