New leak discussions have revealed important future plans for character balance updates in Genshin Impact, with a strong focus on Liyue characters. According to current information, the next batch of buffs is expected to target Zhongli, Xiao, Hu Tao, and Ganyu, four of the most iconic characters originating from Liyue. While no specific version or release window has been confirmed, the inclusion of these characters suggests that HoYoverse may be preparing adjustments aimed at refreshing older units and keeping them competitive in modern combat environments.
Each of these characters holds a significant place in the game’s meta and lore. Zhongli, as the Geo Archon, remains one of the strongest defensive supports, yet some players feel his damage and interaction with newer reactions could be improved. Xiao, a plunge focused Anemo DPS, has long struggled with team flexibility and sustain in newer content. Hu Tao continues to perform well, but upcoming reaction systems and enemy scaling may justify targeted tuning. Ganyu, once considered a top tier Cryo DPS, has gradually fallen behind newer characters with more dynamic kits. Buffs to these units could dramatically reshape team compositions, Spiral Abyss strategies, and future event balance.
Alongside this Liyue focused information, new gameplay details about Varka have surfaced, offering a clearer picture of how the long awaited Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius is expected to function in combat. Contrary to early speculation, Varka is not designed to be a “bigger Wanderer” or a “bigger Chasca.” Instead, leaks describe him as a quick-swap burst DPS, emphasizing short field time, high impact abilities, and strong synergy within rotation based teams.
From a mechanical perspective, Varka is being compared to an Anemo version of Skirk, focusing on rapid entry, powerful burst windows, and immediate disengagement. This design philosophy positions Varka as a highly flexible unit, capable of fitting into teams that prioritize fast rotations and reaction setups rather than extended on-field damage. His kit is expected to reward precise timing, efficient energy management, and coordinated bursts from teammates.
This approach also aligns well with the evolving combat direction seen throughout the 6.x cycle, where quick-swap playstyles and burst centric rotations have become increasingly valuable. If these details hold true, Varka could become one of the most impactful Anemo burst DPS characters, offering a distinct alternative to sustained Anemo damage dealers and crowd control focused supports.
Taken together, the rumored Liyue buffs and the emerging Varka gameplay identity point toward a broader effort to rebalance older regions while introducing new characters with modernized combat roles. As always, these details remain subject to change, but they provide a compelling preview of how future updates could reshape both the meta and long term character viability.
