Genshin Impact is gearing up for another major update, and this time, players can look forward to several quality-of-life (QoL) changes that will make their adventures across Teyvat smoother than ever. While every update usually hypes up new character banners and fresh content, HoYoverse continues to tweak in-game mechanics that, although often overlooked, can significantly improve the overall player experience.

With the upcoming Version 5.5 update, Genshin Impact is introducing changes that will streamline quest tracking, make farming artifacts a little less painful, and even add better controller support for mobile players. Here’s a detailed look at what’s coming and why players should be excited.

Boosted Enhancement Efficiency for Artifacts Defined with Sanctifying Elixir
Cross-Scene Quest Tracking
—Developers Discussion 03/12/25 #GenshinImpact

Dear Traveler:
A new Developers Discussion is here! Starting from Version 5.5, the development team will bring you new features,… pic.twitter.com/yKBYIGrXdo

— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) March 12, 2025

Natlan’s Arrival: Varesa and Iansan Join the Roster

Before diving into the QoL changes, it’s worth mentioning the star attractions of this update: new characters! HoYoverse has confirmed that Version 5.5 will introduce two long-awaited characters from the Natlan region: Varesa and Iansan. Both wield the Electro element, but they come with different rarities and playstyles.

• Varesa – A highly anticipated five-star character who is expected to bring a unique combat style to the game.
• Iansan – A four-star character with her own set of Electro-based abilities, likely complementing Varesa’s playstyle in some way.

Fans have speculated about the Natlan region for a long time, and while the full region isn’t arriving just yet, these two new characters provide an exciting glimpse into its culture, aesthetics, and combat potential.

Artifact System Gets a Small but Significant Upgrade

For many players, farming artifacts is one of the most frustrating activities in Genshin Impact. The game’s multi-layered RNG system makes getting the perfect artifact nearly impossible, often leading to hours (or even days) of farming with little reward. HoYoverse has been slowly addressing these frustrations, and Version 5.5 will introduce a small but helpful improvement.

New Feature: Sanctifying Elixir Enhancements

In the upcoming update, artifacts enhanced using the Sanctifying Elixir will be marked with a special symbol. This allows players to easily identify which artifacts have been upgraded with this method. But the real game-changer? Maxing out these artifacts will guarantee that the designated Minor Affixes are enhanced at least twice.

This means players will have a slightly better chance at optimizing their artifact stats, reducing the randomness that often leads to disappointment. While it’s not the complete overhaul that many have been asking for, it’s still a step in the right direction.

Improved Quest Tracking: No More Confusion

One of the most annoying parts of Genshin Impact is figuring out where to go for certain quests, especially when objectives are scattered across multiple regions. In Version 5.5, HoYoverse is introducing cross-scene quest tracking, making navigation significantly easier.

How It Works:

• When tracking a quest that requires you to travel to a different region, the corresponding map will open automatically.
• You can teleport directly to the quest location without needing to manually search for it.

This might seem like a small tweak, but it’s a huge time-saver. No more second-guessing whether you’re in the right place—just set your quest, follow the marker, and teleport straight to the objective.

Better Boss Navigation: No More Getting Lost

Another long-standing issue in Genshin Impact is finding certain boss arenas. The in-game map currently marks boss locations, but it doesn’t indicate how to get there, which can be frustrating—especially for newer players who don’t yet know that some bosses are hidden underground or inside special domains.

Version 5.5 aims to fix this by adding new map icons that clearly show entrances to boss arenas. Now, instead of aimlessly wandering around trying to find a way inside, players will be able to locate these entrances with ease.

This is a welcome change, particularly for newcomers who often struggle with bosses like Azhdaha and The Ruin Serpent, which require finding specific cave entrances to access their arenas.

Android Gets Better Controller Support

Good news for mobile players—Version 5.5 will introduce support for PlayStation and Xbox controllers on Android devices!

What You Need to Know:

• Players must update their operating system to the required version for full compatibility.
• This feature is expected to enhance the gaming experience for those who prefer playing on their phones but want the precision of a controller.
• iOS devices have had controller support for a while, so this update finally brings Android users up to speed.

For many mobile players, this is a game-changer. Using touchscreen controls can be limiting, especially for precise movements in combat. With controller support, dodging, aiming, and executing combos will feel much smoother.

More Changes Likely Coming in the Special Program

While these updates are already confirmed, they likely aren’t the only changes coming in Version 5.5. HoYoverse tends to save some surprises for the Special Program live stream, where they reveal additional updates, events, and limited-time features.

According to the latest announcement, the Genshin Impact 5.5 Special Program will be held on March 14. This livestream will provide a more in-depth look at the upcoming content, including potential new events, weapons, and maybe even a sneak peek at the next major region expansion.

For players eager to stay ahead of the curve, tuning into the Special Program is a must. These broadcasts often include exclusive promo codes for Primogems, Mora, and Enhancement Materials, making it worth watching live.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Update with Much-Needed Fixes

Version 5.5 isn’t introducing anything revolutionary, but the small QoL improvements it brings will make a noticeable difference. Better quest tracking, improved boss navigation, and minor artifact system adjustments all contribute to a more polished and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Of course, the real excitement still lies in the new Natlan characters, Varesa and Iansan, and whatever surprises HoYoverse has in store during the Special Program.

With each update, Genshin Impact continues to refine its mechanics while expanding its world. Whether you’re a hardcore player grinding for the perfect artifact set or a casual adventurer just exploring Teyvat, these changes should make your journey a little more enjoyable.

What do you think of the upcoming changes? Are there any QoL updates you’d still like to see? Let’s discuss in the comments!