HoYoverse has confirmed that Genshin Impact Version 7.2, titled “Hour of Ruin,” will launch on November 4, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, and Android. The update introduces two playable Electro characters, Mitya and Valeriy, alongside an expansion of Snezhnaya, a new Archon Quest, additional events, and several obtainable rewards.
Announced on October 23, Version 7.2 continues the Snezhnaya storyline as a growing catastrophe threatens all seven nations of Teyvat. The update also expands the game’s Stellar-Conduct combat mechanics, with both new characters offering abilities designed around the elemental reaction.
Five-star character Mitya joins the roster as an Electro Catalyst user. His abilities convert the team’s Superconduct reactions into Stellar-Conduct reactions, increasing their damage while generating special energy.
Mitya’s Elemental Skill supports two different combat approaches. Pressing the ability releases accumulated energy to periodically damage nearby enemies through Stellar-Conduct reactions. Holding it instead consumes the stored energy to perform a series of enhanced Charged Attacks, allowing him to alternate between dealing damage on the field and supporting teammates.
His Elemental Burst deals area-of-effect Electro damage and generates additional energy. Mitya also carries a detection device that can reveal hidden passages in certain parts of Snezhnaya, where players can unlock a reward that changes his appearance.
Valeriy, meanwhile, arrives as a four-star Electro Sword character. A Major of the Armory Palace, he specializes in providing shields and increasing Electro damage, particularly for teams built around Stellar-Conduct reactions.
Both characters will debut during the first phase of Version 7.2’s Event Wishes, alongside a rerun banner for Furina. The second phase will feature returning five-star characters Zibai and Linnea, while a new Chronicled Wish will include selected characters from Natlan.
Beyond the new characters, Version 7.2 opens eastern Snezhnaya for exploration. Players can travel by railway to Novokitezhgrad, an underground city built around Kresnik Kristall deposits. The expansion also introduces Wingspan Peak and Old Kitezhgrad, an ancient settlement established by the Belyi Tsar.
These locations form part of the continuing crisis involving the Holy Soil phenomenon. Players will use new Prime Ice Constructs and two elemental shotguns to address contaminated Kresnik Kristall deposits while uncovering more of Snezhnaya’s history.
Additional Meeting Point quests follow Danica, who undertakes a secret assignment in Novokitezhgrad, and Mitya, who investigates unusual soil conditions near Teplo Oasis. A large creature originating from the ocean depths will also appear as a new challenge in Novokitezhgrad.
The Version 7.2 Archon Quest brings representatives from all seven nations together after the Nails of Retribution begin displaying increasingly unstable energy levels. The resulting Holy Soil phenomenon threatens settlements across Teyvat, prompting the Tsaritsa to organize a gathering in Snezhnaya.
Players will work alongside the Archons, Neuvillette, and other allies to confront the spreading catastrophe. Completing the new Archon Quest within its designated reward period will grant 560 Primogems and Character Ascension Materials for Mitya.
The update also introduces additional Secret Tsarist Assignments, with rewards including a Snezhnaya-themed Wind Glider.
A new limited-time event will become accessible through progression in the Version 7.2 Archon Quest or through the Quick Start option. The event involves characters from across Teyvat working together to contain the Holy Soil crisis, with objectives including rescuing injured soldiers, delivering information, and completing emergency assignments.
Participating players can earn Primogems, character enhancement materials, and an opportunity to invite one eligible four-star character to their party.
Other activities include a photography event in Snezhnaya and a mining challenge in Natlan. Miliastra Wonderland will also receive a masquerade-themed lobby, a free four-star cosmetic set, and expanded tools and assets for stage editing.
Genshin Impact Version 7.2 will be available as a free update on November 4, with cross-progression and cooperative multiplayer support continuing across its supported platforms.
