Summary
The map ofGenshin Impactis huge, and continues to expand with every major update. In August 2023, update 4.0 added the nation of Fontaine to the world of Teyvat, a water wonderland inspired by French culture. The next major update, 5.0, is predicted to be released late this year and will add the fiery Natlan region to the map of Teyvat. Natlan is the domain of the Pyro Archon and its culture is based on Latin American, Mesoamerican, and West African influences. Other than this aesthetic influence, not much is known about Natlan outside a few characters that have been mentioned by name. Recently, some rumors have leaked about one such highly anticipated character: Xbalanque.
Xbalanque was first mentioned in a tweet from theGenshin Impactaccount during the official introduction of the Hydro character Neuvillette. Here Xbalanque is quoted as saying, “Someday, when they return, their true ordeal shall begin.” He is also given the title of “One Entombed With the Primal Fire.” Fans were left to speculate about this quote, his title, and his relationship to Neuvillette in Fontaine. Posts fromGenshin Impactleaker TeamMew may shed some light on this as-yet announced Natlan character.
Genshin Impact Xbalanque Leaks Thus Far
Natlan’s Version of Bennett
Themost recent leak regarding Xbalanquefrom TeamMew simply reads, “based on concept art: Xbalanque is a boy model.” TeamMew is considered a reliable leaker within theGenshin Impactcommunity. The community has interpreted “boy model” as referring to character models like Venti and Bennett who could be estimated to be teenagers in age. Although there is no official concept art or confirmation of this, fans have taken this information as an indication that Xbalanque will be a Natlan version of the Mondstadt character Bennett because both are Pyro-wielding teenagers.
Xbalanque is pronounced as “sh-bah-lahn-KAY.”
There is technically no official word that Xbalanque isa Pyro characterto begin with, but given the title “One Entombed With the Primal Fire” and his apparent importance within Natlan, it is largely safe to assume that he will be a Pyro character. Fans and previous leaks have also alleged that he will be a Pyro character. That said, previous leaks contradict this newest information from TeamMew, further showing that all this information has to be taken with a grain of salt.
Natlan’s Most Powerful Playable Character
A previous leak from a leaker going by the name of “White__fx1” alleged that Xbalanque will beNatlan’s most powerful playable character. Contrary to what TeamMew has said, they allege that Xbalanque will be a dark-skinned adult man rather than a teenager. Furthermore, they claim that because he is beloved by internal teams and the higher ups at HoYoverse, he is likely to be favored by the meta and receive buffs to bolster his strength. Since there has been no official word about this character from HoYoverse, one leaker’s guess about his character model, kit, and lore is as good as any.
Xbalanque is Steeped in Mayan Myth
While there is no official information about Xbalanque regarding his role inGenshin Impact, fans have made some inferences about his possible significance. His name comes from Mayan myths about the heroic twins Xbalanque and Hunahpu, who are eventually turned into the sun and the moon. Xbalanque, whose name has been translated as “Jaguar Sun” or “Hidden Sun”, actually ascends to become the moon, rather than the sun; he is known as the “War Twin” and is often depicted with jaguar spots on his skin. In the ancient stories about the twins, they are depicted as clever, skilled warriors that out-wit their enemies. IfGenshin Impact’s Xbalanque is based upon the mythical Mayan figure of the same name, he might have a twin of his own. Fans have also speculated that he will,like Kirara and Lynette, have cat ears based on his connection to jaguars.
There isn’t much concrete detail about Xbalanque thus far, but that hasn’t stopped fans from getting excited about his eventual release. The little details about him thus far – his ominous title, for example – are enough to build hype. Hopefully, players will receive some solid facts about him asmore information about Natlanis revealed prior to the eventual 5.0 update ofGenshin Impact.
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds…
