It’s a strange kind of melancholy that washes over me every time I log into Genshin Impact these days. Version 5.7 dropped not too long ago, and while most of the buzz naturally revolves around the dazzling new 5-star Cryo swordswoman Skirk, my attention—and that of countless veterans—is fixed on something far more nostalgic. Two of the game’s oldest voices have gone silent, replaced by new actors in a move that truly feels like the closing of a chapter. After almost five years of adventures through Teyvat, the English voices of Paimon and Keqing have been recast, and the initial recordings that defined so many memories will soon be nothing but echoes.

I still remember my first days in Mondstadt, with Paimon’s high-pitched, almost squeaky chatter serving as the constant soundtrack. Back in 2020, her English voice was divisive but undeniably iconic—a mascot whose every “Ehe te nandayo!” and emergency food joke made the game feel alive. Keqing, on the other hand, was my first 5-star pulled from the standard banner. Her calm, resolute tone as the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing gave me goosebumps, and it’s no surprise she inspired the legendary theorycrafting collective known as Keqing Mains. But now, both of these pillars have been quietly unscrewed and replaced, and HoYoverse has confirmed that this is just the beginning.

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When I first heard the news through the official 5.7 patch notes, I felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The note reads: “After Version 5.7 is updated, Keqing and Paimon's English VAs will be updated (this change only applies to new content in Version 5.7, historical content will be gradually updated in subsequent versions).” That last part hit me hard. Not just future quests, but all the old cutscenes and voice lines will eventually carry different performances. The game I’ve put thousands of hours into is quietly being repainted, and while I understand the reasons, there’s no getting around the emotional weight.

The recast comes in the wake of the long and messy SAG-AFTRA video game actors strike, which disrupted voice work for many live-service titles. Corina Boettger, Paimon’s original English VA, had publicly stated last year that they would no longer voice the character until HoYoverse became a union project. The studio’s response was swift—unsurprising given the blowback over some of Boettger’s strike-related remarks—and a new, unannounced actor now voices the Traveler’s ever-present companion. The same has happened for Keqing, though the community’s focus has understandably centered on Paimon, who has more dialogue than any other character in the game.

I’ve listened to the new voice samples, particularly the showcase uploaded by YouTuber Streetwise Rhapsody, and the difference is immediately apparent. Paimon’s English performance has softened considerably, dropping the sharp, sometimes piercing highs that had become a hallmark—and a point of frustration—over the years. Her new voice is deeper, smoother, and closer to the gentler tone many players adored during the 1.0 and 2.0 eras. The change is refreshing, like slipping into a comfortable pair of slippers after a long day. I can still tell it’s Paimon; the cadence and pitch pattern are undeniably hers, but the harshness that crept in over time has been ironed out.

Initial reactions from the community have been overwhelmingly positive. Scrolling through forums and comment sections on YouTube, I see players comparing the update to a return to form. “She’s much softer now,” one traveler writes. “Hopefully it stays that way because I preferred early voice Paimon,” another agrees. It’s a sentiment I fully echo. In recent years, Paimon’s English voice direction had become a bit of a meme—too shrill, too repetitive in recapping obvious plot points, making her less of a guide and more of a nag. The recast seems to have given the character a new lease on life, aligning her more closely with the beloved Japanese and Chinese interpretations that have always struck a better balance of cute and endearing.

Keqing’s recast is less immediate in its impact, as she’s not in every single scene, but for the Keqing enthusiasts, the loss hits deep. Her original English voice, with its crisp professionalism and hidden vulnerability, sold the character’s arc perfectly. I can only hope the new actor brings the same dignity to the role, especially as we edge toward the murky lore of Celestia. The Keqing Mains community, once the heart of theorycrafting optimization, has been tweeting emotional farewells, but also cautious optimism. We’ve all seen similar transitions in other live-service games—Persona 4 Golden’s Revival recast comes to mind—and while the new actors often do a phenomenal job, the initial sting is real.

What makes this moment so significant in 2026 is that we’re not just talking about an update; we’re talking about the gradual rewriting of history. Once the old voice lines are replaced for good, new players may never know the original Genshin as we experienced it. That’s a profound shift for a game that thrives on its sense of continuity. I’ve already noticed that my muscle memory for certain lines is clashing with the fresh recordings, and it’s oddly disorienting. At the same time, I’m grateful that the game continues to evolve and that HoYoverse is willing to take risks to improve the overall experience.

Of course, I can’t help but wonder who the new actors are. HoYoverse has kept their identities under wraps, perhaps to shield them from the inevitable scrutiny. Vocal performance direction matters enormously, and I suspect we’ll hear slight tweaks in future patches as the team settles into the new normal. For now, I’m just happy that booting up the game feels a little less grating on the ears. Paimon’s new voice may lack the manic energy of the early days, but it trades that for a warmth that makes exploring the sumptuous regions of Natlan and beyond all the more pleasant.

The transition also ties into a broader conversation about voice acting in the industry. The Persona 4 Revival recast news from Atlus earlier this year showed that legacy decisions can evoke a lot of grief. But just like Chie and Yukiko found new life under fresh talent, Paimon and Keqing might end up winning over even more hearts. I’ve already caught myself smiling at a re-delivered “Paimon’s not emergency food!” line in a recent event, something I hadn’t done in years.

Version 5.7 is far from a quiet patch. With Skirk’s time-manipulating abilities shaking up the meta and a brand-new Archon Quest interlude packed with lore drops, there’s plenty to enjoy. Yet, for me, the most memorable moment of this patch will always be the day I heard a different voice ring out from my tablet and realized that nothing lasts forever—not even the voices that defined an era. As we move toward the inevitable showdown with the Heavenly Principles, it’s comforting to know that our floating companion has found a new voice that feels like coming home. Here’s to the next five years of journeying with a softer, gentler Paimon. The times are changing, but Teyvat’s magic remains.