Genshin Impact Character Leaks: Skirk’s Potential to Transform the Meta (Approach with Caution)

Fresh leaks regarding Skirk in Genshin Impact have surfaced, potentially marking a significant shift in the game’s meta dynamics. These updates suggest that she could provide essential support for a particular element, although players are advised to approach these leaks cautiously as the situation is still developing. Skirk was first introduced as an NPC during the climactic Archon Quests set in Fontaine, where she played a pivotal role in rescuing Tartaglia from the Abyss and combating the All-Devouring Narwhal. After fulfilling her mission, however, she vanished once more.

Despite her absence from the game for over a year, the anticipation of Skirk’s return is growing. This expectation aligns with the recent Version 5.3 livestream where HoYoverse teased upcoming content intended for release following the conclusion of the final Natlan Archon Quests. Among the characters confirmed during the event are Dahlia and a prison girl, with a potential silhouette of Skirk appearing among seven others, identifiable by her distinctive head adornment and the shattered glass surrounding her.

Speculated Cryo Abilities for Skirk in Genshin Impact

Anticipated Release in Version 5.7

Genshin Impact's Skirk holding a void sphere.

With the near-confirmation of Skirk as a returning character, speculation about her role as a playable character is on the rise. Although formal confirmation from HoYoverse is still pending, leaks have emerged following her teaser during the Version 5.3 livestream. According to the leaker known as Full Stop Chan, Skirk is expected to harness Cryo powers upon her release in Genshin Impact 5.7. This information was shared in a post labeled as “Reliable” on Reddit.

Interestingly, the leaks do not confirm whether Skirk possesses a Cryo Vision. This raises the possibility that she may not rely on divine blessings to wield her Cryo abilities. Instead, she could utilize a Delusion similar to the Fatui or potentially draw on elemental powers sourced from alternative means. While details regarding her weapon type and role within team compositions are still unclear, it is noteworthy that Skirk is recognized as a formidable swordswoman. Hence, it’s reasonable to speculate that she may engage in combat wielding a sword and function as a Cryo DPS character within Genshin Impact.

Version 5.7 is anticipated to release around mid-June 2025, adhering to the game’s established six-week update cycle.

Potential Meta Impact of Skirk’s Cryo Powers

Addressing Cryo’s Current Challenges

While the details from the leaks remain sparse, their implications could be significant if proven accurate. The Cryo element is currently facing challenges, with its potency diminishing relative to other elements that have received considerable buffs over the previous year. The last prominent Cryo character introduced was Wriothesley, with Citlali’s entry into the game being a noteworthy but less impactful addition.

Wriothesley’s release established him as the strongest Cryo DPS due to his usage of a catalyst, allowing all Normal and Charged Attacks to inherently deal Cryo DMG rather than Physical DMG. His kit’s foundation revolves around Normal and Charged Attacks, enhancing his Cryo application capabilities and enabling players to Freeze or Melt opponents effectively, thus rapidly depleting enemy health bars. However, Wriothesley’s lack of reruns in Genshin Impact complicates team synergy focused on Cryo DMG.

Since Version 5.3, the absence of rerun banners for the top Cryo DPS has hindered players in optimizing their team compositions. Moreover, HoYoverse’s neglect of Cryo characters this past year has raised concerns. Except for the imminent Chronicled Wish banner capable of reintroducing Shenhe, prior to Version 5.3, there had not been any reruns for 5-star Cryo characters in over a year, with Ayaka’s rerun in Genshin Impact Version 4.3 marking the last major opportunity for players.

To provide context, Shenhe’s most recent rerun occurred during Version 3.5, a period rooted in Sumeru’s content.

Due to the lack of several key Cryo units in banners, players eager to construct Cryo-focused teams have found themselves at a standstill. Notably, Wriothesley has not appeared in any rerun banners since his debut, while characters released post-him have seen multiple reruns. Additionally, Shenhe, an exceptional Cryo support character, is nearing a two-year absence from banners; even popular characters like Ganyu and Eula, primarily Physical DPSs, have similarly been missing from recent updates, intensifying concerns regarding Cryo’s viability.

Should Skirk be a Cryo DPS, she would restore opportunities for players aiming to deal Cryo DMG, a much-needed momentum within the current meta landscape. Even if she is not classified as a Natlan character, Skirk may synergize well with Mavuika’s sub-DPS build or even the Pyro Traveler. If she operates as a sub-DPS, she could complement characters like Arlecchino or Clorinde, both of whom are featured in the rerun banners set for Genshin Impact 5.3.

Skepticism Surrounding Skirk’s Leaked Cryo Powers

Unfounded Speculation Prior to Teaser

Genshin Impact's Skirk looking back, with the All-Devouring Narwhal leaving a rift in the background.

Prior to HoYoverse’s teaser unveiling, there was no concrete information or speculation regarding Skirk’s codename nor any hints about her possible appearance in upcoming patches. The sudden emergence of rumors surrounding her release date and elemental powers raises questions about their reliability. The timing appears suspicious, particularly given the lack of prior leaks related to Skirk.

As such, players are encouraged to remain cautious regarding the rumors of Skirk becoming a playable character with Cryo capabilities. Despite being teased by HoYoverse, there remains the possibility that she will only appear as an NPC in forthcoming patches. HoYoverse has not definitively asserted her status as a playable character, leading to speculation that the entire narrative regarding Skirk in Genshin Impact may be unfounded.

Source: Reddit

Source & Images