Recent leaks have revealed intriguing yet controversial updates about Genshin Impact’s upcoming roster of characters. According to a reliable source, Kinich will be the only male 5-Star character introduced during the Natlan era, suggesting that Capitano—a character many fans were hoping to play—won’t arrive until at least Version 6.0. The news has reignited discussions in the community about the game’s gender balance, as players express concerns over the lack of new male 5-Star characters.
Since its launch, Genshin Impact has significantly expanded its roster, initially maintaining a balanced gender ratio. However, a noticeable shift began with the release of Neuvillette and Wriothesley in Version 4.1. Since then, only one new male 5-Star character, Kinich, has been introduced in Version 5.0. Kinich, a Dendro Claymore user from Natlan, has impressed players with his versatility in Burgeon and Burning teams. Despite his strength in combat, his presence in the story has left some fans wanting more. Meanwhile, male 4-Star characters like Sethos and Ororon have received positive attention but have not alleviated concerns about the lack of male 5-Stars.
Further fueling the debate, leaks from DK2 via hxg_diluc suggest that no new male 5-Star characters will be released until Snezhnaya. If accurate, this means that from November 2023 to September 2025, Kinich will remain the sole new male 5-Star. While fan-favorite male characters like Baizhu, Kazuha, and Neuvillette have had frequent reruns on Event Banners, many players feel the game’s developers are deprioritizing new male 5-Star introductions.
The list of upcoming characters in Version 5.x supports this claim:
Of the characters listed, Ifa stands out as the only male, and he is a 4-Star. If the leaks hold true, the mystery 5-Star in Version 5.6 is likely another female character, and Capitano’s long-awaited debut may not happen during the Natlan era at all. Speculation about Capitano’s fate has left fans wondering if he might not be playable at all, though precedent suggests plans could change.
Beyond Natlan, the region of Snezhnaya offers some hope for fans seeking more male 5-Star characters. The Fatui Harbingers—notably Pierro and Dottore—are strong candidates for future additions to the roster. However, little is known about Snezhnaya, and with four characters still unaccounted for in the Natlan cast, there’s a slim chance of surprises.
For now, fans eagerly await Version 5.3, set to launch on January 1, 2025. Meanwhile, Version 6.0, speculated to arrive on September 10, 2025, promises to usher in the Snezhnaya era and potentially address the community’s concerns. Whether the game will introduce more male 5-Stars in the future remains to be seen, but the conversation around the issue shows no signs of fading.
