Genshin Impact Version 7.0 "Everwinter Without Mercy" Officially Revealed. New Archon Quests, Free 5-Star Sword, Banners and Major Snezhnaya Details Confirmed

The Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Special Program has officially concluded, giving players their first complete look at Snezhnaya and confirming many of the rumors that circulated before the livestream. Titled "Everwinter Without Mercy", Version 7.0 introduces a massive amount of new content, including story expansions, new characters, exploration features, free rewards and quality of life improvements that will shape the beginning of the Snezhnaya chapter.

One of the biggest confirmations from the broadcast is that Danica is officially a 5-Star Electro character. While her gameplay has not yet been fully revealed, her rarity and element immediately place her among the region's most anticipated future releases.

Two New Archon Quests Begin the Snezhnaya Story

HoYoverse confirmed that Version 7.0 launches with two new Archon Quest acts.

• Act I: Everwinter Without Mercy

• Act II: Wraith's Nocturne

These quests will begin the Traveler's journey through Snezhnaya and are expected to introduce several major factions, political conflicts and long awaited lore surrounding the Fatui and the Cryo Archon.

Another major quality of life improvement allows Travelers who have completed Archon Quest Prologue Act III to travel directly to Snezhnaya, making the new region immediately accessible without requiring completion of every previous nation.

Free 5-Star Sword for the Traveler

One of the biggest surprises during the livestream was the confirmation that players will receive a free 5-Star Sword for the Traveler after interacting with the Statue of The Tsaritsa in Snezhnaya. This marks one of the most valuable permanent exploration rewards ever introduced in Genshin Impact.

Official Version 7.0 Banners

HoYoverse also confirmed the complete banner schedule for Version 7.0.

First Half

• Odette

• Arlecchino

• Alyosha

Second Half

• Flins

• Ineffa

The lineup combines brand new Snezhnaya characters with returning favorites, giving players multiple opportunities to prepare their Primogems for the region's launch.

Free Characters and New Weapon Skins

Version 7.0 will include two free 4-Star characters.

• Diona

• Alyosha

Players will also gain access to several new cosmetic additions, including a Sword Weapon Skin and the newly introduced Stygian Weapon Skins, expanding weapon customization options for the first time in Snezhnaya.

Electro Characters Confirmed for Snezhnaya

The Special Program officially confirmed three Electro characters from Snezhnaya.

• Mitya

• Danica

• Valeriy

This announcement provides players with a better understanding of the region's elemental roster as HoYoverse gradually introduces its upcoming playable cast.

New Events and Exploration Features

Several gameplay additions were showcased throughout the livestream.

Players will be able to leave messages inside the game world for other Travelers to discover during exploration, creating a new social feature for the community.

Another welcome addition allows players to interact with the Crafting Bench inside the train to speak with Katheryne, providing easier access to important services while traveling through Snezhnaya.

The update also introduces the Snezhnaya Adventure Journal, a new progression system expected to guide exploration and reward players as they uncover the frozen nation.

More Characters Receive Free Constellations

HoYoverse announced another expansion to the Free Constellation system. The following characters will now become eligible.

• Lyney

• Wriothesley

• Navia

• Xianyun

• Chiori

• Sigewinne

• Clorinde

• Emilie

• Mizuki

This addition significantly expands the list of characters that can receive permanent progression through gameplay.

New World Bosses and Story Revelations

Version 7.0 will introduce new World Bosses, although HoYoverse has not yet revealed every encounter featured in the region.

• The livestream also delivered one of the most discussed story reveals of the presentation by stating that the Khaenri'ahns are descendants of The Tsaritsa. This revelation has already sparked widespread discussion throughout the community due to its potential impact on the game's overarching narrative and future Archon Quests.

First Official 3D Models Revealed

Finally, players received their first official in game look at the 3D models for Ronova, The Tsaritsa and Pierro.

• Among them, Ronova, known as The Ruler of Death, appears with a new character model while preserving her recognizable black and red visual aesthetic. Although she retains the young female body type, the updated design reflects her imposing role within Genshin Impact's expanding mythology.

With Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy, HoYoverse has officially opened the gates to Snezhnaya through one of the largest Special Programs in the game's history. Between new Archon Quests, free rewards, expanded exploration systems, highly anticipated characters and major lore revelations, the next chapter of Genshin Impact is preparing to deliver one of its most ambitious updates yet.