Contrary to what many players expected, the Snezhnaya region in Genshin Impact will not be introduced directly after Natlan. According to leaks published by leakers, the next playable area will be Nod-Krai, an autonomous zone linked to the Cryo nation, which will arrive in version 6.0.
This leak not only rearranges fan expectations but also reveals that cycle 6.x will be entirely set in Nod-Krai, with the full arrival of Snezhnaya delayed until version 7.0, scheduled for mid-2026.
What the leak says about the new Genshin Impact route
According to well-known leaker HXG, Nod-Krai will be officially released on September 10, 2025, marking the start of version 6.0. Furthermore, HoYoverse will present Nod-Krai as a kind of "gateway" to Snezhnaya. In this way, it will offer a multicultural and commercial environment before the arrival of the central Fatui nation.
The developer will begin unlocking new areas of Nod-Krai gradually starting with version 6.1. The studio will complete the cycle by version 6.7. Snezhnaya, however, will arrive in its entirety only in update 7.0, scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Why HoYoverse might be changing the order of the regions
Although the leak is not accompanied by official explanations, the strategy behind the change seems clear. By dividing Snezhnaya into smaller regions, HoYoverse is able to:
- Extend the content across more updates
- To introduce the culture and politics of Snezhnaya gradually
- Gain time to refine the complete map of the Cryo nation
- Avoid sudden drops in the update rate
This approach was successful in regions like Sumeru, which had sub-areas introduced in phases, thus maintaining player interest for months.
Nod-Krai: What the leak reveals about the new region
Described as an autonomous zone south of Snezhnaya, Nod-Krai will be a center for trade and cultural exchange. According to the leak, the region will bring:
- An extreme weather system, with more intense cold mechanics
- New Cryo characters, aligned with the Snezhnayana aesthetic
- Narrative elements related to the organization of the Fatui
- Architecture that blends styles from various nations of Teyvat
- A new economy based on trade routes and local commerce
Furthermore, Nod-Krai promises to deliver a dense and politically unstable setting, foreshadowing the larger conflicts that are expected to arise in Snezhnaya.
What to expect until September 2025
If the leak is confirmed, the next few months will serve as preparation for the arrival of Nod-Krai. Players should:
- Complete Natlan's quests
- Gather gems for the new banners
- Assembling teams prepared for environments with extreme climates
- Keep a close eye on HoYoverse's upcoming live streams
Nod-Krai's first official appearance may occur as early as the previews of version 5.9, which would confirm some of the leaks.
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