After nearly six years of exploring Teyvat, Genshin Impact is finally entering one of the biggest chapters in its history. HoYoverse has confirmed that Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy will be released on August 12, 2026, taking players to Snezhnaya, the seventh nation and one of the most highly anticipated regions for Travelers.

This update does more than introduce a new region. Version 7.0 also continues the Archon Quest, introduces two new characters named Odette and Alyosha, expands the new Stellar elemental reaction system, adds various new activities, and brings updates to Miliastra Wonderland.

Snezhnaya Is Finally Available for Exploration

Snezhnaya is one of the nations that has been mentioned since the early days of Genshin Impact. The region is known as a land of extreme cold and serves as the home of the Fatui and the Tsaritsa, the Cryo Archon.

Starting with Version 7.0, players can finally set foot in the snowy nation themselves. Snezhnaya is portrayed as a region plagued by prolonged snowstorms and energy-related problems that make everyday life difficult for its inhabitants.

Unlike several previous regions, Snezhnaya also features an extensive railway network that plays an important role in traveling across the nation. Travelers can use trains to explore different parts of the snowy land, including urban areas, rural settlements, and wild regions located between communities.

One of the key locations players will visit is Snezhnograd, the seat of government and one of the major locations featured in Snezhnaya’s storyline.

The region’s atmosphere also combines the feeling of a winter fairy tale with heavy industrialization. The presence of the Fatui, advanced technology, trains, and harsh natural conditions gives Snezhnaya a visual identity unlike any other nation previously introduced in Teyvat.

Odette, a Ballerina and Fatui Combatant

One of the most interesting new characters introduced in Version 7.0 is Odette.

Odette is a 5-Star Cryo character who wields a Sword. In public, she is known as Snezhnaya’s prima ballerina. However, behind her elegant appearance as a dancer, Odette has ties to the Fatui and is someone who has undergone extensive combat training.

Odette’s abilities are also closely connected to the Stellar Glimmer system.

When Odette is in the party, the Superconduct and Cryo Swirl reactions triggered by party members can be transformed into:

Stellar-Conduct
Stellar Swirl

In addition to transforming these reactions, Odette can also increase the damage of Stellar Glimmer reactions triggered by party members.

This mechanic makes Odette an intriguing option for Cryo reaction-based team compositions. Her abilities allow players to develop new strategies by taking advantage of the elemental reaction system introduced alongside the progression of the Snezhnaya storyline.

Odette also features a combat mechanic inspired by ballet movements. She can summon a dance double to unleash AoE Cryo attacks before performing follow-up attacks alongside her duplicate.

Alyosha Can Be Obtained for Free

Alongside Odette, Version 7.0 introduces Alyosha, a hunter from the borderlands of Snezhnaya.

Alyosha is a 4-Star Electro character who wields a Polearm and fights alongside his companion dog named Tugarin.

Unlike event characters that generally require Primogems through Event Wishes, Alyosha can be obtained for free by progressing through the Snezhnaya Archon Quest.

In combat, Alyosha serves as a support character. He can help increase Stellar-Conduct damage while also providing HP recovery for party members.

These abilities make Alyosha a potentially valuable support character for players looking to build a Stellar-Conduct-based team without spending additional Primogems.

Outside of combat, Alyosha also possesses an exploration ability that can help players locate Snezhnaya specialties in the surrounding area by marking them on the map.

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