Genshin Impact’s latest teaser finally brings the Shades out of the shadows.

HoYoverse, the developer behind the hit action RPG Genshin Impact, has just dropped a major lore update on a seemingly ordinary Wednesday (8 July). A new nine-minute video finally unveils the long-speculated identities of the Four Shades of the Primordial One, marking one of the game’s most significant story revelations to date.

The video, titled Teyvat Chapter Interlude Teaser: The God’s Limits, was shared on Genshin Impact’s official Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube channels:

This latest teaser puts the spotlight on the Four Shades and their interactions, offering a clearer picture of their roles, and how they may be woven into the fabric of Teyvat’s story moving forward.

Who are the Four Shades?

The Four Shades are divine beings who serve as envoys of the Heavenly Principles, created after it descended to Teyvat and waged war against the Seven Sovereigns. Their existence has long been hinted at throughout the game in various quests, artefacts, and item descriptions.

Istaroth, Asmoday, Ronova, and Nabierus/Rhinedottir are the four shades.

These Shades are believed to surpass even the Seven Archons in power. Istaroth, for instance, is referred to as a “higher power” than the late Electro Archon. As revealed by Yohualtecuhtin, Lord of the Night, the Shades are so revered that even the Archons avoid speaking their names aloud. They operate in secrecy, living up to their title as “Shades.”

Let’s take a closer look at each one:

Istaroth – Shade of Time

Istaroth has never appeared visually in the game except until now,  but has been deeply rooted in Genshin lore since the beginning. Known as the Shade of Time, she is associated with fate, cycles, and temporal manipulation. Her presence is strongly felt in places like Enkanomiya and in the backstory of Raiden Makoto, as well as in the legends surrounding the Windblume Festival in Mondstadt.

Often referred to as the “Thousand Winds of Time” and “Kairos,” Istaroth is a mysterious figure whose influence touches nearly every era of Teyvat’s history. She is also connected to Venti, who shares her voice actors in all dubs, suggesting that Venti is or once was a part of her. This explains why Venti seemed to recognise the Traveler upon their first meeting back in Version 1.0.

Ronova–Shade of Death

Ronova made her first full appearance during the Natlan Archon Quests in Version 5.3’s Incandescent Ode of Resurrection. Previously a name only seen in lore, she emerged in the main storyline as a major antagonist tied to the curse of immortality that plagues Khaenri’ah and the rise of Natlan’s flame under the Pyro Archon.

In The God’s Limits teaser, Ronova demonstrates her ability to dissolve or erase space; abilities thought to fall under the domain of another Shade. This has led to theories that the Shades may not be strictly bound to a single divine domain, and can borrow or manipulate each other’s powers.

Ronova is portrayed as a firm enforcer of rules, upholding the hierarchy and structure established by the Shades under the Primordial One. Notably, she refers to the Heavenly Principles (not the Primordial One) as her master, implying a possible shift in divine authority. She also speaks about the current silence of the Heavenly Principles, stressing that the Shades must now step in to restore order.

Naberius and Rhinedottir (Gold)–Shade of Life

Naberius, the Shade of Life, was first mentioned only in item descriptions, most notably in the Heart of Naberius artefact. Her presence in the story remained indirect until Version 5.6’s Paralogism Archon Quest, where it was revealed that she no longer exists as a separate entity.

Rhinedottir, also known as “Gold,” is a Khaenri’ahn alchemist and member of the Hexenzirkel, previously known for creating Albedo, Durin, and the Riftwolves. Although referenced in lore for years, she finally appeared on-screen during Paralogism, shown both in flashbacks and in the present day.

It is confirmed in the quest that Rhinedottir devoured the Heart of Naberius and merged with her essence. In doing so, she inherited Naberius’s divine authority over life and creation.

In The God’s Limits teaser, Rhinedottir is the one who appears and speaks, now bearing the Shade of Life’s power. Floating panels and other devices react to her presence, possibly visual representations of Naberius’s former abilities.

This moment aligns with what Albedo says at the end of Paralogism: his master has become one with the Shade of Life. With her transformation now complete, Rhinedottir stands not only as one of the Five Sinners of Khaenri’ah, but also as a divine being whose influence could reshape the future of Teyvat.

Asmoday–Shade of Space

Asmoday didn't appear in the trailer, but was said to have taken on a new form.

Asmoday is the true name of the Unknown God who appears in the game’s prologue, where she stops the Traveler and their twin from leaving Teyvat. She is officially recognised as the Shade of Space and is also referred to as the “Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.”

Her manipulation of space, particularly through the use of cubes and dimensional control, marks her as a figure far beyond the scope of the Archons. She enforces cosmic order and punishes those who challenge Celestia.

There has long been speculation that Paimon may be connected to Asmoday, due to their similar appearance and mythological name origins. These theories gained more weight this year when hints in the most recent trailer implied that Asmoday had taken on a new form and “loves her new master,” which all points to Paimon.

Although Asmoday does not appear in person in The God’s Limits teaser, her presence is unmistakable. The teaser confirms that she is the same as the Unknown God who first confronted the Traveler.