The wait is finally over. After years of anticipation, breadcrumbs of lore, and endless community speculation, HoYoverse has officially unveiled the drip marketing for Varka, the Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. The announcement, which dropped early Monday morning, confirms that the legendary "Titan of Mondstadt" will make his playable debut in the upcoming Genshin Impact Version 6.4 update. Alongside the character reveal, developers announced the date for the "Luna V" Special Program livestream, promising a massive expansion that will bridge the gap between Mondstadt and Liyue.

Grand Master Varka: The Titan Finally Arrives

The drip marketing image, released on HoYoverse's official social media channels, showcases Varka in all his glory, confirming descriptions that have circulated in the community for months. Standing tall with a rugged, battle-worn aesthetic, Varka sports his signature messy blonde hair and a distinct scar running down the right side of his face—a memento, perhaps, from his expedition to the perilous northern regions of Teyvat. Clad in a heavy black and teal coat lined with white wolf fur, he wields a claymore that bears a striking resemblance to the Wolf's Gravestone, cementing his identity as the Knight of Boreas.

HoYoverse's official description reads: "The Knight of Boreas, Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. A titan who walks the boundary of the known world, returning to reclaim the winds of the past." This release aligns perfectly with the recent narrative developments in Natlan, where Capitano hinted at a fateful encounter with the Grand Master. Varka's Anemo Vision is clearly visible on his left shoulder, though leaks suggest his kit will introduce a new "Abyssal Wind" mechanic, allowing for unique interactions with the Cryo element.

Version 6.4 ‘Luna V’ Special Program Details

Accompanying the Varka reveal is the official schedule for the Version 6.4 Special Program. Titled "Luna V: Winds of the Ashen Sea," the livestream is set to air on February 13, 2026, at 8:00 AM (UTC-5) on Twitch and YouTube. The title "Luna V" has sparked intense theory-crafting, with lore experts connecting it to the five sinner moons of Khaenri'ah, suggesting that Varka's expedition may have uncovered secrets related to the ancient cataclysm.

What to Expect in the Livestream

  • Varka's Gameplay Showcase: A deep dive into his Elemental Skill and Burst, which are rumored to provide massive off-field Anemo application and team-wide buffs.
  • The Dornman Port Expansion: Confirmation of the new map area connecting Northern Mondstadt to the Qiaoying Village border.
  • New 4-Star Character: Rumors point to a subordinate from Varka's expedition finally joining the roster.
  • 300 Primogem Codes: As per tradition, three redemption codes will be distributed during the broadcast.

Connecting Mondstadt and Liyue: A New Map Expansion

Perhaps just as exciting as Varka himself is the confirmation of the new map expansion. Version 6.4 will reportedly open the Dornman Port region, a vital trade route that has been mentioned since the game's launch but never accessible. This expansion is expected to physically connect the northern coast of Mondstadt with Liyue's Chenyu Vale, creating a seamless coastal travel experience.

Early beta leaks for 6.4 indicate that this region will not just be scenic; it will feature new local legends and a weekly boss fight against an "Abyssal Wolf Lord" variant, likely tied to Varka's story quest. The addition of Dornman Port completes the major geography of Mondstadt, answering the question of where the Knights' expedition fleet has been docked all these years.

Community Reaction and Release Date

The reaction to the Genshin Impact Varka reveal has been unprecedented. Within an hour of the announcement, "Grand Master Varka" trended #1 globally on X (formerly Twitter), surpassing even the hype of the Hydro Archon's reveal years prior. Players are already theory-crafting his synergy with existing units like Jean and Mika, hoping for a dedicated "Knights of Favonius" team composition.

With the livestream scheduled for mid-February, players can expect Genshin Impact Version 6.4 to launch on or around March 1, 2026. This gives Travelers just a few weeks to save their Primogems for what promises to be one of the most significant updates in the game's history. For those looking to prepare, ensure you have plenty of Vayuda Turquoise and potentially new materials from the upcoming Dornman Port boss.