Genshin Impact 7.0 Banner Preview: Odette Leads the Snezhnaya Update
Genshin Impact Version 7.0 is a true major chapter shift. Based on the 7.0 preview information published by LootBar on August 10, 2026, this update brings Travelers into the Snezhnaya main story, introduces the 5-star Cryo Sword character Odette on the limited banner, and adds the new 4-star Electro character Alyosha at the same time. Cryo Traveler, new elemental reactions, new bosses, artifacts, weapons, events, and cosmetic systems will also arrive together.
If you only want a quick pull priority check, Version 7.0 can be summarized like this: Phase 1 focuses on Odette and Arlecchino, Phase 2 focuses on Flins and Ineffa, and players who want to prepare for Snezhnaya's new reaction system should pay the most attention to Odette.
Genshin Impact 7.0 Release Date
According to the reference article, Genshin Impact Version 7.0 launches on August 12, 2026 (UTC+8). This date also opens the Phase 1 banners, the first stage of the Snezhnaya main story, and a series of version activities built around the new region and mechanics.
Version 7.0 is not just a normal banner rotation. It is the beginning of a new nation chapter. Players will enter Snezhnaya, advance Archon Quest Chapter VII: Everwinter without Mercy, and gradually encounter the region's exploration mechanics, combat environment, and new reaction system through quests and events.
Genshin Impact 7.0 Banners Overview
The 7.0 banners are split into two phases. Phase 1 brings new character debuts, Phase 2 focuses on reruns, and the version also opens a limited Chronicled Wish Banner featuring returning characters and their signature weapons.
| Phase | Duration | Featured 5-Star Characters | Weapon Banner Highlights |
| Phase 1 | 2026/8/12 - 2026/9/1 | Odette, Arlecchino | Whitelake Frostfeather, Crimson Moon's Semblance |
| Phase 2 | 2026/9/1 - 2026/9/22 | Flins, Ineffa | Bloodsoaked Ruins, Fractured Halo |
| Chronicled Wish | Version 7.0 limited period | Yae Miko, Cyno, Wriothesley, Qiqi, Mizuki | Corresponding signature weapons |
The new 4-star character Alyosha appears on both Phase 1 character event wishes. For players planning to pull Odette or Arlecchino, Phase 1 has stronger combined value because it offers both a new 5-star and a chance to obtain the new 4-star.
Phase 1: Odette Debut and Arlecchino Rerun
The Phase 1 banner runs from August 12, 2026 to September 1, 2026. The featured 5-star characters are Odette and Arlecchino, while the new 4-star character Alyosha is featured on both banners.
Odette is the central new character of Version 7.0. The reference article describes her as a 5-star Cryo Sword character from the Korolevskiy troupe, with combat built around the Solo Shadow mechanic. She can work as a Main DPS, Sub-DPS, or reaction amplification core, especially for Stellar-Conduct and Stellar-Swirl.
If you already have a mature Pyro main DPS team, Arlecchino's rerun is still attractive. However, from the perspective of the version environment and new systems, Odette looks more like the mechanical entry point of 7.0. Players who want to explore Snezhnaya reactions, new artifacts, and new teams should give Phase 1 higher priority.
| Mechanic | Why It Matters |
| Solo Shadow | Creates continuous AoE Cryo damage through a double, improving off-field and rotation value. |
| Enhanced Skill | Combines with the double for stronger burst damage and triggers Stellar-related reactions. |
| Burst Buff | Increases Stellar Reaction DMG for Odette and teammates while refreshing or summoning Solo Shadow. |
Phase 1 Weapon Banner
The Phase 1 weapon banner includes Odette's signature weapon Whitelake Frostfeather and Arlecchino's signature weapon Crimson Moon's Semblance. If you plan to invest heavily in Odette, her weapon will likely be designed around Cryo damage, CRIT, or Stellar reaction gains. If you only want a C0 trial of the new system, pull the character first and decide on the weapon after release testing.
Phase 2: Flins and Ineffa Return
The Phase 2 banner runs from September 1, 2026 to September 22, 2026. Flins and Ineffa return on character event wishes, while Bloodsoaked Ruins and Fractured Halo appear on the weapon banner. This phase is better for players who missed Flins or Ineffa, or for those skipping Odette and saving for familiar systems. If you are unsure about investing in Snezhnaya reactions, wait for post-launch combat data before deciding.
Chronicled Wish Banner in 7.0
Version 7.0 also includes a limited Chronicled Wish Banner. The reference article lists the following options:
| Type | Featured Options |
| Characters | Yae Miko, Cyno, Wriothesley, Qiqi, Mizuki |
| Weapons | Featured characters' signature weapons |
The value of Chronicled Wish depends on your account gaps. Wriothesley can still strengthen Cryo teams, while Yae Miko and Cyno fit more specific team needs. For new players, unless one character is a clear target, limited new characters or strong reruns usually deserve priority.
New Characters: Odette and Alyosha
Odette
Odette is more flexible than a traditional on-field Cryo carry. Her Solo Shadow supplies continuous Cryo damage, and her Elemental Burst strengthens Stellar reactions. Her value comes not only from personal multipliers but also from the way she amplifies the new system.
| Player Type | Recommendation |
| Want to play the Snezhnaya system | Prioritize Odette and consider at least C0 to test team formation. |
| Only need a general main DPS | Wait for release reviews before deciding instead of pulling only for novelty. |
| Arlecchino fan or missing Pyro carry | Consider Arlecchino, but manage Primogems carefully against Odette. |
Alyosha
Alyosha is the new 4-star Electro character in Version 7.0 and appears during Phase 1. Because 4-star constellations are random, it is not recommended to spend endlessly chasing full constellations. Treat him as added value while pulling Odette or Arlecchino.
New Weapons and Free 5-Star Weapon
In addition to banner weapons, Version 7.0 brings a notable free 5-star weapon: Exaiphanes Blade. The reference article lists the following basic information:
| Weapon | Rarity | Base ATK | Bonus Stat | Notes |
| Whitelake Frostfeather | 5-Star | Not expanded here | Odette-related | New Phase 1 weapon banner item |
| Exaiphanes Blade | 5-Star | 608 | CRIT Rate 33.1% | Free weapon, suited to Traveler |
Exaiphanes Blade is tied to Traveler: when Traveler equips it, hitting enemies grants an ATK increase and restores Elemental Energy, and the effect can trigger off-field. For players preparing to try Cryo Traveler, this weapon reduces the cost of early exploration and team testing.
Snezhnaya, Cryo Traveler and New Reactions
The stage of Version 7.0 is Snezhnaya. The Archon Quest Everwinter without Mercy begins Chapter VII, bringing players into the nation, its local factions, regional tensions, and the main story setup for the chapters ahead. The reference article also notes that completing new Archon Quest content during Version 7.0 grants limited-time extra rewards including Primogems.
The keywords for new reactions in Version 7.0 are:
| Reaction | Basic Idea |
| Stellar-Conduct | A new reaction direction built around links between Cryo, Electro, and related elements. |
| Stellar-Swirl | A new reaction direction combining Swirl and the Stellar system. |
Odette's kit is designed around these two reactions, so her value may continue to change as more Snezhnaya characters arrive. In other words, she is not just a character judged by current multipliers, but a component that opens the new system early.
New Artifacts, Bosses and Events
Version 7.0 adds two new artifact sets: Scarlet Proof and Heart of the Furnace. Scarlet Proof has a 2-piece ATK +18% effect, while Heart of the Furnace deserves special attention because it is likely tied to Stellar reaction team building. Players planning to raise Odette should watch the new artifact domain's drops and tested value early in the version.
| Event | Focus |
| Great Expeditionist Challenge | Flagship exploration event centered on Snezhnaya's snowy terrain and puzzles. |
| Mutual Aid in Bloom: Into the Frostlands | A hybrid combat and support activity. |
| Trial of the Bastion | Combat challenge. |
| Limited Time Area Exploration | Limited exploration rewards. |
| Overflowing Abundance | Resource farming activity. |
Great Expeditionist Challenge is the flagship event of this version, with rewards including Crown of Insight, event furniture, and Primogems. For pull planning, the 7.0 event rewards matter because Phase 1 and Phase 2 are only about three weeks apart, and event Primogems may decide whether you reach pity.
Other 7.0 Updates
Version 7.0 also brings long-term system updates. The reference article mentions that To Temper Thyself and Journey Far will be updated, allowing players to earn one free constellation for an owned 5-star character from an eligible list by completing progress requirements. The high-difficulty Stygian Onslaught mode also adds weapon appearance rewards, such as the Radiant Phantasm series. Cosmetic updates include character outfits, weapon skins, and visual enhancements related to characters such as Xiao and Childe. These may not affect combat power, but they give long-term players more ways to showcase older characters.
Pull Recommendation
| Priority | Best Choice |
| Highest priority | Want Snezhnaya reactions, like Cryo teams, and believe in future systems: pull Odette. |
| Stable upgrade | Missing a strong Pyro carry or like Fatui characters: consider Arlecchino. |
| Account-specific gap | Already need Flins or Ineffa teams: wait for Phase 2 reruns. |
| Low resources | Try Cryo Traveler and the free weapon first, then invest after testing. |
If your Primogems are limited, do not chase Odette, her signature weapon, and Phase 2 reruns all at once. A safer route is to get C0 Odette first and test her with your current roster. If she performs as expected, then consider her weapon or later constellations. If you are not in a hurry to enter the Stellar system, waiting about a week after launch for practical reviews is safer than spending immediately after the livestream.
Final Thoughts
The focus of Genshin Impact 7.0 is not simply another new banner cycle; it is the opening of the Snezhnaya era. Odette's debut, Alyosha's arrival, Cryo Traveler, new reactions, and new artifact sets will make early-version team building and pull discussions very active.
For most players, Odette is the character most worth watching this phase. She represents the new nation and may become the first key piece for Stellar-Conduct and Stellar-Swirl teams. Whether she is worth heavy investment still depends on release multipliers, rotations, artifact fit, and teammate environment.
