Genshin Impact will mark its sixth anniversary with Version 7.1: A Rekviem for the Underworld, which is set to launch on all platforms starting 23 September 2026. Alongside the next chapter of Snezhnaya’s story, the update will introduce two playable characters, bring the Moonchase Festival back to Liyue and offer players a choice of free 5-star characters.
For the first time, players who complete the latest Archon Quest will be able to select one event-exclusive 5-star character from a specified lineup during Version 7.1 – that line-up including Baizhu, Nilou, Varesa, Tartaglia, Chiori and Clorinde. The anniversary rewards will also include a free standard 5-star character selection, 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates and other rewards, which will be useful given this is a two 5-star character simultaneously update.
The new Archon Quest centres on Snezhnaya’s worsening conflict with the Heavenly Principles. Players will meet the Tsaritsa and learn the strategy behind her years of collecting the Gnoses, as the nation prepares its next move. Ronova, the Ruler of Death, has used her authority to obstruct Snezhnaya’s progress, while the arrival of Rhinedottir, the Ruler of Life, introduces another uncertainty. Players will fight alongside Snezhnaya against Ronova, who will also become a new Weekly Boss. Starting with this update, the Tsaritsa’s Confidential Secretary will also issue special assignments. These tasks will cover matters both large and small, offering further insight into how the Tsaritsa governs Snezhnaya.
The first phase of Version 7.1’s Event Wishes will introduce Vesna and Vodyanitsa, two new 5-star characters whose abilities enhance Stellar Swirl reactions. Skirk and Escoffier will return in the second phase.
Vesna is an Anemo Sword wielder and the youngest Commander in Druzhna history, known for her loyalty to the Tsaritsa. She can convert Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Swirl reactions, with a combat kit built around summoning Spirit Blades and accumulating Sword Essence. By spending Sword Essence through a special Elemental Skill, Vesna can command her Spirit Blades to attack. Strikes made near a Stellar Vortex count as Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst summons another wave of blades to deal area-of-effect Anemo damage and replenish Sword Essence. As a Vila, Vesna can also take flight during exploration. A special anecdote featuring her will let players unlock an alternative appearance for her sword spirit companion.
Vodyanitsa, meanwhile, is a Hydro Catalyst wielder, a Water Imp and the Prima Donna of Snezhnograd’s Korolevskiy Troupe. Her Elemental Skill transforms her into her Water Imp form, allowing her to sustain a song that continuously heals the active character, increases their ATK and reduces enemies’ Hydro and Cryo resistance. Her song also strengthens Stellar Vortices, reducing enemies’ Anemo resistance and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst deals area-of-effect Hydro damage. Vodyanitsa’s Water Imp form allows swift movement through water, and she can retain that form and move freely outside water during exploration. Players can obtain a new appearance for her microphone by completing a story featuring her.
Away from Snezhnaya’s conflict, the Moonchase Festival will return to Liyue after five years. Yilong Wharf will host the celebrations, which involve a mystery from the past that Zhongli and Zibai have yet to solve. Three new mini-games inspired by Liyue thaumaturges will offer rewards including a new 4-star Sword. Other events will take players to Snezhnaya for a seasonal snowball activity alongside local children, with unusual opponents to face. In Natlan, a tournament prediction event will ask players to forecast the final results for 16 teams across several days of matches. Both events will offer completion rewards.
Miliastra Wonderland will receive an autumn-themed lobby drawing on osmanthus blossoms, the moon and other traditional motifs. Players can unlock a free cosmetic set through the associated event, while a separate festival event will offer additional rewards, including an exclusive headpiece. The Miliastra Wonderland editor will also gain controls supporting client-side scripting and tools for collaborative editing.
