Genshin Impact has finally revealed all four Shades of the Heavenly Principles in the latest interlude trailer, setting the stage for the next chapter of Teyvat's storyline. While the main plot of Genshin Impact traces the Traveler's journey across Teyvat, its culmination was always headed towards a confrontation with Celestia and its Heavenly Principles. With the Fatui Harbingers on one side, and the four Shades on the other, it remains to be seen which side the Traveler will take.
As HoYoverse slowly sets the stage for Nod-Krai, all signs point that the new region in Genshin Impact will see many plotlines converge. In a recent behind-the-scenes video, the developers hinted at an ambitious story for Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact, with the Song of the Welkin Moon implied to last a full year. It will see major factions such as the Hexenzirkel, the Fatui Harbingers, and the Knights of Favonius play a role in deciding its fate. However, the latest interlude trailer implies that the four Shades will also make their move.
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PostsThe trailer was shared across social media on July 9, 2025, as Genshin Impact has finally revealed the identity and appearance of all four Shades: Ronova, Naberius, Istaroth, and Asmoday. The trailer not only confirmed the Ruler of Space as Asmoday, but also explored the unique dynamic that Naberius has with Rhinedottir. Its second half teased Nod-Krai and its diverse landscape, offering players a glimpse of the next region of Teyvat. More importantly, it also teased Pierro and Columbina in Genshin Impact, with the latter rumored to join the playable cast during Nod-Krai.
Genshin Impact Introduces Nod-Krai's Story in New Interlude Trailer
The Palestar Edict, teased during the initial marketing for the Song of the Welkin Moon, appears to concern Columbina. The Fatui have been recalled to Snezhnaya and dispatched to Nod-Krai – seemingly under orders to retrieve Columbina. It remains to be seen if the edict came from Pierro or the Tsaritsa herself, but the trailer strongly implies that Columbina went rogue and is pursuing her own agenda in Nod-Krai. Players can expect to see more of Nod-Krai and Genshin Impact at Gamescom.
CloseA popular theory that has existed since launch claims that Paimon and Asmoday are one and the same, meaning that Paimon is responsible for setting off the events of the game by separating the Traveler from their twin. While the trailer does not outright confirm the theory, it does imply that Asmoday switched sides in the conflict, and that she loves her new master more than she loves herself. The gates of Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact will open on September 10, 2025.
