Natlan is the chapter where Genshin Impact changes how exploration works instead of merely adding another map. The land of fire and tribes brings the Nightsoul Blessing mechanic and Saurians, creatures that are both companions and transportation, turning travel into part of gameplay.
Natlan launched with version 5.0 on August 28, 2024, and Pyro Archon Mavuika became playable in version 5.3 on January 1, 2025.
Quick Facts
- Release: Version 5.0 on August 28, 2024; Mavuika playable from version 5.3 (January 1, 2025)
- Developer: HoYoverse; free-to-play gacha
- Genre: Open-world action RPG
- Reception: Genshin Impact holds generally favorable reviews: praise for combat and open world, criticism of endgame and gacha
- Sales: The game reached $6.3 billion in total revenue by 2024
Story
The Traveler helps Pyro Archon Mavuika and Natlan's people against an Abyssal threat while investigating an invasion orchestrated by their sibling to restore Khaenri'ah through the Loom of Fate. Citlali is one of the region's notable characters.
Natlan is where larger forces and secrets in the plot begin to converge, so many players regard it as a turning point in the storyline.
Behind The Scenes
Natlan launched with version 5.0 on August 28, 2024 and expanded over subsequent versions. Mavuika, the Pyro Archon, appeared from 5.0 but became playable only in version 5.3 on January 1, 2025, a typical content split in HoYoverse's version-based update model.
With Natlan, HoYoverse added region-specific mechanics such as Nightsoul Blessing and several Saurian companions rather than simply adding a map.
Experience
Nightsoul Blessing
Nightsoul Blessing is Natlan's exclusive mechanic, merging exploration and the region's lore into one power system. It enhances character abilities and unlocks special interactions, changing both combat and movement compared with earlier regions.
Saurians and exploration
Players meet a Tepetlisaur nicknamed Little One who accompanies them, Koholasaurs that help navigate underground and Yumkasaurs that dart along cliffs. These mounts create a different exploration rhythm from simply walking and gliding.
Mavuika and characters
Mavuika first appeared in version 5.0 and became playable in January 2025 with version 5.3, "Incandescent Ode of Resurrection". Holding a key character back for a later patch stretches Natlan's content over time, matching the version-based update model.
Strengths
- Nightsoul Blessing refreshes combat and movement
- Saurians are unique companions and vehicles
- The story moves closer to Teyvat's major secrets
- Free to download with regular updates
Weaknesses
- Gacha remains a spending barrier
- Endgame content is a common Genshin criticism
- The central character becomes playable later than the region
What Critics Say
Genshin Impact overall receives favorable reviews, praised for combat and open world but criticized for endgame and gacha. By 2024 its total revenue had reached $6.3 billion.
Version 5.0 Natlan is seen as a major shift in exploration thanks to Nightsoul Blessing and Saurians. There is no separate aggregate score for individual updates, so judgments on the region's quality rest mainly on community feedback.
Who Is It For
For Genshin followers who want to see a new region change how exploration works. Newcomers can start at Natlan but will lack story context. If you are wary of gacha, play at a relaxed pace with the update cadence.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Natlan is one of the regions that changes Genshin Impact's gameplay the most, strong in Nightsoul Blessing and Saurians while pushing the story forward. OtaHub scores it 9.3/10.
FAQ
When did Natlan launch?
On August 28, 2024, with version 5.0.
From which version is Mavuika playable?
From version 5.3 on January 1, 2025.
What is Nightsoul Blessing?
Natlan's exclusive mechanic that enhances character abilities and unlocks special interactions.