Arlecchino brings the fires of purgatory to Genshin Impact in 4.6

Genshin Impact has just drip marketed their newest upcoming playable character, and this time, it’s a familiar face. Arlecchino played a pivotal role in the Fontaine Archon Quests, and very soon, players will be able to wield her in battle.

Arlecchino’s Constellation is Ignis Purgatorius, Latin for “fire of purgatory.” This is in keeping with the Pyro Vision at the base of her neck. Her weapon hasn’t been shown, but her splash art suggests she might hold a Sword or Polearm.

In the commedia dell’arte, Arlecchino is the Harlequin, a jester, trickster, and servant providing comic relief. So far, we haven’t seen much in the way of comedy from Arlecchino in Genshin, so it will be interesting to see how her Fatui name is relevant to her character.

Who is Arlecchino?

Arlecchino is the Fourth of the Eleven Fatui Harbingers, a group of villains from the nation of Snezhnaya. We’ve met a few Harbingers before, notably Tartaglia (aka Childe), Scaramouche, and Dottore. All of them are…morally complex characters to say the least. Arlecchino is no different. 

As the head of the House of the Hearth, Arlecchino runs an orphanage in Fontaine that secretly functions as a base of Fatui operations. Lyney, Lynette, and Freminet were all raised by Arlecchino to be special operatives for the Fatui. Her children refer to her by the title “Father,” though Arlecchino herself uses she/her pronouns.

Becoming playable means teaming up with the Traveler though. It will be interesting to see what the canon reason will be for the Fatui Harbinger agreeing to fight with the Traveler. We can expect an explanation when Arlecchino joins the roster, probably during her Story Quest.

If you haven’t played through the Fontaine Archon Quests, you might want to do so in order to form your own opinions on Arlecchino. She also appeared in the Teyvat Chapter Interlude Teaser: A Winter Night’s Lazzo and the Overture Teaser: The Final Feast. It’s been a while since both of these teasers dropped, so they may be worth re-watching if you want a refresher.

When will Arlecchino be playable?

We can expect Arlecchino’s first banner sometime during Genshin Impact Version 4.6, which begins on April 23 for Americans. If her banner is in the second half of the patch, her banner may start on May 14th instead.

More information about Arlecchino’s kit and banners will come closer to her arrival. If you’re like me, though, and are excited for her already, you may want to start saving Primogems now. There will be plenty of content to enjoy during Version 4.5 while we await Father’s arrival.