Genshin Impact’s next update will push players further into Snezhnaya, and this time the rest of Teyvat is coming along. HoYoverse has confirmed that Version 7.2, titled “Hour of Ruin”, arrives on 4 November 2026, adding a new region in the east of the nation, two new playable characters and an Archon Quest that brings representatives of all seven nations together.
The new map expansion area centres on Novokitezhgrad, a city reached by railway that serves as Snezhnaya’s main producer of Kresnik Kristall. The city is built entirely underground and encased in the crystal, a very different setting from the snowfields above. Further east lies Wingspan Peak, a formation shaped like a gigantic wing, which is home to Old Kitezhgrad, the first city of Snezhnaya, founded by the Belyi Tsar.
Exploration is tied to the Holy Soil phenomenon unleashed by Ronova, which has contaminated Kresnik Kristall deposits in the region. Players will use new Prime Ice Constructs and two elemental shotguns to deal with the hazards while uncovering more of Snezhnaya’s history. A colossal creature from the ocean depths is also waiting in Novokitezhgrad for anyone willing to take it on.
The wider story is set against the Nails of Retribution, whose energy fluctuations are growing more violent. Pillars of light have begun appearing across Teyvat, marking the start of the Holy Soil phenomenon and throwing every nation into crisis. In response, the Tsaritsa calls a gathering in Snezhnaya, summoning representatives from all seven nations to coordinate containment efforts. Players will work alongside the Archons, Neuvillette and other allies in the new Archon Quest.
Finishing the Archon Quest within the designated period rewards 560 Primogems along with Character Ascension Materials for Mitya. The latest Secret Tsarist Assignments offer further rewards, including a Snezhnaya-themed Wind Glider. Two new Meeting Point quests also run through the update: one follows Danica on a clandestine cleanup job for the Tsaritsa in Novokitezhgrad, while the other follows Mitya as he investigates the soil near Teplo Oasis, with the two paths eventually crossing.
Mitya, a scientist known for his optimism and his willingness to defy the Heavenly Principles, joins the roster as a 5-star Electro Catalyst user. With him in the party, the team’s Superconduct reactions become Stellar-Conduct reactions, and the whole party’s Stellar-Conduct DMG is increased while Mitya builds up a special energy. Pressing his Elemental Skill releases that energy to deal periodic Stellar-Conduct DMG to nearby enemies, scaling with how much has been stored. Holding the Skill instead spends the energy on a rapid flurry of enhanced Charged Attacks, allowing him to move between off-field and on-field roles. His Elemental Burst deals AoE Electro DMG and generates more of the special energy to keep his rotation going in longer fights. Outside of combat, his detection device can reveal hidden paths in certain parts of Snezhnaya and lead to a reward that changes his appearance.
Valeriy, a disciplined Major of the Armory Palace, is the update’s new 4-star character. He wields a Sword, uses the Electro element and provides shields while boosting Electro DMG, with a particular focus on Stellar-Conduct teams. Both characters debut in the first phase of Event Wishes, alongside a rerun for Furina. The second phase brings back Zibai and Linnea, along with a new Chronicled Wish featuring certain Natlan characters.
The main limited-time event of Version 7.2 unlocks through progress in the Archon Quest, though players can also use the Quick Start feature to jump in directly. It sees allies from Mondstadt through to Snezhnaya working together against the Holy Soil phenomenon, with tasks including rescuing wounded soldiers, relaying critical intel and carrying out urgent assignments. Rewards include Primogems, enhancement materials and the option to invite a 4-star character of the player’s choice to their party. The area remains open to explore after the event ends, showing the aftermath. A filming event in Snezhnaya and a mining challenge in Natlan are also part of the update.
Miliastra Wonderland is receiving its own additions, with a new masquerade-themed lobby, a free 4-star cosmetic set, and more components, assets and features for stage editing.
