Genshin Impact Lantern Rite 2026 Guide: Skins, Free Rewards, and Events

Lantern Rite is Liyue’s annual festival in Genshin Impact, rooted in a tradition that originally served to guide soldiers safely home. Over time, it became a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives during the Archon War. Today, Lantern Rite has evolved into a grand celebration of remembrance, defined by the release of glowing lanterns and the construction of the Mingxiao Lantern—a massive structure funded by public donations and dedicated each year to a fallen hero from Liyue’s history.

This article brings you an overview of the estimated Lantern Rite schedule, the free skins available through the event, the rewards players can obtain, and the events leak.

Lantern Rite 2026 Timing Prediction

Lantern Rite 2026 is expected to arrive during Version 6.3, following HoYoverse's familiar patch schedule that aligns the event with Lunar New Year.

Version 6.3 Release Date: Likely January 14, 2026 (based on six-week update cycle)

Festival Period: January 7 – February 17, 2026

This time puts Lantern Rite right in the middle of Lunar New Year, making it one of the most important yearly events.

 

Character & Skins for Lantern Rite 2026

Lantern Rite Character

The highly anticipated Columbina & Zibai are expected to launch alongside Lantern Rite. For detailed banner information, see the Genshin 6.3 “Luna IV” banners.

Character Gathering

Based on Lantern-Lit Gathering 2025, the Version 6.3 2026 Lantern Rite is also expected to offer a four-star character pick.

Lantern Rite Skin

Neuvillette 5★ Premium Skin ( TBA)

One of the biggest talking points is a five-star premium skin for Neuvillette, described with a white, gray, and gold design. Its visual effects may shift from his signature blue Hydro lasers to red lightning streaks, giving the overall aesthetic a full anime protagonist energy. As a five-star skin, it is expected to follow the standard five-star pricing, and if HoYoverse delivers at their usual quality, this skin is likely to generate massive attention.

4★ Skin ( TBA)

Chongyun also receives her first-ever four-star skin, potentially debuting during Lantern Rite. There are also reports that it’s a winter outfit for Yaoyao.

Free 4★ Skin via Event Completion ( TBA)

According to the discussion, players may also receive a free four-star skin simply by completing the Lantern Rite event content. Lantern Rite traditionally rewards participation without demanding intense combat, focusing instead on event progression and celebration.

 

Lantern Rite Free Rewards Expectations

Lantern Rite is well known for its generous rewards, and expectations for 2026 are high.

The image above shows the expected rewards for Version 6.3. You can use it to calculate how many resources you can get or how much you are missing.

 

 

Lantern Rite Events and NPCs Leak

Events:

Scenes & NPCs:

We might come across a special outfit that looks like a cactus—kind of funny, but definitely full of festive vibes!

*All  Events and NPCs pictures are from Reddit leak 

Final Thoughts

Lantern Rite 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event in Genshin Impact! With flashy premium skins, amazing free rewards, and exciting festival events, this year’s Lantern Rite could totally raise the bar for annual celebrations. Official teasers and previews are on the way, but why wait? Start prepping your resources now, stay tuned for updates, and get hyped for what might be the most legendary Lantern Rite ever!

Don’t forget to follow LDShop Hub for all the latest news—and grab your resources at unbeatable prices so you’re ready to jump into Version 6.3 without missing a beat!