Genshin Impact Reaches Snezhnaya in Version 7.0 on August 12, Reveals New Region, Characters

After years of anticipation, HoYoverse has officially revealed that Snezhnaya, the seventh and final nation of Teyvat, will become explorable when Genshin Impact Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy launches on August 12. The update will continue the main story with a new Archon Quest while introducing two playable characters, a new exploration system, combat mechanics, and the game’s first look at the Cryo nation.

Located on Teyvat’s northern frontier, Snezhnaya is a frozen nation plagued by relentless blizzards and powered by Kresnik energy. Rather than isolated cities, its settlements are linked by an extensive railway network that players can use to travel across the region. The update will take players to Snezhnograd, home to the Fatui headquarters, while also opening frozen wilderness areas, remote villages, and other settlements beyond the capital.

The new Archon Quest is centered on a catastrophic blizzard and an energy crisis threatening Snezhnaya, while exploring the political tensions between the nation’s factions. Completing the quest rewards players with up to 560 Primogems, while the new Snezhnaya Adventure Journal tracks story progression and exploration rewards.

Version 7.0 also introduces the Eye of Graeae, a new exploration tool that protects players from the extreme cold while enabling several mechanics unique to Snezhnaya. Players can summon trains, construct Prime Ice Constructs for puzzles and multiplayer interactions, and activate a new third-person shooter mode featuring firearms and customizable weapon attachments found throughout the region.

Combat will also expand with Stellar Swirl, the second Stellar Glimmer elemental reaction following Stellar-Conduct. Triggered by combining Anemo and Cryo, Stellar Swirl can create a vortex dealing both elements’ damage, with repeated activations increasing its power. Travelers will also gain a Cryo elemental alignment after interacting with Snezhnaya’s Statues of the Seven, allowing them to access every Stellar Glimmer reaction while in a party.

Two new playable characters arrive with the update. Odette is a 5-star Cryo Sword user and Fatui operative who secretly serves under La Signora while maintaining a public reputation as one of Snezhnaya’s most celebrated ballerinas. Her abilities enhance Stellar Glimmer reactions across the party while dealing Cryo damage through coordinated attacks and dance-inspired techniques.

Joining her is Alyosha, a 4-star Electro Polearm user who fights alongside his canine companion Tugarin. Alyosha provides Stellar-Conduct support and party healing, and can be obtained for free by progressing through the new Archon Quest. During the first Event Wish phase, Odette and Alyosha will debut alongside a rerun of Arlecchino, while the second phase features reruns for Flins and Ineffa.

Besides the main story, Version 7.0 will have several limited-time events, including train races across Snezhnaya, target shooting challenges, combat Domains, and quests involving the region’s Jack Frosts. Players can earn various rewards, including a free Diona, while a separate summer-themed event in Miliastra Wonderland will feature additional rewards such as a new head accessory.

Genshin Impact Version 7.0 launches on August 12 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC, iOS, and Android, with full cross-progression and co-op support available across all platforms.

Source: Press Release
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