The Genshin Impact Version 7.1 Update will arrive on September 23, 2026, under the title “A Rekviem for the Underworld”. The next chapter pushes the Snezhnaya story forward and introduces two playable five-star characters, Vesna and Vodyanitsa.
The update also covers Genshin Impact’s sixth anniversary. Players will be able to select one limited five-star character after finishing the new Archon Quest, then claim another five-star through a separate login reward.
The Snezhnaya Story Reaches the Tsaritsa
Version 7.1 brings the Traveler face-to-face with the Tsaritsa and shares more about her plan to collect the Gnoses. The situation grows more dangerous when Ronova, the Ruler of Death, enters the conflict. Rhinedottir also appears as the Ruler of Life, which sets up a major clash between forces tied to life and death.
Once the central battle is over, Ronova will remain available as a new Weekly Boss. Completing the Archon Quest will provide 620 Primogems. Players can also accept confidential assignments from the Tsaritsa’s secretary and learn more about daily life under her rule.
The official Version 7.1 trailer offers the clearest preview of these story developments, along with both new characters and the update’s Snezhnayan setting.
Vesna and Vodyanitsa Join Version 7.1
Vesna is a five-star Anemo Sword user who commands the Tsaritsa’s Druzhna. As a Vila with an Anemo Stellar Linchpin, she can turn Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl. Her abilities command Spirit Blades, deal Anemo damage, and restore the Sword Essence needed to maintain her attacks. She can also fly during exploration, which adds another movement option around Teyvat.
Vodyanitsa is a five-star Hydro Catalyst user and the Prima Donna of Snezhnograd’s Korolevskiy Troupe. Her Elemental Skill changes her into Water Imp form and begins a song that heals the active character. The song increases ATK and lowers enemy Hydro and Cryo resistance. It can also strengthen Stellar Vortices, reduce Anemo resistance, and raise Stellar Swirl damage.
Both characters will appear during the first phase of Event Wishes. Skirk and Escoffier will return in the second phase. Their new signature weapons are the Hymn of the Maelstrom (Catalyst) and Beyond the Chrysalis (Sword).
Version 7.1 “A Rekviem for the Underworld” New Weapon Overview
#StoriesofFrostSnow #GenshinSnezhnaya #GenshinImpactHello, Traveler! After the Version 7.1 update on September 23, the new 5-star weapons “Beyond the Chrysalis (Sword)” and “Hymn of the Maelstrom (Catalyst),” as well as the event-exclusive 4-star weapons “New Bough (Sword),” “Winter’s Heavy Heart (Catalyst),” and “Breezeborne Refrain (Bow)” will receive a huge drop rate boost in Event Wishes!
You can also take part in the event “Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon” to obtain the event-exclusive weapon “Silver Light (Sword)” and its Refinement Materials~
— Genshin Impact (@GenshinImpact) September 16, 2026
Genshin Impact Version 7.1 Offers Two Free Five-Star Picks
The sixth-anniversary giveaway contains two separate character selections. Both will remain available from the update launch until November 3, based on server time.
| Reward | Requirement | Available characters |
| Limited five-star invitation | Complete the Version 7.1 Archon Quest | Tartaglia, Nilou, Baizhu, Chiori, Clorinde, or Varesa |
| Five-star login selection | Log in after the update | Jean, Diluc, Qiqi, Mona, Tighnari, Keqing, Dehya, or Yumemizuki Mizuki |
Each selected character comes with enough ascension materials to reach Level 60. The two rewards are independent, so claiming one will have no effect on the other selection or the player’s Wish pity.
The anniversary rewards also include 1,600 Primogems through in-game mail and 10 Intertwined Fates through a limited-time check-in. An initial top-up bonus reset and free Miliastra Wonderland headwear complete the currently announced benefits.
Moonchase Returns Alongside More Events
The Moonchase Festival returns to Liyue and transforms Yilong Wharf for Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon. Its story involves Zhongli and Zibai, while three minigames take inspiration from Liyue’s thaumaturges. Event rewards include Primogems and a new four-star Sword.
Snezhnaya will host Carefree Snowball Fight, a co-op activity where players team up with local children against unusual enemies. Natlan will receive Predictive Victory Dynamics, which asks players to follow a competition between 16 teams and predict the results.
Miliastra Wonderland also gets an autumn-themed lobby, free cosmetics, and the Starlit Gala event. Its editor will support client-side scripting and collaborative editing, so creators will have more control when they build and test experiences together. Stygian Onslaught and Overflowing Favor will round out the update’s activity schedule.
What to Expect From Genshin Impact Version 7.1
The Genshin Impact Version 7.1 Update continues an important part of the Snezhnaya story and gives players several ways to expand their teams. Anyone interested in the limited five-star invitation should be ready to complete the new Archon Quest before the reward period ends. More event schedules and banner details will appear through in-game notices as the launch approaches.
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