Image Credit: HoyoVerse

Hoyoverse hosted the Version 5.8 Special Program livestream packed with a full schedule release, new character banners, a brand-new area, and a free outfit Here is what you really need to know.

Livestream Date and Where to Watch

The stream aired on July 18, 2025, at 08 AM UTC-4 on Genshin’s official Twitch and YouTube channels. For anyone who missed it live, the replay is already available.

Redeem Free Livestream Codes

Players can snag 300 Primogems, Mystic Ore, Hero’s Wit, and Mora with these codes, which are valid until July 21, 2025, at 12 AM UTC-4:

• Ineffa0730Birgitta
• Summer0730Asha
• TranquilBanquet

New Character Banners Incoming

Two halves worth of banners were announced:

• Phase 1 (July 30 to August 19):
  • Ineffa (Electro 5-star polearm)
  • Citlali (returning 5-star)
• Phase 2 (August 19 to September 9):
  • Chasca (returning 5-star)
  • Mualani (returning 5-star)

Introducing Easybreeze Holiday Resort

One of the most exciting announcements is the Easybreeze Holiday Resort—a permanent new area in Natlan that comes with the Sunspray Summer Resort seasonal event. It’s part resort and part mini-game hub, complete with Bennett and Venti in lead roles.

Fresh Story Content Ahead

Expect a new Archon Quest prelude, Song of the Welkin Moon: The Journey Home, tied to the upcoming Nod‑Krai region and Ineffa. A teaser also hinted at Lauma, a tall Dendro character linked to Nod‑Krai.

Free Bennett Outfit and Yelan Skin

• Bennett gets a free Natlan‑style outfit during the Sunspray Summer Resort event.
• Yelan gets a brand new paid outfit available in the in-game store.

QoL Improvements

5.8 also includes several smart tweaks:

• Timer skip for boss and quest waits
• Local specialty tracking in the map UI
• Skill tutorial demos in character tests

Final Take

Livestream 5.8 checked all the boxes: banners, story expansion, event content, QoL updates, cosmetics, and free Primogems. Most importantly, the Natlan area expansion and Nod‑Krai tease feel big – they are what Genshin’s summer update vibes have been building toward. If you’re pulling for Ineffa or just digging the new region, this patch has some serious “what-if” potential.

If you want a deeper dive into builds, banner math, or map guides when the update drops, make sure to subscribe to The Gamers Cut. I’ll keep breaking it all down as soon as the patch goes live.