On August 12, 2026, Genshin Impact patch 7.0, titled “Everwinter Without Mercy,” was released. Players finally gained access to Snezhnaya, the seventh and final major region of Teyvat, inspired by Tsarist Russia. Along with the patch came new characters Odette and Alyosha, third-person shooter mechanics in the Shadow Realm, and the end of PS4 support.
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Patch 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” – What Changed
Patch 7.0 was one of the largest in Genshin Impact’s history. The developers at HoYoverse skipped version 6.8 and went straight to version 7—an unconventional, but understandable decision: too much content needed to be packed into a single release.
Major Changes:
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Release Date: August 12, 2026.
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Title: “Everwinter Without Mercy.”
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PS4 support ended — as of April 8, 2026, the game will no longer run on the older Sony console. This is due to technical limitations: the Snezhnaya region requires more powerful hardware.
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Increased system requirements — the game has become more demanding on PC and mobile devices.
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Increased inventory limits — artifacts: 2400 → 2700, total limit: 2300 → 2600.
This is sad news for PS4 owners, but technological progress cannot be stopped — Snezhnaya, with its scale and new mechanics, simply would not have been able to run on outdated hardware.
Snezhnaya is the last region of Teyvat
Snezhnaya is the seventh and final great nation of Teyvat. Located in the far north, it is inspired by Tsarist Russia and Slavic culture, from its architecture to character and location names.
The region is divided into five main zones:
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Valley of Fiery Feathers
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Volkodlak Tundra
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Frostpeak
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Permafrost
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Birch Necropolis
The region’s capital is Snezhnograd, home to the Queen’s residence, the Polar Palace. Cities here revolve around special devices—Kresnik Torches—that warm the area and make life possible in the harsh conditions. You can collect 271 Cryoculums in Snezhnaya—the most of any region in Teyvat.
How to get to Snezhnaya
Unlike some previous regions, access to Snezhnaya does not require a lengthy quest chain. Simply complete the Archon Quest prologue, “The Song of the Dragon and Freedom.” After this, the teleportation point at the region’s border will open automatically, and the entire region will become available for free exploration. There are no additional requirements.
New Transport – Snezhnaya Trains
One of the region’s most exciting features is its trains. This new mode of transport connects settlements and the capital. To summon a train, you need a special tool – the Eye of Graeae, which you will receive in the Snezhnaya prologue.
The route runs from Rankova Zorya Station to Snezhnograd Central Station. But the best part is that the Traveler gets a personal train car. Inside, there is an alchemy workbench, a shooting gallery, and a weapon crafting station. It is practically a mobile base – and it is truly convenient, especially if you plan to stay in the region for a long time.
New Characters – Odette and Alyosha
The first update banner introduced two new characters – both connected to Snezhnaya.
Odette is a 5-star Cryo character with a one-handed sword. According to lore, she is a prima ballerina of the Royal Troupe and a member of the Fatui. In combat, she is a support character: she deals damage off the battlefield and boosts reactions. If you enjoy playing with elemental synergies, Odette will be a great addition to your team.
Alyosha is a 4-star Electro character with a polearm. He is a hunter who fights alongside his loyal dog, Tugarin. Her function is also support: she heals allies and deals damage to Electro. Important: despite rumors that Alyosha could be a 5-star, he is actually a 4-star in the final version of the update. It is worth remembering this to avoid disappointment when trying to get him from a banner.
Both characters are available in the first 7.0 banner.
Third-Person Shooter in Shadow Realm
A third-person shooter mode has been added to Snezhnaya—not on the entire map, but in special zones called Shadow Realms. In these zones, the Traveler gains access to firearms:
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Cryo Sniper Rifle;
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an electric rifle with auto-aim;
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a grenade launcher.
Weapons can be crafted right in the workshop car of your train. This mechanic is unusual for Genshin Impact, but judging by initial reviews, it works quite organically and adds variety to the gameplay.
New Storyline – Archon Quest in Snezhnaya
Update 7.0 continues the main storyline. A new Archon Quest has been added to the game, consisting of two acts:
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Chapter VII, Act I: “Everwinter Without Mercy”
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Chapter VII, Act II: “Wraith’s Nocturne”
In addition to the main storyline, world quests related to the investigation of Snezhnaya’s history have been added to the region. If you follow the lore of Teyvat, this patch will be one of the most important for you – we will finally learn the truth about the Queen and Fatui.
What’s Next – Genshin Impact’s Future After Snezhnaya
Snezhnaya is the last of Teyvat’s great regions. That is a fact. But that does not mean Genshin Impact is coming to an end.
In the previous update, the developers already hinted at a spaceship and a journey to the Moon. Apparently, the HoYoverse team is preparing the next big step – and it could take us beyond Teyvat, to other planets. While this is just speculation for now, the game’s direction is already quite clear.
Important to remember: Patch 7.0 is out now – log in, complete the prologue, teleport to Snezhnaya, and explore the new region. Start by obtaining the Eye of Grai to use trains, and do not forget to check the banners – Odette and Alyosha are waiting. And yes, Alyosha is a 4★, do not believe the rumors.
