Genshin Impact 7.2: New Snezhnaya areas land November 4

Genshin Impact 7.2 arrives on November 4 and takes players to eastern Snezhnaya. The "Hour of Ruin" update opens the underground city of Novokitezhgrad and Wingspan Peak, adds Mitya and Valeriy, and runs an event that gives away a free 4-star character.

HoYoverse published a preview of the new areas on its official site on November 1, followed a few hours later by details of the version-long event. The official update notes went up on October 29.

Genshin Impact 7.2 at a glance

What new areas open in Snezhnaya?

Novokitezhgrad is Snezhnaya's main producer of Kresnik Kristall. Notebookcheck reports that the city is built entirely underground and encased in the material, and you reach it by railway. HoYoverse's preview describes it as a city ruled by the fae, with mines still marked by traces of calamity.

Farther east, Wingspan Peak unfurls like a giant wing and holds Old Kitezhgrad, the nation's first city, founded by the Belyi Tsar. You'll clean up contaminated Kresnik Kristall deposits with new Prime Ice Constructs and two elemental shotguns. A colossal creature from the ocean depths also waits for challengers in Novokitezhgrad.

What is the Archon Quest about?

The new Archon Quest follows the Nails of Retribution as their energy fluctuations grow more violent. Pillars of light appear across Teyvat and trigger the Holy Soil phenomenon, pushing every nation into crisis. The Tsaritsa gathers representatives from all seven nations in Snezhnaya, and you fight alongside the Archons and Neuvillette. Finishing the quest within the set period grants 560 Primogems and Ascension Materials for Mitya.

The Grand Defense event: a free 4-star character

The headline event of 7.2 is "The Grand Defense: Defy the Unjust Judgment". HoYoverse says it stays available for the whole version. You take part in relief operations to reduce the Holy Soil threat, which Notebookcheck describes as rescuing wounded soldiers, relaying intel and handling urgent assignments.

• A 4-star character of your choice for free
• Primogem rewards
• A Crown of Insight
• The event unlocks as the Archon Quest progresses

Other events include a filming event in Snezhnaya, a mining challenge in Natlan and Leyline Overflow. Miliastra Wonderland gets a masquerade-themed lobby and a free 4-star outfit set.

Who are Mitya and Valeriy?

Mitya is a 5-star Electro Catalyst user and an advisor to the Energy Commission. According to Notebookcheck, he converts the team's Superconduct reactions into Stellar-Conduct reactions and boosts that damage. He gets the rate-up on the "Myriad Patterns Unfold" Event Wish.

Valeriy is a 4-star Electro character and a Major in the Special Assignments Battalion. He provides shields and raises Electro damage, especially in Stellar-Conduct teams, so the two look built to play together.

The update notes also list quality-of-life changes. Specialty Tracking lets you track the local specialties you need, and you can now send Prime Ice Constructs to friends.

What does it mean for players?

A free 4-star character is a big deal for new and mid-level players, and with the Archon Quest reward, 7.2 hands out a solid amount of Primogems. If you plan to pull for Mitya, remember that Phase 1 ends on November 24. It's also a second chance for anyone who missed Furina.

More recent HoYoverse and gacha news: Honkai: Star Rail 4.7 release date, Petit Planet's December 4 launch and Silver Palace's release date.

Frequently asked questions

When does Genshin Impact 7.2 come out?

According to HoYoverse, Genshin Impact Version 7.2 "Hour of Ruin" launches on November 4, 2026 on all platforms. The first phase of Event Wishes starts the same day.

Is there a free 4-star character in Genshin Impact 7.2?

Yes. The Grand Defense: Defy the Unjust Judgment event runs throughout Version 7.2. Taking part lets you invite a 4-star character of your choice, alongside Primogems and a Crown of Insight.

Who is on the Genshin Impact 7.2 banners?

Phase 1 (November 4-24) features Mitya, Furina and Valeriy. Phase 2 (November 24-December 15) brings back Zibai and Linnea, plus a Chronicled Wish with Natlan characters.

Sources

• HoYoverse: Into the Uncharted Reaches of Snezhnaya
• HoYoverse: The Grand Defense event overview
• HoYoverse: Version 7.2 update notes
• HoYoverse: Mitya skill showcase
• Notebookcheck: Genshin Impact 7.2 overview
• HoYoLAB: 7.2 Special Program overview