Genshin Leak: Lantern Rite Role Confirmed

A recent leak suggests that Madame Ping, the beloved Streetward Rambler, will finally become a playable character in Genshin Impact's Version 5.4 Lantern Rite event in 2025. While her appearance in the Version 3.4 Lantern Rite cinematic hinted at this possibility, confirmation has been elusive until now. This follows a similar pattern to Cloud Retainer, whose playable model was also showcased in a cinematic before her eventual release.

Madame Ping, unlike many Adepti, lives a simple life in Liyue Harbor. She's a mentor figure to Yao Yao and Xiangling, and previously served as Yanfei's guardian. In-game, she assists the Traveler with their Serenitea Pot. However, the leak, from reputable Genshin Impact leaker hxg_diluc (though marked as uncertain), indicates her arrival as a 5-star polearm user in Version 5.4. Her signature weapon boasts an impressive 88% CRIT DMG bonus, making it a compelling alternative to the Primordial Jade-Winged Spear, especially for Xiao users. Whether she'll be featured in the first or second half of Version 5.4 remains unconfirmed. Players eager to add Madame Ping and her weapon to their roster should start saving Primogems.

Madame Ping's Element: A Hydro Hypothesis

Madame Ping's polearm mastery, given her role as mentor to Yao Yao and Xiangling, is widely anticipated. Her element, however, is still debated. Her attire, featuring fish scales and a predominantly blue color scheme, strongly suggests she'll be a Hydro character – potentially the first 5-star Hydro polearm user in the game.

The upcoming Version 4.8 will introduce Emilie, a 5-star Dendro polearm user, and Version 5.0 will feature three Natlan characters: a Dendro Claymore user, a Hydro Catalyst user, and a Geo polearm user. This suggests a potential shift in HoYoverse's focus towards Pyro reactions rather than the sheer prevalence of Pyro characters during the Natlan era.