Genshin Impact Version 7.1 Release Date and New Characters

HoYoverse will release Genshin Impact Version 7.1, titled “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” on September 23. The update advances the conflict in Snezhnaya, introduces Vesna and Vodyanitsa as playable characters, and turns Ronova, the Ruler of Death, into a new Weekly Boss. It will also mark the sixth anniversary of Genshin Impact with free character selections and additional rewards, according to the official announcement.

The new chapter places players directly inside Snezhnaya’s worsening political and supernatural crisis. Alongside its Archon Quest, Version 7.1 will bring new events across several regions, a return to the Moonchase Festival in Liyue, and further creation tools for Miliastra Wonderland.

Snezhnaya prepares for a battle against Ronova

The Version 7.1 Archon Quest will bring the Traveler face to face with the Tsaritsa and reveal more about her prolonged effort to collect the Gnoses. HoYoverse says the nation is developing a plan to oppose the Heavenly Principles while Ronova uses her authority to obstruct Snezhnaya’s progress.

Rhinedottir, known as the Ruler of Life, will also enter the unfolding conflict. The Traveler will eventually join Snezhnaya on the front lines for a confrontation with Ronova, who will become a repeatable Weekly Boss after appearing in the story.

Completing the new Archon Quest will award 620 Primogems. Version 7.1 will also introduce assignments issued by the Tsaritsa’s Confidential Secretary, giving players additional tasks that provide more insight into how the Cryo Archon governs Snezhnaya.

These additions move the regional storyline closer to the central struggle surrounding the Gnoses and the Heavenly Principles. HoYoverse has confirmed the principal participants, but it has not disclosed the full outcome of the confrontation.

Vesna and Vodyanitsa expand Stellar Swirl teams

Vesna joins the roster as a five star Anemo character who uses a Sword. Her combat abilities focus on Stellar Swirl reactions and a resource called Sword Essence.

She can convert Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Swirl damage and summon Spirit Blades through her Elemental Skill. After building Sword Essence, Vesna can spend it to direct those blades against enemies. Her Elemental Burst summons another group of Spirit Blades, deals Anemo damage across an area, and restores Sword Essence.

Vesna also brings a traversal ability to exploration. As a Vila, she can take flight while travelling through the open world. A dedicated character anecdote will offer an appearance item for her sword spirit companion.

Vodyanitsa is a five star Hydro Catalyst character and a performer from the Korolevskiy Troupe in Snezhnograd. Her Elemental Skill allows her to assume a Water Imp form and maintain a song that heals the active character, reduces enemy resistance to Hydro and Cryo, and increases the active character’s attack.

Her song also strengthens Stellar Vortices by reducing enemy Anemo resistance and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst deals Hydro damage across an area. During exploration, her Water Imp form can move through water and continue travelling on land.

Vesna and Vodyanitsa will appear in the first phase of Version 7.1 Event Wishes. Skirk and Escoffier are scheduled to return during the second phase.

Moonchase Festival returns to Liyue

The Moonchase Festival will return after five years, bringing players back to a transformed Yilong Wharf. Beneath the celebrations, the event story will explore a mystery involving Zhongli and Zibai.

Three new activities inspired by Liyue thaumaturgy will be available during the festival. Confirmed rewards include a new four star Sword, although complete reward requirements have not yet been detailed.

Snezhnaya will host a separate seasonal snowball event where players assist local children and face unusual opponents. Natlan will receive a tournament prediction activity involving 16 competing teams, with participants invited to predict the final results across several days of matches.

Miliastra Wonderland receives expanded creation tools

Miliastra Wonderland will introduce an autumn themed lobby drawing on traditional imagery associated with the moon and osmanthus blossoms. Players will be able to earn a cosmetic set through the related event, while another festival activity will offer an exclusive headpiece.

The creation editor is also gaining client side scripting support and additional collaborative editing tools. These changes should provide creators with more control over custom experiences while making it easier for several players to work on the same project.

Sixth anniversary rewards include two character selections

Version 7.1 will celebrate the sixth anniversary of Genshin Impact with one of the update’s most significant reward packages.

Players who complete the latest Archon Quest will be allowed to select one event exclusive five star character from a designated lineup during Version 7.1. HoYoverse has not identified every eligible character in the supplied announcement.

Players will also be able to select one standard five star character at no cost. Additional anniversary rewards include 1,600 Primogems, ten Intertwined Fates, and other items.

The requirement attached to the event character selection is important. Players must complete the latest Archon Quest to claim that choice, while further eligibility conditions should be checked through the official event notices once Version 7.1 is available.

Genshin Impact Version 7.1 launches September 23 across PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS. Cross-progression and cooperative play will continue to be supported across the announced platforms. Players can review the official Version 7.1 trailer before the update arrives.