Genshin 7.0 Livestream: Snezhnaya, Odette, & New Mechanics

The Genshin Impact 7.0 livestream has finally lifted the curtain on Snezhnaya, the Cryo nation players have been waiting years to explore. From the imposing Tsaritsa to the elegant Odette, and a suite of new mechanics that blend exploration with third-person shooting, this update is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet. Whether you're a day-one traveler or a returning player, here is everything you need to know about the version 7.0 update.

For the latest Genshin Impact updates, stay tuned as we break down each announcement.

At a Glance

• New Region: Snezhnaya, with two major areas: The Village of Jack Frost and Snezhnograd.
• New Characters: Odette (5-star Cryo Sword) and Alyosha (4-star Electro Polearm, free from Archon Quest).
• New Elemental Reactions: Stellar Glimmer system (Stellar-Conduct, Stellar-Swirl).
• New Game Mode: Third-person shooter with Cryo Rifle, Electro Rifle, and Grenade Launcher.
• New Bosses: Immortal Construct and Chimeric Winged Lion.
• Free Weapon: Exaiphanes Blade (upgradable via Statues of the Seven).
• Banners Phase 1: Odette + Arlecchino (Alyosha rate-up); Phase 2: Flins + Ineffa.
• Returning Player Boost: Direct teleport to Snezhnaya after completing Prologue Act III.

Snezhnaya and Its New Ecosystem

The Cryo region of Snezhnaya introduces a frigid environment with unique survival mechanics. The Eye of Graeae gadget stores Kresnik Energy to resist the cold and allows players to manipulate Prime Ice into constructs like Snowball Launchers, Grappling Guns, and heat sources. Travelers can even share Starlight Prisms—cold-resistant shelters—with other players via co-op.

A new Snezhnaya Adventure Journal will help track exploration progress and reward milestones, similar to the Sumeru and Fontaine versions.

New Elemental Reactions: Stellar Glimmer

After resonating with the Snezhnaya Statue of the Seven, the Traveler gains Cryo powers and unlocks the Stellar Glimmer reaction family:

• Stellar-Conduct: Cryo + Electro. Creates a Polestar Field that increases Stellar-Conduct, Electro DMG, and reduces enemy Physical RES.
• Stellar-Swirl: Anemo + Cryo. A delayed Cryo explosion that gains damage stacks with repeated triggers.

These reactions are central to the new artifact sets and many character kits in 7.0.

New Characters and Banners

Odette is a 5-star Cryo Sword user who transforms standard Superconduct and Cryo Swirl into Stellar-Conduct and Stellar-Swirl, while amplifying all Stellar Glimmer damage for the team. Her signature weapon, Whitelake Frostfeather, will be available in Phase 1.

Alyosha, a 4-star Electro Polearm, fights alongside his companion Tugarian, setting traps and healing allies. His exploration talent marks Snezhnaya local specialties on the map. Alyosha is free during Archon Quest Chapter VII: Act I.

Banner Schedule

Phase	Limited Character Banners	Weapon Banner
Phase 1	Odette, Arlecchino (Alyosha rate-up)	Whitelake Frostfeather & Arlecchino's weapon
Phase 2	Flins, Ineffa	TBA

For a deeper dive into Odette's kit and team building, check our Genshin Impact 7.0 Banners: Odette & Alyosha Guide.

New Weapons, Artifacts, and QoL

Forgeable Weapons

Five new craftable weapons arrive with Snezhnaya:

• Sword: Emberwell
• Bow: Covenant of Frost and Snow
• Claymore: Blade of Atonement
• Catalyst: Echoes of the Heart
• Polearm: Song of the Vigil

Battle Pass Weapons

Another five weapons join the Gnostic Hymn:

• Sword: Heretic's Molten Blade
• Bow: Jade Vista
• Claymore: Forged by the Golden Melody
• Catalyst: Clash of Kings
• Polearm: Frostbreath

Artifact Sets

• Scarlet Proof: CRIT Rate + Stellar Swirl DMG
• Heart of the Furnace: ATK + Party Stellar Glimmer DMG

Traveler Customization

The Traveler receives a new outfit Night Hunt in Snow and a summonable train with facilities like a Crafting Bench and Commission claimer—a significant QoL boost for daily routines.

Events and Rewards

Several time-limited events will run throughout 7.0:

• Great Expeditionist Challenge
• Mutual Aid in Bloom: Into the Frostlands
• Trial of the Bastion
• Overflowing Abundance
• Miliastra Wonderland (includes Spooky Summer Adventures mini-event, rewards include a free 4-star outfit)

Completing the new Archon Quest and exploration tasks within the time limit grants 560 Primogems plus Odette's Ascension Materials, and an additional 400 Primogems for finishing all world quests.

Returning Player Improvements

Any player who has completed Prologue Act III can instantly warp to Snezhnaya and begin the new Archon Quest Chapter VII: Act I “Everwinter Without Mercy” and Act II “Wraith's Nocturne”.

Changes to Existing Systems

• Genius Invokation TCG: Three new character cards (Durin, Jahoda, Hydro Hypostasis) and a Snezhnaya-styled card back.
• Envisaged Echoes: New cosmetics for Xiao and Childe.
• Stygian Onslaught: Additional weapon appearances and mix-and-match options.
• To Temper Thyself And Journey Far: Approximately 34 new characters added to the permanent roster.

The Tsaritsa and the Story Ahead

The Snezhnaya Archon, Tsaritsa Anastasya Feodorovna, is described as imposing and cold, driven to prevent Snezhnaya from sharing the fate of Khaenri'ah or Hyperborea. Her motivations and the role of the eighth Harbinger Signora (connected to Odette) will be major story hooks in the upcoming Archon Quests.

The update also introduces the Shadow Realm, a domain of utter darkness overseen by Druzhna, offering regular training exercises for additional rewards.

Third-Person Shooter Mode

A surprise addition is a full third-person shooter mode, complete with cover, slide, and vault animations. Three firearms are available:

• Cryo Rifle for precision
• Electro Rifle with auto-targeting
• Grenade Launcher for AoE elemental damage

Exploration in Snezhnaya will also yield firearm accessories. For players less comfortable with shooters, customizable Aim Assist options are included in settings.

Conclusion

Genshin Impact 7.0 marks a turning point for the game, delivering the long-awaited Cryo nation, a fresh combat system via Stellar Glimmer, and bold new gameplay like the shooter mode. With generous rewards for both new and returning players, this is an excellent moment to jump back into Teyvat. We'll continue to cover all the details as they go live.