Hu Tao Set to Shine in Genshin Impact's Lantern Rite 2025; New Skin and Story Quest Leaked

A very new Genshin Impact leak suggests that Hu Tao may get a premium skin along with another Story Quest in the next Version 5.3's Lantern Rite. If this leak proves to be true, then it will be a special highlight for the Liyue favourite character: Hu Tao, who proves to be one of the quirkily lovable figures for many fans of this 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

The Lantern Rite and Liyue’s Star Characters

For a long period now, the Lantern Rite Festival has been a site of showcasing Liyue-based characters in alternative attire. Newer implementations like the premium skins for Shenhe and Ganyu in Version 4.4 kick-started a trend of very high-quality content during this event. The recent rumours now suggest Hu Tao as the next character who will carry a rumoured "blue flames" theme that matches her Wuwang Hill ties.

Historically, Genshin Impact had the character skins come out twice a year: with the Lantern Rite and during the Summer Event. Even though fans always wanted these releases to have been quicker, the regular premium skin rollouts during these windows keep things going.

The Leak Breakdown

Hu Tao Premium Outfit:

If this is true, then Hu Tao's new skin will appear on Version 5.3 when early 2025 rolls around for the Lantern Rite.

Second Story Quest:
Hu Tao might join an elite group of characters as Version 5.3 will bring the final piece of the Archon Quest for Citlali, Mavuika, and Natlan.

Speculation on Theme:
A "blue flames" fashion for her costume matches Hu Tao lore but diverges from her signature red colour scheme.

Challenges and Timing

The timing does raise some questions, though. Genshin Impact Version 5.3 already promises two new Story Quests and the culmination of the Natlan Archon Quest. Tacking on a third quest for Hu Tao may stretch the narrative balance a bit too far. And with Hu Tao just appearing on the banner in Version 5.1, it may be that HoYoverse feels Hu Tao still isn't recent enough to keep interest high.

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What’s Next

Not for long will players wait for clarification. As HoYoverse prepares Version 5.2, which is set for release on November 20, 2024, the company should be announcing more about the Lantern Rite and its character-centric content soon.

Fans in the forums started to speculate on Hu Tao's new look, hoping it would bring a little freshness but at least closer to her style. Others looked forward to seeing how her story unfolded on a second quest, perhaps unearthing more about that mystical past of hers.

The current buzz about Hu Tao's supposed glow-up has everyone talking; with every leak, it pays to temper expectations until then confirmed. For now, though, the Lantern Rite seems well set to provide yet another sparkling show for the Genshin Impact community.