The popular action RPG Genshin Impact is set to make a splash with its upcoming Version 5.0 update, introducing a powerful new five-star catalyst weapon called "Surf's Up." As HoYoverse prepares to launch the highly anticipated Natlan region in late August 2025, this weapon promises to revolutionize gameplay for Hydro users across Teyvat.

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Weapons in Genshin Impact represent the backbone of character builds, with five-star weapons typically offering superior stats and unique passive abilities that can dramatically enhance a character's combat potential. Surf's Up is no exception, boasting an impressive 542 Base Attack and a whopping 88.2% Critical Damage as its secondary stat—making it an immediate contender for DPS catalyst users.

Surf's Up: Technical Specifications

The new catalyst's standout feature is its passive ability, "Aqua Remembrance," which provides:

  • 20% HP increase

  • 4 Scorching Summer Stacks after using an Elemental Skill

  • 12% Normal Attack damage boost per stack

  • Stack consumption on enemy attacks

  • Additional stack generation when triggering Vaporize reactions

This weapon synergizes beautifully with Vaporize reactions, which occur when Hydro meets Pyro (or vice versa). Talk about perfect timing! With Natlan being the Pyro nation, this catalyst seems tailor-made for cross-element team compositions.

Natlan's New Faces

Version 5.0 isn't just bringing new gear—it's introducing three fresh characters to the roster:

Character Rarity Vision Weapon Type
Mualani ★★★★★ Hydro Catalyst
Kinich ★★★★★ Unknown Unknown
Kachina ★★★★ Unknown Unknown

Mualani, a five-star Hydro catalyst user, appears to be the primary intended wielder of Surf's Up. Her kit revolves around the new "Nightsoul's Blessing" mechanic—exclusive to Natlan characters much like Fontaine's "Bond of Life" system introduced back in 2023.

People Also Ask

Is Surf's Up good for characters other than Mualani?

Absolutely! While designed with Mualani in mind, this catalyst could be a game-changer for Neuvillette owners who missed his signature weapon. The high Crit Damage stat and Normal Attack boosts complement any catalyst DPS who relies on Normal Attacks.

How does Nightsoul's Blessing work in Genshin Impact?

Similar to region-specific mechanics introduced in previous updates, Nightsoul's Blessing appears to be Natlan's unique combat system. While full details aren't yet available, it likely interacts with the nation's volcanic environment and Pyro-focused combat.

When exactly will Version 5.0 launch?

Mark your calendars for August 28, 2025! That's when players can dive into Natlan and pull for both Mualani and her signature weapon.

The first half of Version 5.0 will feature a stacked lineup. Mualani will share the spotlight with the ever-popular Anemo swordsman Kazuha on the character banner. Meanwhile, the four-star Natlan native Kachina will join them alongside two other four-stars.

The weapon banner will naturally feature Surf's Up, likely paired with Kazuha's signature Freedom-Sworn sword—though HoYoverse hasn't confirmed this pairing yet.

For the second half, expect Kinich to debut alongside the formidable Raiden Shogun. Man, HoYoverse really knows how to drain our primogems, don't they?

The Vaporize Advantage

What makes Surf's Up particularly interesting is its synergy with Vaporize reactions. In Genshin's elemental combat system, applying Hydro to a Pyro-affected enemy (or vice versa) triggers Vaporize, multiplying damage significantly.

Since Natlan is the Pyro nation, team compositions featuring Mualani with native Natlan characters should create explosive combat scenarios. The catalyst's ability to gain stacks through Vaporize reactions seems deliberately designed to encourage players to explore these new team dynamics.

Looking Beyond the Horizon

As Genshin Impact continues to expand its world with Natlan in 2025, one can't help but wonder about the evolving weapon design philosophy at HoYoverse. Are we seeing a shift toward weapons that specifically encourage cross-regional team compositions? Will future weapons continue to incorporate regional mechanics like Nightsoul's Blessing?

The introduction of Surf's Up raises intriguing questions about how the remaining two nations—Snezhnaya and Khaenri'ah—might further revolutionize Genshin's combat system. Perhaps the true endgame isn't about mastering individual regions, but learning to weave their distinct mechanics together into something greater than the sum of its parts.

For now, travelers have just a few weeks left before they can ride the wave into Natlan. The countdown to August 28 begins... and the surf's definitely up.