Genshin Impact Golden Apple Archipelago: Return, leaks, release date & more

James Busby

Genshin Impact’s Golden Apple Archipelago is a limited-time region that is home to numerous islands, but when will this tropical location return? 

Genshin Impact’s Golden Apple Archipelago is a sun-soaked region that was originally released as part of the game’s 1.6 update. During this time, Travelers could visit the area in order to help Klee solve the mysteries in the Midsummer Island Adventure quest. 

The Golden Apple Archipelago famously introduced a number of new mechanics and minigames, which players could use to claim free Primogems and rewards. However, one of the biggest reveals was that of the Waverider – the game’s first aquatic vehicle. 

If that wasn’t enough, HoYoverse also introduced alternate summer-themed skins for Jean and Barbara. While the Golden Apple Archipelago has now closed its borders to Genshin Impact players, a number of leaks have revealed that it could soon be making a return. 


Contents


When will Golden Apple Archipelago return in Genshin Impact?

Genshin Impact Summer Barbara skin
Genshin Impact’s Golden Apple Archipelago will soon make its long-awaited return.

The Golden Apple Archipelago will finally be making its long-awaited return when Genshin Impact 2.8 update goes live on July 13th, 2022 

During the update, Travelers can revisit the area ahead of the Sumeru region update and take part in the new minigames and events.

This is obviously incredibly exciting news, especially since this tropical region hasn’t been explorable since the 1.6 update. 

If that wasn’t exciting enough, renowned Genshin Impact leaker, UBatcha, revealed that the Golden Apple Archipelago islands currently don’t have a time limit. While this could change upon release, it does imply that the islands could now be a permanent feature.

Golden Apple Archipelago leaks

Genshin Impact leaker Sagiri revealed that this Golden Apple Archipelago will be adjusted to fit the new event. The dataminer revealed that “GAA’s landmass will change/shift as the event progresses,” while new structures have been added for Traverlers to explore.

For example, The Castle on Twinning Isle features massive stone walls that surround the island’s mountaintop.

Meanwhile, other leaked screenshots also feature castle-like structures that have since fallen into disrepair. Its likely players will need to explore these new POIs to uncover the secrets behind the “A Summer Sea Sojourn” event.

Golden Apple Archipelago map leaks

As shown from the Golden Apple Archipelago map leak above, HoYoverse has not added any new islands in the 2.8 update. Instead, new structures and POIs have been added.

UBatcha also notes that the region now has its very own map option, just like Enkanomiya and The Chasm. Of course, the developers could add more locations before the 2.8 update goes live, so it’s best to take these leaks with a grain of salt.


So, there you have it, everything we know about the Golden Archipelago return in Genshin Impact.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our Genshin Impact page and guides below for all the latest updates: 

Best Genshin Impact characters: Ranked tier list | How to get Mora | How to get free characters | What is Pity in Genshin Impact? | Where to buy apples | Genshin Impact cross-save: How to link accounts | All Cryo characters | All Electro characters | All Geo characters | All Pyro characters | Is Genshin Impact on Steam? | Is there a Genshin Impact anime show? | Genshin Impact daily login rewards

Related Topics

About The Author

James is Dexerto's Associate Games Editor who joined the website in 2020. He graduated from university with a degree in Journalism, before spending four years freelancing for GamesRadar+, PCGamesN, RPS, LoL Esports, Red Bull Gaming, and many more. You can find him covering everything from CoD, Apex Legends, Genshin Impact, and Monster Hunter. Need to get in touch? Email James at james.busby@dexerto.com.