Genshin Impact 1.2 Preload for PC on December 21

Well, this is a new one for Genshin Impact; as of the second major update, Version 1.2, you can actually preload the entire patch on December 21 for PC. And the best thing about it is that you can continue to play the game as you pre-download the patch!

On December 21 at 11:00 UTC +8, the preload will be available to download everywhere. If we are correct, then here are the following time zones the preload will appear:

• 19:00 PT (December 20th)
• 20:00 MT (December 20th)
• 21:00 CT (December 20th)
• 03:00 UTC (December 21st)

Though take these times with a pinch of salt, as times may vary.

Sadly, this preload is only available for PC users at this time. This preload is a test to see how well it works. The preload capabilities will come to PlayStation and Mobile users but at a later date.

Thank you, Zeniet, for this information.

On 12/21/20 11:00 (UTC+8)
Pre-download for v1.2 will be avalible for PC. Meaning you can download the v1.2 update before it releases.
Playstation and Mobile coming at a later time.
You can play Genshin while pre-downloading the patch.#GenshinImpact pic.twitter.com/pt2FnZWt9V

— Zeniet (@Zeniiet) December 18, 2020

How to begin to preload

On December 20/21, first, you need to update the game launcher, which should happen automatically. Then to the left of the Launch button, there should be text saying Game Pre-Installation, and underneath that will be Get Now. Click that, and it will begin pre-downloaded V1.2.

For those of you who are not sure what the point of preloading is when you can't actually play the update until December 23rd, and if you can't play it, why download it early?

Preloading helps those who have terrible internet connections manage to download the update in time for it releasing, to play it instantly. It might not mean much for those with superfast internet speeds that it'll take a matter of minutes. But alas, not everybody has speed, so it might take days to download.

If preload weren't available, they would have to wait longer to play the new content, so it's truly great that miHoYo has enabled this feature, as it helps so many users worldwide.

Now the real question is when 1.2 drops, are you going to attempt to pull Albedo, who is the first in the Banner or are you going to wait for Ganyu? For all the information we have on Version 1.2, check out our Genshin Impact 1.2 Leaks, New Characters, Release Date article.