Genshin Impact 7.0 takes players to Snezhnaya, the seventh nation of Teyvat and a long-awaited destination as home of the Tsaritsa and the Fatui. HoYoverse packs a new Archon Quest, a third-person shooter mechanic and the new Cryo character Odette into this version.
Version 7.0 launched on August 12, 2026, skipping 6.8 and following 6.7 directly.
Quick Facts
- Release: August 12, 2026 (version 6.8 skipped)
- Developer: HoYoverse; free-to-play gacha
- Platforms: PC, PS5, iOS, Android
- Reception: Genshin Impact overall holds generally favorable reviews: praise for combat and open world, criticism of endgame and gacha
- Sales: The game reached $6.3 billion in total revenue by 2024
Story
The new Archon Quest dives into Snezhnaya and clarifies the relationships and tensions between factions there. Odette, a 5-star Cryo sword user, holds the title Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe, a sought-after dancer by day and a Fatui member by night.
Genshin's main story follows the Traveler and an investigation into an invasion orchestrated by their sibling to restore Khaenri'ah through the Loom of Fate; Snezhnaya is where many story threads converge.
Behind The Scenes
Genshin Impact is developed by HoYoverse and keeps releasing version-based updates, with 7.0 marking the first time Snezhnaya becomes a playable land. This version skips 6.8 and arrives right after 6.7.
By 2024 the game had reached $6.3 billion in total revenue, showing the scale of a gacha product running on PC, PS5 and mobile.
Experience
Exploring Snezhnaya by train
Players can board a train to cross the vast frozen land, a change from the on-foot and gliding traversal of earlier regions. The map has a cold, wintry tone consistent with the image of Snezhnaya built over many updates.
Third-person shooter mode
The Eye of Graeae device unlocks a TPS layer with three new firearms featuring elemental interactions and weapon attachments. Limited-time events include racing trains across ice and snow, target shooting, Domain challenges and helping Jack Frost reach its destination. It is the most experimental gameplay update for Genshin in some time.
Odette and the banners
Odette arrives in Phase 1 on her own banner alongside an Arlecchino rerun, both running August 12 to September 1, 2026. As with any gacha update, the value lies in the character but the cost is for players to weigh.
Strengths
- A large new region with train travel and a new Archon Quest
- The TPS mode adds combat variety
- Varied limited events, from train racing to target shooting
- Free to download across multiple platforms
Weaknesses
- Gacha remains a spending barrier for new characters
- Endgame content is a common criticism of Genshin
- Many continuing story threads can be hard for newcomers to follow
What Critics Say
Genshin Impact overall receives favorable reviews, praised for its combat system and open world while criticized for endgame content and its gacha model. By 2024 the game had reached $6.3 billion in total revenue.
For version 7.0, this is the first time players set foot in Snezhnaya after years of build-up, so the update's weight lies in answering long-standing mysteries and opening a new land.
Who Is It For
For players who have followed Genshin's story and waited for Snezhnaya, and those who like exploring beautiful open worlds. Newcomers should start with the early regions to grasp the plot. If you do not want to spend on gacha, play at a relaxed pace.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Genshin Impact 7.0 is a major, worthwhile update that opens Snezhnaya, adds a TPS mode and advances key story threads. Gacha and endgame remain the drawbacks. OtaHub scores it 9.1/10.
FAQ
When did Genshin 7.0 launch?
On August 12, 2026, skipping version 6.8.
What element is Odette?
Odette is a 5-star Cryo sword user.
Is there a new mode?
Yes, the Eye of Graeae third-person shooter layer with three firearms.