Genshin Impact 7.0: TPS mode changes the game in Snezhnaya

Genshin Impact is taking things to the next level with update 7.0, "The Merciless Eternal Winter," expected on August 12. The big highlight: Snezhnaya, Teyvat's seventh nation, finally playable, complete with a train to cross its frozen expanses. But the real surprise lies elsewhere.

miHoYo is introducing a full-fledged TPS mode, unlocked via the Eye of Graeae upon arrival in Snezhnaya. Three new firearms, accessories to loot in the open world: this is a far more radical gameplay shift than a simple new area. For players who've been grinding their teams for four years using elemental skills, switching to third-person shooting is a genuine gamble on the studio's part.

On the elemental combat side, Stellar Swirl arrives as the second Stellar Glimmer reaction after Stellar-Conduct. Combining Anemo and Cryo summons a Vortex that levels up with each proc, along with a notable jump boost for exploration. Theorycrafters will need to rethink their comps around Odette, a 5-star Cryo unit who directly converts Superconduct and regular Swirl into Stellar versions, buffing the whole team in the process.

On the new playable characters front: Odette (5*, Cryo, sword) and Alyosha (4*, Electro, polearm, obtainable for free via the Archon Quest) join the roster, alongside the return of Arlecchino followed by Flins and Ineffa in the second phase of banners.

For the full patch notes and release date details, check out our dedicated articles. The key takeaway here: Snezhnaya doesn't just expand the map, it reshuffles the gameplay deck. It remains to be seen whether the TPS mode wins over the community in the long run or ends up as a launch gimmick.