Despite the recent delay of Version 2.7, Genshin Impact is still revealing new characters for future updates. The popular RPG from HoYoverse most recently showed a new character named Doushin Shikanoin Heizou, an Inazuman detective that works for the Tenryou Commission. It's the latest in a long line of character reveals for Genshin Impact, and hints at Shikanoin Heizou being playable soon.
As a free-to-play RPG, Genshin Impact gets regular six-week updates that typically introduce one or two new characters. The upcoming Version 2.7 update will feature Yelan and Kuki Shinobu as playable characters. However, the update was delayed because of COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai. Despite this postponement, it looks as though HoYoverse is continuing its trend of announcing new characters weeks in advance thanks to the new Shikanoin Heizou reveal.
Shikanoin Heizou was officially revealed on the Genshin Impact Twitter account this morning, and the tweets stopped just short of giving him a release date. However, it's clear that he is held in high esteem by Genshin Impact's own Kamisato Ayato, who praises Shikanoin Heizou's "admirable wit and insight." In terms of design, Heizou looks a bit like the male Traveler or Kazuha, albeit with auburn hair instead of blond or platinum. The tweet can be viewed below:
Recently, there's been criticism that Genshin Impact character designs are becoming too similar. When Kazuha debuted in Genshin Impact, many fans were quick to point out how much he resembled Aether, the male sibling of the Travelers. Likewise, comparisons between Mona and Lisa have been around since the game launched. Admittedly, Shikanoin Heizou's design isn't the most exciting but new characters in Genshin Impact are always an excellent cause for celebration.
Right now, there's no indication when Shikanoin Heizou will be playable in Genshin Impact. However, given that Yelan and Kuki Shinobu are in Version 2.7, it makes sense that Heizou won't be playable until Version 2.8, which is expected to be the final Inazuma update ahead of Version 3.0 introducing the Sumeru region. Because of the Gesnhin Impact 2.7 delay, it's also harder to predict when Version 2.8 - and presumably Shikanoin Heizou - will release. The original date was for late June, but it's clear that this will be pushed back if HoYoverse waits six weeks after 2.7, which is rumored to finally be coming at the end of May. Hopefully, fans won't have to wait much longer to find out when Shikanoin Heizou and future Genshin Impact updates are on the way.