Genshin Impact 7.1 Adds Vesna, Vodyanitsa and Snezhnaya Story

Genshin Impact continues its Snezhnaya storyline on September 23 with Version 7.1: A Rekviem for the Underworld. The update moves the conflict surrounding the Heavenly Principles into a new stage while adding two playable 5-star characters, another Weekly Boss, returning seasonal content and sixth anniversary rewards.

The update continues the systems introduced during the Snezhnaya cycle, including Stellar Swirl and Stellar Vortex mechanics. Both new characters interact directly with those reactions, giving Version 7.1 a strong connection between its playable roster and the combat systems introduced with the region.

The Version 7.1 Archon Quest pushes the Snezhnaya crisis further. The Traveler will finally meet the Tsaritsa and learn more about the strategy behind her long-running effort to gather the Gnoses.

That plan is being disrupted by Ronova, the Ruler of Death. Her authority has placed major pressure on Snezhnaya, moving the nation toward an open confrontation. Rhinedottir, the Ruler of Life, also enters the unfolding situation and adds another major power to the conflict.

The Traveler will head to the front lines and fight alongside Snezhnaya during the confrontation with Ronova. The Ruler of Death is not limited to a story appearance because she also becomes a new Weekly Boss that can be challenged after progressing through the new content.

Completing the new Archon Quest grants 620 Primogems. Version 7.1 also adds special assignments from the Tsaritsa's Confidential Secretary, giving players smaller tasks around Snezhnaya and additional insight into how the nation is governed.

Vesna is a new 5-star Anemo Sword character and the youngest Commander in Druzhna history. Her combat mechanics revolve around Spirit Blades, Sword Essence and Stellar Swirl reactions.

Vesna can convert Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Swirl reactions. Her Elemental Skill and other actions summon Spirit Blades while building Sword Essence. She can then spend that resource through a special Elemental Skill that orders the Spirit Blades to attack.

When those blades strike near a Stellar Vortex, their attacks are treated as Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst calls another group of Spirit Blades to deal AoE Anemo damage and restore Sword Essence, letting the resource cycle continue.

Vesna also has a separate exploration advantage. Her Vila nature lets her take flight in the open world. A special anecdote centered on Vesna provides a cosmetic appearance for her sword spirit companion.

Vodyanitsa is the second new 5-star character. She is a Hydro Catalyst wielder, a Water Imp and the Prima Donna of the Korolevskiy Troupe in Snezhnograd.

Her Elemental Skill allows her to transform into Water Imp form and sustain a song. While the song is active, she continuously heals the active character, lowers enemy Hydro and Cryo RES and increases the active character's ATK.

The song also interacts with Stellar Vortices by lowering enemy Anemo RES and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst deals AoE Hydro damage across the battlefield.

Her Water Imp form is also usable during exploration. Vodyanitsa can move rapidly through water and remain in the form even outside the water. Her associated story content provides a unique cosmetic appearance for her microphone.

The first Event Wish phase of Version 7.1 features both new 5-star characters at launch. Vesna and Vodyanitsa therefore debut together rather than being divided between the two halves of the version.

Skirk and Escoffier return during Phase II. This gives the version two new Snezhnayan characters in its opening phase followed by two returning 5-star characters later in the update.

Version 7.1 also moves away from Snezhnaya for part of its event schedule by bringing back the Moonchase Festival. The celebration returns to Liyue after five years, with Yilong Wharf transformed for the event.

The festival story contains a mystery connected to the area's past that even Zhongli and Zibai have not resolved. The event includes three themed mini-games and a new 4-star Sword among its rewards.

Additional activities spread across other regions. Snezhnaya receives a seasonal snowball event, while Natlan hosts an activity in which players predict results across a 16-team tournament.

Miliastra Wonderland also receives an autumn-themed lobby and additional creation features, including improvements to scripting and collaborative editing tools.

The September update also contains the game's sixth anniversary celebration. The Version 7.1 benefits include Primogems, Intertwined Fates and free 5-star character selection opportunities.

One selection route covers the standard 5-star roster, while another designated 5-star invitation is connected to completing the new Version 7.1 Archon Quest. The anniversary package also includes 1,600 Primogems and 10 Intertwined Fates among the announced rewards.

That places the anniversary directly alongside the main Version 7.1 progression. Players can continue the Snezhnaya story, unlock the Archon Quest completion rewards, enter the new character wish cycle and take part in the returning Moonchase celebration during the same version period.

Note: Version 7.1 launches September 23, 2026. Vesna and Vodyanitsa are featured in Phase I, while Skirk and Escoffier return in Phase II.