Genshin 7.0 Livestream: Snezhnaya, Odette, and New Gameplay Systems

The recent Genshin Impact version 7.0 broadcast finally revealed Snezhnaya, the icy realm fans have anticipated for years. Featuring the formidable Tsaritsa, the graceful Odette, and innovative mechanics combining classic exploration with third-person shooter elements, this patch is poised to be one of the most massive updates yet. Whether you are a veteran adventurer or coming back after a break, here is a complete breakdown of everything arriving in version 7.0.

For more breaking news and updates, check out GenshinBuilds as we examine every new announcement in detail.

At a Glance

• New Region: Snezhnaya, featuring two primary zones: The Village of Jack Frost and Snezhnograd.
• New Characters: Odette (5-star Cryo Sword) and Alyosha (4-star Electro Polearm, available free via the Archon Quest).
• New Elemental Reactions: The Stellar Glimmer mechanic (Stellar-Conduct, Stellar-Swirl).
• New Game Mode: Third-person shooter gameplay utilizing the Cryo Rifle, Electro Rifle, and Grenade Launcher.
• New Bosses: Immortal Construct and Chimeric Winged Lion.
• Free Weapon: Exaiphanes Blade (upgradable through Statues of the Seven).
• Banners Phase 1: Odette and Arlecchino (with Alyosha rate-up); Phase 2: Flins and Ineffa.
• Returning Player Boost: Immediate teleportation access to Snezhnaya upon finishing Prologue Act III.

Snezhnaya and Its New Ecosystem

The frozen territory of Snezhnaya brings a biting environment equipped with distinct survival systems. The Eye of Graeae tool collects Kresnik Energy to combat the freezing temperatures, enabling players to shape Prime Ice into utility builds like Snowball Launchers, Grappling Guns, and thermal stations. Travelers can even share Starlight Prisms—temperature-safe shelters—with friends during co-op sessions.

A brand-new Snezhnaya Adventure Journal will assist in monitoring exploration progress and claiming milestone rewards, following the design seen in Sumeru and Fontaine.

New Elemental Reactions: Stellar Glimmer

Upon synchronizing with a Snezhnaya Statue of the Seven, the Traveler adopts Cryo capabilities and unlocks the Stellar Glimmer reaction family:

• Stellar-Conduct: Cryo combined with Electro. It generates a Polestar Field that boosts Stellar-Conduct potency, increases Electro damage, and lowers enemy Physical RES.
• Stellar-Swirl: Anemo combined with Cryo. This triggers a delayed Cryo blast that stacks additional damage multipliers with successive activations.

These reactions serve as the foundation for upcoming artifact sets and numerous character builds in patch 7.0.

New Characters and Banners

Odette is a 5-star Cryo Sword specialist who converts standard Superconduct and Cryo Swirl effects into Stellar-Conduct and Stellar-Swirl, while simultaneously enhancing all Stellar Glimmer damage dealt by the squad. Her signature armament, Whitelake Frostfeather, launches alongside Phase 1.

Alyosha, a 4-star Electro Polearm combatant, battles side-by-side with his companion Tugarian to lay traps and restore party HP. His exploration passive highlights regional Snezhnayan specialties directly on the map. Alyosha is completely free throughout Archon Quest Chapter VII: Act I.

Banner Schedule

To explore Odette’s full kit and optimal team compositions, visit our GenshinBuilds Guide for Version 7.0 Banners.

New Weapons, Artifacts, and Quality of Life

Forgeable Weapons

Five craftable weapons debut alongside 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

Five additional arms join the Gnostic Hymn line:

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

Artifact Sets

• Scarlet Proof: Grants CRIT Rate and amplifies Stellar Swirl DMG
• Heart of the Furnace: Boosts ATK and increases party-wide Stellar Glimmer DMG

Traveler Customization

The Traveler receives a fresh cosmetic outfit titled Night Hunt in Snow, along with a summonable train equipped with useful facilities like a Crafting Bench and Commission collector—offering a major quality-of-life upgrade for daily routines.

Events and Rewards

Multiple limited-time events will roll out over the course of version 7.0:

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

Finishing the fresh Archon Quest and exploration milestones within the designated timeframe awards 560 Primogems alongside Odette’s ascension materials, plus an extra 400 Primogems for wrapping up all world quests.

Returning Player Improvements

Any player who has successfully finished Prologue Act III can instantly fast-travel to Snezhnaya to start the latest storyline missions: Chapter VII: Act I “Everwinter Without Mercy” and Act II “Wraith’s Nocturne”.

Changes to Existing Systems

• Genius Invokation TCG: Introduces three fresh character cards (Durin, Jahoda, Hydro Hypostasis) alongside a Snezhnaya-themed card back.
• Envisaged Echoes: Adds brand-new cosmetic effects for Xiao and Childe.
• Stygian Onslaught: Expands weapon appearances with flexible mix-and-match settings.
• To Temper Thyself And Journey Far: Incorporates roughly 34 new characters into the permanent roster pool.

The Tsaritsa and the Story Ahead

The Snezhnayan Archon, Tsaritsa Anastasya Feodorovna, is portrayed as stern and unyielding, driven by a fierce determination to save Snezhnaya from suffering the tragic fate of Khaenri’ah or Hyperborea. Her hidden motives, alongside the involvement of the eighth Harbinger Signora (who shares ties with Odette), will form core narrative hooks throughout the upcoming Archon Quests.

Furthermore, the patch introduces the Shadow Realm, a pitch-black domain managed by Druzhna that provides recurring training drills in exchange for lucrative prizes.

Third-Person Shooter Mode

In a surprising twist, developers have added a fully functional third-person shooter style mode complete with cover systems, sliding, and vaulting mechanics. Three distinct firearms are at your disposal:

• Cryo Rifle for high-precision shots
• Electro Rifle featuring built-in auto-targeting
• Grenade Launcher designed for area-of-effect elemental devastation

Traversing Snezhnaya will also uncover various firearm modifications and accessories. For travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience, custom Aim Assist toggles are available within the settings menu.

Conclusion

Genshin Impact version 7.0 represents a monumental milestone for the title, introducing the long-awaited Cryo region, a dynamic combat paradigm through Stellar Glimmer, and innovative gameplay additions like the shooter mechanics. With bountiful incentives for both newcomers and veterans, this period serves as the ideal opportunity to dive back into Teyvat. Stay tuned to GenshinBuilds as we continue covering every upcoming detail.