Lantern Rite is Liyue’s annual festival in Genshin Impact, rooted in a tradition that began as a way to guide soldiers home and later became a tribute to those who died in the Archon War. Over time it evolved into a grand celebration of remembrance marked by the release of lanterns and the creation of the Mingxiao Lantern, a massive structure built from public donations and dedicated each year to a fallen hero from Liyue’s past.
Players can participate in special events that offer festive activities and the opportunity to obtain a free 4-star Liyue character through the flagship event. Version 6.3 will also introduce Illuga, a new 4-star Geo character. This raises the question of whether Illuga, despite not being from Liyue could be obtainable for free during this event either instead of or in addition to the Liyue characters.
Players can also expect lively festival decorations throughout the harbor similar to previous festivals, along with various activities, mini games and story quests. By taking part in these events players can earn a variety of rewards including Primogems and much more.
Looking at the previous Lantern Rite Festivals that have occured since Version 1.3 we can expect the 6.3 event to be taking place from around 7th January, 2026 till the 7th February, 2026. See the previous Lantern Rite’s that have taken place below for an idea:
| Name | Date | Version |
| Lantern Rite | 10th Feb, 2021 – 28th Feb, 2021 | 1.3 |
| Fleeting Colors in Flight | 25th Jan, 2022 – 12th Feb, 2022 | 2.4 |
| The Exquisite Night Chimes | 19th Jan, 2023 – 6th Feb, 2023 | 3.4 |
| Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze | 5th Feb, 2024 – 26th Feb, 2024 | 4.4 |
| Springtime Charms | 24th Jan, 2025 – 9th Feb, 2025 | 5.3 |
What Do We Know About 6.3 Lantern Rite?
Xiao Lanterns are a special event exclusive Lantern Rite item that can be crafted using the crafting bench for use such as wishes. In the upcoming event there are three known types of Lantern Rite materials that can be obtained:
- Celebratory Xiao Lanterns
- Gift Xiao Lanterns
- Xiao Lantern Formation Manual
Overall, these materials highlight the limited and collectible nature of Xiao Lantern related items during Lantern Rite.
Furthermore, recent leaks from HomDGCat have sparked excitement among players, highlighting the unexpected appearance of an image that closely resembles the cactus character from the “To Guiztli Ridge!” quest. While the similarities are hard to ignore and have fueled plenty of speculation, there is still no official confirmation that this is indeed the same cactus.
As more information is released closer to the event, additional updates will be shared to keep you informed about what to expect during the exciting return of the Lantern Rite event!
