Genshin Impact Unveils Anniversary, Version 7.1 Update

#news #gaming September 12, 2026

by Tamara Lazic

Genshin Impact hosted a stream for its sixth anniversary, which coincides with Version 7.1, announcing new quest lines, events, and special rewards.

Snezhnaya storyline will continue: Tsaritsa's plan will be explained, and the Shades of the Heavenly Principles will once again be involved. Dainsleif's yearly appearance is also coming in Version 7.1 update, titled "A Rekviem for the Underworld." Pierro continues his fight against the Shade of Death, Ronova, and is seen with an Electro Vision. Players will fight Ronova as this version's boss.

Two characters are becoming playable. Vesna (VA: Ari Thrash), an Anemo Sword user, and Vodyanitsa (VA: Suzie Yeung), a Hydro Catalyst user. Both of them come with special quests, fun side quests, and special skills. Vesna is able to fly, whereas Vodyanitsa turns into her Water Imp form when swimming. She also sings when you play an instrument. Both will be featured on the first banner of the update. Skirk and Escoffier will rerun in the second half of the update.

Vesna

The youngest Commander in Druzhna history, Vesna is known for her unwavering loyalty to the Tsaritsa and joins the roster as a 5-star Anemo Sword wielder. In combat, she can convert Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Swirl reactions. Using her Elemental Skill and other abilities, Vesna can summon Spirit Blades and gain a certain amount of "Sword Essence." She can then consume "Sword Essence" with a special Elemental Skill to command the Spirit Blades to strike enemies. When they attack near a Stellar Vortex, their attacks are treated as Stellar Swirl reaction DMG. Her Elemental Burst summons another wave of Spirit Blades to deal AoE Anemo DMG while restoring "Sword Essence." Vesna also offers a unique way to explore the open world. As a Vila, she is able to take flight during exploration. Players can also experience a special anecdote featuring Vesna to unlock a unique appearance for her sword spirit companion.

Vodyanitsa

Vodyanitsa is the Prima Donna of Snezhnograd's Korolevskiy Troupe, as well as a kind-hearted Water Imp and 5-star Hydro Catalyst wielder. In combat, she can transform into her Water Imp form and sustain her song through her Elemental Skill, continuously healing the active character, reducing enemies' Hydro and Cryo RES, and boosting the active character's ATK. In this form, she can also move swiftly through the water. Her song further empowers Stellar Vortices, reducing enemies' Anemo RES and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction DMG. Her Elemental Burst carries her voice across the battlefield, dealing AoE Hydro DMG. While exploring the open world, Vodyanitsa can remain in her Water Imp form and move freely even outside the water. Players can learn more about her through a story featuring Vodyanitsa and obtain a unique appearance for her microphone as a reward.

This year, in addition to the Standard Banner character selector, players will also be able to choose one Limited-Event 5-star character out of the following: Tartaglia, Baizhu, Chiori, Chlorinde, Varesa, and Nilou. After choosing, they will also be rewarded with necessary level-up materials. This additional character selector will become a norm going forward, much like the mail and login events. The main event of the anniversary update will be the Moonchase Festival.

The English stream also featured messages from Genshin Impact voice actors who began their journey as players. They include Alice Himora (Prune), who has been a player since launch and is a big Xiao fan, and Sonya Krueger (Jahoda), who fell in love with the game and Hu Tao. Savanna Menzel (Linnea), Ashleigh Haddad (Nefer), Annabel Brook (Aino), and Nick Wolfhard (Lohen). The whole segment was narrated by Alice, who is voiced by Rachel Kimsey.