Summary
Mavuika, the Pyro Archon of Natlan, will be released in Version 5.3, which signifies an important change in pattern forGenshin Impactand how it debuts its Archon characters. Though Venti featured on the Event Banners during the launch ofGenshin Impact, subsequent Archons have traditionally made their debut with the conclusion of a region’s Chapter. Zhongli and Raiden were released during Version 1.1 and Version 2.1, respectively, at a time when Archon Quests were designed with three Acts in mind.
Inazuma famously ended up having pacing issues, as its storyline was too ambitious in scope to fit three Acts alone. As a result,Genshin Impactdesigned Sumeru and Fontaine with five Acts in mind, and thus moved Nahida and Furina by a patch to accommodate the longer Chapter format. The change was well received by players, who praisedFontaine’s Archon Questfor perfecting the formula. Though the initial assumption was that Mavuika would join the playable cast in Version 5.2, it would appear that this won’t be the case.
Arecent claim was made by FouL, one of the most reliable sources in theGenshin Impactcommunity, that Mavuika would be making her debut on the Event Banners in Version 5.3. Though it may not necessarily be the case, a delayed release for the Pyro Archon implies that the Natlan Chapter will have more than five Acts, with the conclusion of its regional storyline only coming in Version 5.3. A delayed release gives the spotlight to Xilonen in Version 5.1 andChasca in Version 5.2, who are highly anticipated Natlan characters in their own right. However, there are a few factors to consider.
Mavuika– Pyro Claymore (Version 5.3)
Ping– Hydro Polearm (Version 5.4)
Natlan already represents a major break in pattern forGenshin Impact, as thePyro Traveler will not be available in Version 5.0. In fact, not having this power immediately available to the player character will play a major role in Natlan’s story. SomeGenshin Impactfans have speculated that the Traveler will end up with the Pyro Gnosis, and will thus have a reason to visit Snezhnaya in the next Chapter. Though the odds of it happening are low, especially due to the gacha nature of the game, the Pyro Traveler could be symbolically fulfilling the role of an Archon, provided their ability kit releases in Version 5.2.
That being said, given that Furina holds no divine authority herself, yet still represents Fontaine as the Hydro Archon, chances are that Mavuika will be afforded the same treatment by the developers, no matter the outcome in the story. At the very least, Mavuika releasing in Version 5.3 should allow players extra time to stock up on Primogems, thoughGenshin Impactcharacters like Xilonen in Version 5.1will certainly make it a difficult task.
