The day is almost here! The trailer for the next update of Genshin Impact is finally here, and it shows even more information about the region of Snezhnaya. The plot, the narrative and the answers to questions we have been looking for are just a few short weeks away!
Snezhnaya, located on the northern edge of Teyvat, is a nation that endures relentless cold and blizzards and which uses Kresnik energy for warmth. Its sparsely distributed settlements are connected by an extensive train system. Roaring trains are set to carry players across the frozen terrain to Snezhnograd, home to bustling streets and the Fatui’s headquarters, and where Snezhnaya’s technological and military power is on full display. Outside of this urban center, players can continue to explore untamed icefields where ancient beasts roam, secluded villages watched over by Jack Frosts, and scattered snowbound settlements as they gradually uncover more stories and the landscapes that have shaped Snezhnaya. In the latest Archon Quest, players will also get a closer look at a catastrophic blizzard, the energy crisis Snezhnaya is facing as a result, and the forces at work behind it. Completing the Archon Quest rewards up to 560 Primogems. The Snezhnaya Adventure Journal serves as a record of the player’s progress, and provides quick and convenient access to their destinations and rewards accordingly.
Upon arrival in Snezhnaya, players will obtain the mysterious Eye of Graeae, a versatile tool that will aid their open-world adventure in various ways. Apart from protection from the harsh cold, with Goggles players can also call for trains as well as fabricate Prime Ice Constructs for puzzle-solving and to interact with other players. Using Goggles also unlocks a new third-person shooter (TPS) mode, where intense battles across diverse environments demand tactical adaptability. Three new firearms, along with various weapon attachments for even more options which can be found throughout Snezhnaya, will be introduced together with this gameplay mode.
Stellar Swirl, the second Stellar Glimmer reaction to be introduced after Stellar-Conduct, can now be triggered by combining Anemo and Cryo. This summons a Stellar Vortex which deals Anemo and Cryo DMG. Repeat triggers of this reaction raises the Vortex’s level, which in turn amplifies the effects of its eventual detonation. In open-world exploration, Stellar Swirl significantly boosts jump height, while Stellar-Conduct unlocks new interactions with objects. Interacting with Snezhnaya’s Statues of the Seven grants the Traveler Cryo elemental power, enabling them to trigger all Stellar Glimmer reactions while in a party.
Among the many new companions players can expect to meet in Snezhnaya, Odette, a 5-Star Cryo Sword wielder, is one of the first new playable characters. Though she is a Fatui operative working under La Signora, Odette’s skills as a highly trained assassin are nowhere as well-known as her skills as a celebrated Snezhnayan ballerina. In combat, Odette converts Superconduct and Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar-Conduct and Stellar Swirl respectively while amplifying all Stellar Glimmer reaction DMG across the party. Her Elemental Skill deploys a dance double that deals continuous AoE Cryo DMG and grants all party members a Stellar Glimmer reaction DMG Bonus. Using her Elemental Skill again draws Odette and her double into a brief duet, unleashing a burst of Cryo AoE DMG regarded as a Stellar Glimmer reaction. Her Elemental Burst deals multiple waves of AoE Cryo DMG and increases the Stellar Glimmer reaction DMG she deals.
Another new companion making their debut in this version is Alyosha, a Snezhnayan hunter who fights alongside his canine companion Tugarin. As a 4-Star Electro Polearm wielder, he provides the party with Stellar-Conduct DMG buffs, as well as restores HP to nearby party members on the battlefield. Players can get Alyosha for free as they advance through the new Archon Quest. In the first phase of Event Wishes, Odette and Alyosha will debut alongside a returning Arlecchino, while the second phase will bring back Flins and Ineffa.
Version 7.0 also introduces new limited-time events where players can race trains across the ice and snow, compete in target shooting, challenge Domains, and help the Jack Frost reach its destination. Completing the event’s challenges will earn the player a variety of rewards, including a chance to invite Diona for free.
The livestream had a lore drop that is not in the trailer; I feel it needs to be here. All of the people who were native to the nation of Khaenri’ah are Descenders. How that works, or the actual details that it entails, were not clarified, but Descenders are beings from outside the land of Tevyat. So the ones who made the nation of Khaenri’ah were Descenders and are linked to the known Descenders of Tevyat. That is wild to casually drop, but it is worth noting that that is an important detail for this upcoming update.
At the same time, a new event featuring summer spooky tales and adventure will also kick off in Miliastra Wonderland. Completing the event grants various rewards, including a new head accessory. Players will be able to experience the frostbound nation of Snezhnaya for the first time!
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play gacha game available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Android, and iOS. Version 7.0 of Genshin Impact launches on August 12.
Source: Press Release
