Genshin Impact's significant version 7.0 update, which will transport players to the new Snezhnaya region, is scheduled to launch on August 11 or August 12, depending on the player's time zone. The update will be preceded by approximately five hours of server maintenance.
Maintenance is slated to begin at 3 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, August 11, for the west coast of North America, extending to 6 p.m. EDT for the east coast. European players can expect maintenance to start at 12 a.m. CEST on Wednesday, August 12, while those in the UK will see it begin at 11 p.m. BST on Tuesday, August 11. Players in Japan will experience the maintenance start at 7 a.m. JST on Wednesday, August 12, and the east coast of Australia at 8 a.m. AEST.
The game is expected to return online with version 7.0 at the following times: 8 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, August 11, for the west coast of North America, and 11 p.m. EDT for the east coast. In Europe, the update should be live by 5 a.m. CEST on Wednesday, August 12, and 4 a.m. BST for the UK. Japanese players can anticipate the update at 12 p.m. JST on Wednesday, August 12, and those on the east coast of Australia at 1 p.m. AEST. While these are the approximate times, HoYoverse typically adheres closely to the scheduled maintenance windows, though minor early or late releases can occur.
Version 7.0 marks a return to standard numbered patches and will finally introduce players to Snezhnaya, the homeland of the Tsaritsa. This update will feature a new cast of characters, including the five-star Cryo user Odette and the four-star Electro user Alyosha. The Traveler will also receive a new outfit suited for the colder climate of Snezhnaya.
Limited-time events will accompany the launch, offering rewards such as Primogems and upgrade materials. The main event, "Great Expeditionist Challenge," is set to begin on August 28 and will provide players with a crown and a copy of the character Diona, alongside other in-game items. Players are advised to manage their in-game resin before maintenance, with the option to save it for farming new materials available in Snezhnaya.