Image Credit: HoyoVerse

After nearly six years of anticipation, HoYoverse has officially unveiled Genshin Impact Version 7.0, taking Travelers to the long-awaited nation of Snezhnaya, home of the Cryo Archon, the Fatui, and one of the most important chapters in Teyvat’s story. The Version 7.0 Special Program was packed with new characters, gameplay systems, quality-of-life improvements, events, and a major evolution of Genshin Impact’s combat.

If you missed the livestream, here’s everything you need to know.

Welcome to Snezhnaya

Version 7.0 opens the gates to Snezhnaya, the seventh nation of Teyvat. Unlike previous regions, Snezhnaya introduces a harsh frozen environment complete with new exploration mechanics, environmental hazards, and several distinct subregions, including Snezhnograd, the Village of Jack Frost, Flamefeather Valley, and White Birch Snowgrave.

To help players navigate the frozen landscape, HoYoverse is introducing the Eye of Graeae, a new exploration gadget that stores Kresnik Energy to resist the extreme cold. The gadget can also transform Prime Ice into useful constructs such as grappling devices, heat sources, snowball launchers, and environmental tools for solving puzzles.

In addition, players who have completed the Mondstadt Prologue can travel directly to Snezhnaya without finishing every previous Archon Quest, making it easier for returning players to jump into the latest story.

New Playable Characters

Odette (5-Star Cryo Sword)

Leading the first phase is Odette, an elegant dancer with ties to the Fatui and the late Signora.

Odette introduces a brand-new combat niche by enhancing the new Stellar Glimmer reaction system. She can convert traditional Superconduct and Cryo Swirl reactions into their stronger Stellar variants while increasing their damage for the entire party.

Alyosha (4-Star Electro Polearm)

Joining Odette is Alyosha, a hunter from Snezhnaya who fights alongside his companion, Tugarian.

His kit focuses on setting traps, supporting allies, and marking nearby Local Specialties while exploring. Players can obtain Alyosha for free by progressing through the new Archon Quest.

Several additional Snezhnaya characters, including Vodyanista, Mitya, Valeriy, and Noy, were also teased for future updates.

New Banner Schedule

Phase One

• Odette
• Arlecchino
• Alyosha (featured 4-Star)

Phase Two

• Flins
• Ineffa

Odette’s signature sword, Whitelake Frostfeather, headlines the first weapon banner alongside Arlecchino’s signature weapon.

tellar Glimmer Changes Combat

Perhaps the biggest gameplay reveal was the introduction of Stellar Glimmer, an entirely new family of elemental reactions unlocked after the Traveler resonates with Snezhnaya’s Statue of the Seven.

The livestream showcased two new reactions:

Stellar-Conduct

• Triggered through Cryo and Electro.
• Creates a Polestar Field that increases Stellar-Conduct damage, Electro damage, and reduces enemies’ Physical RES.

Stellar-Swirl

• Triggered through Cryo and Anemo.
• Generates a growing Cryo vortex that becomes stronger if refreshed before detonating.

These reactions are expected to reshape team-building for Cryo, Electro, and Anemo characters throughout Version 7.x.

New Gameplay Systems

One of the biggest surprises from the livestream was a brand-new third-person shooter combat mode.

Players will be able to use specialized firearms during exploration and combat, including:

• Cryo Rifle
• Electro Rifle
• Grenade Launcher

The mode features cover mechanics, sliding, vaulting, weapon accessories, and adjustable aim assist, creating one of the largest gameplay expansions Genshin Impact has ever received.

Another major addition is the Shadow Realm, a mysterious domain hidden from the Heavenly Principles. Players can complete training exercises there to earn valuable rewards.

New Weapons and Artifacts

Version 7.0 introduces a full lineup of forgeable weapons for every weapon type, alongside five new Battle Pass weapons.

Players will also be able to farm two new Artifact sets:

Scarlet Proof

• Increases CRIT Rate.
• Boosts Stellar Swirl damage.

Heart of the Furnace

• Increases ATK.
• Enhances Stellar Glimmer damage for the entire party.

Traveler Updates

The Traveler is receiving one of their biggest upgrades since launch.

Version 7.0 introduces:

• Cryo Traveler
• A new outfit called Night Hunt in Snow
• A summonable train that functions as a mobile base with crafting, commissions, and additional utilities.

Events and Quality-of-Life Improvements

The update also includes several limited-time events:

• Great Expeditionist Challenge
• Mutual Aid in Bloom: Into the Frostlands
• Trial of the Bastion
• Overflowing Abundance

Meanwhile, players can look forward to several quality-of-life improvements, including an upgraded Adventurer’s Handbook, increased map pin limits, and additional exploration features designed to streamline progression in Snezhnaya.

Expanded Free 5-Star Constellation Event

HoYoverse also confirmed that the To Temper Thyself and Journey Far event will continue in Version 7.0, expanding its roster with nine additional eligible 5-Star characters, primarily from Fontaine. Players who already own an eligible character can earn one free Constellation by completing the event’s tasks over several weeks.

Final Thoughts

Version 7.0 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious updates in Genshin Impact’s history. From finally exploring Snezhnaya and meeting the Cryo Archon to experimenting with Stellar Glimmer reactions, third-person shooter gameplay, and a host of new characters and systems, the update represents a significant evolution for the game. Whether you’re eager to pull for Odette, explore the frozen frontier, or dive into the next chapter of the Archon Quest, Travelers have plenty to look forward to when Version 7.0 launches.

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See you in Snezhnaya, Travelers!