Genshin Impact is expanding into its eighth region with the upcoming 7.0 update, taking players into the frozen landscapes of Snezhnaya, the domain of the Tsaritsa and the Fatui. The update brings fresh mechanics, environmental hazards, new characters, and distinct nods to other titles.
Quick Facts
- New Region: Snezhnaya, the eighth region of Teyvat.
- New Combat Mechanics: Usable firearms for the main character and two new elemental reactions: Stellar Conduct (Cryo + Electro) and Stellar Swirl (Cryo + Anemo).
- New Characters: Odette (5-star) and Alyosha (4-star).
- Environmental Hazard: A freezing mechanic similar to Dragonspine, where standing still too long causes the player to perish.
Exploration and Environmental Hazards in Snezhnaya
Snezhnaya's design is heavily influenced by cold climates, featuring snow-covered city areas with Muscovite architectural details on windows, clock faces, and rooftops. The city layout shares structural similarities with Belobog from Honkai Star Rail, complete with outdoor radiators and NPCs dressed in heavy winter gear.
Exploration carries survival risks reminiscent of the early Dragonspine area. Characters will freeze to death if they stand still for too long, requiring players to keep moving through the snow and ice. Navigational tools also expand with the introduction of The Eye of Graeae, a small floating piece of tech that assists in operating machinery and exploring the world.
Additionally, the update introduces an asynchronous multiplayer feature allowing players to leave and interact with pre-set notes and comments left behind by others, utilizing a selection of words and phrases.
Weapons and Combat Additions
Combat systems see a notable shift with the integration of firearms. While certain existing characters already feature guns in their kits, the Traveler can now use firearms directly in combat sections, requiring players to adapt their marksman skills.
Enemy rosters expand to include animal-themed threats, featuring wolf-like, walrus-like, and wildcat-like creatures, alongside flying fairy-like enemies that are best countered with bow-wielding characters.
New Elemental Reactions and Characters
Following a focus on reactions seen in previous regions, Snezhnaya introduces Stellar Conduct (combining Cryo and Electro) and Stellar Swirl (combining Cryo and Anemo). Two characters spearhead these mechanics:
- Odette: A five-star character whose kit applies both on- and off-field Cryo, making her well-suited for both new Stellar reactions.
- Alyosha: A four-star character tailored for Stellar Conduct teams, providing healing alongside Electro application through his skill.
These new additions can be paired with existing units such as Sandrone, Qiqi, Mizuki, Yae Miko, and Diona. The region's soundtrack continues the game's tradition with compositions by Peijia You, Yu-Peng Chen, and Yang Li, blending wind and string instruments with choral arrangements and piano-based battle tracks.