Mihail "Boglog" Leschenko
During the recent livestream for version 5.3, the developers of Genshin Impact shared their plans for the near future of the game. The most exciting moment was the demonstration of the roadmap, which briefly showcased an entirely new region that was revealed not long ago.
Currently, the story takes players through Natlan—the sixth location of Teyvat, where the Traveler continues the search for their missing twin. If we believe the announcements from 2020, after Pyro, we were supposed to reach the lands of the Tsaritsa, Snezhnaya, which were expected to be the final destination of the journey. However, it seems that the plans have changed, and Nod-Krai has stepped in.
In this article, we’ll cover the most interesting and already known facts about the new region in Genshin Impact.
Where is Nod-Krai Located
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According to insiders, the release of Snezhnaya has been temporarily delayed. Instead, the next region will be an interesting corner that was originally envisioned as part of the Ice Kingdom. The developers have already confirmed this information, adding some intrigue: now fans are speculating about the secrets the "separated" area hides and how it will affect the main storyline.
Nod-Krai, which has become the subject of much discussion, is located on the southern borders of Snowy and was first officially mentioned in dialogue with Li Ban, a character from the "Mystery of the Sealed Boxes" event in version 5.1. The merchant clearly hinted to the Traveler that even the air in this region is filled with adventure. "Keep your ears open: here, you'll be stripped clean in an instant if you flash a purse full of Mora," he warned, emphasizing that the local pickpockets are masters of their craft.
During the 5.3 livestream, the creators revealed new details. It turned out that Nod-Krai is not just a province of the Ice Kingdom, but rather a "melting pot of cultures". This autonomous city-crossroad attracts adventurers from all over Teyvat, but their true motives remain shrouded in mystery: is it a trade hub or a haven for shady deals?
The developers placed special emphasis on the unique gameplay. The southern lands of Snezhnaya promise to break the mold: instead of the usual exploration, players can expect experimental mechanics.
When Will Nod-Krai Be Released
New leaks have shaken the community: insiders hxg_diluc and Full Stop Chan have claimed that Nod-Krai will appear in the game with the release of version 6.0. According to their information, the large update is planned for August–September 2025, which aligns with the traditional fall update schedule for Hoyoverse.
However, the timeline raises some questions. Given the conflicting rumors about the dates, it’s logical to assume the following development:
• June 2025—conclusion of the Natlan story arc, including final quests and events;
• July–August—"transition" period and summer event;
• The release of version 6.0 in September marks the official start of Nod-Krai.
Insiders hint that this shift is related to the developers' ambitions: instead of gradually introducing areas of Snezhnaya, they want to present Nod-Krai as a self-sufficient hub with experimental mechanics. It could be an attempt to "test" gameplay elements for the future icy region while keeping its lore connection intact.
The Inhabitants of Nod-Krai
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Recent leaks have been complemented by a render of an NPC from Nod-Krai, allowing players to form their first impressions of the region's style.
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The appearance of the characters offers hints about the cultural traits of the local residents.
Prototype of Nod-Krai
Like other regions in Genshin Impact, Nod-Krai has a vague prototype. The developers emphasize that they did not base the region’s culture on any specific real-world country, but they did acknowledge that the Baltic Sea region served as an inspiration. This geographical area encompasses elements of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
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The cultural flavor of Nod-Krai could be a conditional symbiosis of the traditions from these territories—such as in architecture or clothing design. However, the creators leave room for interpretation: perhaps in the final version of the region, the traits of only some of the mentioned cultures will dominate, with the others remaining as background elements.
Statue of the Archon in Nod-Krai
The game developers have confirmed a unique feature of Nod-Krai: there is no Statue of the Seven Archons, as the local residents do not worship them. Instead of the usual leveling mechanism, players will be offered an alternative structure to interact with—its improvement will yield rewards.
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A cult element of the region will be the Moon Goddess Statues, integrated into the gameplay. The mechanics of their veneration follow a familiar principle: players will be able to offer special items in exchange for bonuses, while also delving into the local beliefs of the inhabitants.
The Story of Nod-Krai
This time, the authors decided to move away from the grand narrative about the fate of entire nations, as seen in other locations. Instead of epic chronicles, the developers focused on the stories of the simple inhabitants of the region, immersing players in their daily struggles and fight for survival.
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Earlier, the studio announced five key factions inhabiting the region. Their diversity likely reflects the influence of various Baltic cultures that inspired the creators. Let’s briefly go over each of the known groups.
Fatui
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A mysterious and warlike order that arrived in Nod-Krai at the command of the Pale Star. Their sudden appearance in the city has raised troubling questions among the locals: who or what is this eerie army here for?
Frostmoon Scions
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Descendants of the rulers of the vanished golden kingdom who voluntarily renounced their ancestors' grandeur. Having hidden in the mountain valleys, they have preserved only the cult of the Moon Goddess. However, the Fatui’s invasion threatens to destroy their secluded spiritual life.
Lightkeepers
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An ancient knightly order that has guarded the region for centuries against the Abyss and the Wild Hunt. Weakened by countless wars, they now stand on the brink of extinction. One can only hope that the heirs of their former glory will manage to face the new threats.
The Wild Hunt
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A natural disaster that strikes the lands of Nod-Krai. These creations of the Abyss rage across the wastelands like a hurricane, leaving behind whispers of forgotten oaths. Their true motives are shrouded in darkness, but one thing is clear—they are searching for something.
Voynich Guild
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A union of traders attempting to establish order in the chaotic and high-tech city of Nashgorod. However, their laws are powerless against the sea bandits until the mysterious ruler of the "Curatoria" steps in—the only one whose name makes even the most desperate cutthroats tremble.
But that’s not all! Nod-Krai will finally allow us to meet the legendary Varka—the enigmatic master of the Ordo Favonius, about whom there have been whispers since the early days of Genshin Impact. His name has appeared in notes, dialogues, and legends, but only now will he step out of the shadows.
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With each new region, the world of Genshin Impact has grown more captivating and multifaceted. However, as more storylines were introduced, the narrative became increasingly entangled, leaving behind unresolved arcs and unanswered questions. The developers openly admitted that, in order to weave these scattered threads together, they had to create Nod-Krai. This region will serve as a sort of epicenter—where old mysteries will be reinterpreted, storylines will converge, and the stage will be set for the climax of Aether and Lumine’s journey.
Main image: ensigame.com
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