Genshin Impact Version 7.0, “Everwinter Without Mercy,” has arrived, bringing one of the game’s biggest expansions yet.
Released on August 12, 2026, Version 7.0 opens Snezhnaya, the long-awaited Nation of Cryo and the seventh major nation of Teyvat. The update also introduces new playable characters, Cryo powers for the Traveler, new elemental reaction mechanics, weapons, Artifacts, exploration systems, and a new chapter of the Archon Quest.
Here’s an overview of the major new content added in Genshin Impact 7.0.
Snezhnaya Is Now Open for Exploration
The biggest addition in Version 7.0 is Snezhnaya.
Located in the northern reaches of Teyvat, Snezhnaya is a frozen nation shaped by severe cold, powerful technology, and the influence of the Fatui.
Unlike previous regions where much of the journey takes place on foot or through Teleport Waypoints, Snezhnaya also features an extensive train network connecting settlements across its frozen landscape. Trains can carry Travelers through the region and toward Snezhnograd, where the Fatui headquarters can be found.
Players do not need to complete every previous regional storyline before beginning exploration. After completing the Mondstadt Archon Quest Prologue: Act III – “Song of the Dragon and Freedom,” a Teleport Waypoint providing access toward Snezhnaya becomes available.
A New Snezhnaya Archon Quest Begins
Version 7.0 also begins the next major chapter of Genshin Impact’s main story.
The new Archon Quest explores Snezhnaya’s internal conflicts, including the relationships between its different factions and a growing energy crisis affecting the nation.
The story also brings Travelers closer to the Fatui and the forces shaping events inside the Cryo nation.
Completing the new Archon Quest can provide up to 560 Primogems as players progress through the story.
Odette and Alyosha Join the Playable Roster
Two new Snezhnayan characters make their playable debut in Version 7.0: Odette and Alyosha.
Odette
Odette is a 5-star Cryo Sword character and a Fatui operative who is also known as a celebrated ballerina in Snezhnaya.
Her combat mechanics are closely connected to the new Stellar Glimmer reaction system. She can interact with both Stellar-Conduct and Stellar Swirl while providing additional Stellar Glimmer reaction damage for her party.
Odette debuts during the first phase of Version 7.0 Event Wishes alongside Arlecchino.
Players planning to build Odette can also check our Odette build guide for recommended Artifacts, weapons, teams, stats, and playstyle.
Alyosha
Alyosha is a 4-star Electro Polearm character who fights alongside his canine companion, Tugarin.
His abilities can support the party through Electro application, healing, and bonuses related to Stellar-Conduct.
Unlike many newly released characters, Alyosha can also be obtained for free by progressing through the Version 7.0 Archon Quest.
The Traveler Can Now Use Cryo
Snezhnaya also gives the Traveler another elemental option.
By interacting with a Statue of The Seven in Snezhnaya, the Traveler can resonate with Cryo and unlock the Cryo Traveler.
The Cryo Traveler can interact with the new Stellar Glimmer mechanics, including Stellar-Conduct and Stellar Swirl.
This makes Version 7.0 important not only for introducing new characters, but also for expanding the Traveler’s own combat options.
Stellar Swirl Expands the Elemental Reaction System
Version 7.0 introduces Stellar Swirl, expanding the Stellar Glimmer reaction system.
Stellar Swirl is associated with Anemo and Cryo. Triggering the reaction creates a Stellar Vortex, which eventually detonates and deals Cryo reaction damage.
Repeated Stellar Swirl triggers can strengthen the Vortex before it detonates. The reaction also has uses outside regular combat, including increased jump height during exploration.
Stellar-Conduct, which involves Electro and Cryo, also gains additional relevance in Version 7.0 through the new Snezhnayan characters and Cryo Traveler.
New Exploration Tools and Train Travel
Exploration in Snezhnaya introduces several mechanics that distinguish the region from earlier parts of Teyvat.
Travelers receive the Eye of Graeae, a tool designed to assist with exploration in Snezhnaya.
Its functions include protection from the region’s extreme cold, interacting with the train system, and creating Prime Ice Constructs used for puzzles and other interactions.
Snezhnaya also introduces a new third-person shooter gameplay mode accessed through its Goggles system. Three firearms and different weapon attachments are available for this mode.
Together with the train network, these mechanics give Snezhnaya a noticeably different exploration style from previous regions.
New Weapons and Artifact Sets
Version 7.0 adds a substantial collection of new equipment.
Five new forgeable 4-star Snezhnayan weapons have been introduced:
- Emberwell
- Blade of Atonement
- Song of the Vigil
- Echoes of the Heart
- Covenant of Frost and Snow
Five additional 4-star weapons have also been added to the Battle Pass.
The update introduces the Exaiphanes Blade, a 5-star Sword obtainable through the Archon Quest, as well as Whitelake Frostfeather, Odette’s limited 5-star signature Sword.
Two new Artifact sets are also available:
- Scarlet Proof
- Heart of the Furnace
Both can be obtained from the new Inverted Glacier Domain in Snezhnaya and are designed around the new Stellar Glimmer reaction mechanics.
New Events and Activities
Version 7.0 also brings several limited-time activities built around Snezhnaya’s new mechanics.
Players can participate in activities involving train racing, target shooting, Domain challenges, and helping Jack Frost reach its destination.
Completing the relevant event challenges provides various rewards, including an opportunity to invite Diona for free.
Miliastra Wonderland also receives a new event centered around a summer-themed spooky adventure.
What Version 7.0 Means for Genshin Impact
Version 7.0 represents more than a routine content update.
Snezhnaya finally opens another major nation of Teyvat, the main Archon storyline moves into a new chapter, and the game gains new exploration systems and combat mechanics at the same time.
The major additions include:
- Snezhnaya as a new explorable nation
- A new Archon Quest
- Odette and Alyosha
- Cryo Traveler
- Stellar Swirl and expanded Stellar Glimmer mechanics
- Train-based exploration
- Eye of Graeae exploration mechanics
- New weapons and Artifact sets
- New events and activities
With Snezhnaya only beginning to open up in Version 7.0, future updates are expected to continue expanding the region and its characters.
