Genshin Impact 7.1: Vesna, Vodyanitsa, Banners & 6th Anniversary Rewards

Genshin Impact Version 7.1, “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” launches on September 23, 2026.

The update continues the Snezhnaya Archon Quest while introducing two brand-new 5-Star characters, Vesna and Vodyanitsa, alongside reruns for Skirk and Escoffier.

Version 7.1 also marks Genshin Impact’s 6th Anniversary, bringing plenty of rewards, including Standard 5-Star and limited 5-Star character selectors, Primogems, Intertwined Fates, and more.

Still deciding whether to save for the new characters or pull on the rerun banners? Here’s a quick breakdown of the Version 7.1 banners, new characters, events, anniversary rewards, and pull recommendations.

Genshin Impact Version 7.1, “A Rekviem for the Underworld,” launches on September 23, 2026, continuing the Snezhnaya Archon Quest while celebrating Genshin Impact’s 6th Anniversary.

The update introduces two new 5-star characters, Vesna and Vodyanitsa, who expand the new Stellar Swirl combat system. They headline Phase 1 of the Version 7.1 banners, while Skirk and Escoffier return in Phase 2.

Version 7.1 is also one of the most rewarding updates of the year. The 6th Anniversary celebration includes 1,600 Primogems, 10 Intertwined Fates, a free Standard 5-star character selector, and a separate event-exclusive 5-star character selector for eligible players.

If you are deciding whether to pull Vesna or Vodyanitsa, save for the Skirk and Escoffier reruns, or simply want to know which free 5-star to choose, this guide covers the latest Genshin Impact 7.1 banners, new characters, Archon Quest, bosses, events, anniversary rewards, and pull recommendations.

1. Genshin Impact 7.1 Banners & Release Schedule

The Genshin Impact 7.1 Character Event Wishes are split into two phases. Phase 1 introduces both new 5-star characters built around Stellar Swirl, while Phase 2 brings back Skirk and Escoffier.

Which Genshin Impact 7.1 Banner Should You Pull?

If you want to build around the new Stellar Swirl team archetype, Phase 1 is the main target. Vesna serves as the team's on-field damage dealer, while Vodyanitsa adds healing, resistance reduction, ATK buffs, and additional support for Stellar Swirl reactions.

If you already own Skirk or have an established Cryo/Hydro roster, Skirk and Escoffier may offer more immediate value in Phase 2 because they strengthen an existing team rather than requiring you to build a new reaction-focused setup from scratch.

Players with limited Primogems should claim the anniversary rewards first, then check their pity, guaranteed status, existing characters, and future banner plans before pulling. If you later need more Genesis Crystals, you can also compare options on our Genshin Impact top up page.

2. Vesna & Vodyanitsa: New 5-Star Characters

Version 7.1 adds two new 5-star characters designed to expand the Stellar Swirl reaction system: Vesna, an Anemo Sword wielder, and Vodyanitsa, a Hydro Catalyst user.

1. Vesna | 5-Star Anemo Sword DPS

Vesna is the youngest Commander in Druzhna history and joins Version 7.1 as a 5-star Anemo Sword character. Her combat kit is built around converting Cryo Swirl into Stellar Swirl, making her one of the central characters for the new reaction system.

Vesna can summon Spirit Blades and build a resource called Sword Essence. She can then consume Sword Essence with a special Elemental Skill to command her Spirit Blades to attack nearby enemies.

When those attacks occur near a Stellar Vortex, they are treated as Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst deals AoE Anemo damage, summons another wave of Spirit Blades, and restores Sword Essence.

Key Points:

• 5-Star Anemo Sword character
• Designed as an on-field Stellar Swirl damage dealer
• Can convert Cryo Swirl reactions into Stellar Swirl
• Uses Spirit Blades and Sword Essence as core combat mechanics
• Works especially well with characters that provide Cryo application and Stellar Swirl support
• As a Vila, Vesna can also take flight during open-world exploration

If your main goal in Version 7.1 is to experience the new Stellar Swirl playstyle, Vesna is the most direct character to build the team around.

2. Vodyanitsa | 5-Star Hydro Catalyst Healer & Support

Vodyanitsa is the Prima Donna of Snezhnograd’s Korolevskiy Troupe and a 5-star Hydro Catalyst character. Her kit combines healing and team buffs with powerful support for Hydro, Cryo, Anemo, and Stellar Swirl-focused teams.

After using her Elemental Skill, Vodyanitsa can transform into her Water Imp form and sustain her song. While active, she continuously heals the current character, reduces enemies’ Hydro and Cryo RES, and increases the active character’s ATK.

Her song also empowers Stellar Vortices by reducing enemies’ Anemo RES and increasing Stellar Swirl reaction damage. Her Elemental Burst deals AoE Hydro damage across the battlefield.

Key Points:

• 5-Star Hydro Catalyst character
• Healing and team support from off-field
• Reduces enemy Hydro and Cryo RES
• Boosts the active character’s ATK
• Reduces enemy Anemo RES and increases Stellar Swirl damage
• Water Imp form provides additional exploration mobility

Vodyanitsa is especially attractive for players who plan to invest heavily in Stellar Swirl. If you can only guarantee one new 5-star, however, prioritize the character that fills the bigger gap in your account rather than assuming both are mandatory.

3. Archon Quest, Bosses & Version 7.1 Events

1. New Snezhnaya Archon Quest Acts

Version 7.1 continues Chapter VII of the Archon Quest with two new acts:

• Chapter VII: Act III — “White Night, Like a Dream Upon Waking”
• Chapter VII: Act IV — “A Rekviem for the Underworld”

The crisis in Snezhnaya continues to deepen. Travelers will finally come face-to-face with the Tsaritsa and learn more about the strategy behind her long-running effort to collect the Gnoses.

At the same time, Ronova, the Ruler of Death, becomes a direct threat to Snezhnaya, while the arrival of Rhinedottir, the Ruler of Life, adds another major variable to the conflict.

Completing the new Version 7.1 Archon Quest grants 620 Primogems. Players will also gain access to special assignments issued by the Tsaritsa’s Confidential Secretary.

2. Moonchase Festival & Version 7.1 Events

Version 7.1 brings the long-awaited Moonchase Festival back to Liyue after five years. Yilong Wharf becomes the center of the celebration, with a new story and three mini-games inspired by Liyue thaumaturges.

The flagship event, Silverwing in Pursuit of the Moon, offers Primogems, upgrade materials, and a free event-exclusive 4-star Sword, Silver Light, together with its refinement materials.

Other Version 7.1 activities include:

• Carefree Snowball Fight in Snezhnaya
• Predictive Victory Dynamics in Natlan
• Overflowing Favor
• Additional combat and challenge events
• New Genius Invokation TCG content
• Further updates and rewards for Miliastra Wonderland

With anniversary rewards, story Primogems, and multiple limited-time events running in the same patch, Version 7.1 gives players several opportunities to save additional wishes before committing to a banner.

3. New Weekly Boss & World Boss

Ronova, the Ruler of Death, appears as the new Weekly Boss tied to the Version 7.1 Archon Quest. The battle forms one of the central confrontations of the Snezhnaya storyline.

Version 7.1 also introduces the Guardian Blade of Drifting Snow as a new World Boss. Its drops include key Ascension materials required for Vesna.

If you plan to pull Vesna, unlocking the boss early will make it easier to begin farming her Ascension materials immediately after the update.

4. Genshin Impact 6th Anniversary Rewards & Two Free 5-Stars

One of the biggest highlights of Genshin Impact Version 7.1 is the 6th Anniversary celebration. Eligible players can obtain two separate free 5-star character selections: one from the Standard Wish pool and another from a selected lineup of event-exclusive characters.

The anniversary also includes 1,600 Primogems and 10 Intertwined Fates, giving players the equivalent of 20 additional limited-banner wishes before counting other Version 7.1 event rewards.

1. Free Standard 5-Star Selector

Players can choose one of eight Standard Wish 5-star characters:

Jean, Diluc, Qiqi, Mona, Keqing, Tighnari, Dehya, or Yumemizuki Mizuki.

Recommended Picks:

• Jean — flexible healing and utility
  A comfortable choice for newer accounts that need reliable team healing and Anemo utility.
• Tighnari — Dendro single-target DPS
  A strong option for players who want an accessible Quicken-focused damage dealer.
• Keqing — Electro DPS for Aggravate teams
  Works well with Dendro teammates and offers fast, responsive gameplay.
• Dehya — survivability and interruption resistance
  Useful when your teams need additional comfort rather than maximum damage.
• Yumemizuki Mizuki — Anemo reaction-focused gameplay
  Consider her if you enjoy Swirl-based teams or want another Anemo-focused option.

Veteran players who already own most of the Standard Wish characters may instead want to choose based on Constellation value, missing roles, or collection goals.

2. Free Event-Exclusive 5-Star Selector

For the first time, players who complete the required Version 7.1 Archon Quest during the event period can choose one event-exclusive 5-star character for free.

The available characters are:

Baizhu, Varesa, Nilou, Tartaglia, Clorinde, or Chiori.

Which Free Event-Exclusive 5-Star Should You Pick?

There is no universal best choice. For a newer account, first decide whether you need more damage, better sustain, or access to a new team archetype.

Varesa or Clorinde can help if your account lacks an on-field DPS. Baizhu is valuable when you need healing and Dendro support, Nilou is best for players specifically interested in Bloom teams, Tartaglia remains relevant for International, and Chiori is most attractive to players who actively use Geo teams.

Because both free 5-star selectors cost no Primogems, claim your anniversary characters and free wishes before deciding how heavily to invest in the Version 7.1 limited banners.

3. Other 6th Anniversary Rewards

• 1,600 Primogems
• 10 Intertwined Fates
• Additional anniversary materials and commemorative rewards
• Initial Top-Up Bonus reset for Genesis Crystal packages

The 1,600 Primogems and 10 Intertwined Fates are equivalent to 20 limited-banner wishes. For players planning their Version 7.1 pulls, these rewards should be included in your Primogem budget before purchasing additional Genesis Crystals.

Conclusion

Overall, Genshin Impact Version 7.1 “A Rekviem for the Underworld” combines major Snezhnaya story developments, new Stellar Swirl characters, returning banners, the Moonchase Festival, new bosses, and one of the game’s biggest anniversary reward packages.

Phase 1 introduces Vesna and Vodyanitsa, while Skirk and Escoffier return in Phase 2. Players who want to explore the new Stellar Swirl system will naturally get more value from Phase 1, while established Skirk teams may prefer to wait for Phase 2.

Before spending Primogems, claim your free Standard 5-star, free event-exclusive 5-star, 1,600 Primogems, and 10 Intertwined Fates. Then compare your roster, pity, guaranteed status, and future plans before deciding which banner deserves your pulls.

Follow our Genshin Impact news and guides for future banner updates, character guides, and event information.

If you decide to prepare additional Genesis Crystals for your favorite character, you can also compare prices through KeyGold’s Genshin Impact top up.

Genshin Impact 7.1 FAQ

Q1: When does Genshin Impact Version 7.1 release?

Genshin Impact Version 7.1 launches on September 23, 2026. The update is titled “A Rekviem for the Underworld” and continues the Snezhnaya Archon Quest.

Q2: Who is on the Genshin Impact 7.1 banners?

Phase 1 features the new 5-star characters Vesna and Vodyanitsa. Phase 2 features reruns for Skirk and Escoffier.

Q3: Can you get two free 5-star characters in Genshin Impact 7.1?

Yes. The 6th Anniversary includes one free Standard Wish 5-star selector. Players who complete the required Version 7.1 Archon Quest during the event period can also choose one event-exclusive 5-star from the announced six-character lineup.

Q4: Should you pull Vesna and Vodyanitsa or wait for Skirk and Escoffier?

Pull in Phase 1 if you specifically want to build around the new Stellar Swirl reaction system. If you already use Skirk or have an established Cryo/Hydro team, Phase 2 may offer better immediate value.

If your Primogems are limited, claim all free Version 7.1 and anniversary rewards first and then decide based on your current roster and pity.