Genshin Impact's next update has a date and a suitably ominous name. Version 7.2, Hour of Ruin, goes live on November 4 across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android. It is the second big step for the Snezhnaya chapter that began with Version 7.0 in August. The update brings a new Archon Quest that pulls every nation of Teyvat into the same crisis, a new underground region in the east of the Tsaritsa's homeland, and two new Electro characters built around the Stellar-Conduct reaction.
Seven nations, one emergency
The story picks up as the Nails of Retribution, the celestial spikes that have hung over Teyvat's lore since launch, start to destabilise. Pillars of light appear across the world and set off what the game calls the Holy Soil phenomenon, which pushes each nation into its own emergency. The Tsaritsa answers by calling an unprecedented summit in Snezhnaya, and representatives of all seven nations come to it to try to contain the spread.
That means a rare ensemble Archon Quest. Players fight alongside the Archons, Neuvillette and allies from across the map, instead of following a single nation's arc. Finishing the quest within the event window pays out 560 Primogems plus Ascension materials for Mitya. A new batch of Secret Tsarist Assignments adds further rewards, including a Snezhnaya-themed wind glider.
Novokitezhgrad and Wingspan Peak
The new map area sits in eastern Snezhnaya and is reached by rail. Its centrepiece is Novokitezhgrad, a city built entirely underground and sheathed in Kresnik Kristall, the crystal it mines and supplies to the rest of the nation. The subterranean setting is a deliberate contrast to the blizzards on the surface.
Above ground, the route east climbs to Wingspan Peak, a mountain shaped like an enormous outstretched wing. Its slopes hide Old Kitezhgrad, which miHoYo describes as Snezhnaya's first city, founded by the Belyi Tsar. For long-time lore followers, that makes it one of the more significant historical sites the game has opened in a while.
Exploration has a mechanical twist this time. The Holy Soil corruption, unleashed by Ronova, contaminates Kresnik Kristall deposits, and players clear it with new Prime Ice Constructs and a pair of elemental shotguns. New Meeting Point quests follow Danica on a quiet cleanup job for the Tsaritsa inside Novokitezhgrad, and Mitya as he studies the soil near Teplo Oasis. The two storylines are set up to collide. A huge creature from the ocean depths is also waiting in Novokitezhgrad for anyone who wants a fight.
Mitya: a 5-star built around Stellar-Conduct
The headline character is Mitya, a 5-star Electro catalyst user. He's a cheerful scientist who has made a habit of defying the Heavenly Principles. His kit is designed to sit at the centre of Stellar-Conduct teams. With him in the party, Superconduct reactions become Stellar-Conduct reactions, the whole team's Stellar-Conduct damage goes up, and he builds a store of special energy as he goes.
He uses that energy in two ways. Tapping his Elemental Skill releases it as periodic Stellar-Conduct damage around him, which suits an off-field support. Holding the Skill burns it on a rapid flurry of enhanced Charged Attacks, so he can take the field as the main damage dealer. His Elemental Burst deals area Electro damage and refills the energy pool to keep rotations going in long fights. There's also an exploration hook: in parts of Snezhnaya his detection device reveals hidden paths, and following them unlocks a reward that changes his appearance.
Valeriy, banners and reruns
Joining him is Valeriy, a 4-star Electro sword user and a Major of the Armory Palace. He's a support who provides shields and boosts Electro damage, with extra value in Stellar-Conduct teams. As a 4-star he will be the easier of the two to pick up, and he pairs naturally with Mitya.
The banner schedule is in two halves:
- Phase one: Mitya and Valeriy debut, alongside a rerun of Furina.
- Phase two: Zibai and Linnea return, plus a new Chronicled Wish built around a selection of Natlan characters.
Events: a free 4-star of your choice
The flagship event opens as you progress through the 7.2 Archon Quest, and a Quick Start option lets players who are behind on the story jump straight in. It casts players as part of the coordinated response to the Holy Soil crisis: rescuing wounded soldiers, carrying intel and running urgent assignments with allies from Mondstadt to Snezhnaya. Rewards include Primogems, upgrade materials and the chance to invite a 4-star character of your choice, which is usually the most valuable freebie of a version. The event area stays explorable after the event ends, so its aftermath remains visible in the world.
Smaller events round out the version: a filming event in Snezhnaya and a mining challenge back in Natlan.
When it lands
Version 7.2 arrives on November 4. As usual with Genshin, expect a maintenance window on update day, with the client update available to pre-download on PC and mobile in the days before. The update is free on every platform. Mitya and Valeriy are obtained through the game's Event Wishes as normal.
