Exciting new leaks have surfaced about Genshin Impact’s final region, Snezhnaya, and its past rulers, the Winter Tsar and the Tsaritsa. As Version 5.5 approaches, we’re not just getting a Natlan map expansion and a new Artifact Domain—we’re also learning more about the history of Cryo’s frozen land and its betrayals.

According to Gamerant, recent beta files have uncovered major story details that shed light on Snezhnaya’s past, the role of the Torchbearers, and the conflicts that shaped the Tsaritsa’s rule.

Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming Snezhnaya storyline and what it means for the Traveler’s final journey.

🏔️ Snezhnaya & The Winter Tsar – What Was Snezhnaya Like Before the Tsaritsa?

Before the Tsaritsa took power, Snezhnaya was ruled by the Winter Tsar, a powerful leader of the Fae Court.

✔ The Winter Tsar ruled all Fae and was considered a just and loyal ruler.
✔ He elevated a noble warrior, granting him the title of Torchbearer—Snezhnaya’s strongest warrior.
✔ The Torchbearers led Nod-Krai, an autonomous province in the south of Snezhnaya, against the Abyss.
✔ The Winter Tsar vowed to protect Nod-Krai for eternity—but the Tsaritsa broke this promise centuries later.

🎭 What This Means:

  • The Cryo Archon was NOT the first ruler of Snezhnaya—the Winter Tsar came before her.
  • Nod-Krai was a crucial region in Snezhnaya’s past and might play a major role in the game’s final chapter.
  • The Tsaritsa’s rule was built on betrayal, which could explain her cold, calculated actions in the present day.

🔥 The Wild Hunt & The Tsaritsa’s Betrayal

One of the biggest lore drops from the new Artifact sets is the Wild Hunt—a catastrophic event that changed Snezhnaya forever.

🛑 What Happened During the Wild Hunt?

  • After Khaenri’ah’s destruction, the Abyss attacked Nod-Krai, bringing the frozen land to its knees.
  • The Tsaritsa ordered her army—the Warriors of the Pale Star—to abandon Nod-Krai, breaking the Winter Tsar’s promise.
  • Her secret plan was to conquer Nod-Krai once it was weakened, using the crisis to gain total control.

💡 However, one Warrant Officer defied her orders.

  • Instead of following the Tsaritsa’s command, he saved the children of Nod-Krai.
  • For this betrayal, he was forced to take an oath, and the survivors of the Wild Hunt remain hunted to this day.

🎭 What This Means:

  • The Tsaritsa may have a darker, more tactical reason for her rule.
  • The surviving warriors of Nod-Krai might still be in hiding, waiting for their moment to strike back.
  • The Abyss may have played a bigger role in Snezhnaya’s downfall than previously thought.

🔥 What is Nod-Krai & Why is It Important?

As leaks suggest, Snezhnaya will be split into two regions—and Nod-Krai will be one of them.

✔ It’s an autonomous province on Snezhnaya’s southern border.
✔ Once ruled by the Torchbearers, it became a war zone after the Wild Hunt.
✔ It might be the first region of Snezhnaya we explore in Version 6.0.

💡 What This Means for Gameplay:

  • We may meet the remnants of the Winter Tsar’s forces, still loyal to their ancient leader.
  • The Wild Hunt’s survivors could hold the key to stopping the Tsaritsa.
  • Dottore, Columbina, Tartaglia, and Arlecchino might all play a role in Nod-Krai’s storyline.

⏳ When Will We Visit Snezhnaya?

Based on HoYoverse’s timeline, Snezhnaya is likely to be released in Version 6.0, which is expected around late 2025 or early 2026.

✔ Version 5.5 will expand Natlan’s map and introduce a new Artifact Domain tied to Snezhnaya’s past.
✔ Version 5.6 will bring an Auto Chess mode, but no Snezhnaya-related content is expected yet.
✔ Version 6.0 will be the start of the Traveler’s final chapter—a confrontation with the Tsaritsa herself.

💡 What to Expect in Future Updates:

  • More leaks about the Tsaritsa’s true motives.
  • Possible Fatui involvement in upcoming Natlan storylines.
  • Deeper connections between the Abyss and Snezhnaya’s history.

📌 Final Thoughts – Is Snezhnaya Going to Be Genshin’s Darkest Chapter?

With new Artifact descriptions revealing Snezhnaya’s hidden history, it’s clear that the final region of Teyvat will be the most intense yet.

✔ The Tsaritsa’s past is filled with betrayals, and her path to power was built on sacrifice.
✔ Nod-Krai could be a war-torn province, setting up a tense political and military conflict.
✔ The Wild Hunt might be more than just history—it could still be affecting the world of Teyvat today.

💬 What are your thoughts on these Snezhnaya leaks? Do you think the Tsaritsa’s actions were justified, or is she hiding something even darker? Let us know in the comments!

For more Genshin Impact updates, visit Explore Genshin for the latest leaks, lore, and game insights! 🚀

Frequently Asked Questions About Snezhnaya in Genshin Impact

When will Snezhnaya be released in Genshin Impact?

Leaks suggest that Snezhnaya will be introduced in Version 6.0, expected to release in late 2025 or early 2026.

Who was the Winter Tsar in Genshin Impact?

The Winter Tsar was the ruler of Snezhnaya before the Tsaritsa, leading the Fae Court and protecting Nod-Krai.

Did the Tsaritsa betray Snezhnaya?

Yes, leaks suggest that she abandoned Nod-Krai during the Wild Hunt, breaking the Winter Tsar’s vow to protect it.

What is Nod-Krai in Genshin Impact?

Nod-Krai is an autonomous province in southern Snezhnaya that played a major role in its history and conflicts.

Will we fight the Tsaritsa in Genshin Impact?

Since she is the final Archon, the Traveler will likely confront the Tsaritsa in the last chapter of Genshin’s story.