Genshin Impact finally opens gates to Snezhnaya in Version 7.0
MANILA, Philippines — Nearly six years after players first began their journey across Teyvat, Genshin Impact is finally taking Travelers to Snezhnaya, the long-awaited seventh nation of the game's world.
HoYoverse announced that Version 7.0, titled "Everwinter Without Mercy”, will launch on August 12, opening the frozen homeland of the Tsaritsa and the Fatui for exploration for the first time.
The reveal came with the release of the Version 7.0 trailer, which became one of the highlights of the second day of HoYo FEST Philippines 2026 at SPACE in One Ayala, Makati City. Many Filipino fans remained at the venue until the end of the day to watch the trailer premiere together, filling the event space with cheers and reactions as the first look at Snezhnaya unfolded on screen.
For longtime players, the reveal marks the culmination of a journey that began when Genshin Impact launched in 2020. Snezhnaya has long been teased throughout the game's main story as the final nation ruled by one of Teyvat's Seven Archons.
Located on the northern edge of Teyvat, Snezhnaya is a land shaped by relentless snowstorms, advanced technology, and military power. The region uses a mysterious energy source called Kresnik energy to survive the harsh climate, while an extensive railway network connects settlements scattered across the frozen wilderness.
Among the locations players will be able to visit are Snezhnograd, the nation's capital; Glupov, home to the Fatui headquarters; the Korolevskiy Theater, known for its ballet and artistic traditions; and Morepesok, the snowy seaside hometown of fan-favorite Fatui Harbinger Tartaglia.
The update also introduces the Eye of Graeae, a new exploration tool that allows players to ward off the cold, summon trains, and create structures known as Prime Ice Constructs to solve puzzles and traverse the environment.
Perhaps the most surprising addition in Version 7.0 is a completely new combat gameplay mechanic. Through the Eye of Graeae, players can access a dedicated third-person shooter mode and wield firearms for the first time in Genshin Impact. HoYoverse said the mode will feature specialized weapons, weapon attachments, and throwable elemental explosives, with encounters designed to encourage tactical positioning and quick adaptation across different combat scenarios.
Version 7.0 will also expand the game's combat system with Stellar Swirl, a new elemental reaction triggered by Anemo and Cryo, following the introduction of Stellar-Conduct in previous updates. The reaction creates a Stellar Vortex that grows stronger through repeated activations before unleashing a powerful burst of damage.
Joining the playable roster are Odette, a five-star Cryo sword user and renowned Snezhnayan ballerina with ties to the Fatui, and Alyosha, a four-star Electro polearm wielder who fights alongside his canine companion Tugarin. Players will be able to obtain Alyosha for free by progressing through the new Archon Quest.
While anticipation builds for the release of Snezhnaya on August 12, Filipino fans can still join the festivities at HoYo FEST Philippines 2026, which runs until August 2 at One Ayala. Visitors can explore game-themed booths, claim freebies, purchase official merchandise, browse the event's Artist Alley featuring fan creators, and check out the Honkai: Star Rail collaboration with UGREEN featuring the Seer Strategist, General Yao Guang.
Genshin Impact Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy launches on August 12.
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