We’re just one model replace away from 4.0 and the brand new area Fontaine in Genshin Impression. A lot data has been revealed since we now have a clearer image of the realm. Although we’re solely given small snippets, they present many thrilling issues in regards to the metropolis.
Separation of the Residents
The teaser from the three.8 livestream exhibits two drastically totally different metropolis areas. One was pristine and clear, with the residents clearly being center to upper-class. That they had fashionable clothes and had been storefronts. General, the ‘higher’ metropolis has the ambiance that there’s nothing flawed in Fontaine, and the whole lot is nicely. It has the air of the rich not with the ability to perceive or see the struggles of the decrease lessons.
There’s additionally the ignorance of what’s taking place for them to take pleasure in these luxuries. Then there’s the sewers, the ‘decrease’ metropolis. It’s within the metropolis’s canals and sewage system, that means the folks stay in squalor. The folks residing there clearly have lower-quality garments, that are very totally different from these within the higher class.
It’s harking back to different segregated cities, resembling Zaun and Pilover in Arcane and even Belobog in Honkai: Star Rail. One is clear and pristine, whereas the opposite is a seedy underbelly. It’s price noting that the teaser confirmed extra of the good sides of Fontaine, with solely a glimpse of the sewers. There might be extra industrialization and air pollution (as talked about by different NPCs) that weren’t proven.
Should you’ve discovered the painter within the Hills of Barsom within the Realm of Farakhkert, he mentions residing in a metallic field. (Spoilers for the world quest) he gained a mysterious energy from ‘Caterpillar’ that lets him exactly replicate something he sees as it’s, aside from his colorblindness. The latter saved him from being a well-known painter, however he might make convincing counterfeits. That final half might’ve landed him a responsible verdict within the Courtroom and segregated him to stay aside from the remainder of Fontaine.
Melusines, the ‘Mascot’ of Fontaine
The three.8 livestream confirmed a Melusine from Fontaine as Alice narrated what she’s like. They’re diligent and have a powerful sense of justice as a race, which lets them be glorious police and regulation enforcement. The precise one within the teaser has pink and white ‘fur,’ two pointed horn-like ears, wing-like appendages on her again, and a tufted tail. She’s additionally sporting a blue uniform alleged to be for the police.
The Melusine stands out as the Aranara counterpart of Fontaine. Nevertheless, we received’t make certain till the area’s launch.
Oceanids was this. They served the previous Hydro Archon till they rebelled towards the present one and fled Fontaine in self-imposed exile. They’ve scattered throughout Teyvat, the principle one being Rhodea of Loch, who’s now in Liyue. Different sightings/talked about Lochfolk are:
- The Spring Fairy in Springvale, Mondstadt
- A number of who helped create the Amrita Pool in Vourukasha Oasis, Sumeru
- Endora, a small Lochfolk the Traveler helped through the Wishful Drops occasion and is now accompanying them
- Urania, the Hateful Oceanid from the Legend of the Vagabond Sword occasion (positioned in Liyue)
- Presumably Caterpillar, the mysterious being who bestowed a replication means on Julien
The present Hydro Archon, Focalors, would possibly’ve created the Melusine to switch the Lochfolk. In any other case, they might be Fontaine natives analogous to adepti in Liyue or yokai in Inazuma.
They’re based mostly on European folklore. In the true world, they’re feminine spirits of rivers and lakes, normally depicted with a fish or serpentine tail. Generally artists interpret them as having two snake tails and even wings. It suits with the water-themed Fontaine.
Folklore isn’t too particular about their operate apart from being freshwater spirits. Tales about them normally contain marrying a mortal and offering blessings for so long as a situation is upheld. A method or one other, the human goes towards that promise, and the Melusine disappears or flees.
Know-how and Steampunk Themes
From the assorted Fontaine-native NPCs we’ve met, we are able to infer that it’s technologically superior. It’s not that apparent within the teaser, however we see two issues that corroborate this. One is the automaton strolling on the road (seen just for a break up second), and the opposite is the boat transportation proven.
The robotic is a given since we already see varied mechanical stuff from Fontaine. The Kamera is talked about to be invented within the area. Additionally, Felix Yogue’s Evermotion Mechanical Work and Bertrand’s toys are good examples of mechanical creations. Lastly, a constructing within the teaser might be a charging station for the automaton.
The boat transport has no sail, so an engine should propel it. In that scene, larger ships are additionally seen in deeper waters beneath the elevated waterway. These additionally appear engine-powered, as they don’t have sails. The Alcor has sails, propellers, and oars, but it surely must be clarified if an engine or human energy turns the center mechanism.
Fontaine NPCs have talked about the Fontaine Analysis Institute (of Kinetic Vitality Engineering). It’s a scholarly physique much like the Akademiya with one obvious distinction: it doesn’t govern the residents. The Courtroom has that honor. The FRI is primarily for analysis and improvement, although a catastrophic experiment has blasted a gap in its construction.
As for the steampunk themes, it’s extra evident within the sewer areas, although the floor presents one other facet to the aesthetic. There is likely to be a closely industrialized location in Fontaine that can present it in all its glory.
The Diving Function
We get to see the factor that everyone doubtless appeared ahead to probably the most: the diving function. It appears seamless as Aether (the Traveler within the teaser) dives into the water and stays underwater. Sharp eyes discover a glowing orb close to him, which is alleged to be Hydrograna.
Whereas we might climb and glide off-shore, being underwater is a brand new exploration dimension. It permits for correct 3D motion. You may swim deeper underwater or towards the floor and transfer backward, ahead, or strafe to the perimeters.
Even Wanderer can’t present that, as his Elemental Ability lacks the flexibility to go down. He can solely accomplish that when his gauge runs out. Kazuha is restricted by his E’s cooldown occasions, and Xiao must activate his Burst. If these Anemo characters can’t present it, what extra are the opposite ingredient characters, who’re ground-bound?
It’s unknown whether or not the sport will use a respiratory system. It’s additionally doable that the speculated Hydrograna will help the participant with that. There’s restricted underwater fight, as Aether is seen releasing water slashes or producing shields for cover. The slicing motion can be used to resolve puzzles, because the Traveler is proven doing it to unlock a chest.
Apart from the Hydrograna, it might be a requirement to have the Traveler be of their Hydro attunement to dive underwater. This might make the function particular to them, sadly. There’s nonetheless hope, although, that different characters can be utilized. Many gamers need to see Kokomi in her pure habitat.
New wildlife can be seen, from purple crabs to the seal-looking factor that swims towards the digicam. Greater than these are some mimic-like creatures and hostile stingrays.
This function was hinted at by an NPC in Port Ormos, who mentions a ‘diving license.’ Nevertheless, we have to know exactly the scope and breadth of the underwater areas. Will or not it’s just like the underground areas in Sumeru, that are somewhat in depth? Or are they smaller pockets full of treasure? There’s additionally the likelihood that some underground areas can solely be accessed by means of diving.
What Else to Anticipate
There are at all times new characters through the launch of a brand new area. Thus far, the one confirmed characters are:
- Lyney (Travail Trailer)
- Lynette (Travail Trailer)
- Charlotte (model 3.7 character with a Fontaine Cryo Imaginative and prescient)
- The Hydro Archon
What must be confirmed is when their launch is. One questionable leak says Lyney is probably the featured character in 4.0, ala Ayaka in 2.0. The similarity is that they had been featured characters within the Travail trailer and had been launched within the model their area premiers in.
Diluc was the featured character in Mondstadt, however he’s obtainable by means of the usual banner. Ningguang is the one for Liyue, however she’s a 4-star. Ayaka suits the sample, however Cyno, the character for Sumeru, was made accessible in 3.1 as an alternative. In line with leaks, Lynette is a 4-star, making Lyney the 5-star of the pair. We will solely look forward to affirmation (it’s solely slightly greater than six weeks away!). Drip advertising and marketing would possibly seem when 3.8 comes out, too.
Numerous characters have additionally been leaked, however they’re topic to alter since no official bulletins about them exist. Take the next data with a grain of salt.
- Clorinde (nicknamed Captain R, 5-star)
- Neuvillette (5-star, is likely to be a Hydro Catalyst)
- Wriothesley (5-star, probably Cyro Polearm)
- Waghild (5-star)
- An unnamed character nicknamed ‘Lion Dance Boy’ (4-star)
- A woman who appears like a mummy (4-star)
- Sertice (4-star)
- A prisoner-looking lady (4-star)
- Arlecchino (5-star Fatui Harbinger)
They’re additionally not all from Fontaine. Nevertheless, they’ll doubtless be launched through the 4.x cycle of the sport. The Lion Dance Boy is clearly from Liyue, although the leak says he’ll be launched through the Lantern Ceremony Competition in 2024. Clearly, Arlecchino, as a Fatui Harbinger, is from Snezhnaya.
The Hype is Actual
Coming from the latest success of the Sumeru Archon Quests, right here’s to hoping the HYV continues that pattern in Fontaine. Whereas it’s unlikely that the Hydro Archon has details about the sibling, if the area has thrilling sufficient issues, it could possibly match the approval of Sumeru.
The diving function appears cool however can’t carry the gamers’ pleasure stage if the quests show tiresome. It additionally goes the identical for excellent music and environments. Hopefully, diving doesn’t grow to be a second underground exploration, which turned previous too quick in Sumeru.
The hype could also be actual, however you may obtain a relaxed acceptance by means of cautious expectation administration irrespective of how the discharge goes. Nonetheless, having the whole lot apart from the quests be glorious can be disappointing.
There’s greater than per week to go till model 3.8, after which six weeks after for 4.0. That’s shut, however we are able to proceed having fun with Genshin Impression whereas ready.