Genshin Impact 7.2 opens two more Snezhnaya areas as Teyvat unites

Genshin Impact Version 7.2, Hour of Ruin, is available from November 4, taking the crisis in Snezhnaya into two additional areas and bringing representatives of Teyvat’s seven nations into the story. The update combines the next Archon Quest with a new Electro damage dealer, changes to regional exploration and several activities that have separate participation requirements.

HoYoverse’s version announcement describes the Nails of Retribution and the expanding Holy Soil phenomenon as the immediate threat. The Tsaritsa calls on allies from beyond Snezhnaya, making the gathering of familiar characters part of the central conflict rather than a separate festival story.

Reaching the new areas

Novokitezhgrad is an underground industrial city associated with Kresnik Kristall production and connected to the region’s railway network. The other expansion takes exploration east of Wingspan Peak, including the remnants of Old Kitezhgrad. Prime Ice Constructs and elemental firearms remain part of how players interact with the environment.

The full update notes specify progression gates that matter more than simply downloading the patch. Completing Gunfire in the Silent Lands, within Chapter VII’s opening act, opens a northeastern Fellfrost Peak teleport point and further railway access. Another world-quest chain, An Ancient Song of Flowing Crystal and Stone Chests, changes access to the Shadow Realm area east of Wingspan Peak, after which players can explore with their chosen party.

That distinction is useful when planning a return: the new map is tied to story progress, and arriving at a locked route does not necessarily mean a download or installation has failed. Players catching up on the Archon Quest should follow the regional objectives before treating every new location as immediately accessible.

Mitya, Valeriy and the event calendar

Mitya joins as a five-star Electro catalyst user. His kit centers on Stellar-Conduct, a variation on Superconduct, with different behavior for pressing or holding his Skill. Valeriy, a four-star Electro sword user, supplies shielding and Electro-focused support.

The first banner period includes Mitya and a Furina rerun, with Valeriy among its featured four-stars. Zibai and Linnea follow in the second half, alongside a Natlan Chronicled Wish. These are separate recruitment periods, so players saving currency for a later character do not need to decide solely around the opening roster.

The update also offers limited rewards attached to its new Archon Quest and a rescue-and-assignment event with a four-star character selection. Event Quick Start and normal quest progression provide different access routes; their availability should not be confused with unrestricted access to every permanent quest.

Smaller changes include DualSense adaptive-trigger support for firearms on PC and PS5 and a larger batch-deletion limit for Prime Ice Constructs. Genshin Impact remains available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android.