The Genshin Impact 2026 update cycle has reached one of its busiest points. Version 7.1, officially titled “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” arrived on September 23 and continues the Snezhnaya story that began with Version 7.0 in August.
Vesna and Vodyanitsa are the obvious headline additions, but they don’t tell the whole story. Version 7.1 adds two new Archon Quest acts, new weapons, a field boss, anniversary rewards, two separate 5-star character selectors, more Miliastra Wonderland content, weekly Snezhnaya activities, endgame changes, and several important fixes.
The patch also has an unusually busy event calendar. Some of the best rewards disappear well before the version ends, while most of the main story content stays permanently.
That’s why I wouldn’t approach Version 7.1 as one long checklist. The useful way to read these patch notes is to separate permanent additions from rewards that have a hard deadline.
Here is everything that matters in Version 7.1, including what is live right now, what is coming later in October, and what players should prioritize first.
Genshin Impact 2026 Update: Version 7.1 at a Glance
Version 7.1 maintenance began on September 23 at 06:00 UTC+8 and was scheduled for roughly five hours. HoYoverse issued 300 Primogems as maintenance compensation to eligible players who had reached Adventure Rank 5 before maintenance began.
A separate 300 Primogems was distributed for issue fixes. That second compensation required eligible players to log in before September 26 at 06:00 UTC+8, so it should no longer be treated as a current reward.
The normal maintenance compensation remains tied to the usual in-game mail rules. Players who received it should still pay attention to the mail’s expiration date rather than assume it will stay indefinitely.
Version 7.1 is available on PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. PlayStation 4 no longer receives new Genshin Impact version updates, a change HoYoverse introduced earlier in 2026.
The patch follows Version 7.0 by only six weeks. That matters because many of its systems, characters, and combat bonuses directly build on mechanics introduced when Snezhnaya opened.
For a returning player, Version 7.1 is therefore more than a normal event patch. You may need to catch up on Snezhnaya mechanics before some of the new reactions, bosses, and endgame bonuses make complete sense.
The current Phase I character and weapon banners remain live until October 13. Several anniversary rewards continue beyond that date, while the two major 5-star character selectors remain available until November 3.
| Version 7.1 Key Detail | Verified Information |
| Official title | A Rekviem for the Underworld |
| Release date | September 23, 2026 |
| New characters | Vesna and Vodyanitsa |
| New Archon Quest | Chapter VII Acts III and IV |
| New boss | Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow |
| Main event | Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon |
| Anniversary highlight | Two separate 5-star selectors |
| Phase I banner end | October 13 |
| Main selector deadline | November 3 |
| Current status | Live as of October 6, 2026 |
Vesna and Vodyanitsa Bring Two Different Roles to Version 7.1
Version 7.1 introduces two new limited 5-star characters. Both interact with the newer Snezhnaya combat systems, but their jobs in a team are very different.
Vesna, “Snowy Banquet’s Sharp Blade,” is a 5-star Anemo Sword character and Commander of the Druzhna. Her kit is built around Stellar Swirl, allowing the party to trigger the reaction while also giving Vesna ways to deal Stellar Swirl damage herself under the right conditions.
That makes her a more specialized Anemo damage option than a character who simply relies on ordinary Swirl. Players building around Snezhnaya reaction teams will get more from her kit than someone expecting her to slot into every older Anemo setup without adjustment.
Vodyanitsa, “Lingering Siren-Song,” takes the support route. She is a 5-star Hydro Catalyst user who offers healing and support for both Freeze and Stellar Swirl teams.
Hydro is already one of Genshin’s most flexible elements, so Vodyanitsa has an easier path into different team structures. Her value isn’t simply that she heals. It’s that she combines sustain with reaction support.
Vesna currently appears on the When Warm Winds Cavort Event Wish. Vodyanitsa appears on Surging Ballad. Both banners feature Diona, Faruzan, and Chongyun as boosted 4-star characters and end on October 13 at 17:59 server time.
The two character banners share Character Event Wish pity. If you’ve already made wishes on one of them, switching to the other doesn’t reset that shared guarantee count.
| Character | Rarity | Element | Weapon | Main Role | Current Banner |
| Vesna | 5-star | Anemo | Sword | Damage, Stellar Swirl | When Warm Winds Cavort |
| Vodyanitsa | 5-star | Hydro | Catalyst | Healing, support | Surging Ballad |
| Diona | 4-star | Cryo | Bow | Shielding, healing | Featured |
| Faruzan | 4-star | Anemo | Bow | Anemo support | Featured |
| Chongyun | 4-star | Cryo | Claymore | Cryo support/DPS | Featured |
What We Know About the Version 7.1 Banner Schedule
The Phase I lineup is fully confirmed. The second half deserves more caution. As of October 6, HoYoverse’s English news feed has not published the formal Version 7.1 Event Wishes Notice – Phase II.
Third-party trackers and community sites may already list expected reruns. Those listings can be useful for planning, but I wouldn’t put their character names into a patch-notes article as confirmed information until HoYoverse publishes the actual banner notice.
That distinction matters because banner rumors spread quickly. A lineup can appear across several search results simply because many sites copied the same leak or schedule prediction.
Phase I ends on October 13. Players who want Vesna or Vodyanitsa should make their decision based on that confirmed deadline rather than waiting for an unofficial Phase II comparison.
The same applies to weapon planning. If you need one of the current signature weapons, their banner also ends with Phase I. Players saving Primogems should also remember that the anniversary gives additional wishes and selectors. Spending simply because a banner is about to close isn’t always the best move.
My approach would be to separate three decisions: whether you actually want the current character, whether that character improves a team you use, and whether you would rather save for a later officially announced banner.
| Banner Question | Current Answer |
| Is Vesna’s banner confirmed? | Yes |
| Is Vodyanitsa’s banner confirmed? | Yes |
| Phase I ending | October 13 |
| Are Diona, Faruzan and Chongyun featured? | Yes |
| Is pity shared between both character banners? | Yes |
| Is the complete Phase II lineup officially posted? | Not as of October 6 |
| Should leaked reruns be treated as patch notes? | No |
Version 7.1 Adds New Signature and Event Weapons
Weapons are another big part of this patch. Version 7.1 introduces new 5-star signatures, new limited 4-star banner weapons, and the event-exclusive Silver Light Sword.
Vesna’s signature weapon is Beyond the Chrysalis, a 5-star Sword. Its passive rotates through bonuses connected to CRIT DMG, Stellar Swirl damage, and Energy restoration as the wielder uses Elemental Skills and Bursts.
Vodyanitsa’s signature Catalyst is Hymn of the Maelstrom. It supports healing while also interacting with HP, ATK buffs, Freeze, and Stellar Swirl.
Three new 4-star weapons appear on the current Epitome Invocation: New Bough, Winter’s Heavy Heart, and Breezeborne Refrain. The weapon banner also includes Favonius Greatsword and Dragon’s Bane among the boosted 4-star weapons.
Then there is Silver Light, a 4-star Sword obtained through Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon. Its refinement materials are also tied to the event.
That last point matters most for collectors. Banner weapons can return in future wishes. Event-exclusive weapons have historically been much less predictable, so missing Silver Light may be harder to fix later.
| Weapon | Rarity | Type | Main Focus | How to Obtain |
| Beyond the Chrysalis | 5-star | Sword | CRIT, Stellar Swirl, Energy | Weapon Event Wish |
| Hymn of the Maelstrom | 5-star | Catalyst | Healing, HP, support | Weapon Event Wish |
| New Bough | 4-star | Sword | ATK and reaction support | Weapon Event Wish |
| Winter’s Heavy Heart | 4-star | Catalyst | Elemental Mastery support | Weapon Event Wish |
| Breezeborne Refrain | 4-star | Bow | Energy and reactions | Weapon Event Wish |
| Silver Light | 4-star | Sword | Elemental Mastery | Limited event |
The Snezhnaya Story Continues With Archon Quest Acts III and IV
Version 7.1 adds two permanent Archon Quest chapters to the Snezhnaya storyline. Chapter VII: Act III, “White Night, Like a Dream Upon Waking,” requires Adventure Rank 18 and completion of Chapter VII: Act II, “Wraith’s Nocturne.”
Finishing Act III unlocks Chapter VII: Act IV, “A Rekviem for the Underworld.” Both are permanent. Players don’t lose access to these main story chapters when Version 7.1 ends.
There is, however, an important temporary layer attached to them. Players who complete the corresponding Archon Quest content before November 3 can earn additional rewards, including Primogems, character materials, and Snezhnaya resources.
Act IV also matters because it unlocks the Tabletop Troupe event, which is one of the two anniversary 5-star selectors. There is also a time-limited epilogue connected with completing Act IV during the specified Version 7.1 period. That is easy to overlook because the main Acts themselves are permanent.
Returning players don’t necessarily have to clear every older Archon chapter before entering Snezhnaya. HoYoverse allows eligible players who meet the specified progression requirements to move into Chapter VII more directly.
| Story Content | Requirement | Permanent? | Time-Sensitive Benefit |
| Chapter VII: Act III | AR 18, complete Act II | Yes | Extra Version 7.1 rewards |
| Chapter VII: Act IV | Complete Act III | Yes | Unlocks limited 5-star selector |
| Version 7.1 Epilogue | Complete required story in time | No | Available during specified period |
| Swords and Secrets | Version 7.1 progression | Yes | World Quest rewards |
| Upstream Variations | Snezhnaya and Meeting Point progress | Yes | Special quest reward |
Upstream Variations Has More to It Than a Normal World Quest
Version 7.1 also adds permanent World Quest content, and Upstream Variations is worth calling out separately. To unlock it, players need Adventure Rank 18, completion of Chapter VII: Act II, and access to Meeting Point: Tidesong Cavern at Level 2.
The quest doesn’t finish in one sitting. Its full sequence takes seven calendar days, which makes it different from a normal World Quest you can clear in one long session.
That time gate is important for anyone trying to clean up every new Version 7.1 objective near the end of the patch. Completing Upstream Variations provides the special Happy-Quacky Phonograph Ducky reward.
Using that reward gives Vodyanitsa a new decorative appearance. That makes the quest particularly relevant for players who pulled her, even though the World Quest itself is permanent.
Because the quest is permanent, there is no need to panic. But knowing about the seven-day structure prevents the frustrating situation where a player expects to finish it immediately. This is the kind of detail that doesn’t look major in a patch summary but matters when actually planning your play time.
| Upstream Variations Detail | Information |
| Type | Permanent World Quest |
| Adventure Rank | 18 or above |
| Story requirement | Chapter VII: Act II |
| Extra unlock | Tidesong Cavern Meeting Point Level 2 |
| Completion format | Takes seven calendar days |
| Special reward | Happy-Quacky Phonograph Ducky |
| Vodyanitsa connection | Unlocks a decorative appearance |
Two Separate Free 5-Star Selectors Lead the Anniversary Rewards
The sixth-anniversary rewards are unusually important because Version 7.1 includes two independent 5-star character selectors. The first is Across the Frozen Wilds, Honing One’s Edge.
It lets players invite one 5-star character from the standard Wanderlust Invocation pool. The available selection includes Jean, Diluc, Qiqi, Mona, Keqing, Tighnari, Dehya, and Yumemizuki Mizuki.
You only need to have unlocked the Wish feature to use this selector. The second event, Tabletop Troupe: A Gathering on Adventure’s Eve, offers one character from a six-character event-exclusive pool: Tartaglia, Nilou, Baizhu, Chiori, Clorinde, or Varesa.
This selector has a higher requirement. You need Adventure Rank 18 and completion of Chapter VII: Act IV. Both selectors remain available until November 3 at 14:59 server time, and the selected character comes with corresponding ascension materials.
There isn’t one character I would tell every player to pick. A new unit who solves a real team problem often adds more value than a constellation, but existing rosters matter too much for a single universal answer.
| Selector | Character Pool | Main Requirement | Deadline |
| Across the Frozen Wilds | Standard 5-stars | Unlock Wishes | Nov. 3, 14:59 |
| Tabletop Troupe | Tartaglia, Nilou, Baizhu, Chiori, Clorinde, Varesa | AR 18 and Act IV | Nov. 3, 14:59 |
| Number of selections | One per event | Events are separate | Before deadline |
| Extra reward | Ascension materials | Included with chosen character | Same claim window |
Anniversary Primogems and Login Rewards Are Still Worth Tracking
The character selectors are only part of the sixth-anniversary package. Missive of Grace: A Thank-You Gift distributed four reward mails beginning September 28, Genshin Impact’s anniversary date.
Each mail contained 400 Primogems. Together, the four mails provide 1,600 Primogems. The package also includes two Fragile Resin, one Sanctifying Elixir, and two commemorative gadgets across the four mail days.
A separate login event, Resplendent Starlight, runs from October 1 through October 19. Players who log in on seven days receive a total of 10 Intertwined Fates, along with Mora, Hero’s Wit, and Dust of Enlightenment.
Since 1,600 Primogems can buy 10 wishes, the mailed Primogems and login Fates together equal 20 limited-banner wishes at the normal conversion rate.
There is also an anniversary web event, Anniversary Memories Album, running through October 18. Its tasks provide additional Primogems and materials outside the main in-game login package.
| Anniversary Reward | Amount or Benefit |
| Missive of Grace Primogems | 1,600 total |
| Resplendent Starlight | 10 Intertwined Fates |
| Fragile Resin | 2 |
| Sanctifying Elixir | 1 |
| Hero’s Wit | 8 from login event |
| Mora | 80,000 from login event |
| Anniversary Memories Album | Additional web-event rewards |
Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon Should Be a Priority Before October 12
The flagship Version 7.1 event is Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon. It started on September 24 and closes on October 12 at 03:59 server time. Players need Adventure Rank 20 and completion of the Mondstadt Archon Quest Prologue: Act III, “Song of the Dragon and Freedom.”
The event has three main gameplay modes: The Great Chase and Dispelling, Banner Against the Dark, and Spiritshot Salvo. The activities award Festive Cheer. Reaching the required Festive Cheer milestones unlocks rewards including Silver Light, Primogems, a Crown of Insight, and Silver Light’s event-exclusive refinement materials.
There are also Festive Priorities and Wondrous Anecdotes quests that add more rewards and story content. The event began releasing its gameplay over multiple phases, but all of those stages are already available as of October 6.
If you’re behind, I would put this event ahead of permanent story exploration. October 12 is close, and Silver Light is the kind of reward you can’t assume will immediately return through another source.
| Silverwing Detail | Information |
| Start | September 24 |
| End | October 12 |
| Required Adventure Rank | 20 |
| Main weapon | Silver Light |
| Major rewards | Primogems, Crown of Insight, refinement materials |
| Gameplay modes | Three |
| Permanent? | No |
Stygian Onslaught Is Live Through November 3
Stygian Onslaught returned on September 30 and remains available until November 3. This is a combat-heavy event built around three consecutive timed battles. Players choose a difficulty and must defeat the enemies across all three phases.
The available difficulty levels run from Normal through Dire. Higher settings add tougher restrictions and stronger enemies. From Hard onward, players have to clear the current difficulty before unlocking the next.
The event also uses Exalted Ones, characters who receive helpful buffs during eligible challenges. One important window ends sooner than the event itself. The Disturbance Outbreak phase runs only until October 10.
During that opening period, eligible high-Adventure-Rank players can spend Resin after qualifying challenges to obtain rewards from selected Domains of Blessing while accumulating Dire Prestige.
Co-op is supported, although the exact matchmaking rules change at the higher difficulties.
| Stygian Onslaught Detail | Information |
| Event start | September 30 |
| Event end | November 3 |
| Disturbance Outbreak ends | October 10 |
| Minimum Adventure Rank | 20 |
| Battle structure | Three timed phases |
| Difficulty range | Normal to Dire |
| Co-op | Supported with difficulty-specific rules |
More Version 7.1 Events Are Coming Later in October
Version 7.1 still has several events ahead as of October 6. Predictive Victory Dynamics arrives next. The event calendar places it in the middle of October, with the main activity running into October 20.
Its core idea is different from a straightforward combat arena. Players work around simulated battle conditions and predictions rather than relying only on their usual overworld teams.
Carefree Snowball Fight follows later in October and shifts toward lighter seasonal gameplay. Overflowing Favor is scheduled for the closing stretch of the patch. It offers doubled rewards from eligible Domains of Blessing for a limited number of Original Resin claims each day.
That final event is useful if you’re building characters or trying to improve artifact inventories without spending extra Resin. Version 7.1 also continues the Moontrace Battle Pass until November 2.
The spread of activities gives the patch a better rhythm than one long chain of combat challenges. Players can move between story, farming, competitive combat, Miliastra activities, and lighter minigames.
| Event | Timing in Version 7.1 | Main Focus |
| Predictive Victory Dynamics | Mid-October | Simulation and combat |
| Carefree Snowball Fight | Later October | Seasonal minigame |
| Overflowing Favor | Oct. 26 to Nov. 2 | Double Domain rewards |
| Moontrace Battle Pass | Until Nov. 2 | Seasonal progression |
| Stygian Onslaught | Until Nov. 3 | High-difficulty combat |
Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow Adds a More Mechanical Boss Fight
Version 7.1 adds the Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow around Fellfrost Peak. The fight centers on an ice-coffin phase rather than letting players endlessly repeat the same damage rotation. When the boss enters its defensive state, it seals itself inside an Ice Coffin and applies repeated Cryo pressure around the area.
Stellar Glimmer reactions help make that coffin fragile. Once weakened, the defensive shell becomes easier to break. Failing to damage it properly can let the boss restore HP and prepare another dangerous attack.
Breaking through creates a better damage window and rewards players for understanding the mechanic rather than simply attacking through it.
This ties the boss directly to Snezhnaya’s newer reaction systems. For returning players who haven’t spent much time with Stellar mechanics yet, learning the reaction before farming the boss will make the encounter much less confusing.
| Boss Mechanic | What It Means |
| Boss | Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow |
| Location | Fellfrost Peak |
| Defensive phase | Ice Coffin |
| Reaction interaction | Stellar Glimmer weakens the coffin |
| Failed response | Boss can regain HP |
| Successful response | Creates a vulnerable window |
| Main lesson | React to the mechanic, not just the HP bar |
Secret Tsarist Assignments Add Permanent Weekly Snezhnaya Content
Not everything in Version 7.1 disappears with the event calendar. Secret Tsarist Assignments become part of the Special Recruitment Project after players complete Chapter VII: Act III.
The system sends players to Confidential Secretary Chayka at Zapolyarny Palace for weekly assignments. Completing enough assignments provides furnishings, furnishing blueprints, and other progression rewards.
HoYoverse has already said the reward pool will expand in later versions, including Wind Gliders. That future expansion makes the system more interesting than a one-patch side activity. It appears designed as an ongoing Snezhnaya progression feature.
Version 7.1 also adds two stages to Edge of Survival, the game’s third-person shooter activity: Fiery Feather Pursuit and Ice-Imprisoned Citadel. There is also a new Teleport Waypoint around Fellfrost Peak, which makes repeated trips to the area’s new boss more convenient.
| Permanent Addition | Version 7.1 Change |
| Secret Tsarist Assignments | New weekly tasks |
| Rewards | Furnishings, blueprints and more |
| Future additions | Wind Gliders and other rewards planned |
| Edge of Survival | Two new stages |
| Fellfrost Peak | New Teleport Waypoint |
| Snezhnaya progression | More recurring content |
Miliastra Wonderland Gets More Than Cosmetic Changes
Miliastra Wonderland receives a broad set of updates in Version 7.1. The new Moonlit Season Play Phase runs from September 24 through November 3. Players can earn points or leaderboard scores in eligible Wonderlands during this phase.
After November 3, the season moves into its Showcase Phase for the remainder of Version 7.1. The Public Lobby receives a new seasonal setting, while more cosmetics and Manekin content join the mode. Room owners can use improved recruitment tools, and Wonderlands can be shared more easily across chat channels.
Leaderboard privacy settings also give players more control over whether their nickname and avatar appear publicly. The Miliastra Pass weekly missions are less rigid now. Some objectives that previously depended only on match counts can alternatively be completed through total play time.
The shop also gets quality-of-life improvements, including better handling for multiple items. None of these changes alone transforms the mode, but together they remove several small frustrations.
| Miliastra Change | Practical Effect |
| Moonlit Season Play Phase | Runs until Nov. 3 |
| Showcase Phase | Begins Nov. 3 |
| Weekly missions | Match-count or play-time options |
| Recruitment | Easier room invitations |
| Sharing | Better Wonderland sharing tools |
| Privacy | More leaderboard controls |
| Shop | Improved multi-item management |
Imaginarium Theater and Spiral Abyss Favor New Reaction Teams
Version 7.1 also changes the endgame lineup. The October Imaginarium Theater season began on October 1 and requires Hydro, Cryo, and Anemo characters.
Its Opening Characters are Neuvillette, Barbara, Citlali, Kaeya, Wanderer, and Prune. The Special Guest Stars are Ineffa, Yae Miko, Thoma, and Chiori.
That element mix naturally works with Freeze, Swirl, and some of the newer Stellar combinations. The next Spiral Abyss rotation arrives on October 16.
Floor 11 gives strong Anemo and Cryo damage bonuses. Floor 12’s first half increases Stellar Glimmer damage by 75 percent, while its second half gives the party a 75 percent Cryo DMG Bonus.
The Stardread Moon blessing can create a True DMG shockwave after triggering reactions such as Superconduct, Stellar-Conduct, Cryo Swirl, Stellar Swirl, Frozen, or Shatter.
The bonuses aren’t subtle. HoYoverse is clearly encouraging players to experiment with the reaction systems introduced around the Snezhnaya cycle.
| Endgame Content | Version 7.1 Setup |
| October Imaginarium Theater | Hydro, Cryo, Anemo |
| Opening Characters | Neuvillette, Barbara, Citlali, Kaeya, Wanderer, Prune |
| Special Guests | Ineffa, Yae Miko, Thoma, Chiori |
| New Spiral Abyss | October 16 |
| Floor 12 first half | Stellar Glimmer DMG +75% |
| Floor 12 second half | Cryo DMG +75% |
| Abyssal blessing | Reaction-triggered True DMG shockwave |
Bug Fixes Matter More Than the Patch-Note Length Suggests
Version 7.1’s fix list is long, but a few corrections have real gameplay consequences. One of the bigger fixes involves Stellar Swirl damage calculations. Under certain circumstances, Cryo characters participating in the reaction could fail to contribute properly to the calculation.
Qiqi also received a correction affecting the cooldown reduction connected to her Seven Sacred Treasures talent. Beidou’s C6 received a fix for cases where its Elemental Mastery effect could fail to apply.
Several Snezhnaya exploration problems were corrected, including issues that could block progress or stop certain challenges from working as intended.
HoYoverse also fixed problems involving Prime Ice Constructs and the newer shooter-style gameplay. After launch, another hotfix addressed an Archon Quest problem that could prevent players from progressing through a Domain under specific circumstances.
There was also a known English voice-over mismatch in one Version 7.1 Archon Quest cutscene. HoYoverse acknowledged it and said it would be corrected in a later update.
| Fix Area | Problem Addressed |
| Stellar Swirl | Incorrect reaction contribution in some cases |
| Qiqi | Cooldown reduction issue |
| Beidou C6 | Elemental Mastery effect issue |
| Archon Quest | Potential progression blockage |
| Snezhnaya exploration | Challenge and interaction problems |
| Prime Ice Constructs | Control and behavior issues |
| English voice-over | Known line mismatch acknowledged |
Mobile Controls and Technical Quality-of-Life Changes
Version 7.1 also includes smaller technical adjustments that may matter more on phones than on high-end PCs. Prime Ice Construct touchscreen controls were changed to reduce accidental inputs.
The game now requires a more deliberate touch action before opening the relevant building interface, which should help players who triggered it by mistake while exploring.
Keyboard, mouse, and controller users also get improvements when cycling through Prime Ice Constructs. Certain Android and HarmonyOS devices received changes to the way the game calculates resolution.
That doesn’t mean every phone automatically gains higher graphics settings. Players still need to balance image quality, heat, battery drain, and frame rate based on their device.
These changes are easy to overlook in promotional material because they aren’t new characters or quests.
For regular mobile players, though, fewer accidental touches and better resolution handling may improve the experience more often than a one-time event reward.
| Technical Change | Player Impact |
| Touchscreen controls | Fewer accidental Prime Ice Construct inputs |
| Keyboard/controller cycling | Easier construct switching |
| Android graphics | Resolution calculation adjustments |
| HarmonyOS graphics | Resolution calculation adjustments |
| Fellfrost waypoint | Less travel during boss farming |
| General fixes | More stable Snezhnaya progression |
PlayStation 4 Players Need to Move to Another Supported Platform
One platform detail deserves its own mention because it can confuse returning players. Genshin Impact’s PlayStation 4 version no longer receives new game updates.
HoYoverse ended PS4 update support earlier in 2026 and recommends moving to PlayStation 5 or another supported platform. This doesn’t mean your Genshin account progress disappears.
HoYoverse has stated that game progress remains unaffected when moving to a supported platform, provided you use the appropriate linked account.
Version 7.1 can be updated normally on PC, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. PC players should update through HoYoPlay. Mobile players use their normal app-store or in-game update process. Console users can check for updates through the system interface.
If you’ve been away from Genshin for months and last played on PS4, platform support is the first thing I would check before planning a return.
| Platform | Version 7.1 Status |
| PC | Supported |
| Android | Supported |
| iOS | Supported |
| PlayStation 5 | Supported |
| Xbox Series X and Series S | Supported |
| PlayStation 4 | No longer receives updates |
How Version 7.1 Fits Into Genshin Impact’s 2026 Update Schedule
Genshin has moved through a steady sequence of major updates in 2026. Luna IV arrived on January 14. Luna V followed on February 25. Luna VI launched on April 8, followed by Luna VII on May 20.
Luna VIII arrived on July 1. Then the game’s version naming shifted again with Version 7.0 on August 12, marking the major Snezhnaya launch.
Version 7.1 followed on September 23.
The six-week rhythm between most of these patches makes it easier to understand why Version 7.1 still feels closely tied to the Snezhnaya launch. HoYoverse didn’t move on to a disconnected story. It continued building the region’s characters, reactions, bosses, and progression systems.
| 2026 Update | Release Date |
| Luna IV | January 14 |
| Luna V | February 25 |
| Luna VI | April 8 |
| Luna VII | May 20 |
| Luna VIII | July 1 |
| Version 7.0 | August 12 |
| Version 7.1 | September 23 |
What Players Should Prioritize as of October 6
This is the section I’d pay attention to if you’re returning now. Start with Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon because it closes on October 12 and contains the event-exclusive Silver Light Sword and its refinement materials.
Next, make your Vesna or Vodyanitsa banner decision before Phase I closes on October 13. Keep logging in for Resplendent Starlight until you’ve collected all 10 Intertwined Fates. That event remains available until October 19, but you need seven login days.
The Stygian Onslaught event lasts much longer, so it doesn’t need the same immediate attention. However, its Disturbance Outbreak period ends October 10. After that, work through Chapter VII Acts III and IV if you want access to the Tabletop Troupe selector.
Finally, claim both 5-star selectors before November 3. Permanent World Quests and ordinary Snezhnaya exploration can wait until the time-sensitive rewards are secure.
| Priority | What to Do | Key Date |
| 1 | Finish Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon | Oct. 12 |
| 2 | Decide on Vesna or Vodyanitsa | Oct. 13 |
| 3 | Complete seven anniversary logins | Oct. 19 |
| 4 | Use Stygian Disturbance Outbreak if relevant | Oct. 10 |
| 5 | Complete Act IV for Tabletop Troupe | Before Nov. 3 |
| 6 | Claim both 5-star selectors | Nov. 3 |
| 7 | Do permanent exploration | No immediate rush |
Final Thoughts
The Genshin Impact 2026 update cycle has already been packed, but Version 7.1 stands out because it combines a major story continuation with the game’s sixth anniversary.
Vesna and Vodyanitsa deepen the newer Snezhnaya reaction systems instead of feeling disconnected from the region’s design. Acts III and IV continue the central story, while Secret Tsarist Assignments give Snezhnaya another piece of permanent weekly content.
The Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow pushes players to understand Stellar-related mechanics instead of treating them as optional team-building jargon.
Miliastra Wonderland also receives meaningful usability changes, and Stygian Onslaught gives players who enjoy difficult combat a longer-running challenge. But for most accounts, the anniversary rewards remain the practical highlight.
Two separate 5-star selectors, 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, and an event-exclusive 4-star weapon make this a patch where missing deadlines can matter more than finishing every permanent quest immediately.
If you’re returning now, focus on what expires first. Secure Silver Light, finish the anniversary login, make your Phase I banner decision, complete Act IV if you want the limited selector, and claim both 5-stars before November 3.
Then slow down. Snezhnaya’s permanent story, exploration, assignments, and World Quests will still be there after the event timers disappear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Genshin Impact New Version Update Patch Notes 2026
Is Version 7.1 the latest Genshin Impact update?
Yes. As of October 6, 2026, Version 7.1, “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” is the live version.
Can players really get two free 5-star characters?
Yes. The two selectors are separate. One lets players choose a standard 5-star, while the other offers one character from a six-character event-exclusive pool. Each selector can be used once if you meet its requirements.
Do I need to finish every previous Archon Quest before starting the Snezhnaya story?
Not necessarily. Eligible players who meet the required Adventure Rank and Mondstadt story progression can access the Snezhnaya Chapter VII path without clearing every older Archon chapter first.
Are Acts III and IV temporary?
No. Both Version 7.1 Archon Quest acts are permanent. The extra Version 7.1 completion rewards and related limited epilogue are the time-sensitive parts.
