Image Credit: HoyoVerse

The Version 7.2 Special Program brings a major story development to Teyvat, introduces Mitya and Valeriy, and reveals new areas, events, and rewards coming to Genshin Impact.

The latest Genshin Impact Special Program has officially wrapped up, and HoYoverse has revealed what Travelers can expect from Version 7.2. Titled “Hour of Ruin,” the upcoming update continues the unfolding crisis in Snezhnaya, introduces two new playable characters, and expands the nation with another region to explore.

There is plenty for players to look forward to, whether they are saving Primogems for the next character banner, preparing to continue the Archon Quest, or simply looking for more activities to complete before the next update.

Version 7.2 launches on November 4, 2026. Here is a complete breakdown of the major announcements from the livestream, including character banners, new gameplay features, upcoming events, and all three redemption codes.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Livestream Codes

Before getting into the new content, Travelers should redeem the livestream codes as soon as possible. Each code provides 100 Primogems alongside additional resources, for a total of 300 Primogems across all three codes.

Redemption Code	Rewards
HourOfRuin	100 Primogems, 10 Mystic Enhancement Ore
ExpertMitya	100 Primogems, 5 Hero’s Wit
PhotoTime	100 Primogems, 50,000 Mora

The codes are scheduled to expire on October 26, 2026, at 12:00 AM UTC−4. Make sure to redeem them before the deadline, as livestream codes are only available for a short period.

Players can redeem the codes through the official Genshin Impact redemption website or through the in game account settings. Once redeemed, the rewards can be collected from the in game mailbox.

Two New Characters Join the Roster

One of the biggest announcements was the arrival of two new playable characters from Snezhnaya: Mitya and Valeriy. Both use the Electro element, but their roles and combat mechanics offer different ways to build a team.

Mitya: A New Five Star Electro Catalyst

Mitya is a five star Electro Catalyst user who specializes in supporting and dealing damage through the new Stellar Conduct reaction.

His most notable ability allows him to convert the team’s Superconduct reactions into Stellar Conduct reactions while increasing Stellar Conduct DMG for the entire party. He also accumulates special energy during combat, which can be used to unleash additional attacks.

His Elemental Skill offers two ways to spend this energy. Tapping the skill releases it to deal periodic Stellar Conduct DMG to nearby enemies, while holding the skill consumes it for a rapid series of enhanced Charged Attacks. This gives Mitya flexibility between dealing damage while off field and taking a more active role on field.

His Elemental Burst deals area of effect Electro DMG and generates additional energy to help sustain his rotations.

Mitya also has an exploration utility in certain areas of Snezhnaya. His detection device can reveal hidden paths and unlock a reward that changes his appearance.

With his ability to enhance Stellar Conduct teams, Mitya could become an important character for players interested in experimenting with the reaction’s new mechanics.

Valeriy: A Four Star Electro Sword Support

Valeriy joins the roster as a four star Electro Sword user and a Major of the Armory Palace.

Unlike Mitya, Valeriy focuses on providing defensive and offensive support. He can create shields and increase Electro DMG, with particular benefits for teams built around Stellar Conduct.

His lower rarity also makes him an interesting character for players hoping to improve their Electro teams without relying exclusively on five star units.

The combination of Mitya’s reaction focused damage and Valeriy’s support capabilities could make the pair a natural fit for Stellar Conduct compositions.

Version 7.2 Character Banners

HoYoverse also revealed the character lineup for the upcoming update.

Phase One

The first phase features:

• Mitya, making his five star debut.
• Furina, returning for a rerun.
• Valeriy, making his four star debut.

This phase will be especially interesting for players who want to experiment with Stellar Conduct or add Furina to their roster.

Phase Two

The second phase features reruns for:

• Zibai
• Linnea

Players who missed either character during their previous appearances will have another opportunity to obtain them.

Natlan Chronicled Wish

Version 7.2 will also introduce a new Chronicled Wish featuring characters from Natlan. The announced five star lineup includes Varesa, Chasca, Xilonen, Mualani, and Kinich, along with their associated signature weapons.

This provides another option for players who want to invest in Natlan characters rather than the new Snezhnaya lineup.

As always, Travelers should review their existing roster and available Primogems before deciding which banners deserve priority.

A Major Archon Quest Brings Teyvat Together

The upcoming Archon Quest looks set to be one of the most significant parts of Version 7.2.

The Nails of Retribution are becoming increasingly unstable, and mysterious pillars of light are appearing throughout Teyvat. These developments signal the arrival of the Holy Soil phenomenon, a growing crisis that threatens civilization across the nations.

In response, the Tsaritsa calls representatives from all seven nations to Snezhnaya to coordinate their efforts against the catastrophe.

The Traveler will work alongside the Archons, Neuvillette, and other allies in an attempt to prevent the destruction threatening Teyvat.

This gathering is particularly exciting because it brings together characters and nations that have played important roles throughout the game’s story. With Snezhnaya now serving as a major setting, the next Archon Quest could provide further insight into the world’s overarching mysteries and the forces behind the current disaster.

Players who complete the Archon Quest within the designated period can also earn 560 Primogems and Character Ascension Materials for Mitya.

Additional Secret Tsarist Assignments offer further rewards, including a Snezhnaya themed Wind Glider.

For Travelers who have been following the story since the beginning, this is a good reason to catch up on any unfinished Archon Quests before the update arrives.

New Snezhnaya Region: Novokitezhgrad

Version 7.2 will expand Snezhnaya with a new region in its eastern reaches, introducing another area for exploration, quests, puzzles, and combat challenges.

The new region features Novokitezhgrad, an underground city that serves as Snezhnaya’s primary producer of Kresnik Kristall. Built beneath the frozen landscape and surrounded by the crystal itself, the city offers a different atmosphere from the snow covered world above.

Players can travel by railway to reach Novokitezhgrad and explore its underground environment.

Further east lies Wingspan Peak, a location shaped like a gigantic wing. The area is home to Old Kitezhgrad, described as Snezhnaya’s first city and a settlement founded by the Belyi Tsar.

The region will also feature new environmental mechanics. Players will help address hazards caused by contaminated Kresnik Kristall deposits, using new Prime Ice Constructs and two elemental shotguns to deal with the situation.

New Meeting Point quests will follow Danica on a secret cleanup assignment and Mitya as he investigates the soil near Teplo Oasis. Their separate investigations are expected to intersect as the story unfolds.

There is also a colossal creature from the ocean depths waiting to challenge players in Novokitezhgrad.

For exploration focused players, this expansion offers a fresh environment to investigate while adding more background to Snezhnaya’s history.

New Events and Free Character Rewards

Version 7.2 will feature several limited time activities, including a flagship event connected to the growing crisis.

The Grand Defense: Defy the Unjust Judgement

The main event brings together allies from Mondstadt to Snezhnaya as they work to contain the Holy Soil phenomenon.

Players will rescue wounded soldiers, relay important information, and complete assignments to help manage the escalating disaster.

Completing event objectives provides Primogems and enhancement materials. The event also gives players the opportunity to invite one four star character of their choice from the eligible selection.

The announced selection includes Amber, Xiangling, Thoma, Collei, Lynette, Kachina, Aino, and Alyosha.

This is a useful opportunity for players who want to obtain a character they are missing or work toward improving an existing character’s Constellations.

The event can be unlocked by progressing through the Version 7.2 Archon Quest, although a Quick Start option will allow players to jump into it directly.

Frames of Fierce Splendor

This event focuses on filming in Snezhnaya, providing a change of pace from the more serious story developments.

It offers another activity for players who enjoy the game’s lighter side and want additional opportunities to earn rewards.

Stress Block Smashing Project

This event takes players to Natlan for a mining themed challenge.

It provides another gameplay variation during the update, helping diversify the activities available beyond exploration and combat.

Ley Line Overflow Returns

Ley Line Overflow is also returning in Version 7.2.

Players should keep an eye on the event schedule if they need additional character experience materials or Mora for their upcoming builds.

New Weapons, Enemies, and Imaginarium Theater Rewards

The livestream also highlighted additional content beyond the headline characters and story expansion.

A new five star Catalyst, Starsealed Edict, is among the weapons expected in Version 7.2. Players planning to pull for Mitya should review the weapon banner details once available to determine whether obtaining his signature weapon is worth the investment.

The update also introduces new enemies and combat encounters, including Icebound Reflection, Chimeric Crocohoof, Chimeric Skorp, Shaleshell, Tiny Ironquill, and the Wavebinder boss.

These additions should give players new challenges to face while exploring the expanded region.

Imaginarium Theater will also receive new Envisaged Echoes for Yae Miko and Xilonen. Players can unlock these cosmetic effects by completing the corresponding challenges.

Meanwhile, Miliastra Wonderland is getting a new masquerade themed lobby, a free four star cosmetic set, and expanded tools and assets for stage editing. Genius Invokation TCG will also receive new cards, including Varka’s character card and additional Elemental and Talent cards.

These additions provide more reasons to revisit the game’s side activities after completing the main story content.

Final Thoughts

The Genshin Impact Version 7.2 livestream has revealed a substantial update, with a major Archon Quest, a new region in Snezhnaya, two new playable characters, and a broad selection of events.

Mitya’s introduction is particularly notable because of his ability to enhance Stellar Conduct teams, while Valeriy offers a more accessible support option for players interested in the same reaction. Meanwhile, the meeting of representatives from all seven nations could make the upcoming story one of the most memorable developments in the current Snezhnaya arc.

With Version 7.2 arriving on November 4, Travelers have time to prepare their Primogems, finish outstanding quests, and plan their pulls. Just remember to redeem the livestream codes before they expire on October 26.

Which part of Version 7.2 are you most excited about? Are you saving for Mitya, looking forward to exploring Novokitezhgrad, or waiting to see how the Archon Quest unfolds?

Let us know your thoughts, and stay tuned to The Gamers Cut for more Genshin Impact news, character guides, banner breakdowns, and updates from across the gaming world.