Genshin Impact Version 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” is almost here, and HoYoverse has revealed a detailed preview of the Phase I events and rewards arriving with the Snezhnaya update. The new version officially begins on August 12, 2026, bringing a major expansion to the game's world alongside new characters, quests, exploration content and limited-time activities. The latest preview confirms that players will have several opportunities to earn Primogems, upgrade materials and exclusive rewards during the opening weeks of Version 7.0.
One of the biggest additions is the new 5-star character Stella Fortuna system, which will be available from August 10 through November 2 as part of the Version 7.0 content cycle. The system gives players another long-term progression feature to explore while the game begins its journey through Snezhnaya. With the new region becoming the central focus of the update, HoYoverse is clearly using Version 7.0 to establish a substantial new gameplay and progression cycle for Travelers.
The first major Character Event Wishes will run from August 12 through September 1, giving players access to two featured 5-star characters. The first banner features Odette, accompanied by her featured weapon, while the second features Arlecchino with her corresponding weapon banner. These Wishes will be among the biggest attractions of the opening phase, particularly for players who have been saving Primogems for Snezhnaya characters. The simultaneous availability of two highly anticipated characters also gives the community an important choice when deciding how to spend limited resources.
Version 7.0 will also introduce a major new Archon Quest that becomes permanently available after the update. The story continues with “Everwinter Without Mercy,” officially beginning the Traveler's journey through the frozen nation of Snezhnaya. Players who progress through the new questline can unlock additional story content while also receiving valuable rewards. The update's promotional material confirms limited-time Archon Quest rewards of 560 Primogems, available from August 12 through September 22, giving players an additional incentive to complete the new story soon after launch.
Exploration will be another major component of the update. The “The Godforsaken Frostlands” Regional Exploration campaign begins on August 12 and runs until November 3, providing players with a substantial window to explore the newly accessible Snezhnaya environment. The event includes 400 Primogems in limited-time rewards, adding another significant source of currency for players preparing for upcoming character banners. The extended duration also suggests that HoYoverse expects Travelers to gradually explore the region rather than complete all of its content immediately.
The first major limited-time event is “Mutual Aid in Bloom: Into the Frostlands,” scheduled from August 12 through August 24. The event will provide Primogems and multiple progression materials, giving players useful rewards while introducing them to activities connected to the new Snezhnaya setting. As one of the first events available after the Version 7.0 launch, it is likely to become an important part of the opening-week routine for players looking to maximize their resources.
More activities will follow later in August. Stygian Onslaught is scheduled for August 19 through August 29, bringing another combat-focused challenge with additional rewards. Meanwhile, Great Expedition Challenge begins on August 28 and continues until September 14. Its reward lineup includes Primogems, character materials and other valuable items, ensuring that the Version 7.0 event schedule remains active well beyond the initial launch period.
The Imaginarium Theater will also receive its regular rotation during the Version 7.0 period. The preview shows the activity beginning on August 1, with another important reset arriving on September 1. Players looking to maximize their monthly Primogem income will therefore have another reason to return to the endgame challenge alongside the new Snezhnaya content.
Overall, the Version 7.0 Phase I events preview confirms that “Everwinter Without Mercy” will be one of the most content-heavy updates of the current Genshin Impact cycle. Between the Snezhnaya Archon Quest, regional exploration, Odette and Arlecchino Wishes, Stella Fortuna and multiple limited-time events, Travelers will have plenty to complete immediately after launch. With August 12 marking the official beginning of the Snezhnaya journey, players should prepare their Primogems, Resin and exploration teams before the frozen nation officially opens its doors.
