Hey fellow Travelers! As we're cruising through 2026 and Genshin Impact continues to evolve, I can't help but get excited—and a little skeptical—about the whispers surrounding the Pyro Nation, Natlan. Remember all that buzz a couple of years back about a mount system? Well, it's flaring up again, and I'm here to break it down with you. Honestly, after years of sprinting and gliding across Teyvat, the idea of finally riding a creature sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But as seasoned players, we've been burned by overhyped leaks before. So, let's dive into what we know, what we think we know, and why we should keep our expectations in check.

The Mount Rumor: From Speculation to Potential Reality

So, what's the latest? According to recent leaks—some tagged as "Questionable" or "Sus" on forums—Natlan is rumored to introduce a mount system as a core gameplay mechanic. This isn't new; it's been floating around since early Natlan teasers, but its persistence gives it a sliver of credibility. Think about it: Natlan is the Nation of Pyro, ruled by the principle of War, and it's said to be a land where dragons coexist with society. Narratively, having mounts, especially dragons, fits perfectly. One leak even suggests we might get a sneak peek by riding the dragon Durin in a flagship event before Natlan's release—sound familiar? That's exactly what happened with Version 3.8's Secret Summer Paradise, which teased Fontaine's Hydro themes. HoYoverse loves these narrative bridges!

• Why Mounts Make Sense: Natlan is rumored to be massive. Traversing it on foot could be a stamina-draining nightmare. Mounts would revolutionize exploration, letting us cover vast distances quickly. I mean, wouldn't you love to dash across volcanic plains on a fiery steed?

• Community Buzz: Players have been clamoring for mounts for ages. Posts on HoYoLAB show how much we want this feature—it's not just a leak; it's a player-driven dream.

How Could Mounts Work? Let's Speculate (Carefully!)

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The details are extremely scarce, but based on past updates and leaks, here are some possibilities:

1. Full Control Mounts: Imagine freely riding a dragon or other creature, controlling its speed and direction. This would be the ideal scenario, enhancing exploration and combat mobility. But is it too good to be true?

2. Pre-Set Routes: The leak warns that mounts might only take us from point A to B on fixed paths. Think of it like the Aquabus in Fontaine—useful for story missions but limiting for exploration. Remember how disappointed some were when the Aquabus wasn't a full boat system?

3. Combat Integration: Could mounts offer combat advantages? Maybe they have unique abilities or help in battles against Natlan's local legends. After all, we've seen how systems like Arkhe in Fontaine added puzzle and combat layers.

Here's a quick comparison of what we hope for vs. what we might get:

Feature	Hopeful Scenario	Cautious Scenario
Control	Full player control	Limited to pre-set routes
Speed	Significantly faster than sprinting	Slightly faster, like Aquabus
Usage	Exploration, combat, quests	Mainly story missions
Variety	Multiple creatures (dragons, beasts)	One or two types

A History of Leaks: Why We Should Be Cautious

Let's be real—leaks can be misleading. Remember Fontaine? Early rumors suggested characters would be split into rival factions based on Ousia and Pneuma. In reality, these were just alignment systems for puzzles and combat, not story-driven factions. And that "new means of transportation" leak? It turned out to be the Aquabus, which, while charming, isn't the exploration game-changer many hoped for. So, when we hear "mount system," we should ask: Is this another inflated rumor?

• Past Disappointments: Leaks often build hype for features that end up simpler than expected. The mount system might be more about narrative flair than gameplay depth.

• Managing Expectations: As much as I want to soar on a dragon, I'm preparing for the possibility that mounts could be scripted events or limited to specific areas. HoYoverse innovates, but they also prioritize balance and story integration.

What This Means for Natlan's Exploration

If mounts do arrive, they could definitively change exploration in Genshin Impact. Natlan's size and terrain—think volcanoes, dragons, and war-torn landscapes—would benefit immensely from faster travel. But will it just be a quality-of-life improvement, or a core mechanic? Here's my take:

• Pros: Faster travel, immersive world-building, potential for new puzzles and combat styles.

• Cons: Risk of being underwhelming if implementation is limited; could disrupt game balance if too powerful.

Final Thoughts: Riding the Hype Train Wisely

As we await Natlan's arrival in Version 5.0, it's crucial to take leaks with a grain of salt. HoYoverse has a track record of surprising us—both positively and negatively. The mount system rumors are exciting, but until we see official teasers or play the update, we can't know for sure. My advice? Stay hopeful but grounded. After all, Teyvat has always been about the journey, not just the speed of travel. What do you think? Are mounts the next big thing, or just another rumor destined to fizzle out? Let's discuss in the comments! 😊

Remember, in the world of Genshin Impact, adventure awaits—whether on foot or on the back of a dragon. Keep exploring, Travelers!