Genshin Impact 7.2 'Hour of Ruin' arrives November 4

HoYoverse has set the date for the next big Genshin Impact update. Version 7.2, "Hour of Ruin", arrives on November 4, opening a new region in eastern Snezhnaya and adding two Electro characters, Notebookcheck reports.

The story: all seven nations in Snezhnaya

The new Archon Quest picks up with the Nails of Retribution, whose energy is becoming more violent. Pillars of light appear across Teyvat and set off the Holy Soil phenomenon, throwing every nation into crisis. The Tsaritsa calls representatives of all seven nations to Snezhnaya, and players team up with the Archons, Neuvillette and others to stop it.

Finish the quest within the event period and you get 560 Primogems plus ascension materials for Mitya. The Secret Tsarist Assignments add more rewards, including a Snezhnaya-themed wind glider. A limited-time event tied to the quest has you rescue soldiers and run urgent errands, with Primogems and a free 4-star character of your choice as rewards. A filming event in Snezhnaya and a mining challenge in Natlan round things out.

New areas: Novokitezhgrad and Old Kitezhgrad

A railway takes players to Novokitezhgrad, an underground city encased in Kresnik Kristall, the material it produces. Further east, Wingspan Peak holds Old Kitezhgrad, the nation's first city. You'll clear contaminated crystal deposits with new Prime Ice Constructs and two elemental shotguns, and a huge creature from the ocean depths waits as a boss in Novokitezhgrad. Two Meeting Point quests follow Danica and Mitya.

Mitya, Valeriy and the banners

• Mitya (5-star, Electro, Catalyst) turns the team's Superconduct reactions into Stellar-Conduct reactions and boosts the party's Stellar-Conduct damage.
• Valeriy (4-star, Electro, sword) provides shields and raises Electro damage, especially in Stellar-Conduct teams.

Phase 1 banners feature Mitya and Valeriy alongside a Furina rerun. Phase 2 brings back Zibai and Linnea, plus a new Chronicled Wish with selected Natlan characters. The Miliastra Wonderland mode gets a masquerade lobby, a free 4-star outfit set and more stage-editing tools.

Platforms

Genshin Impact is free to play on PS5, Xbox, PC, Android and iOS, with cross-progression and co-op. If you play on PC or phone and want proper sticks, our PC game controller buying guide covers the options, and a good gaming headset makes the new story scenes easier to enjoy.