Travelers Set Foot in Snezhnaya With Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Releasing on August 12

#news #gaming August 02, 2026

by Zed

The story of Genshin Impact prepares to enter its climax as the travelers prepare to embark on a journey to the last of the seven nations, where answers to many of Teyvats mysteries are set to be unveiled. Snezhnaya brings with it two new playable characters (Odette and Alyosha), the new Stellar Swirl reaction, a new third person shooter game mode, and more. Version 7.0 of Genshin Impact will be launching on August 12.

About Snezhnaya

The final of Teyvat's seven nations, once a lush of green full of life, but now is consumed by endless blizzards and barren wilderness. Yet faced with such dire straits, under the guidance of the Belyi Tsar, the first Cryo Archon, the people of Snezhnaya persevered and thrived, building remarkable industrial and military capabilities while also cultivating refined artistic traditions, including ballet and opera. Outside its metropolises lie untold lengths of untamed icefields where ancient beasts roam, secluded villages watched over by Jack Frosts, and scattered snowbound settlements with many stories to be uncovered.

Upon arriving to Snezhnaya, travelers will obtain the Eye of Graeae, a versatile tool that will aid their adventures within the region by providing protection from the harsh cold, and allowing them to call for trains. They also enable them to fabricate Prime Ice Constructs for puzzle-solving and to interact with other players. Using Goggles also unlocks a new third-person shooter mode where intense battles across diverse environments demand tactical adaptability. Three new firearms, along with various weapon attachments for even more options are scattered across the region for travelers to discover.

Snezhnaya's release brings with it a new reaction in Stellar-Swirl, which similar to Stellar-Conduct, replaces the existing cryo swirl reaction when certain Cryo or Anemo units are in the party. When it's triggered a Stellar Vortex is summoned to the field which deals Anemo and Cryo DMG, and detonates after a set time passes. Repeated triggers of this reaction raises the Vortex's level, which in turn amplifies the effects of its eventual detonation.

New Characters

The new update will welcome two new characters first of which is Odette 5-Star Cryo Sword user, a Fatui agent that works for the Tsarista as an assassin, and a celebrated Snezhnayan ballerina. Odette has the ability to convert Superconduct and Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Conduct and the new Stellar-Swirl reactions respectively while amplifying all Stellar Glimmer reaction DMG across the party. She uses her Elemental Skill to deploy a dance double that deals continuous AoE Cryo DMG while granting all party members a Stellar Glimmer reaction DMG Bonus.

The second character releasing in the next version is 4-Star Electro Polearm user Alyosha, a Snezhnayan hunter who fights alongside his canine companion Tugarin. He fills a supportive role in the Stellar teams providing the party with Stellar-Conduct DMG buffs, as well as restores HP to nearby party members on the battle. Players can get Alyosha for free as they advance through the new Archon Quest.

Odette and Alyosha will debut at the start of new version alongside a returning Arlecchino, while the second half will bring back Flins and Ineffa.

Events and Rewards

Version 7.0 also introduces new limited-time events where players can race trains across the ice and snow, engage in target shooting competitions, engage in combat challenge, and help the Jack Frost reach its destination. Completing the event's challenges will earn the player a variety of rewards, including the ability to invite Diona to the party.

To Temper Thyself and Journey Far will continue with an expanded selection of characters from Fontaine. Entering its fifth cycle, alongside the previously available characters, players will be able to select from Lyney, Wriothesley, Navia, Xianyun, Chiori, Sigewinne, Clorinde, Emilie, and Mizuki.