Genshin Impact players are set to welcome version 7.1, a substantial update that carries the game’s ongoing narrative into the region of Snezhnaya while simultaneously marking the title’s milestone Sixth Anniversary. The patch introduces two brand-new playable characters — Vesna, an Anemo sword-user, and Vodyanitsa, a Hydro catalyst-user — alongside generous anniversary rewards, including free five-star characters for logged-in players. To celebrate the occasion, HoYoverse has released a batch of livestream codes that grant Primogems, Mora and Adventurer’s EXP, though these are time-sensitive and expire on Sept. 15 at 12 a.m. EDT.
The update arrives as part of miHoYo’s broader strategy to keep its open-world action RPG fresh through recurring content drops, seasonal storytelling and community-driven events. Version 7.1 builds directly upon the franchise’s established lore, threading new plot threads into Snezhnaya — the snowy homeland of the Fatui, a faction that has featured prominently in recent chapters of Genshin Impact’s world-spanning saga. By pairing narrative expansion with character additions, the studio aims to reward both returning veterans and newcomers alike.
New Characters Expand the Roster
The headline additions for this cycle are Vesna and Vodyanitsa, each bringing a distinct elemental playstyle to the game’s roster. Vesna wields Anemo energy with a sword, positioning her as an agile, mobility-focused fighter capable of leveraging wind-based mechanics in combat. Meanwhile, Vodyanitsa operates as a Hydro catalyst-user, offering players a versatile support-oriented option that can manipulate water-based reactions across the battlefield.
Both characters are expected to arrive through the standard banner system, though HoYoverse has not yet disclosed their exact banner windows or pity guarantees. Their inclusion signals continued investment in elemental diversity and character depth — hallmarks of Genshin Impact’s long-term design philosophy that keeps players engaged across its extended runtime.
Sixth Anniversary Rewards
Beyond the new characters, version 7.1 doubles as the game’s Sixth Anniversary patch, a celebration that has become an annual tradition for the community. Players who log in during this window will be able to claim two five-star characters for free — one drawn from the standard banner and another selected from a curated list of limited-time characters. The studio has also promised additional fun rewards as part of the anniversary package.
The recurring nature of these events underscores Genshin Impact’s model of sustained player engagement, where milestone anniversaries translate into tangible value for its audience. This approach has helped cement the title’s position among the most enduring live-service games in the action RPG space.
The combination of story progression and character additions makes version 7.1 one of the more content-rich updates yet, while the anniversary rewards offer a meaningful incentive for players to stay active during this milestone period.
Genshin Impact Community
The community has responded positively to the announcement, with fans eager to see how Vesna and Vodyanitsa fit into the evolving Snezhnaya storyline. Technical discussions have centered on banner timing and whether the anniversary event will introduce new mechanics or simply reward existing content. As always, players are encouraged to plan their gacha strategy around the expected windows.
How to Redeem Genshin Impact Gift Codes
The livestream codes released for this update offer a straightforward way for players to collect free rewards before they lapse. To redeem them, users can log in and input the codes on the official code redemption website. Alternatively, players may enter the codes directly through the in-game settings menu — though copy-and-pasting into a browser is generally considered the more convenient method.
For those viewing this report while logged into Genshin Impact on their current device, clicking the provided links will typically trigger automatic code entry. Once redeemed, rewards are delivered via in-game mail shortly afterward, so players should check their inbox to confirm receipt.
Looking Ahead
The most pressing consideration for players is timing: these codes expire on Sept. 15 at 12 a.m. EDT, meaning anyone who wishes to claim them must act quickly before the window closes. Beyond the immediate rewards of Primogems, Mora and Adventurer’s EXP — which help level up characters and progress toward gacha pulls — players should keep an eye out for any follow-up communications from HoYoverse regarding version 7.1’s full release schedule.
As Genshin Impact continues its long-running journey through Teyvat, updates like this one reinforce the studio’s commitment to delivering layered storytelling, memorable characters and rewarding events. With the Sixth Anniversary celebration underway and new Snezhnaya content on the horizon, there has never been a more fitting time for players to dive back into the world.
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