Genshin Impact launches massive 7.0 update: Snezhnaya region, personal train, and new characters

Genshin Impact has released its massive 7.0 update, “Merciless Eternal Cold,” adding the long-awaited Snezhnaya region to the game. This release concludes the main Teyvat story arc that HoYoverse has been building toward since 2020.

The design of Snezhnaya is inspired by Eastern European culture. The region’s main hub is the industrial city of Snezhnograd, home to the Tsaritsa’s Palace and the Fatui headquarters. The palace architecture features a Russian-Byzantine style with references to the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral. Players can travel across the region using their own customizable train, which serves as both a fast-travel system between stations and a shelter from blizzards.

The storyline centers on an energy crisis and severe snowstorms. To survive the new extreme cold mechanic, players use a gadget called the “Eye of Graya,” powered by “Kresnik-energy.” Upon visiting the first Statue of the Seven in Snezhnaya, the Traveler can also unlock resonance with the Cryo element, gaining area-of-effect control and enemy-freezing abilities.

New characters and banners

Along with the new region, the game introduces new heroes:

• Odette (5★, Cryo, Sword): A prima ballerina of the Royal Troupe and a secret Fatui agent, whose combat style relies on timing attacks to the rhythm of her movements;
• Alyosha (4★, Electro, Polearm): A hunter from the border village of Stretomorozsk who serves as an Electro support. He can be obtained for free by completing the first chapter of the Snezhnaya storyline.

Alongside Odette’s banner, the Harbinger Arlecchino has returned to the game. Players can earn up to 560 Primogems for fully completing the Snezhnaya story block.

原神 Ver.7.0記念TVCM
「新地域スネージナヤ」篇公開！

「スネージナヤが、来る。」

戸松遥 さんがナレーションを担当！
本日より全国にて放送開始！ pic.twitter.com/zj5kIm7o7G

— 原神（Genshin）公式 (@Genshin_7) August 12, 2026