Genshin Impact’s Snezhnaya has arrived, along with frosty Version 7.0 details!

It’s been a long journey for Travelers playing Genshin Impact and exploring Teyvat, but the time has finally come for all of us to make our journey to Snezhnaya, Teyvat’s seventh nation. Version 7.0, titled “Everwinter Without Mercy”, marks the first time we can experience Snezhnaya for ourselves. A new Special Program aired this morning (July 31st, 2026) showcasing all sorts of the offerings Snezhnaya has for us. Players can board a train to explore the vast and mysterious frozen world while the new Archon Quest will continue to unveil the intricate relationships between different factions and subgroups. We’ll also see two new playable characters!

Located on the northern edge of Teyvat, Snezhnaya is a nation that endures blistering cold and endless blizzards. Its residents use Kresnik energy for warmth while traveling between the sparsely distributed settlements. Roaring trains will carry players across the frozen landscapes to Snezhnograd, home to bustling streets and the headquarters of the troublesome Fatui. Outside of the urban center, you can explore untamed icefields where ancient beasts roam, secluded villages that are watched over by creatures called Jack Frosts (Hee-Ho anybody?), and scattered snowbound settlements as they gradually uncover more stories and lore that have helped shape Snezhnaya into what it is today.

Upon arrival in this frosty new domain, Travelers will obtain the mysterious Eye of Graeae, a versatile tool that will aid their open-world exploration in a myriad of ways. You’ll be able to call the train to your location for travel, place a whole group of new structures for player interaction in other worlds, and even unlock a brand-new Third-Person Shooter mode. I promise you aren’t hallucinating, HoYoverse really did add a TPS mode to Genshin Impact. Does it sound ridiculous? Yeah, probably, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be super unique and fun, especially in the hands of Miliastra Wonderland creators.

Amidst the plethora of characters within Genshin Impact, there will be two new companions joining the roster. First up is Odette, a 5-Star Cryo Sword wielder. Odette might be a specially-trained assassin working under La Signora, but that pales in comparison to her status as a celebrated Snezhnayan ballerina. During combat, Odette converts Superconduct and Swirl reactions into the new “Stellar” variants while amplifying all Stellar Glimmer reaction damage for your whole party. Stellar Glimmer is the full title of the two Stellar reactions, just in case anybody was confused. Odette’s Elemental Skill deploys a dance partner that deals continuous AoE Cryo damage and grants all party members a bonus to their respective Stellar damage type. Using the skill a second time will have Odette and her double into a brief duet, causing an AoE Cryo damage explosion as a Stellar reaction of whichever type she’s boosting. Her burst does multiple waves of AoE Cryo damage and increases her own personal Stellar Glimmer reaction damage.

Alongside Odette, we’ll see the debut of the 4-Star Electro Polearm character Alyosha. He’s a Snezhnayan hunter that fights alongside his canine companion Tugarin. When he’s in the party, Alyosha provides the party with Stellar-Conduct damage buffs, as well as restores HP to nearby party members on the battlefield. You’ll be able to get a free Alyosha by playing through the new Archon Quest.

For those interested in returning characters, we’ll see Odette bringing Arlecchino with her in the first half of 7.0’s banners. Fitting that the Fatui homeland brings a Harbinger with it! In the second half of Version 7.0, Lunar-Charged focused characters Flins and Ineffa will be making their return once more.

Version 7.0 also introduces new limited-time events where players can race trains across the ice and snow, compete in target shooting, challenge Domains, and help the Jack Frost reach its destination. Completing these event challenges will reward players with all sorts of goodies, as well as the opportunity to invite a free Diona to their repertoire of characters.

Version 7.0 of Genshin Impact plans to release on August 12th, 2026. You’ll be able to experience the glistening and snowy nation of Snezhnaya on all available platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS.

Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Special Program

Version 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” Trailer | Genshin Impact