Tag Archives: HoYoverse

Zenless Zone Zero 3.2 “Their Secret Histories” Launches September 9

Zenless Zone Zero’s next major update has a date locked in: Version 3.2 “Their Secret Histories” goes live on 9 September 2026, and HoYoverse has packed it with a brand-new Agent Specialty, two S-Rank characters from Flint Workshop, and story content that pushes deeper into the Shrouded Reef’s growing conspiracy.

Version 3.2 Teaser — "Their Secret Histories" | Zenless Zone Zero via Zenless Zone Zero on YouTube

Claret and Roxy: Flint Workshop’s Finest

Both new S-Rank Agents hail from Flint Workshop, giving the faction its biggest roster expansion yet.

Claret is the workshop’s director and arrives in the first half of 3.2. She is the game’s first Electric Armorer Agent, and her playstyle flips the usual damage formula: Claret scales off her DEF stat as a base damage multiplier, stacking a status called “Gash” on enemies to eventually trigger “Maim” for burst damage. That defensive-offensive loop makes her feel genuinely distinct from existing DPS characters.

Roxy, the workshop’s chief smith, follows in the second half as an S-Rank Wind Stun Agent. Her signature “Eyes of the Storm” mechanic lets players hold down EX Special Attack to summon tornadoes — a crowd-control style that sets up devastating combo windows for the rest of the team.

Zenless Zone Zero combat screenshot featuring an electric-element character
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Armorer Specialty — ZZZ’s First New Combat Role

Claret doesn’t just add a new character to the roster — she introduces the Armorer Specialty, the first entirely new Agent role in Zenless Zone Zero since the game launched. Armorers balance offence and defence, unlocking a Counter Assist mechanic that lets them push back against enemy Control Skills. Their combat loop centres on the Maim system and multi-CRIT interactions.

For team builders in Singapore, this matters practically: Armorer-specific W-Engines and Drive Discs are coming, and Claret’s DEF-scaling setup rewards a different kind of min-maxing than the game’s current roster. If you have been hoarding resources, check whether your existing gear aligns before you pull.

Zenless Zone Zero 3.2 combat action in a rain-soaked environment
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Story: Their Secret Histories

The 3.2 main story continues the Proxies’ treatment for their mutated power at Vyrium, a special zone within the Shrouded Reef explored throughout the 3.x arc. A missing Porcelloy shipment from Flint Workshop draws Claret and Roxy into the investigation, and evidence of TOPS infiltration at the Roscaelifer transfer station — alongside deeper ties to Helios Academy — adds more threads to ZZZ’s long-running mystery.

A massive Hollow boss enemy towers over New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Free Rewards and Enigma of Labyrinth

Logging in during the 3.2 patch window earns 10 Encrypted Master Tapes and 10 Boopons for free. The Enigma of Labyrinth mode returns with season divisions (standard and themed), new Z-Rank valuables, character Gear, and the new “Break-Even Beacon” item. The “Angels of Delusion” faction outfits are earnable through event play, and Agent Koleda receives an enhancement that standardises Defensive and Evasive Assist triggers via golden and red flashes respectively.

How to Play ZZZ 3.2 in Singapore

Zenless Zone Zero is free-to-play with no regional restrictions for Singapore players. Version 3.2 will be available from day one on PS5, Xbox Series, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), iOS, and Android — no VPN required, no queue. The Singapore ZZZ community has grown rapidly; HoYo FEST 2026 sold out locally, and with both Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail running in parallel, HoYoverse’s Singapore player base is as active as it has ever been.

Version 3.2 “Their Secret Histories” launches 9 September 2026. For more game update news, keep watching GameTrader.SG.

Nodusfall Is HoYoverse’s Dark New Co-Op Fantasy RPG — And It Looks Nothing Like Genshin

If you told us a year ago that HoYoverse — the studio behind the pastel skies of Genshin Impact and the cel-shaded flair of Zenless Zone Zero — would drop a gritty, Unreal Engine 5 dark fantasy co-op game at Gamescom, we would have raised an eyebrow. But Nodusfall is very real, and its world premiere trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live on 25 August left the gaming internet genuinely stunned.

A towering corrupted Dreadnodus rising over a burning landscape in Nodusfall
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

What Is Nodusfall?

Nodusfall is a multi-mythology co-op action RPG set in a world where divine authority has collapsed. Players take on the role of Weavers — warriors who wield thread-like supernatural abilities alongside traditional medieval weapons — and band together to hunt down corrupted mythic entities called the Dreadnodi. The premise draws from mythologies around the world, blending them into an original fallen-god setting that feels closer to Elden Ring territory than anything HoYoverse has put out before.

The studio describes it as a game where “the Divine of creation has fallen silent” and players must “seize whatever divinity remains” while uncovering what broke the world. Tonally, it is a complete pivot: where Genshin Impact leans into wonder and adventure, Nodusfall goes heavy on dread, scale, and weight.

Four Weavers stand at the edge of a cliff overlooking a vast dark fantasy world in Nodusfall
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

How the Combat Works — Weavers vs the Dreadnodi

From the reveal footage, Nodusfall plays as a squad-based hunter where four Weavers coordinate to pressure, expose weaknesses in, and finish off colossal enemies. Early descriptions paint it as heavier and slower than HoYoverse’s snappier action titles — stamina management appears to be a factor, and there is an emphasis on timing and reading enemy patterns before committing to strikes.

The thread abilities function as both mobility and utility tools: Weavers can rapidly close distances, grapple onto enemies mid-fight, and set up coordinated group attacks. Resources gathered from defeated Dreadnodi unlock new skills and weapons, suggesting a Monster Hunter-style loop of hunt, craft, and escalate. The game has drawn early comparisons to both Elden Ring: Nightreign and Monster Hunter — which, if it can land somewhere in that vicinity, makes it one of the more exciting co-op prospects in recent memory.

A Weaver character in close-up, lit by fire, in Nodusfall's world premiere trailer
Image courtesy of HoYoverse
Nodusfall – Official Reveal Trailer | ONL 2026 — via GameSpot on YouTube

A New Direction for HoYoverse — and Why It Matters Here

For Singapore’s gaming community, HoYoverse needs no introduction. Genshin Impact remains one of the most-played gacha titles in the region, Honkai: Star Rail built a massive local following, and Zenless Zone Zero is a fixture in every gaming café playlist. But all of those games share a common visual DNA — vibrant anime aesthetics, expressive character designs, and a certain accessibility that makes them easy to pick up.

Nodusfall breaks that mould entirely. This is the first HoYoverse project built in Unreal Engine 5 rather than the studio’s usual Unity pipeline, and it shows. The trailer’s realistic lighting, the sheer scale of the creatures, the cinematic weight of the environments — it reads like a different studio made it. That is not a criticism; it is a statement of ambition. HoYoverse has clearly been watching the success of games like Monster Hunter World and the Elden Ring series in Southeast Asia and decided to build something that speaks to that audience directly.

A radiant golden divine entity appears in an ethereal misty forest in Nodusfall
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

What We Know — and What We Don’t

Pre-registration is already live at the official Nodusfall site, and HoYoverse has channels up on YouTube, X, Discord, and TikTok. What is not confirmed yet: platforms, release window, business model, or whether it will follow HoYoverse’s standard free-to-play approach. Given the studio’s track record and the co-op MMO elements, free-to-play seems the logical assumption — but nothing has been stated officially.

Singapore fans will also want to keep an eye on SEA server confirmation and any regional pricing details, both of which HoYoverse typically announces closer to launch. For now, Nodusfall goes straight onto our most-watched list. We didn’t expect this from HoYoverse — and that is exactly what makes it so interesting. Check the latest game news for updates as they land.

HoYoverse’s First Cozy Game Petit Planet Is Coming This Winter

HoYoverse — the studio behind Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero — just revealed the last thing most fans expected from them: a cozy galactic life-sim. Petit Planet made its playable Gamescom debut this week and is officially confirmed for a Winter 2026 global launch on PC and mobile.

HoYoverse Gamescom 2026 Connect the Vibe booth featuring Petit Planet
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Welcome to the Starsea

Think Animal Crossing meets Stardew Valley, but set in a soft, hand-drawn galactic universe called the Starsea. You play as a Planet Tender — tending your own planet, befriending fuzzy alien neighbours called Neighbors, farming, crafting, fishing, cooking, and decorating to your heart’s content. A central progression tree called the Luca Arbor grows as you play, gradually unlocking new areas, creatures, and ways to personalise your world.

Unlike a closed farming sim, Petit Planet lets you hop between other planets in the Starsea — giving it a more open, exploratory feel. The art direction is painterly and warm, instantly recognisable as HoYoverse-quality work, but tonally miles away from their combat-heavy titles. It is their first IP built entirely around lifestyle and social play rather than action.

Two Betas Done — One More Before Launch

This isn’t vaporware. HoYoverse has already run two closed betas and is planning one final beta ahead of the Winter 2026 release. A playable PC demo is live on the Gamescom show floor right now in Hall 6.1, Booth B030 at Koelnmesse in Cologne through 30 August. Attendees can also meet the game’s mascot Oumuamua roaming the venue.

Petit Planet gamescom 2026 Special Video — via Petit Planet on YouTube

Why This Is a Bigger Deal for Singapore Than It Looks

Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero together hold some of the biggest live-service player numbers in Singapore. But they all attract a very specific type of player — action and gacha-focused. Petit Planet is free-to-play and cross-platform between PC and mobile, targeting the audience that has been watching HoYoverse from the sidelines wondering when they’d make something without combat.

Petit Planet Gamescom 2026 special video still showing planet and characters
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Cross-platform save is a key practical win for Singapore: you can tend your planet on your phone during the commute and pick it up on PC at home. Pre-registration is open now on the official site, Google Play, and the Apple App Store.

HoYoverse Gamescom 2026 full game lineup banner including Petit Planet
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

No Singapore-specific pricing or SEA launch detail has been confirmed yet — free-to-play means zero barrier to entry regardless. With a Winter 2026 window, we’re looking at a November–February release. Follow our game news section and we’ll update as the launch date locks in.

Honkai: Star Rail 4.5 — Livestream Codes, Astropolis and the 26 August Launch

The Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis” special program wrapped up tonight at 7:30 PM SGT, and HoYoverse dropped three redemption codes during the broadcast — worth 300 Stellar Jades in total. They expire at 11:59 PM SGT this Saturday, 15 August, so if you play on any server, redeem them now.

Honkai Star Rail Version 4.5 To Roll the Stars in Astropolis special program key visual showing chibi characters at the Astropolis summer resort
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Honkai: Star Rail 4.5 Codes — Expire Saturday 15 August at 11:59 PM SGT

Three codes aired during tonight’s special program. Redeem them in-game via Menu › Tools › Redemption Code, or paste them at the HoYoverse redemption site. Rewards land in your in-game mailbox within minutes.

  • 2TKRKAR6YG2X — 100 Stellar Jade + 50,000 Credits
  • LSJ9JARPZH33 — 100 Stellar Jade + 5 Traveler’s Guides
  • YAJQ2TR6ZY2P — 100 Stellar Jade + 4 Refined Aether

That’s 300 Stellar Jades across all three — about a fifth of a soft pity. All codes are valid for all regions and expire Saturday 15 August at 11:59 PM SGT.

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis” Special Program — via Honkai: Star Rail on YouTube

Robin Summeretto and Aventurine Waveflair — Summer Alts Confirmed

As previewed earlier this week, two of the game’s most popular characters are getting summer alternate forms in Version 4.5, and the stream confirmed their kits, paths and phase slots.

Robin • Summeretto (Phase 1) is a five-star Wind unit on the Remembrance path. That’s a meaningful change from the original Robin’s Harmony/Physical kit — she plays differently, not just looks different. She headlines Phase 1, which opens on 26 August alongside a Hyacine rerun.

Aventurine Waveflair official drip art for Honkai Star Rail 4.5, showing Aventurine relaxing on a beach chair at a night resort with tropical flowers
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Aventurine • Waveflair (Phase 2) is a five-star Quantum unit on the Elation path — a genuine playstyle departure from the original’s Preservation/Imaginary build. He arrives in Phase 2 alongside an Ashveil rerun.

Robin Summeretto close-up action art for Honkai Star Rail 4.5, holding a star-shaped microphone with a space and city backdrop at night
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

What Else Is in Version 4.5

Version 4.5 goes live on 26 August 2026, with maintenance beginning the afternoon of 25 August. The patch runs for five weeks. Here’s what to expect:

  • New location — Astropolis: an IPC-operated resort destination where the Astral Express crew heads next, picking up directly from the Version 4.4 story conclusion. Think upscale beach resort, but in space.
  • Events: a racing event set in Astropolis is confirmed, with additional activities spanning the five-week period.
  • 10 free Special Star Rail Passes: log in for seven consecutive days after launch and they land in your in-game mailbox — useful regardless of which banner you’re targeting.

Should Singapore Trailblazers Pull?

Both alts are mechanically distinct enough that owning the original does not make the summer version redundant — Robin Summeretto’s Wind Remembrance kit opens team compositions that the original Harmony Robin cannot slot into, while Aventurine Waveflair’s Elation path gives him a completely different role in combat. Neither is a straight upgrade; they’re lateral expansions of your roster.

For Singapore players deciding between the two phases, the practical question is whether you need a Wind Remembrance unit before you need a Quantum Elation unit in your current teams. The 300 free Jades from tonight’s codes, combined with the 10 free passes at launch, give you a small head-start either way. Check the Game News section closer to 26 August for a full banner and build rundown once more kit details are confirmed.

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 "To Roll the Stars in Astropolis" Special Program announcement banner

Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 Special Program Airs 14 August — Robin Summeretto and Aventurine Waveflair Headline

Honkai: Star Rail’s Version 4.5 — titled “To Roll the Stars in Astropolis” — gets its official Special Program livestream this Thursday evening. Two familiar faces return in summer swimwear forms, a brand-new character is set to be unveiled for the first time, and HoYoverse will lay out the full roadmap for the patch before it goes live on 25 August. Here is everything confirmed ahead of the broadcast.

When and Where to Watch the Version 4.5 Special Program

The broadcast kicks off on Thursday, 14 August 2026 at 7:30 PM SGT (19:30 UTC+8). You can catch it live on the official Honkai: Star Rail channels on both YouTube and Twitch. The stream typically runs between 45 minutes and an hour, covering new banners, events, and any gameplay changes coming to the patch.

As with all Honkai: Star Rail Special Programs, HoYoverse distributes redeem codes live during the broadcast — keep a browser tab open on the official site so you can enter them as they drop.

Robin Summeretto — The Diva Trades Her Gown for a Floral Swimsuit

Robin • Summeretto official character art — Honkai: Star Rail 5-star Wind Remembrance unit debuting in Version 4.5
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Officially unveiled via HoYoverse’s drip marketing campaign, Robin Summeretto is a 5-star Wind character on the Path of Remembrance. The Remembrance path typically centres on summoning a memosprite companion to deal damage on the Trailblazer’s behalf, so this summer variant plays very differently from the original concert-ready Robin you may already have built.

Robin Summeretto is expected to headline the first half of Version 4.5, with her banner anticipated to open on 25–26 August alongside the patch itself. Exact dates and Warp rates will be confirmed during Thursday’s broadcast.

Aventurine Waveflair — Same Smile, Completely Different Playstyle

Aventurine • Waveflair official character art — Honkai: Star Rail 5-star Quantum Elation unit debuting in Version 4.5
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Aventurine Waveflair is a 5-star Quantum character on the Path of Elation. Where the original Aventurine built around shields and survival, the Elation path shifts his role toward damage output — specifically follow-up attacks. If you loved the character but wanted a more offensive take, Waveflair is worth watching closely. HoYoverse teased him with the quip: “Friends, we meet again! I just wrapped up a sponsored shoot… Now that I’ve been promoted to P46, I can finally go on vacation. Want to relax and enjoy your time with me?”

Aventurine Waveflair is slated for the second half of Version 4.5, with his banner window expected to open around 16 September. The Special Program will confirm the precise schedule.

Pearl: A New IPC Character Joins the Story

The Special Program will also feature a first look at Pearl, a new character affiliated with the Interastral Peace Corporation. No further details — element, path, or rarity — have been confirmed ahead of the stream. Pearl’s debut marks another expansion of the IPC faction’s roster in the game’s story, so Thursday’s broadcast should shed light on her role in the 4.5 Trailblaze Mission.

When Does Honkai: Star Rail Version 4.5 Launch?

Version 4.5 is scheduled to go live on 25 August 2026 for North American servers and 26 August 2026 for Asia and European servers. The patch follows the standard six-week Honkai: Star Rail update cadence. Maintenance downtime details will be announced closer to launch.

The Special Program on 14 August will also reveal what new events, rewards, and gameplay mechanics are coming with the Astropolis summer update. Tune in this Thursday at 7:30 PM SGT on the official YouTube or Twitch channels, and check our Game News section for a full summary after the broadcast.

Genshin Impact 7.0 Launches Wednesday at 11am SGT — TPS Mode, Free 4-Star and Banner Guide

Two days. Snezhnaya — the frozen nation Genshin Impact has been building toward since Version 1.0 — finally opens on Wednesday, August 12 at 11:00am SGT. We covered the initial reveal back in late July; here’s everything that has since been confirmed, including the banner reruns, Alyosha’s free-character details, and the TPS combat mode that’s been turning heads.

Version 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” Trailer — via Genshin Impact on YouTube

Snezhnaya at a Glance

Snezhnaya is the seventh and final mainline nation on Teyvat’s map, and the version number reflects it — HoYoverse jumped straight from 6.7 to 7.0, skipping 6.8 entirely. The region is a perpetually frozen industrial landscape of sparse, snow-buried settlements connected by a train network that serves as Snezhnaya’s primary transport system. The capital, Snezhnograd, rises above the tundra in gothic Slavic-inspired architecture and is where most of the Archon Quest takes place.

Snezhnograd capital city architecture in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Tsaritsa, Snezhnaya’s Archon and the de facto villain of the game’s overarching story, is present in the narrative but is not a playable character in Version 7.0. Travellers looking for a Tsaritsa banner will have to wait.

Odette — The Banner Pick

Odette 5-star Cryo character dancing in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Version 7.0’s debut five-star is Odette, a 5★ Cryo Sword user and prima ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe — who doubles as a Fatui agent by night. She plays primarily as an off-field damage enabler: her dance-double summon applies Cryo, triggering the new Stellar-Conduct reaction (Cryo + Electro) and Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo) for team-wide damage buff fields.

Phase 1 (August 12 — September 1): Odette debut banner, plus an Arlecchino rerun. Alyosha features as a rate-up 4-star on both banners this phase. If you’ve been sitting on your Primogems for Arlecchino, this is your window.

Phase 2: Reruns of Flins and Ineffa. Exact Phase 2 dates to be confirmed when the update goes live.

Get Alyosha Free — and His Dog Too

Alyosha and his dog Tugarin in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The version’s free four-star is Alyosha, an Electro Polearm user from Sretomoryzsk who comes with his canine companion Tugarin. He functions as a healer and support, applying Hunting Marks for party ATK buffs and off-field Electro damage — a natural pair for Odette’s Stellar-Conduct setup.

Critically: Alyosha is obtained entirely through the Archon Quest, not by pulling on a banner. You do not need to spend a single Primogem to add him to your roster. Better still, completing the new Archon Quest yields up to 560 Primogems in total rewards — a solid top-up heading into the banner phase.

Eye of Graeae — Genshin Gets Guns

Third-person shooter TPS firearms mode in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The standout new mechanic is the Eye of Graeae, a tool unlocked early in Snezhnaya’s story. It serves three purposes: it provides cold protection so you can survive the nation’s relentless blizzards; it lets you call the train network for fast travel; and — most excitingly — it activates a third-person shooter (TPS) combat mode.

Three new firearms are introduced in 7.0, each with customisable attachments that change how they handle in combat. This is the biggest shift in Genshin’s core gameplay loop in years, and the TPS sequences are woven into both story exploration and co-op encounters. The Eye also enables crafting Prime Ice Constructs — environmental objects used in both puzzle solving and multiplayer interactions.

For those already planning team compositions, the two new Stellar reactions to keep in mind are Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo, creates an expanding buff field) and Stellar-Conduct (Cryo + Electro, amplifies coordinated off-field damage).

Singapore Timing — Set Your Alarm

Version 7.0 maintenance begins at 6:00am SGT on Wednesday, August 12. The servers are expected to go live at approximately 11:00am SGT, giving you a full day to explore Snezhnograd before the work week resumes.

The free Primogem code EVERWINTER (100 Primogems + 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores) from the Special Program remains active — redeem it in-game under Settings > Account > Redemption Code if you haven’t already. Genshin Impact 7.0 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, iOS, and Android. Check out our Game News section for more on the week’s biggest releases.

Zenless Zone Zero × ZOZOTOWN: New Character Illustrations and Fashion Items on Sale Now

Just as HoYo FEST 2026 wraps up in Singapore, HoYoverse’s urban fantasy action RPG Zenless Zone Zero has launched a fashion collaboration with Japan’s largest online fashion mall ZOZOTOWN — and four of the game’s most popular characters are getting brand-new, exclusive illustrations to go with it.

Zenless Zone Zero x ZOZOTOWN collaboration key visual showing Hugo, Vivian, Miyabi, and Harumasa in their collab outfits against a futuristic cityscape
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Four Characters, 13 Items — Streetwear Meets New Eridu

The collab spotlights Hoshimi Miyabi, Asaba Harumasa, Vivian Banshee, and Hugo Vlad — a quartet of fan-favourite ZZZ agents — each rendered in a new 描き下ろし (original commissioned) illustration wearing a real, purchasable outfit inspired by their in-game look. The art was first revealed during the ZZZ Ver.3.1 「The Long Goodbye」 2nd Anniversary broadcast on 28 July (Japanese).

Thirteen items in total cover both fashion and accessories, unified around a sharp black-dominant palette:

  • Miyabi MA-1 Jacket — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Miyabi Bucket Hat — ¥6,578
  • Harumasa Mountain Parka — ¥32,780 (M / L)
  • Harumasa Baseball Cap — ¥6,578
  • Vivian Mode Shirt — ¥16,280 (M / L)
  • Hugo Chester Coat — ¥38,280 (M / L)
  • Collaboration T-shirts — ¥4,378
  • Tote Bag, Tapestry, Rubber Desk Mat — ¥3,795 each
  • Acrylic Keychain, Sticker Set (5 pieces) — ¥2,200 each
  • Merchandise Set — ¥3,278

Every purchase comes with a random ID photo-style sticker featuring one of the four characters.

Hoshimi Miyabi in the ZOZOTOWN collab outfit: bucket hat with 'MIYABI' text, MA-1 jacket, teal pleated dress and combat boots
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Miyabi, Hugo, Harumasa: The Outfits Up Close

The translated designs lean into each character’s existing aesthetic. Miyabi’s look pairs an oversized MA-1 bomber with a teal pleated midi-skirt and her signature bucket hat — chic and practical, with her spectral Hollow companion Mimi perched on the brim. Hugo Vlad’s chester coat is long and structured, the kind of tailored silhouette the Cunning Hares’ chief handler would actually wear off-mission. Harumasa’s parka and baseball cap go full streetwear energy, anchored by a yellow graphic hoodie layered underneath — which matches his in-game colour coding almost exactly.

Hugo Vlad in the ZOZOTOWN chester coat — long black tailored coat with gold accessories
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN
Asaba Harumasa in the ZOZOTOWN mountain parka and baseball cap, yellow graphic hoodie underneath
Image courtesy of HoYoverse / ZOZOTOWN

Pre-Orders, Delivery and the Singapore Question

Pre-orders are open now at the ZOZOTOWN special event page (Japanese) and run until 31 August 2026 at 12:00 noon JST. Delivery is slated for mid-November to mid-December 2026.

These items are Japan-exclusive — ZOZOTOWN does not ship directly to Singapore. Singapore fans who want them will need to use a Japan proxy shopping or forwarding service, which is standard practice for Japanese anime and game merchandise. Factor in service fees and international shipping when calculating the final cost: the Hugo Chester Coat at ¥38,280 works out to roughly S$345 before those extras, while the tote bag at ¥3,795 is closer to S$34.

There’s no confirmed Singapore retail or online availability at this time. If official international distribution is announced, we’ll update this post.

Omotesando Pop-Up: 15–16 August in Tokyo

If you’re heading to Japan in August, an in-person exhibition event (Japanese) runs on 15–16 August 2026 at MIL GALLERY JINGUMAE in Omotesando, Tokyo. The event features item displays and photo spots with the collaboration visuals — no mention yet of exclusive on-site stock.

For more details and the full item listings, check the ZOZOTOWN ZZZ collab page (Japanese) and follow our merch coverage for updates.

Genshin Impact 7.0: Snezhnaya, Odette and 12 August Launch

The Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program is live right now — and Snezhnaya, the game’s long-awaited final Teyvat nation, is confirmed to open on 12 August 2026. As we previewed in our watch guide earlier this week, tonight’s broadcast is the biggest Genshin reveal in years. Here is everything HoYoverse has confirmed for Version 7.0: Everwinter Without Mercy.

Snezhnaya — Teyvat’s Seventh and Final Nation

The frozen nation ruled by the Cryo Archon has been Genshin Impact’s final mainland destination since launch in 2020. Version 7.0 builds a map around tundra, snow-buried Slavic architecture, and industrial sprawl — including a train network that Travellers will use to navigate the region. The update name “Everwinter Without Mercy” sets the tone: this is not a gentle winter festival, but a nation where HoYoverse has said hope and suffering exist side by side.

Anastasya Feodorovna Snezhnaya — the Cryo Archon revealed in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

The Tsaritsa, Finally Revealed

HoYoverse officially unveiled the Cryo Archon’s name and design in the Transcendence Trailer “Sudden Snow” (released 26 June 2026): Anastasya Feodorovna Snezhnaya. Her visual design leans fully into the ice-and-authority aesthetic — silver hair, crystalline weapons, a wintry crown — after years of speculation from the community. Whether the Tsaritsa joins the playable roster in 7.0 or a later version is still to be confirmed by tonight’s program.

New Characters: Odette and Alyosha Lead the 7.0 Launch Banners

The two confirmed launch-banner characters are Odette (5-star, Cryo, Sword) and Alyosha (4-star, Electro, Polearm).

Odette — 5-star Cryo Sword character in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Odette carries the title “Swirling Snow.” By day she is the Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe, her combat style shaped by Swan Lake-inspired choreography. By night she operates as a Fatui agent — a dual life she reportedly finds exhausting. Her English voice actress is Alexis Tipton; the Japanese dub features Sumire Uesaka. Mechanically, she summons an off-field dance double that applies Cryo and enables Stellar reactions, pushing her team’s elemental damage through her Elemental Burst.

Alyosha and his hunting hound Tugarin — 4-star Electro Polearm in Genshin Impact 7.0
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Alyosha is a hunter from Sretomoryzsk who fights through Snezhnaya’s snowfields alongside his hunting hound Tugarin. His kit revolves around Hunting Marks: tagging an already-marked enemy triggers a party-wide ATK buff, while Tugarin’s bite attacks add off-field damage and light healing. As a 4-star, he is the accessible pick for players who cannot pull the 5-star — and his Electro kit is designed to slot directly into Odette’s Stellar reaction architecture.

Beyond the launch-banner duo, HoYoverse has revealed eight new characters in total for the Snezhnaya arc: Vodyanitsa, Alyosha, Odette, Valeriy, Vesna, Danica, Noy, and Mitya. Which of these appear in 7.0 versus future versions will be confirmed as the special program continues — check the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel for the full reveal.

Transcendence Trailer “Sudden Snow” — via Genshin Impact on YouTube

Two New Stellar Reactions to Build Around

Version 7.0 expands the Stellar Reaction system with two new elemental interactions unlocked by Snezhnaya’s Cryo energy:

  • Stellar-Conduct (Cryo + Electro): generates a team-wide elemental damage buff field
  • Stellar-Swirl (Cryo + Anemo): a similar buff field from a different element combo

Both favour team-wide damage windows rather than single-hit spikes, which is why Alyosha’s Electro kit pairs so deliberately with Odette’s Cryo. The Traveller also gains a Cryo form in 7.0, their seventh elemental resonance.

Ronova the Ruler of Death — one of the Fatui Harbingers appearing in Genshin Impact 7.0 Snezhnaya
Image courtesy of HoYoverse

Free Primogems — Redeem Before They Expire

The 7.0 Special Program drops three redemption codes live during the stream, totalling 300 Primogems. One is confirmed:

  • EVERWINTER — 100 Primogems + 10 Mystic Enhancement Ores

The other two drop during the broadcast. Codes expire within 24 hours of issue, so if you’re catching the replay rather than watching live — including Singapore Travellers at HoYo FEST at Suntec this weekend — redeem them as soon as you spot them in the stream. Use the HoYoverse gift code page or enter them in-game under Settings > Account > Redeem Code.

With 12 days until the 12 August launch, now is the window to spend any remaining Intertwined Fates on current banners and save fresh Primogems for Odette’s Phase 1 banner. Check our Game News section for the full 7.0 banner schedule once the program wraps tonight.

Odette official drip marketing art – new Cryo sword character for Genshin Impact Version 7.0

Get Ready, Travellers: Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program Airs This Thursday at 8 PM SGT

Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program preview – July 31 livestream
Genshin Impact 7.0 Special Program — 31 July at 8 PM SGT. Via kardz.com

Mark your calendar, Travellers: this Thursday, 31 July 2026 at 8:00 PM SGT, HoYoverse goes live with the Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Special Program — the pre-launch showcase where the full roadmap for Snezhnaya finally comes into focus. Version 7.0 hits all platforms on 12 August, and Thursday night is where HoYoverse locks down everything you need to plan your Primogem spend before the patch lands.

What to Expect

Based on what’s been confirmed heading into the program, here’s what the livestream is expected to cover:

  • Complete banner schedule for Version 7.0 — which characters get Phase 1 vs Phase 2 slots, and which 5-stars are up for reruns
  • Odette’s full skill kit reveal — the new Cryo sword character and Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe gets her official on-screen showcase for the first time
  • Snezhnaya open-world gameplay — our first real look at traversing the frozen nation, including its ice-climbing systems and the new train exploration mechanic
  • Anniversary reward details — Version 7.0 is expected to bring a significant celebration; the full reward breakdown typically drops in the Special Program
  • Alyosha, the free Archon Quest character — a new Electro character obtainable simply by playing through the 7.0 story
Odette character art – Genshin Impact Version 7.0 Snezhnaya
Odette, Prima Ballerina of the Korolevskiy Troupe. © HoYoverse

300 Free Primogems — Don’t Miss the Code Drops

As with every Special Program, HoYoverse releases three redemption code batches live during the stream, each worth 100 Primogems — totalling 300 Primogems for anyone who catches them all. Codes expire quickly, sometimes within a day of the broadcast. Watching live is the safest bet, but if you can’t tune in, the community on r/Genshin_Impact and HoYoLAB aggregates the codes in real time.

Where to Watch

The Special Program streams simultaneously on the official Genshin Impact YouTube channel and Twitch channel at 8:00 PM SGT (UTC+8) on Thursday, 31 July. The Chinese-language broadcast runs on Bilibili. Catch up on the world ahead with the official Transcendence Trailer below:

Genshin Impact Sudden Snow Transcendence Trailer – Snezhnaya key art for Version 7.0
“Sudden Snow” Transcendence Trailer key art. © HoYoverse

A Special Evening for Singapore Travellers

For Singapore-based Travellers, Thursday 31 July carries some extra weight: it’s also the opening day of HoYo FEST 2026 Singapore at Suntec City. The Special Program goes live at 8 PM — whether you catch it at home before heading out, or stream it on mobile at the venue, the timing puts you fully briefed on every 7.0 banner before the patch even drops. The festival itself runs through 2 August, with activations and exclusive merch across all HoYoverse titles.

Version 7.0 launches on 12 August. Set a reminder for Thursday, 31 July at 8 PM SGT — GameTrader.SG will be live-covering the banner reveals, Primogem codes, and all the Snezhnaya news the moment the stream wraps.