Genshin Impact receives substantial updates on a regular basis, bringing fresh stories, new characters, and even entire continents to explore. The 3.0 patch arrived in August 2022, and this guide covers every notable change—from characters and weapons to artifacts, missions, events, banners, regions, bosses, and enemies added with the update.
Update 3.0 release date for Genshin Impact
The patch dropped on August 24, 2022, and introduced Sumeru as a new region to explore. Players had ample time ahead of the next update, which typically lands no sooner than six weeks later, giving the community a wide window to chart the new territory.
Maintenance is a common prelude to major upgrades. In this case, developers offered 300 source stones as a reward, a premium currency that players can rarely accumulate. For casual players, it’s a strong nudge to return after an update expands the game world.
Which new territory?
Sumeru marks a brand-new region, referenced in conversations across multiple story missions before its release. It sits to the east of The Break and presents a vast, dense jungle landscape to be explored. Detailed tasks to unlock access are outlined in our guide.
Within Sumeru, players encounter Dendro, the new elemental force tied to nature. The land itself is expansive and lush, inviting thorough exploration.
To assist with locating Dendro Archon relics, players can pursue Dendrocules scattered throughout Sumeru. They are often tucked away behind puzzles and world tasks rather than simple fetch quests, a shift from earlier elemental orbs. A special ultrasound stone helps in locating dendrocules and can be crafted at Reputation Level 8 in Sumeru.
What new banners and characters
The update arrives in two phases. Beginning August 24, two archer heroes join the roster: the five-star Tighnari and the four-star Collei, both wielding Dendro powers.
Tighnari serves as the Forest Watch leader and collaborates with Collei, a friend who has endured many trials. A separate guide covers her, offering deeper insight into her journey.
Dori, a pink-haired Electro adept, is expected in the latter portion of the patch. Early leaks suggest a kit focused on healing, though official details remain limited.
In the second phase, banners feature Zhongli with a spear and Geo abilities, alongside Gan Yu, an archer who wields Cryo power.
The traveler can interact with the Dendro Archon statue to acquire the element and wield battlefield tools that trigger unique reactions:
- Hydro effects extend the range of attacking objects;
- Electro effects increase attack speed of these objects;
- Pyro effects cause a burst of explosions.
Some new enemies
One new boss is the Feathered Mold, found in a hidden cave. Defeating it yields resources vital for leveling up new characters. A guide on locating and defeating the feathered fungus is available in our resources.
Electro Fern is another adversary, a mutated plant that conducts electricity and rules parts of the map. With a solid strategy, it is beatable using the right tactics outlined in dedicated guidance.
Normal opponents multiply as well. Expect slimy mushroom tracks and various villains. Bigger threats include Mushroom Raptor and Gelding Gargoyle, both capable of flight and presenting additional combat challenges.
Which new weapon?
Besides the traditional craft weapons, the update adds two bows. The five-star bow, Ayus, pairs well with Tighnari, while a four-star bow named Fin becomes available for free through one of the events.
What new artifacts
Two fresh artifact sets arrive. The first is Memories of the Dark Forest. Two-piece bonus increases Dendro damage by 15%, and four-piece provides a 25% reduction to Dendro resistance on enemies who take elemental damage for 8 seconds, even if the attacker is not on the field.
The second set is Decorative Golden Dream. Two-piece bonus increases elemental mastery by 80, while the four-piece set grants an elemental reaction based boost. Depending on the number of same-element or mixed-element characters on the team, the wearer gains a percentage boost to attack or elemental mastery for 8 seconds, with the effect cycling again after the duration. The bonus can be activated even when the wearer is off the field.
What are the new tasks?
Archon Missions
Update 3.0 introduces a new Archon quest as part of the third act and a suite of activities. Story quests maintain their familiar chapter structure. The mission Through Smoke and Dark Woods unlocks Sumeru, while A Hundred Fresh Roses Brings the Morning invites players to experiment with new investigative mechanics.
World Missions
The Encounter in the Forest: Aranyaka Quest opens Vanarana and grants access to the Dream Tree, a feature akin to the Sacred Sakura in prior regions. The story continues in Varuna-gata.
Beyond these, cooking fans can tackle Food is the Natural Taste of Nature, and music lovers can explore Nursery of Dreams. Forest adventures wrap up with Vimana Agama and Agnihotra Sutra as part of the world missions.
The quests weave together, encouraging players to assist forest dwellers across Sumeru by completing related tasks.
What new dungeons
The update introduces four single-use dungeons, along with two standard dungeons found in Sumeru: Spire of Solitary Lighting and Tower of Ignorance. These dungeons complement the new artifacts and farming opportunities tied to the patch.
What new events
The first phase centers on the grand event Children’s Tale, which unfolds in two parts:
- Wandering in the Undergrowth
- Woody Metamorphoses
Four challenges shape the event in its opening segment. Participants face mechanical trials such as Overcoming the Elements, Grove Run, Big Animal Watch, and Instant Image, testing combat, traversal, and observation skills.
Completing challenges rewards Source Stones, Mora, and several valuable items, plus Creative Notes and Inspiration Drafts as event currencies.
Creative notes can be spent in the Event Store to obtain Source Stones and other resources. Inspiration concepts are exchanged for wooden toy parts, used to assemble four figures and claim strong rewards.
The second phase brings surprises, with details yet to be announced. The guide will be updated to reflect those developments as they unfold.
What a new skin
The option to customize character appearances has been part of Genshin Impact for some time. With this patch, Lisa and Ayaka receive new costumes. Lisa, the lore-studious librarian from Sumeru Academy, dons an outfit reminiscent of her college years. Ayaka also receives a fashionable update that nods to her own journey.
Other guides
This guide intentionally focuses on the patch itself, offering a cohesive look at what 3.0 brings to Sumeru and the wider world of Teyvat.