Genshin Impact has officially set a release date for its highly anticipated Version 7.0, confirming the arrival of Snezhnaya for August 12, 2026. Genshin Impact‘s main storyline has been building up to the Cryo Nation arc for years, and now fans will finally uncover the Tsaritsa’s mysterious plan.
HoYoverse’s fan-favorite gacha title first teased Snezhnaya in 2020 in its Teyvat Chapter trailer. Players had expected the release of the Cryo Nation right after the Natlan storyline concluded. However, Genshin Impact launched a complete patch cycle around Nod-Krai instead, postponing Snezhnaya by another year. Now, the long-awaited chapter is confirmed for the game’s next update, hence why Genshin Impact unveiled the Tsaritsa’s design earlier in June. A new trailer shared on July 31 has given players a better look at what to expect in Version 7.0.
Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Confirmed for August 12 with Snezhnaya Release
During Genshin Impact‘s latest official livestream, HoYoverse announced that Version 7.0, titled “Everwinter Without Mercy,” will release on August 12. The development team went in-depth about the update’s content and unveiled a trailer showing off multiple new explorable areas prominently covered in snow. Version 7.0 will add a new cold weather exploration mechanic as well as a new elemental reaction named Stellar Swirl. A new third-person shooter game mode will debut, making the Traveler handle different firearms in the Shadow Realm. An optional aiming assistant will be available for this game mode. The Traveler will also unlock the power of Cryo, and players will be able to trigger Stellar Conduct with their gameplay kit. Moreover, fans will have access to a unique large train where they can redeem their daily rewards, synthesize materials, and more.
Additionally, the 7.0 update will add two new playable characters. Odette will be Snezhnaya’s first limited five-star Cryo Sword unit, while Alyosha is a four-star Electro Polearm user. Both characters will debut in the update’s first-half banners along with Arlecchino’s rerun. The patch’s second phase will feature reruns for Flins and Ineffa. It is worth noting that players can add Alyosha to their roster for free by progressing through the new main story quest. Version 7.0 will include two Acts of the new Archon Quest and, as seen in the trailer, Ronova, the Ruler of Death, will finally make her in-game debut during the story. The livestream gave away three new Genshin Impact limited codes, which players can redeem for up to 300 Primogems and other EXP materials.

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Similar to Natlan and Nod-Krai, this first Snezhnaya patch will include a region-themed limited event that will let players get familiar with the region’s new mechanics. By participating in the patch’s events, fans can unlock the four-star unit Diona. It is an established trend that many Genshin Impact players return to the game with the launch of a new Nation. Considering that Snezhnaya is arguably the game’s most anticipated region, Genshin Impact will potentially see a very active player base from day one.
The gacha title is expected to launch even more characters throughout the 7.0 patch cycle, likely debuting more Stellar gameplay kits. Players may want to stock up on Genshin Impact Primogems for the updates to come, considering that nearly ten new units have already been teased and more could be announced soon.
- Released
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September 28, 2020
- ESRB
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Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact

