In version 5.6 of Genshin Impact, HoYoverse is shifting gears after the fiery Natlan arc, giving players a chance to catch their breath with a story focused on Mondstadt’s finest. We’ll see Fontaine newcomers Escoffier, Navia, and Wriothesley alongside familiar faces such as Jean, Kaeya, Albedo, and Venti as events build toward the hinted-at Nod‑Krai region. Beyond fresh banners (featuring Escoffier and the 4‑star Ifa), the update timeline spans a five‑hour maintenance, with generous Primogem compensation, and six weeks of new content that wraps up in mid‑June. Here’s everything you need to know in a more conversational, human tone.

A New Chapter in Mondstadt’s Tale

With Natlan’s heat in the rearview mirror, version 5.6 feels like a cozy pit stop back in Mondstadt. You know how after an epic journey you just want to hang out with your old buddies, share laughs, maybe swap stories over a pint? That’s exactly the vibe here.

Mondstadt Takes Center Stage

Instead of diving immediately into another new land, the writers are giving us a breather: the Archons want us to regroup with Jean, Kaeya, Albedo, and Venti. Think of it as a “greatest hits” tour of Mondstadt, but with plot twists you haven’t seen before. If you’ve ever wondered what these characters have been up to since their last big mission, 5.6 is built for you.

Seeds of the Future: Nod‑Krai Hints

Between the Banquet of Dreams and those subtle NPC conversations, you’ll catch whispers of something called Nod‑Krai. It’s not just a throwaway name—expect Easter eggs and dialogue hooks that set you up perfectly for the next major landmass.

Meet the New Faces: Banners & Characters

Escoffier Joins the Fray

He’s the head chef of Fontaine’s most exclusive establishment—think Michelin‑star meets Hydro Vision. Agile, stylish, and with a dash of theatrical flair, Escoffier’s kit revolves around powerful culinary Hydro bursts and slick crowd control. His arrival marks version 5.6’s headliner.

Ifa: A 4‑Star Surprise

Right behind Escoffier, the 4‑star Ifa brings fresh playstyles. She’s Fontaine‑born but secretly a wanderer at heart, mingling Hydro support with nimble melee strikes. Perfect for rounding out your team, especially if you’re still chasing that sustained element reaction.

Navia’s Return & Wriothesley’s Spotlight

It wouldn’t be a Fontaine tie‑in without Navia revisiting the banners. If you missed her first time around, here’s your chance to snag her. Meanwhile, Wriothesley—Fontaine’s ever‑mysterious knight—makes an appearance in side quests and events, teasing deeper lore for banner‑hunters and lore aficionados alike.

Maintenance: Timing & Compensation

If you’ve ever grumbled about downtime, this one’s predictable: a solid five‑hour window during which the servers will snooze. But hey, HoYoverse isn’t leaving you empty‑handed—expect 60 Primogems per hour (a floor of 300 Primogems total) as a “thanks for waiting.”

Just log out a few minutes early, grab a snack, and you’ll be back in time for all the fresh quests.

How Long Will Version 5.6 Last?

HoYoverse usually runs each version for about six weeks, so here’s a quick look at start and end times by region:

Mark your calendars, plan those daily commissions, and save up your Resin for the new story events.

Main Quest Highlights

1. A Reunion in Mondstadt
   • Team up with Jean and Kaeya for a festival gone awry.
   • Albedo’s new alchemy breakthroughs stir up trouble in the Catacombs.
   • Venti’s playful meddling hides deeper consequences.
2. Fontaine’s Echoes
   • Side quests introduce Escoffier’s secret ingredient experiments.
   • Navia’s rerun brings floating gardens and drifting gondolas.
   • Wriothesley tasks you with a knightly trial that tests your honor and wit.
3. Foreshadowing Nod‑Krai
   • Cryptic messages in side dialogue hint at a “shimmering coastline.”
   • NPCs speak of ancient rituals lost to time—perfect lore bait for theorycrafters.

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Tips for Travelers

• Save Your Primogems: HoYoverse is generous but selective. Consider focusing on Escoffier’s banner first, then decide if you want to chase Navia again.
• Complete All Daily Commissions Promptly: With extra story content, you’ll want those 60 Primogems daily.
• Explore Mondstadt Thoroughly: Hidden chests, new puzzles, and collectible songs in the Anemo Temple make revisiting old locales rewarding again.
• Team Compositions: Hydro mains like Kokomi or Xingqiu pair excellently with Escoffier for vaporize-centric damage. Holding off on Pyro DPS until the next update? No worries—geo comps with Albedo still shine.

There you have it: version 5.6 is shaping up to be a heartfelt homecoming and an exciting teaser for the next great adventure. Whether you’re deep‑diving into Fontaine’s culinary scene or swapping tales in Mondstadt’s taverns, there’s plenty to look forward to. See you right after maintenance—don’t be late!