Infinity Nikki players will step into a living ink painting when Version 1.8, Danqing Season, goes live July 30, developer Papergames announced Friday. Running through Sept. 2, the update draws on traditional Chinese pigments and myth to introduce a new region, a major boss encounter and three ornate outfits.

Danqing Season takes players to Danqing Island, a secluded realm inspired by the classical red‑and‑green pigments—danqing—used in ancient scroll art. Guided by an enigmatic Seer, Nikki and her companion Momo follow ripples in the Sea of Stars to a parallel world of mist‑veiled mountains, bamboo groves and crystalline lakes. Beneath the idyllic scenery, villagers begin to vanish without a trace, prompting Nikki to unravel the island’s hidden secrets.

The centerpiece encounter pits players against Inkshade: Painting Loong, a majestic dragon spirit awakened by a yearly ritual in which an honored artist breathes life into the White Dragon’s eyes. Facing this guardian will test players’ styling strategies and in‑game skills as they adapt their looks and tactics to withstand its ink‑drenched onslaught.

Beyond the main story, Danqing Season adds a slate of culturally themed activities. Players can challenge themselves to a round of Weiqi (Go), glide through ink‑black waters on bamboo rafts or snap photos using filters rooted in classical Chinese aesthetics. A brand‑new photo mode even lets users apply traditional brushstroke frames and textures to their snapshots.

Three new outfits arrive alongside the update. Clouded Loong, a five‑star ensemble, summons a spectral white dragon companion and features flowing sleeves and jade‑tone accents inspired by the Soaring Loong, an ancient symbol of grace and wisdom. Forever Bond, also five‑star, evokes the spirit‑cat legend with ethereal makeup, fur‑trim details and a talisman that unleashes a haunting mist effect. Danqing Craft grants Nikki the ability to restore ink‑turned objects to their original form, transforming environments with artistic flair.