The whispers have been circulating for ages, but a recent Genshin Impact leak has ignited a wildfire of speculation: could we finally know Dainsleif’s Element? The enigmatic former Knight Captain of Khaenri’ah, a figure shrouded in mystery since the game’s closed beta, appears poised to take a more active role in the Traveler’s journey during Version 5.7, potentially even joining them in combat.

For many Genshin Impact fans, Dainsleif is more than just an NPC; he’s a cornerstone of the overarching narrative. His recurring appearances, guiding the Traveler through encounters with their lost sibling and offering cryptic insights into the world’s hidden truths, have cemented his status as one of the most highly anticipated playable characters. Now, it seems HoYoverse is finally laying the groundwork for his grand entrance.

Version 5.7: A Turning Point for the Bough Keeper?

While details surrounding the Version 5.7 Archon Quest in Natlan remain scarce, datamining has unearthed compelling evidence suggesting a significant shift in Dainsleif’s role. Notably, the leak indicates the addition of a party member icon for Dainsleif, coupled with subtle visual updates to his character model. These changes strongly suggest that Dainsleif is being primed for a more hands-on involvement in his upcoming quests, fueling the fervent hope that playable status isn’t far behind.

Adding fuel to the fire, Firefly Leaks recently shared footage showcasing new combat animations for Dainsleif. The leaked video depicts the Bough Keeper emerging from a striking shroud of blue fire before unleashing a powerful ground smash imbued with similar fiery energy. This visual evidence has led many to believe that Dainsleif might finally be revealed as a Pyro character in Genshin Impact.

The Abyss and the Elements: A Fiery Connection?

This potential Pyro affiliation isn’t entirely out of left field. Considering what we know about the Abyss Order and their ability to seemingly mimic the elements of Teyvat, it’s plausible that Dainsleif, with his deep connection to Khaenri’ah and the Abyss, could wield a form of Abyssal power that manifests as Pyro. The encounter with the Iniquitous Baptist in Version 3.6, which demonstrated the Abyss’s capacity to emulate elemental abilities, further supports this theory.

However, the prospect of Dainsleif being Pyro has been met with mixed reactions within the Genshin Impact community. Many players had harbored hopes that the enigmatic Bough Keeper would introduce an entirely new Element to the game, adding a fresh layer of strategic depth and team composition possibilities. The idea of him simply wielding an existing Element, albeit with Abyssal flair, could be seen as somewhat underwhelming for such a pivotal character.

The Dendro Dilemma: A Sign of Things to Come?

The potential reluctance to introduce a new Element might stem from the complexities involved in its implementation. The arrival of Dendro in Version 3.0, while ultimately successful, was a significant undertaking for HoYoverse, requiring the creation of entirely new elemental reactions and interactions. Perhaps the developers are hesitant to embark on a similar endeavor in the near future. The recent drip marketing confirmation of Skirk, another highly anticipated character with ties to the Abyss, as a Cryo user further suggests a potential trend of Abyss-affiliated characters utilizing existing Elements.

Patience is a Virtue: The Long Wait for Dainsleif

Ultimately, the question of when Dainsleif will become playable remains unanswered. While Version 5.7 seems to mark a significant step forward in his storyline, his actual debut on player banners might still be a ways off. If HoYoverse adheres to the original Travail teaser, which outlined the game’s future regions and potential character releases, and considering the current detour to Nod-Krai, players might have to wait at least another two years before finally adding the Bough Keeper to their teams.

Version 5.7 is currently slated for release on June 18, 2025. While the wait for Dainsleif’s playable debut may continue, the potential reveal of his Element and his increased involvement in the narrative promise an exciting future for Genshin Impact and its dedicated player base.