Summary
Genshin Impactcould be getting a new Elemental Reaction, as information from Version 5.6 has revealed an Imaginarium Theater buff that combines Cryo and Dendro. While Geo and Pyro have proven that players aren’t forced to play with Elemental Reactions to clear endgame content, they nonetheless represent a key pillar ofGenshin Impact’s gameplay. Not only are characters defined by the types of Elemental Reactions their kits specialize in, butGenshin Impacthas continued to evolve this combat mechanic over the course of its history.
The introduction ofDendro toGenshin Impactin the Sumeru era heralded the arrival of new reactions, such as Hyperbloom and Burning, which have since established a strong position in the game’s meta. On the other hand, underwhelming reactions, such as Overload and Crystallize, have been elevated by characters like Chevreuse and Navia. WhileGenshin Impacthas been hesitant to add new Elemental Reactions since Version 3.0, it has also shown a willingness to experiment in the Natlan era.
According to Blednaya, and as witnessed in the beta build for Version 5.6, the Imaginarium Theater will be adding a new buff for a reaction that doesn’t yet exist – one that combines the Dendro andCryo elements inGenshin Impact. While both Dendro and Cryo can coexist when applied on an enemy at the same time, it could be argued that Cryo is in dire need of something fresh after Freeze was left behind in the meta. A new reaction that pairs Cryo with Dendro may end up being just what it needs, especially if the Imaginarium Theater in Version 5.6 proves to be a successful experiment.
Genshin Impact Could Be Adding a New Cryo and Dendro Reaction
The name of this new Elemental Reaction is currently unknown, butGenshin Impactplayers have suggested concepts such as Frostbite or Hibernate. If the developers end up going in this direction, it would join the ranks of Bloom, Quicken, and Burning as a first tier Dendro reaction. For now, it is important to keep expectations tempered. TheImaginarium Theater inGenshin Impactis likely testing the buff because of its elemental restrictions. A month that features Dendro, Cryo, and Anemo would only allow for a single reaction, whereas a month that features Dendro, Geo, and Anemo would have none.
With Nod-Krai andShezhnaya coming toGenshin Impactin the near future, it makes sense that HoYoverse is testing the waters for a new direction for Cryo. Whereas Citlali greatly buffed Melt with her ability kit, all signs point that Freeze will get some love from Skirk and Escoffier as well. Players can expect to try the new buff out in June 2025, with Version 5.6 coming out on June 17, 2025.
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds…
