01 / SHORTEST PATH
Use the automatically unlocked waypoint
Version 7.0 automatically unlocks a Teleport Waypoint southwest of Volkodlak Tundra after you complete Prologue: Act III, “Song of the Dragon and Freedom.” Players who had already completed that quest receive the waypoint after updating the game.
Use that waypoint to enter Snezhnaya. The official update notes do not require completion of every earlier regional Archon Quest just to travel there.
- Complete Prologue: Act III — Song of the Dragon and Freedom.
- Update to Version 7.0 or later.
- Open the map and use the waypoint southwest of Volkodlak Tundra.
- Travel into Snezhnaya and follow the quest prompt if you also meet the Chapter VII requirements.
02 / ARCHON QUEST
Starting Everwinter Without Mercy has one extra gate
Chapter VII: Act I, “Everwinter Without Mercy,” requires Adventure Rank 18 or higher plus completion of Prologue: Act III. After those requirements are met, exploring Snezhnaya automatically accepts the quest.
The official notice recommends completing Song of the Welkin Moon: Act X and the event quest “Sunny Summer Fontinalia” for the best story experience. Those are recommendations, not mandatory unlock requirements for Act I.
03 / NEXT ACT
Wraith's Nocturne follows Act I
Chapter VII: Act II, “Wraith's Nocturne,” requires Adventure Rank 18 or higher and completion of Chapter VII: Act I. The Version 7.0 update notes list no additional mandatory quest for Act II.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I have to finish all earlier Archon Quests before Snezhnaya?
No for the Version 7.0 entry path described by the official update. Prologue: Act III unlocks the waypoint, and AR 18 plus that Prologue act unlocks Chapter VII: Act I. Earlier story content is recommended for context, not listed as mandatory.
Why did the Snezhnaya waypoint appear automatically?
Version 7.0 automatically unlocks it for players who have completed Prologue: Act III. That behavior is stated in the official update notes.
EVIDENCE
Sources
- Genshin Impact Official — Version 7.0 Update Details — Region waypoint and Chapter VII unlock criteria; checked 2026-09-15.
- Genshin Impact Official — Everwinter Without Mercy reward notice — Act I requirements and optional best-experience recommendation; checked 2026-09-15.