Although the 5.6 beta has yet to begin, data miners and leakers have discovered early hints about what’s to come. With Version 5.5 confirmed to bring Varesa and an expansion to Natlan featuring the Great Volcano of Tollan, all eyes are now on the next patch and what it may introduce.

New Natlan Area in Genshin Impact 5.6

A Mysterious Island Southwest of the Volcano

According to leaks, Genshin Impact 5.6 will introduce a new map expansion in Natlan, extending the region even further west. Unlike previous expansions, which added volcanic and jungle biomes, this new area appears to be an isolated landmass, described as a small island southwest of Atocpan’s Great Volcano.

However, despite being called an “island,” it doesn’t appear to be surrounded by water. Instead, the leaked map suggests that the land is enveloped in a sea of sand, much like Sumeru’s Great Red Sand. The island itself has a dark red terrain, which could indicate lava fields or cooling volcanic rock, reinforcing the fiery nature of Natlan.

While it’s still uncertain how this new region connects to the main volcanic zone, speculation suggests that volcanic activity may play a key role in shaping the new area.

New World Boss in Genshin Impact 5.6

A Massive Automaton With Possible Connections to 5.5’s Storyline

Leaks also indicate that Genshin Impact 5.6 will introduce a new world boss, likely tied to the Natlan map expansion. While its exact identity remains unknown, rumors suggest it may be an Automaton-type enemy.

Interestingly, one leaked image shows a large mechanical boss with arms, which closely resembles an enemy featured in Genshin Impact 5.5’s official trailer. If the leaks are true, HoYoverse could be repurposing this enemy as a new, permanent world boss in 5.6.

Possible Uses for the New Boss’s Drops

Like most world bosses, this new Automaton enemy is expected to drop Ascension materials for upcoming characters. There is speculation that it may drop materials for Escoffier, a rumored Cryo character from Fontaine, who is expected to boost Skirk’s abilities when she eventually arrives in the game.

Could This Expansion Lead to Mare Jivari’s Release?

Connections Between the New Natlan Area & the Lost Region

The introduction of this new Natlan zone could serve as a stepping stone toward Mare Jivari, one of Teyvat’s most mysterious and uncharted lands.

Here’s why:

• The new map area is surrounded by sand, not water, similar to Mare Jivari’s rumored desert-like terrain.
• Mare Jivari is located in the far west of Natlan, and the leaked island is southwest of Atocpan, making it a plausible gateway to the lost region.
• Mare Jivari vanished decades ago, reportedly due to a powerful unknown entity—could this new world boss be connected to the catastrophe that erased Mare Jivari from the map?

One possible theory is that this Automaton-like boss played a role in Mare Jivari’s disappearance. Given the region’s ties to the Ley Lines and the Fatui’s Loom of Fate project, this expansion could set up a future storyline that delves deeper into Teyvat’s past and hidden forces.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect in Genshin Impact 5.6

While these leaks should be taken with caution, they provide an exciting glimpse into what may come in Genshin Impact 5.6:

• A new Natlan region to the southwest of Atocpan’s volcano
• A possible volcanic desert landscape, hinting at Mare Jivari’s eventual reveal
• A new Automaton world boss, potentially tied to Mare Jivari’s lore
• Potential new character materials, possibly for Escoffier

With Version 5.5 set to introduce Natlan’s Great Volcano, Atocpan, and Varesa, the next update looks to continue Natlan’s story expansion, bringing players one step closer to uncovering Mare Jivari’s secrets.

As always, leaks are subject to change, and we’ll have to wait for official announcements from HoYoverse. Stay tuned for more updates on Genshin Impact 5.6!