HoYoverse announced on the 26th that the 7.2 update for Genshin Impact, titled 'Prelude to the End', will launch on November 4. This update kicks off a brand new Archon Quest where the 'Land Consecration' phenomenon hits Teyvat, prompting representatives from all seven nations to gather in Snezhnaya for a joint response. Along with the opening of a new area in eastern Snezhnaya, new 5-star character Mitya and 4-star character Valerie are joining the roster.

The new Archon Quest centres around the energy surging from the 'Judgement Nails' across Teyvat, spawning mysterious pillars of light and triggering the 'Land Consecration' phenomenon that pushes the entire continent to the brink of ruin. In response, the Cryo Archon invites representatives from the seven nations to Snezhnaya for a summit to tackle the catastrophe.

Through this story, the Traveler will stand against the disaster alongside the gods of each nation, Neuvillette, and old friends from all over Teyvat. Completing the Archon Quest within the designated period nets you 560 Primogems and character ascension materials for Mitya, while the new quest 'Edict of the Ice Palace' rewards players with Snezhnaya-themed wind gliders and more.

To match the occasion, a new exploration area in eastern Snezhnaya opens up. Players can hop on a train to explore the underground city of 'New Kitesh', a major source of Kresnik crystals, and 'Old Kitesh', the very first city built by the Tsaritsa. Dealing with the threat of corrupted Kresnik crystal veins using new pure ice creations and two types of elemental shotguns is crucial as Mitya and the player uncover Snezhnaya's past secrets. In the new stronghold story, Danika and Mitya get caught up in unexpected events while carrying out their respective missions, and New Kitesh even plays host to a colossal creature hauled straight from the sea.

The new 5-star character Mitya is an Electro Catalyst user. When added to the party, Mitya converts Superconduct reactions into 'Astral Superconduct' reactions and boosts the party-wide damage dealt by those reactions. Mitya's elemental skill can be used to unleash accumulated special energy to deal Astral Superconduct reaction damage to nearby enemies, or burn energy to execute consecutive special charged attacks.

Joining them is the new 4-star Electro Sword character Valerie, a major in the Ministry of Defense who takes rules very seriously. Providing shields and Electro damage bonuses, Valerie looks set to deliver stellar combat prowess in teams built around Astral Superconduct reactions.

Meanwhile, the first phase of the version 7.2 event wishes will feature newcomers Mitya and Valerie alongside a rerun for Furina, while the second phase will open up reruns for Jabril and Linea alongside a new Chronicled Wish banner featuring select Natlan characters. During the time-limited event unlocked alongside the Archon Quest, players will collaborate with companions from various nations to rescue the wounded, relay critical intel, and execute special operations to lower the danger level of the catastrophe.

You can check out more details regarding version 7.2 of Genshin Impact over at the official Genshin Impact cafe.