Genshin Impact Potentially Extends Its Roadmap by One Year

The future roadmap for Genshin Impact appears to have been extended for an additional year, though details remain somewhat enigmatic. Since its launch in 2020, this action RPG has consistently followed its planned path, introducing players to various regions of Teyvat along the way. Each new year has brought fresh narratives and story arcs tied to different Nations, while the overarching storyline involving the separated Traveler siblings has continued to unfold, deepening player engagement with the game’s lore.

Nod-Krai: The New Destination in Genshin Impact for 2025

Hints from an NPC in Natlan

Genshin Impact's Mavuika smiles as she adjusts her sunglasses over her eyes. — Custom Image by Bruno Yonezawa

While Snezhnaya seems like the probable next destination for the Traveler, a complete exploration of that region may not take place in 2025. During the conclusion of the Natlan story arc, a pivotal character was consulted, and their revelations about the lore hinted at the Traveler’s next journey point—Nod-Krai. Previously alluded to by Liben, this area has now been firmly established as the Traveler’s forthcoming destination, a twist that shifts expectations away from the anticipated exploration of Snezhnaya within the same year.

Distinction Between Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya

Nod-Krai: An Autonomous Region Within Cryo

Genshin Impact's Il Dottore wears a mask in front of Tighnari.

Although Nod-Krai is technically part of the Cryo Nation, it operates as an autonomous zone, marked by its unique characteristics and challenges. The culmination of the Natlan story quests provided further insights, revealing that the inhabitants of Nod-Krai possess an ancient power predating the seven elemental forces. This intriguing aspect adds depth to the gameplay and lore, positioning Nod-Krai as a significant stop on the Traveler’s journey before they fully delve into Snezhnaya.

In light of these developments, it’s noteworthy that HoYoverse is making a conscious effort to promote Nod-Krai as a distinct area worthy of exploration. Early leaks suggested this shift in focus, signaling that while Snezhnaya will eventually open up, the immediate future is centered around the rich narratives and experiences offered in Nod-Krai.

Snezhnaya’s Potential Release in 2026

Anticipated Updates for the Upcoming Versions

The differentiation between Nod-Krai and Snezhnaya may reflect the accuracy of recent leaks regarding future content releases. As indicated by information provided by reliable sources, it’s anticipated that the Version 6.X patches will include territory expansions within existing regions of Teyvat rather than jumping directly into new nations.

Historically, the release of a new Nation has been followed closely by additional regions being introduced in subsequent updates. Should Nod-Krai make its debut in Version 6.0 as speculated, it’s plausible that Snezhnaya’s full exploration will be deferred until at least 2026. This extended timeline signifies a major shift in the game’s release strategy, potentially allowing developers more room to craft intricate narratives and maintain player engagement over a longer period.

Originally, Snezhnaya was expected to launch in 2025, followed swiftly by Khaenri’ah in 2026. If Nod-Krai truly becomes the central focus of 2025, then we could be looking at Snezhnaya’s introduction in 2026 and Khaenri’ah following in 2027. This strategic delay may also benefit HoYoverse, as Genshin Impact continues to thrive as a highly profitable action RPG.

Even if the anticipated Snezhnaya narrative doesn’t unfold in 2025, players can expect an influx of new areas, captivating storylines, and fresh characters to engage with. Therefore, while the roadmap has indeed expanded, it seems likely to keep the Genshin Impact community invigorated and excited about the future. For now, however, all leaks should be approached with caution until more concrete updates are revealed, but in-game hints strongly suggest that Nod-Krai will be the Traveler’s next major destination in 2025.

Source: Reddit (1, 2)

Source & Images