Summary
A recent leak in theGenshin Impactcommunity has given players a detailed description of Effie and Skirk – two upcoming 5-Star characters. While Version 5.5 is set to be an exciting update toGenshin Impact, many players see the second half of Natlan as Skirk’s time to shine. As the mentor of Tartaglia, and the apprentice to Surtalogi, Skirk is perfectly positioned to connect the Traveler and Paimon to the darkest secrets of Khaenri’ah and the Abyss.
From a gameplay standpoint,Skirk inGenshin Impactis assumed to be a Cryo Sword character, and the developers have teased that she will become playable by the end of Spring 2025. On the other hand, Effie is a complete unknown. She is rumored to be a chef from Fontaine, but her element and weapon type are a mystery. According to datamined information, Effie is expected to launch in Version 5.6, but Skirk could feasibly make her debut in the same patch as well.
Seele, a famous voice in theGenshin Impactcommunity,claims that Effie(or possibly Akkefi) visually resembles Pecorine, with blonde hair and white stockings. Her Elemental Vision is rumored to be either Pyro or Cryo, but Seele describes Effie as the ideal teammate for Skirk and Furina, implying that she will have group healing in her kit, while buffingFreeze teams inGenshin Impact.
Genshin Impact: Effie and Skirk Could Have a Lot of Synergy
The return of Freeze to the meta could seeGenshin Impactcharacters like Ayakaand Shenhe make a comeback, who have arguably fallen from the spotlight since the emergence of Dendro in Sumeru. However, an uncomfortable trend seems to be developing after the launch of Natlan. Recent 5-Star characters are not only designed as each other’s ideal partners, but they also make their debut at the same time. If the information provided by Seele is correct, it means that Effie and Skirk will follow in Mavuika and Citlali’s footsteps.
It is expensive toassemble aGenshin Impactteamat short notice, and if Skirk releases in Version 5.6, then it implies that HoYoverse is banking on players to spend currency on both characters rather than waiting for a rerun. This strategy made Mavuika and Citlali’s banner quite profitable, but it risks agitating the community.
The Natlan era hasn’t shied away from making bold changes. It expanded the wayGenshin Impactplayers could explore Teyvat, eased the gacha mechanics of the Event and Weapon Banners, and added a new gameplay activity in Version 5.3. Players will be able to find out more about Effie and Skirk after Version 5.5 launches on May 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…
