Genshin Impact is set to have its first map update since its release in September. This comes as a part of the 1.2 update that is expected to release later this month. Recently, developer miHoYo has released a field report detailing the new exploration and story players can look forward to experiencing soon. In this new expansion, players can also join a new seasonal event, “The Chalk Prince and the Dragon,” which shares the same name as the update.

This map extension will let players explore the mountain, Dragonspine, located to the south of Mondstadt. As Dragonspine is covered in snow year-round, it introduces a new mechanic known as a “sheer cold” bar, which will negatively affect players during combat and exploration up on the mountain making it necessary for players to keep to find heat sources in order to warm up. The trailer shows a dragon, Dirun, who lives in Dragonspine and is possibly the reason for the biting, eternal snowstorm. The field notes remark that the dragon fell and created a valley with “warm red chunks” which will probably be a new crafting/ ascension material. The reason for players to venture out to Dragonspine is summarized thusly.

Travelers will join Albedo, the genius Chief Alchemist and Captain of the Investigation Team of Mondstadt’s Knights of Favonius, to investigate a sword with mysterious power known as the Festering Desire. By participating in the seasonal event, players can not only obtain and fully refine the Festering Desire but also redeem rich rewards from the event shop, including the Crown of Insight.

This new area will feature a lost, ancient civilization with many four-star weapons as well as two more five-star characters: Albedo and Ganyu. Albedo is a sword-wielding alchemist who uses Geo whereas Ganyu is a half-human, half-Adeptus archer who channels the power of cryo. There is also rumored to be some treasure hidden deep within this mountain.

The Chalk Prince and the Dragon update will release on December 23 for all platforms.