Genshin Impact Version 7.1, “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” will launch on September 23, 2026, pushing the Snezhnaya storyline into a significantly larger conflict. The Traveler is finally moving closer to the Tsaritsa, while the purpose behind her long-running collection of the Gnoses begins to take clearer shape under the growing threat of Ronova, the Ruler of Death.
The update also introduces Vesna and Vodyanitsa as new playable 5-star characters, brings Ronova into combat as a Weekly Boss, revives Liyue's Moonchase Festival, and celebrates six years of Genshin Impact with anniversary rewards that include the opportunity to obtain two free 5-star characters through two separate selection systems.
> Light spoiler notice: this article discusses the officially revealed premise of Version 7.1's Archon Quest, including the Tsaritsa, Ronova, Rhinedottir and the direction of Snezhnaya's conflict shown in the Special Program and trailer.
Quick Summary
- Game: Genshin Impact
- Version: 7.1
- Update title: A Rekviem for the Underworld
- Japanese title: 冥府へのレクイエム
- Release date: September 23, 2026
- Developer: HoYoverse
- Global publisher: COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Platform: Xbox Series X|S
- Platform: PC
- Platform: iOS
- Platform: Android
- Primary story region: Snezhnaya
- Archon: the Tsaritsa
- Major threat: Ronova, the Ruler of Death
- Other major figure: Rhinedottir, the Ruler of Life
- New Archon Quest: White Night, Like a Dream Upon Waking
- New Archon Quest: A Rekviem for the Underworld
- Archon Quest completion reward: 620 Primogems
- New Weekly Boss: Ronova
- Other revealed new boss: Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow
- New character: Vesna
- Vesna rarity: 5-star
- Vesna element: Anemo
- Vesna weapon: Sword
- Vesna title: Snowy Banquet's Sharp Blade
- New character: Vodyanitsa
- Vodyanitsa rarity: 5-star
- Vodyanitsa element: Hydro
- Vodyanitsa weapon: Catalyst
- Vodyanitsa title: Lingering Siren-Song
- Event Wish Phase I: Vesna
- Event Wish Phase I: Vodyanitsa
- Event Wish Phase II: Skirk
- Event Wish Phase II: Escoffier
- New weapon: Beyond the Chrysalis
- Type: 5-star Sword
- New weapon: Hymn of the Maelstrom
- Type: 5-star Catalyst
- New-character reaction focus: Stellar Swirl
- Liyue main event: Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon
- Festival: Moonchase Festival
- Festival location: Yilong Wharf
- Snezhnaya event: Carefree Snowball Fight
- Natlan event: Predictive Victory Dynamics
- Additional event: Overflowing Favor
- Event weapon: Silver Light
- Rarity: 4-star
- Weapon type: Sword
- Anniversary: sixth anniversary
- Free event-exclusive 5-star: one choice after clearing the newest Archon Quest
- Limited choices: Tartaglia, Nilou, Baizhu, Chiori, Clorinde, Varesa
- Free standard 5-star: one of eight characters
- Standard choices: Jean, Diluc, Qiqi, Mona, Tighnari, Keqing, Dehya, Yumemizuki Mizuki
- Anniversary Primogems: 1,600
- Intertwined Fates: 10
- First top-up bonus: reset
- Redemption code: Rekviem
- Redemption code: Vesna0923
- Redemption code: PrimaDonna
- Code deadline: September 15, 2026 at 12:00 UTC+8
- Current status: update not yet released
Trailer, Special Program Recap and Genshin Impact
Snezhnaya Prepares for a Confrontation With Ronova
Version 7.1's central conflict returns to Snezhnaya, which is facing increasing pressure from the Heavenly Principles and the power wielded by Ronova.
HoYoverse confirms that the Traveler will finally come face-to-face with the Tsaritsa and learn more about the true strategy behind her years-long effort to collect the Gnoses.
At the same time, Ronova, the Ruler of Death, has used her authority to severely hinder Snezhnaya's progress. The arrival of Rhinedottir, the Ruler of Life, adds another major force to a conflict already extending far beyond ordinary national politics.
The Traveler will ultimately head to the front lines and fight alongside Snezhnaya against Ronova.
Ronova is not limited to the story. Version 7.1 also introduces her as a new Weekly Boss, connecting the Archon Quest confrontation directly with repeatable combat content.
Completing the new Archon Quest awards 620 Primogems. Players will also begin receiving special assignments through the Tsaritsa's Confidential Secretary, offering a closer view of how the Cryo Archon governs Snezhnaya.
Vesna and Vodyanitsa Expand Stellar Swirl in Different Ways
Both new Version 7.1 characters are 5-stars, but they approach combat from very different roles.
Vesna is an Anemo Sword wielder and the youngest Commander in Druzhna history. She can convert Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl, making her directly tied to the reaction system introduced during the Snezhnaya era.
Her Elemental Skill and related abilities summon Spirit Blades while generating Sword Essence. That resource can then be consumed to command the blades to attack.
When Spirit Blades strike near a Stellar Vortex, their attacks are treated as Stellar Swirl reaction DMG. Vesna's Elemental Burst deals AoE Anemo DMG while restoring Sword Essence.
Her exploration utility is equally distinctive. As a Vila, Vesna is capable of flight in the open world, while a dedicated character anecdote can unlock an alternate appearance for her sword spirit companion.
Vodyanitsa is a Hydro Catalyst wielder and the Prima Donna of Snezhnograd's Korolevskiy Troupe.
Her Elemental Skill allows her to enter a Water Imp form and maintain a song that continuously heals the active character, reduces enemy Hydro and Cryo RES, and increases the active character's ATK.
Her song also strengthens Stellar Vortices by reducing Anemo RES and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction DMG.
In exploration, Water Imp form lets Vodyanitsa move quickly through water and remain transformed even while travelling on land.
Phase I Pairs Both New Characters Immediately
HoYoverse is placing both new characters together in Phase I of Version 7.1.
The opening Event Wishes will feature Vesna and Vodyanitsa, meaning neither debut is being held for the second half of the update.
Phase II then brings back Skirk and Escoffier, both previously released Cryo characters.
The Special Program Recap also revealed two new 5-star weapons: Beyond the Chrysalis, a Sword closely associated with Vesna, and Hymn of the Maelstrom, a Catalyst shown as part of the Version 7.1 weapon lineup.
Alongside Ronova's Weekly Boss battle, the recap separately introduces the Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow as another new boss.
That distinction matters: Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow is not another name for Ronova, but a separate enemy being added in the same version.
Sixth Anniversary Rewards Include Two Free 5-Stars
Version 7.1's anniversary benefits form one of the Special Program's biggest announcements.
For the first time, players who complete the newest Archon Quest can choose one event-exclusive 5-star character for free during Version 7.1.
The revealed lineup includes:
- Tartaglia
- Nilou
- Baizhu
- Chiori
- Clorinde
- Varesa
This program is separate from the annual standard 5-star selector.
The standard choices are:
- Jean
- Diluc
- Qiqi
- Mona
- Tighnari
- Keqing
- Dehya
- Yumemizuki Mizuki
That means eligible players can receive two free 5-star characters from two separate categories, rather than one combined selector.
Additional anniversary rewards include 1,600 Primogems through in-game mail, 10 Intertwined Fates through check-in, a reset of the Initial Top-Up Bonus, and further celebratory items including Miliastra Wonderland headwear.
Moonchase Festival Returns After Five Years
Liyue becomes the center of the main seasonal celebration as the Moonchase Festival returns after five years.
This year's festivities move toward Yilong Wharf, where celebration decorations hide a mystery connected to the area's past—one that even Zhongli and Zibai have yet to unravel.
The main event is titled Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon.
Three new mini-games take inspiration from Liyue thaumaturges, while major rewards include Silver Light, an event-exclusive 4-star Sword, its refinement materials and Primogems.
Snezhnaya receives Carefree Snowball Fight, where players join local children for a seasonal activity.
Natlan receives Predictive Victory Dynamics, asking players to predict the final results of 16 teams over several days of competition.
The Special Program Recap also lists Overflowing Favor among Version 7.1's additional activities.
Miliastra Wonderland Receives a Major Update Too
Miliastra Wonderland is receiving its own substantial set of changes.
The lobby will adopt an autumn look inspired by osmanthus blossoms and the moon, tying its visual direction to the seasonal atmosphere surrounding Liyue's festival.
An associated event offers a free cosmetic set, while another festival activity includes an exclusive headpiece.
The Miliastra editor is also being expanded on the technical side.
HoYoverse is adding controls that support client-side scripting as well as collaborative editing tools, allowing creators to build and test experiences with a more flexible workflow.
Version 7.1 is therefore not simply an Archon Quest and character update; it also expands Genshin Impact's user-generated-content systems.
The Three Special Program Codes Are Still Redeemable
The Version 7.1 Special Program introduced three codes:
Rekviem
- Primogems ×100
- Mystic Enhancement Ore ×10
Vesna0923
- Primogems ×100
- Hero's Wit ×5
PrimaDonna
- Primogems ×100
- Mora ×50,000
Together, they provide 300 Primogems, 10 Mystic Enhancement Ore, five Hero's Wit and 50,000 Mora.
The official recap states that the codes remain valid until September 15, 2026 at 12:00 UTC+8.
Rewards are delivered through the in-game mailbox after redemption, and the mail expires after 30 days if left unclaimed.
Codes can be entered either in-game or through Genshin Impact's official redemption website.
Why This Matters
1) Snezhnaya immediately escalates to a conflict involving the Rulers
Version 7.1 goes beyond introducing national politics, bringing Ronova and Rhinedottir into the center of the story while beginning to expose the Tsaritsa's true objective.
2) Both new characters expand Stellar Swirl
Vesna directly drives reaction damage, while Vodyanitsa brings healing, resistance reduction, ATK support and Stellar Vortex enhancement.
3) The anniversary rewards are unusually aggressive
Two separate 5-star selectors create substantially more account value than a simple currency-based anniversary package.
4) Content stretches across three regions and Miliastra Wonderland
Snezhnaya, Liyue, Natlan and Genshin's user-created-content ecosystem all receive new activities within the same version.
Game and Version 7.1 Information
For now, the additional important information currently known includes:
- Version 7.1 is officially titled A Rekviem for the Underworld
- the Japanese title is 冥府へのレクイエム
- the update launches on September 23, 2026
- the official trailer is already available on YouTube
- the Special Program aired on September 12, 2026
- the Archon Quest continues Snezhnaya's central storyline
- the Traveler will directly encounter the Tsaritsa
- the motive behind collecting the Gnoses will receive further explanation
- Ronova is the Ruler of Death
- Rhinedottir is presented in the context of the Ruler of Life
- Ronova becomes a Weekly Boss
- Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow is another new boss
- clearing the Archon Quest rewards 620 Primogems
- special assignments from the Tsaritsa's Confidential Secretary begin in this version
- Vesna is a 5-star Anemo Sword character
- Vesna is Druzhna's youngest Commander
- Vesna can convert Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl
- Vesna summons Spirit Blades
- Vesna uses Sword Essence as a resource
- Vesna can fly during exploration because she is a Vila
- Vodyanitsa is a 5-star Hydro Catalyst character
- Vodyanitsa is the Prima Donna of the Korolevskiy Troupe
- Vodyanitsa can transform into Water Imp form
- Water Imp form supports healing and traversal
- Vodyanitsa's song reduces Hydro and Cryo RES
- the song increases the active character's ATK
- it can also reduce Anemo RES through Stellar Vortex effects
- Phase I features Vesna and Vodyanitsa
- Phase II features Skirk and Escoffier
- Beyond the Chrysalis is a new 5-star Sword
- Hymn of the Maelstrom is a new 5-star Catalyst
- Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon is the main Liyue event
- Moonchase Festival returns after five years
- Yilong Wharf is the festival's central location
- Silver Light is an event-exclusive 4-star Sword
- Carefree Snowball Fight takes place in Snezhnaya
- Predictive Victory Dynamics takes place in Natlan
- Predictive Victory Dynamics involves predicting the outcomes of 16 teams
- Miliastra Wonderland receives an autumn-themed lobby
- Miliastra's editor gains client-side scripting controls
- collaborative editing tools are also being added
- the anniversary includes 1,600 Primogems
- the anniversary includes 10 Intertwined Fates
- the Initial Top-Up Bonus will reset
- the limited 5-star selector requires clearing the latest Archon Quest
- limited choices are Tartaglia, Nilou, Baizhu, Chiori, Clorinde and Varesa
- the standard selector offers eight choices
- the three Special Program codes provide a combined 300 Primogems
- the codes expire September 15, 2026 at 12:00 UTC+8
- official information is available through the Genshin Impact Official Website
- official updates are available through Genshin Impact Official X
- the trailer announcement is available through the Official Version 7.1 X Post
- launch and anniversary information is available through the Version 7.1 Benefits X Post
- recap and redemption codes are available through the Version 7.1 Special Program Recap X Post
- the full video is available through the Version 7.1 Official Trailer
- the event overview is available through the Version 7.1 Events Overview
- codes can be redeemed through Genshin Impact Gift Redemption
- the Android version is available through Genshin Impact on Google Play
Closing
Genshin Impact Version 7.1 raises the stakes in Snezhnaya through Ronova, Rhinedottir, the Tsaritsa and two new Archon Quest chapters, while Vesna and Vodyanitsa expand the roster with two new approaches to Stellar Swirl. The update officially launches on September 23, 2026.
Ahead of launch, the three Special Program redemption codes remain available until September 15 at 12:00 UTC+8. Specific Event Wish end times and the full daily schedule for individual events remain pending their respective in-game notices closer to Version 7.1 maintenance.
- Genshin Impact Official X — Official Version 7.1 Trailer Announcement
- Genshin Impact Official X — Official September 23 Launch Date and Sixth Anniversary Benefits Overview
- Genshin Impact Official X — Official Version 7.1 Special Program Recap and Redemption Codes
- Genshin Impact / YouTube — Official Version 7.1 A Rekviem for the Underworld Trailer
- Genshin Impact / YouTube — Official Version 7.1 Events Overview
- Gematsu — miHoYo Version 7.1 Story, Characters, Events, Banners, and Anniversary Reward Overview
- Google Play — Official Genshin Impact Android Store Page
- Inside Games — Japanese Version 7.1 Special Program Coverage and Official Japanese Terminology
