Genshin Impact 1.2 update adds two new characters and a map expansion later this month

Genshin Impact's 1.2 update, The Chalk Prince and the Dragon, is coming to the game on all platforms on December 23.

Genshin Impact's popularity keeps on growing. The free-to-play RPG continues to impress, and after making $100 million in just two weeks, the game has more content incoming.

After getting its first major release in November, and a PS5 compatibility update shortly after, another major expansion has now been scheduled.

The new update will introduce Dragonspine: a frozen mountain range located south of Mondstadt. The new location is pretty chilly (as you'd expect from a mountainous region) and as such players can expect to deal with a new mechanic in the form of a 'Sheer Cold' bar.

The extreme weather will force you to try and keep warm during both exploration and combat. Expect to get through a lot of warm food, hot drinks, and use a lot of campfires.

Once you arrive in Dragonspine, you'll be able to join in with the festivities with a new seasonal event, called "The Chalk Prince and the Dragon" – sharing the name of the update itself.

"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."

There will be two new five-star characters added into the mix, too: Albedo and Ganyu. Here's a quick description:

"Featured in the upcoming The Chalk Prince and the Dragon questline, Albedo is a young yet legendary genius alchemist in Mondstadt, wielding a sword and the power of geo. Ganyu is a half-human, half-adeptus Cyro archer who serves as an emissary and secretary for the Liyue Qixing."

If you need to get clued up on the game ahead of the massive update, you can catch up on our updated guides for Genshin Impact Ascension Materials, and how to cook ingredients.