Genshin Impact 7.0 Livestream Recap: Snezhnaya Update

I. New Characters & Weapons Overview

1.1 Version Wish Banner Schedule

Phase	Duration	Featured 5★ Characters	5★ Weapon Banner	Featured 4★	Key Notes
Phase 1	Aug 12 – Sep 02	Odette (Cryo Sword), Arlecchino (Rerun)	White Lake Plume, Crimson Moon's Semblance	Alyosha (New 4★ Electro Polearm)	Claim 1 copy of Alyosha for free in Archon Quest
Phase 2	Sep 02 – Sep 22	Felins, Ineve	Bloodstained Ruin, Fragmented Halo	Standard 4★ Rotation	No new characters

1.2 New Character Details

Character	Rarity / Weapon / Element	Role	Core Kit Highlights	Key Constellations	Best Teams
Odette	5★ Sword Cryo	Astral Off-Field Sub-DPS / General Support	Converts standard Superconduct & Swirl into Astral Superconduct & Astral Swirl; party-wide Astral DMG buff; Cryo illusion deals off-field Cryo DMG; core teammate for "Marionette" Sandrone	C0 completes core rotation; C2 power spike (RES shred & ATK buff); C6 unlocks On-Field Main DPS build	Sandrone Astral Superconduct, Cryo-Electro Astral Comps, Astral Swirl Teams
Alyosha	4★ Polearm Electro	Dedicated Astral Superconduct Off-Field Support	Continuous off-field Electro DMG with "Hunt Mark"; summons companion "Tugarin" for extra DPS; minor team healing; passive marks Snezhnaya local specialties on mini-map	C6 significantly boosts Astral Superconduct DMG and ATK buffs	All Cryo-Electro Astral Superconduct Teams

1.3 New Weapons Overview

Weapon Rarity	Weapon Name	Type	How to Obtain	Best Fit
5★ Sword	White Lake Plume	Sword	Epitome Invocation (Phase 1)	Odette Signature Weapon
Forgeable Weapons	Spark of Ignition, Frostbound Vow, Severance of Redemption, Echoes of the Heart, Ballad of the Sentinel	Sword / Bow / Claymore / Catalyst / Polearm	Unlocked at Snezhnaya Forge	Versatile F2P options for DPS & Support units
BP Weapons	Heretic's Huntblade, Shadow of Golden Law, King's Gambit, Chillbreath, and full weapon set	All Weapon Types	7.0 Battle Pass (Gnostic Hymn)	General Supports & Sub-DPS units

1.4 New Artifact Sets

Set Name	2-Piece Bonus	4-Piece Bonus	Best Suited For
Crimson Witness	ATK +18%	After triggering an Astral Swirl reaction, grants massive Astral Swirl DMG Bonus and increases CRIT Rate by 16%.	New Astral Swirl Main DPS, On-Field Odette DPS
Heart of the Hearth Smelting	ATK +18%	After triggering an Astral Reaction, significantly increases Astral Reaction DMG for all party members.	Top choice for Astral System Supports

II. New Elemental System: Astral Reactions Explained

Version 7.0 introduces two permanent Astral Reactions featuring independent DMG multiplier scaling distinct from conventional reactions. These reactions can only be triggered by characters possessing the "Astral Core" trait (such as Odette and Cryo Traveler):

• Astral Superconduct (Cryo + Electro): Generates a "Polaris Domain" that continuously reduces enemy Physical RES, Cryo RES, and Electro RES, while buffing Cryo and Electro DMG within the area. This serves as the primary DPS engine for "Marionette" Sandrone.
• Astral Swirl (Cryo + Anemo): Creates an "Astral Vortex" that explodes after a short delay to deal combined Cryo + Anemo DMG. Triggering multiple Astral Swirls increases the Vortex Level, amplifying the final explosion DMG. In the open world, it briefly increases character jump height.

III. Map Exploration, New Mechanics & Archon Quest

3.1 New Region: Snezhnaya – Frontier Snowfield

• Sub-areas: Birch Burial Ground, Dawn Terminal, Flamefeather Valley, Prismfrost Village, Frostsprite Hamlet.
• Extreme Frostbite Mechanic: A permanent exploration hazard similar to Dragonspine's Sheer Cold. Prolonged exposure to blizzards builds up extreme cold meters, continually draining HP when filled. Players can use warming items, bonfires, or "Ashen Crow's Eye" gadgets to ward off cold. Warming items are gatherable in the wild or purchasable from vendors.
• Snowland Express (Mobile Base): A train network running across the region. Players can board freely; the interior features a Crafting Bench, Commission Transceiver, and Gunsmith Workbench, serving as a mobile base that facilitates fast travel across sub-regions.
• True-Ice Structures: Consume Cryo energy to construct ice platforms and barricades. Supports player notes and co-op building, designed to solve environmental high-altitude puzzles.
• Exploration Rewards: Complete 100% region exploration to claim a limited-time total of 400 Primogems.

3.2 Chapter VII Archon Quest (Permanently Available)

• Chapter VII: Act I – "The Snow-Swept Land Unloved by Gods"
• Chapter VII: Act II – "Nocturne of the Dead Souls"
• Quest Rewards: Complete both acts during the patch to earn 560 Primogems + Character Level-Up Materials, plus 1 free copy of 4★ character Alyosha through story progression.

Major Lore & Story Teasers

1. The Tsaritsa formally debuts, revealing her connection with Khaenri'ah and the Descenders;
2. All Fatui Harbingers assemble on screen, exposing rift factions and internal conflicts;
3. Ronova, Shade of Death descends upon Snezhnaya, confronting the Traveler face-to-face;
4. Unveils the complete scope of "Project Styx," setting the long-term stage for defying the Heavenly Principles.

3.3 Unlocking Cryo Traveler

Resonate with the Statue of The Seven in Snezhnaya to switch to the Cryo element (Weapon: Sword):

• Innate "Astral Core" Trait: Consistently triggers Astral Superconduct and Astral Swirl for your team;
• Exclusive Weapon 【Frostpeak Blade】: Scales in power as you unlock more Snezhnaya Statues of The Seven;
• Role & Viability: A low-cost Astral Reaction enabler and the best F2P choice for initiating Astral team comps.

IV. New Combat Game Modes & Events

4.1 Winter Night Patrol (TPS Shooter Mode)

A new permanent combat game mode accessible inside the "Shadow Realm" domain in Snezhnaya:

• Shifts camera to a Third-Person Shooter (TPS) perspective, utilizing Cryo Rifles, Electro Firearms, and Grenade Launchers;
• Includes tactical mechanics like slide-tackles, cover mounting, and obstacle vaulting, with customizable Aim Assist settings;
• Clear challenges to earn Primogems, Snezhnayan Forging Materials, and exclusive Namecards.

4.2 Version 7.0 Limited-Time Events Summary