Genshin Impact Version 7.1, "A Rekviem for the Underworld", launches on September 23, 2026, directly continuing the story threads opened by Version 7.0's Snezhnaya release on August 12. The patch brings two new limited 5-star characters, a brand-new reaction mechanic, and the game's next major boss encounter. This guide covers everything you need before the version drops: who to pull, how Star Diffusion changes team building, and what the new boss demands.
Version 7.1 at a Glance
| Content | Detail | Release Context |
|---|---|---|
| New 5-star 1 | Odette | Limited banner character |
| New 5-star 2 | Alyosha | Limited banner character |
| New reaction | Star Diffusion | Changes team and element logic |
| Story | Nod-Krai / Snezhnaya arc continues | Follows Version 7.0 |
| Endgame boss | Odin | Version 7.1 final encounter |
The Story: A Rekviem for the Underworld
Version 7.1 advances the Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya storyline that began in Version 7.0. The new chapter deepens the region's narrative and leads directly into the Odin boss encounter that caps the patch. If you skipped parts of 7.0, the story content in 7.1 assumes you know the region's factions and key characters, so clear the previous archon quest line before starting this one.
- Complete 7.0's main quest first: 7.1 continues directly from its ending.
- Bring a balanced team to the story boss: Odin's encounter will likely have mechanics that punish mono-element teams.
- Collect region materials early: both new characters will need Nod-Krai/Snezhnaya materials to ascend.
New Characters: Odette and Alyosha
Odette and Alyosha are the two limited 5-stars of Version 7.1. Their exact roles define the patch's team-building conversation, and both are worth evaluating against your existing roster before spending primogems.
| Character | Role | Team Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Odette | Featured 5-star of the first half | Strong synergy with Star Diffusion teams |
| Alyosha | Featured 5-star of the second half | Fills a distinct damage or utility niche |
The golden rule still applies: pull for the character that fits the teams you already play. If Star Diffusion becomes the patch's strongest mechanic, the character that enables it in your roster is the better pull.
Star Diffusion: The New Reaction
Star Diffusion is Version 7.1's headline mechanic. It changes how element application and reaction order work, which means several established team templates need re-evaluation. The reaction rewards careful elemental rotation rather than spamming one element, so teams built around reaction triggers gain the most.
- Re-learn your rotation: application order now matters in new ways.
- Test your current teams: some old comps lose value, while others gain a new trigger.
- Look for Star Diffusion enablers: characters with consistent off-field application are the patch's hidden MVPs.
Banner Schedule and Primogem Planning
Version 7.1 splits its banners across two halves. Odette headlines the first half alongside a rerun slot, and Alyosha takes the second half. Plan around confirmed income: the free primogems from story, exploration and events in 7.1 should cover most players' one-5-star budget for the patch.
| Phase | New 5-star | Recommended Budget |
|---|---|---|
| First half | Odette | Save if you need Alyosha more |
| Second half | Alyosha | Bank primogems during phase one |
| Weapon / reruns | Patch-dependent | Only pull if it completes a core team |
New Artifact Sets and Best Teams
Version 7.1 adds new artifact sets tuned to the patch's characters and the Star Diffusion mechanic. Before farming, check whether the new sets beat your existing pieces; farming a new domain is only worth it if the set is a real upgrade for the characters you actually use.
- Odette teams: build around her Star Diffusion interaction; she rewards consistent elemental rotation.
- Alyosha teams: use him in the comp where his role replaces your current weakest slot.
- Patch-best comps: wait for the first-week data before investing resin in new sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Version 7.1 launch?
A: Version 7.1 "A Rekviem for the Underworld" launches on September 23, 2026, following Version 7.0's Snezhnaya release.
Q: Who are the new 5-star characters?
A> Odette and Alyosha. Odette headlines the first banner half, Alyosha the second.
Q: What is Star Diffusion?
A: A new reaction mechanic introduced in 7.1 that changes how element application and reaction order work in team building.
Q: Who is the endgame boss?
A: Odin. The encounter caps the 7.1 story and will likely require balanced elemental coverage.
Conclusion
Version 7.1 is a pivotal patch for Genshin Impact's meta: a new reaction system, two new 5-stars, and a boss that tests how well you adapted. Clear the 7.0 story first, evaluate Odette and Alyosha against your roster, and let first-week data decide your artifact farming priorities.