A familiar face from Teyvat is about to take center stage again-new leaks hint that one of Genshin Impact’s most beloved characters will soon receive a second story quest and an exclusive skin, sparking excitement across the community.
According to a recent leak, another popular character in Genshin Impact is set to get their second story quest quite soon, including a new skin. This popular character is none other than Hu Tao, one of the strongest DPS characters in the game.
Hu Tao Will Get a Second Story Quest and New Skin, Leak Reveals
Leaks suggest that Hu Tao will receive her second Story Quest and a brand-new skin in a future Genshin Impact update. The upcoming quest is expected to expand on her connection with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and reveal more about her life outside her duties. Meanwhile, the leaked skin reimagines Hu Tao’s playful style with fresh visual details, hinting at a possible themed event accompanying its release. Fans are already speculating about how this update might highlight her character’s deeper traits and unique charm.
A recent leak via NGA posted on Reddit as Questionable, reveals that Hu Tao’s second story quest and a new skin is currently in the works. The first story quest of Hu Tao’s named – Papilio Charontis Chapter, which takes them phantom hunting following Hu Tao’s profession as the 77th direction of the Funeral Parlor.
If the leaks are true and Hu Tao gets her second story quest, it might be during the next Lantern Rite event, which should coincide with version 5.5. The Lantern Rite event always takes the characters back to Liyue with new and interesting shenanigans, and this time it might be phantom hunting with Hu Tao. Another interesting piece of information from the leak is that Hu Tao will be getting a new skin, which should definitely make Hu Tao mains excited.
When is the next Lantern Rite event scheduled
The next Lantern Rite event in Genshin Impact is scheduled for January 30 to February 23, 2026, aligning with Version 6.3’s second phase during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Event Timeline
Multiple sources confirm the main Lantern Rite period as January 30 through February 23, 2026, with sub-events starting earlier.
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May Fortune Find You: January 16 to February 3.
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Shutterflash Memory Hunt: January 16-26.
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Moonlit Patrol Exercise: February 9-23.
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Ley Line Overflow (double rewards): February 16-23.
Version Context
This Lantern Rite falls in Version 6.3 (Luna IV), following the typical six-week patch cycle and HoYoverse’s tradition of timing it with Chinese New Year.
Expect rewards like a free 4-star Liyue character, 20 pulls, Primogems (around 1600+), and possibly skins such as for Yaoyao.
Which new character or skin is in Lantern Rite 2026
Yaoyao receives a free skin called “Rainlit Bamboo Reverie” during Lantern Rite 2026, while leaks suggest premium skins for Neuvillette (5-star, white-gray-gold with red lightning effects) and Chongyun (4-star).
Confirmed Skin
Yaoyao’s skin launches January 30, 2026, obtainable for free via Fortune Coins in the event mini-games like “A Lanternlit Ode to the Silver Moon.”
Post-event, it costs 1680 Genesis Crystals in the shop.
Leaked Skins
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Neuvillette: Rumored 5-star premium outfit, first for a limited male character, tied to Lantern Rite in Version 6.3 Luna IV.
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Chongyun: 4-star skin expected alongside the festival.
New Characters
Lantern Rite 2026 features Zibai, a new 5-star Geo Liyue character (second phase), and Columbina (Moon Maiden, Hydro 5-star support, first phase).
These align with Version 6.3’s Lunar New Year timing, though skins remain unconfirmed by HoYoverse.
