Vortex Gaming

· Genshin Impact version 7.0 is set to be the largest update in years, finally unveiling the Snezhnaya region.
· New characters, a free 5-star weapon, a new reaction system, cold survival elements, a railway system, and Genshin's first-ever third-person shooter mode will be added.
· Version 7.0 is scheduled for release on August 12, 2026, confirmed through official announcements. (Note: Version 6.8 does not exist; version 7.0 follows directly after 6.7.)

· Odette: A 5-star Cryo Sword character, she is the only new limited 5-star character in this version. She is the prima ballerina of the Snezhnayan Ballet, serving as a sub-DPS who triggers the Star reaction. Upon using her Elemental Skill, she deals Cryo DMG and summons a dancing clone. Using it again triggers the Star reaction, a powerful skill. With a duration of 20 seconds and a cooldown of 15 seconds, it can be maintained constantly.
· Caution: She may overlap roles with 'Sandroine' from version 6.7, so consider carefully if you're low on Primogems.
· Signature Weapon: Sword 'Swan of the Silver Lake'
· Alyosha: A 4-star Electro Polearm character, obtainable for free during the Archon Quests. She is a sub-support with healing capabilities, functioning like Fischl by attacking off-field while providing ATK buffs and healing simultaneously. She's an ideal partner for the new Cryo Star reaction, allowing all players to form half of a Star reaction team from the start. It's recommended to build her focusing on Energy Recharge.

· Cryo Element Traveler: After traversing seven regions, they finally awaken with the Cryo element. They are unlocked for free upon reaching the Seven Statues of the Seven during the Archon Quests. They act as a support, converting elemental reactions into Star reactions. It's said that shields are also unlocked upon Constellation unlocks.
· Free 5-Star Weapon: A free 5-star Sword and 4-star Catalyst, and 4-star Polearm will be provided during the story.
· Gacha Lineup: Odette is expected to be the focus in the first half. 'Arlecchino' and 'Lyney' are mentioned for reruns, but the final lineup is not confirmed.
· Queen (Furina) Appearance Timing: She will not appear as a playable character in version 7.0, though she will be in the story. Her gacha is expected in version 7.2 or 7.3.

· New Map: At launch, there will be 2 explorable areas. An icy region with Cryo element monsters and an autumn forest with monsters like treants. Additionally, a path to the Snezhnayan Palace, where the Tsaritsa resides, will be added. This is the base of operations for the Fatui and the final nation, with highly advanced technology.
· Star Reaction System: This is the new system defining the Snezhnaya region. It's an enhanced elemental reaction centered around the Cryo element, similar to unique systems like 'Dendro Cores'.
- Star Freeze (Cryo + Electro): Creates a persistent field on the ground. Characters capable of dealing Star Freeze damage within this field maintain their abilities, and other Cryo/Electro characters gain a 38% increase in elemental damage. This is a team-wide buff.
- Star Spread (Cryo + Anemo): Can be triggered by Odette and is expected to become more important after version 7.1.

· Cold Survival Elements: Similar to Dragonspine, players will take continuous damage without a heat source.
· Railway System: A railway system will be added as a central means of transportation. There are also rumors of plays being shown inside the trains.
· Collectibles: 271 Cryoculus, the highest number ever, allowing for significant Primogem acquisition.
· New Enemies and Bosses: New enemies, including the 'Vokodlak Fey' seen in the teaser, and new bosses will appear.
· Third-Person Shooter Mode: An unexpected mode where the Traveler uses actual firearms, with rifles and grenade launchers confirmed. Each weapon can deal different elemental damage, though details are still unclear. Adding a shooter mode to Genshin is a major change.

· Story: Childe's younger sister, 'Tonya', will appear, allowing players to see his hometown and family. Leaks also include Childe's new dash animation, new BGM, recipes, and new poses for the Fantasyland Theater.
· Free Rewards: Two free characters, a free 5-star weapon, a free Traveler outfit upon Archon Quest completion, an event weapon skin, a new cake item, and a free 'Diona' distribution are mentioned.
· Adjustments: The Artifact inventory limit will be expanded from 2400 to 2700, and item inventory limits are also expected to increase. New forged weapons, event weapons, namecards, and illustrations will be added.

· Free Primogem Count: Throughout version 7.0, F2P players can obtain approximately 94 pulls, with Welkin Moon it's about 117 pulls, and with Welkin Moon + Battle Pass it's about 126 pulls. A significant portion of these are concentrated in the first half, allowing F2P players to secure about 75 pulls' worth by the first half. (This is based on beta testing and may change.)
· Pulling Strategy: Since Alyosha and the Cryo Traveler enable Star reaction teams, you can largely conserve your Primogems. Odette is only recommended if you missed Sandroine or specifically need 'Star Spread'. Otherwise, it's better to wait for other characters.

· Version 7.0 is a massive update set in Snezhnaya, the final nation, featuring a free Cryo Traveler, a free 5-star weapon, a new reaction system, cold survival, railways, and the unexpected shooter mode.
· With the release expected on August 12th, we're asking viewers for their comments on what they're most excited about in Snezhnaya (the Tsaritsa, new reactions, shooter mode, etc.).