HoYoverse (previously miHoYo) was about to reveal via the usual drip marketing Yelan and Kuki Shinobu this March 28, but the artwork and release schedule of these two new Genshin Impact characters were leaked a few hours beforehand. The two characters will be released through the gacha banners of Genshin Impact Version 2.7.
In the past, via Twitter and Facebook, miHoYo introduced Kamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya, and Sayu ahead of the Version 2.0 sneak peek Livestream. And all three characters were later confirmed on the Livestream. Ever since then, in order to avoid players preferring leaks, every future Genshin Impact character is officially revealed one patch ahead through Twitter and Facebook. Fans have nicknamed it Drip Marketing, and there's a whole story behind it. Moreover, leakers are now revealing the artwork for the characters a few hours before the drip marketing happens. That's what happened with Yelan and Kuki Shinobu.
Genshin Impact reveals Yelan and Kuki Shinobu for Version 2.7
Yelan is a brand new 5-star character from Liyue and a Hydro bow user. Meanwhile, Kuki Shinobu is a 4-star Electro user and a kunoichi - a female ninja - from Inazuma. Her naming follows the same Japanese rule as most Inazuma characters, Kuki is her family name, and Shinobu her first name in case you were wondering. Shinobu works for Itto and is part of the Arataki Gang.
Banners release schedule
The fact that the drip marketing is happening right before the release of Version 2.6 officially confirmed both characters will be released in Version 2.7. This is set in stone now. As for who will release first, Genshin leaker Lumie stated that Yelan will release as the first banner of 2.7, while Shinobu will be on the second half of the patch.
Both characters were leaked in the past and already mentioned in-game
Kuki Shinobu is a character we've already heard about plenty of times in Genshin Impact. Most notably through Itto and all the pieces of his lore you can find in Inazuma, such as by reading public message boards. Meanwhile, several Liyue characters are getting "About: Yelan" voiced lines in Version 2.6, which will allow us to learn much more about her personality.
The official Genshin Impact socials will soon publish official profiles for Yelan and Shinobu. Stay tuned. Genshin Impact 2.6 will be launching on March 30 on PS4, PS5, PC, iOS, and Android, and add Kamisato Ayato as a playable character, and the Chasm as a new area.
Profile and lore (Update)
The Genshin Impact official Facebook accounts have now shared the profiles of Yelan and Kuki Shinobi:
Yelan ‧ Valley Orchid -
A mysterious person who claims to work for the Ministry of Civil Affairs -
Yelan's identity has always been a mystery.Like a phantom, she often appears in various guises at the center of events, and disappears before the storm stops.The people who are caught up in trouble look forward to meeting her. For some reason, most of them think she will help them, and if not, they want her to be their ally.But the problem is, their opponents harbor the same idea.Every one of these people has met a Yelan who goes by a different name and identity, and each of them thinks they can reach a partnership with her. However, everyone has been kept in the dark.Who does she want to help? When will she tell the truth?Once she acts and intervenes, nothing can be trusted.When she reveals her true identity and speaks the truth, those who are eager for answers may not have the chance to hear it. -
Oh, you're looking for Yelan? Hmm, I'd like to suggest that you treat her as an ordinary person, but if you do, it's easy to lose control over negotiations. There are some things that really depend on her impression of you. — Yanfei
Kuki Shinobu ‧ Mender of Tribulations -
Deputy Leader of the Arataki Gang -
Although Kuki Shinobu joined the Arataki Gang at a later stage, she is a powerful figure who transformed the whole gang. After she arrived, the gang's business scope expanded to all walks of life, including but not limited to: legal consultation, business negotiation, banquet catering, clothing customization...What's even more surprising is that the lackadaisical Arataki Gang was able to produce all the relevant practice certificates, all signed with the same name: Kuki Shinobu.It is said that this second-in-command had studied abroad, and it is also said that she has close affiliations with the Tenryou Commission.When outsiders hear this, they inevitably have many suspicions. However, the residents of Hanamizaka who often deal with the Arataki Gang are different, and they always go to her for advice on various matters without any reservations.In their opinion, discussions with Kuki Shinobu are always smooth and efficient.Just always keep in mind the following two rules:One, do not attempt to find out how she looks like under her mask.And two, don't ask why she has to steer clear of the Grand Narukami Shrine every time she heads out for a job. -
My apologies, I have not sent my regards for a long time. I am writing to introduce a talented person to you. She is very knowledgeable, well-versed in both literature and martial arts, and is an invaluable assistant... Unfortunately, she is currently working for the Arataki Gang and only accepts outsourced consultations, which is a pity. — Kujou Sara
Full size artwork
The Japanese Genshin Impact Twitter account also shared fullsize version of the Yelan and Kuki Shinobu artwork.