HoYoverse has officially concluded the Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Special Program, giving players their first complete look at "Everwinter Without Mercy," the long awaited update that finally opens the gates to Snezhnaya. The livestream delivered an enormous amount of content, including new characters, event wishes, new events, Stellar Reactions, new artifacts, new weapons, Traveler outfits, world bosses and three free redemption codes worth 300 Primogems alongside valuable upgrade materials.
The first major reveal focused on the arrival of Snezhnaya, introducing players to the Godforsaken Frostlands, the first explorable area of the Cryo Nation. The update begins with the brand new Archon Quest, Everwinter Without Mercy, where Travelers finally step into one of the most mysterious regions in Teyvat. Alongside the main story, players will discover frozen landscapes, hidden settlements and new challenges tied to the nation's harsh environment.
Version 7.0 also introduces two new playable 5-Star characters. Odette, a Cryo Sword user, debuts as the flagship character of the update while Alyosha, an Electro Polearm wielder, joins the roster with his own unique combat style. During Phase 1, players can obtain Odette alongside a rerun of Arlecchino, while Phase 2 features reruns for Flins and Ineffa. HoYoverse also confirmed that Alyosha will appear as a 4-Star character during the first phase before receiving significant upgrades in future versions.
One of the biggest gameplay additions is the introduction of Stellar Reactions, an entirely new combat mechanic arriving with Snezhnaya. These reactions expand elemental combat with fresh interactions that are expected to reshape team building and future character design. Combined with new enemies and mechanics exclusive to the frozen nation, Version 7.0 marks one of the largest combat overhauls since the release of Dendro.
Players can also look forward to an extensive lineup of limited time events. The update includes the Great Expeditionist Challenge, Mutual Aid in Bloom. Into the Frostlands, Trial of the Bastion and Overflowing Abundance. Completing these activities rewards players with Primogems, upgrade materials and event exclusive items, while one event also grants the new Cryo companion, Katalein Cockatiel Doll, as a free reward.
The Traveler is receiving another major cosmetic upgrade with the introduction of the new outfit Night Hunt in Snow, available for both Aether and Lumine. The outfit embraces Snezhnaya's winter aesthetic and becomes one of the most requested cosmetic additions following the Special Program. Alongside the outfit, HoYoverse showcased a brand new shooter style gameplay mode, adding another layer of variety to the activities available during the update.
Equipment options are expanding significantly in Version 7.0. Odette's signature 5-Star Sword, Whitelake Frostfeather, headlines the new weapon banner, while players will also gain access to five new forgeable 4-Star weapons, allowing every weapon class to receive a craftable option themed around Snezhnaya. In addition, the Battle Pass is being refreshed with five completely new exclusive weapons, providing fresh choices for players investing in long term progression.
Artifact farming is also receiving a major update with the addition of two brand new artifact sets. Scarlet Proof is designed primarily for support characters, offering powerful team focused bonuses, while Heart of the Furnace targets main DPS characters, providing offensive bonuses capable of enhancing damage focused builds. These new sets are expected to become important options as players experiment with the mechanics introduced in Version 7.0.
Exploration will feature several dangerous new enemies, including the world bosses Immortal Construct and Chimeric Winged Lion, both of which will drop ascension materials for upcoming characters. Together with new domains, expanded regions and Snezhnaya's environmental hazards, these encounters promise fresh endgame challenges for experienced Travelers.
Finally, HoYoverse shared three Special Program redemption codes that reward a total of 300 Primogems along with additional resources.
Everwinter. 100 Primogems and 10 Mystic Enhancement Ore
OntoSnezhnaya. 100 Primogems and 5 Hero's Wit
Odette0812. 100 Primogems and 50,000 Mora
These codes remain valid until August 3, 2026 at 12:00 UTC+8, giving players only a limited time to claim the rewards before they expire.
With Snezhnaya, Odette, Alyosha, Stellar Reactions, new weapons, artifact sets, Traveler outfits, major events and the first chapter of a long awaited story arc, Genshin Impact Version 7.0 is shaping up to be one of the game's most ambitious updates ever. As Travelers prepare to enter the frozen homeland of the Tsaritsa, the next era of Teyvat is officially about to begin.
Redeem them in-game or via the official website.
https://genshin.hoyoverse.com/en/gift
