Last Updated: August 12, 2026
Genshin Impact Version 7.0 continues the Snezhnaya storyline with Everwinter Without Mercy. Act II pushes the investigation into the Kresnik energy crisis much further, introduces several new puzzles using the Eye of Graeae, and finally answers the mystery surrounding the saboteur known as Lelik.
This walkthrough covers the complete Act II progression, including all eight subquests, objectives, puzzle solutions, important encounters, quest items, secrets, and the major story revelations.
If you're mainly looking for a solution to a progression blocker, use the table of contents below to jump directly to the relevant quest or puzzle.
Table of Contents
- ➜ Genshin Impact 7.0 Act II Overview
- ➜ Act II Quest List
- ➜ Before You Start
- ➜ Quest 1: Whispers Behind the Frost
- ➜ Quest 2: Frost-Bound Gears
- ➜ Substation 03 Kresnik Puzzle Solution
- ➜ Quest 3: Shadows in the Ice
- ➜ Prime Ice Bridge Puzzle Solution
- ➜ Quest 4: Diplomacy Under Zero
- ➜ Quest 5: The Mayor's Calculus
- ➜ Project Stuja Explained
- ➜ Quest 6: Elegies Written on Snow
- ➜ Quest 7: The Eye That Watches Time
- ➜ Puppet Controlling RONOVA Boss Guide
- ➜ Quest 8: Unforgiving Dawn
- ➜ All Act II Puzzle Solutions
- ➜ All Optional Chests and Secrets
- ➜ Act II Characters and Important Revelations
- ➜ Act II Rewards
- ➜ Act I vs Act II: What Changed?
- ➜ Genshin Impact 7.0 Act II FAQ
Genshin Impact 7.0 Act II Overview
Everwinter Without Mercy Act II continues the investigation into the energy problems affecting Snezhnaya.
The Traveler and Paimon begin at Snezhnograd Central Railway Station, where railway disruptions and Kresnik energy shortages are still causing problems.
The investigation eventually connects several seemingly separate events:
- The Kresnik energy shortages
- The mysterious saboteur known as Lelik
- Odette and her connection to La Signora
- The massive Project Stuja
- The Fatui's plans for Snezhnaya
- Ancient technology connected to Khaenri'ah
- A mysterious entity associated with Ronova
- Pierro's warning about an approaching threat involving the sky
Act II is also considerably more puzzle-heavy than the opening portion of the story.
The Eye of Graeae becomes particularly important, allowing the Traveler to scan environments, interact with Kresnik systems, fabricate constructs, and use a third-person aiming mode during certain encounters.
Act II Quest List
The Act II storyline is divided into eight major subquests:
| # | Quest | Main Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whispers Behind the Frost | Snezhnograd Railway Station |
| 2 | Frost-Bound Gears | Substation 03 |
| 3 | Shadows in the Ice | Satarose Caverns |
| 4 | Diplomacy Under Zero | Satarose District |
| 5 | The Mayor's Calculus | Snezhnograd Administrative Hall |
| 6 | Elegies Written on Snow | Snezhnograd Grand Theater |
| 7 | The Eye That Watches Time | Eye of Graeae Core Facility |
| 8 | Unforgiving Dawn | Snezhnograd High Plaza |
The complete Act II progression takes roughly four hours if you follow the story and dialogue without rushing.
Before You Start
There are a few things worth knowing before beginning Act II.
Watch the cold meter
The Snezhnaya environment continues to use severe cold mechanics. Keep an eye on the cold/exposure meter when travelling through exposed areas.
Kresnik energy sources and thermal systems become important during several sections.
Keep the Eye of Graeae available
The Eye of Graeae isn't just a story gadget. It becomes an important exploration and puzzle tool during Act II.
You'll use it to:
- Scan environmental clues
- Identify energy traces
- Create constructs
- Cross gaps
- Interact with Kresnik systems
- Target specific enemies and mechanisms
Quest 1: Whispers Behind the Frost
Location: Snezhnograd Central Railway Station
Act II begins at the Snezhnograd Central Railway Station.
Your first objective is straightforward:
Speak with Valeriy at the station.
The conversation quickly establishes that the railway network is still being affected by the severe winter conditions and Kresnik energy disruptions.
Mitya also provides information about the continuing investigation into the mysterious saboteur known as Lelik.
What happens here?
As you move through the lower district, you'll see the scale of Snezhnograd's industrial infrastructure.
Large Kresnik-powered systems run through the city, while steam and blue energy emissions cut through the snowy environment.
The railway remains heavily disrupted, making the investigation into the energy network increasingly important.
Quest item
Once the conversation and station investigation are complete, the story moves toward Substation 03.
Quest 2: Frost-Bound Gears
Location: Substation 03
The next section sends you outside Snezhnograd to investigate Substation 03.
Your objective is:
You'll encounter Sandrone, who provides additional information about the sabotage.
The investigation reveals that the attacks on the Kresnik network aren't random acts of destruction. Someone has been using sophisticated access credentials and targeting specific parts of the system.
This makes Lelik considerably more dangerous than a simple vandal.
Fatui encounters
The substation is protected by Fatui security forces, leading to several combat encounters.
Enemies encountered include:
- Fatui Cryogunner Legionnaire
- Fatui Anemoboxer Vanguard
You'll also receive another tutorial involving the Kresnik systems.
Substation 03 Kresnik Puzzle Solution
This is one of the first genuine progression puzzles in Act II.
Objective
You need to restore the energy flow through the substation.
Look for the Kresnik Energy Alignment Terminal.
The puzzle uses rotating conduit dials to redirect the energy.
Solution
The required sequence is:
- Approach the Kresnik Energy Alignment Terminal.
- Rotate Dial 1 clockwise twice.
- Rotate Dial 2 counter-clockwise once.
- Check that the energy flow reaches the required conduits.
- Activate the terminal once the alignment is complete.
Once the circuit is correctly aligned, the route to the control room opens.
Reward
Completing the section provides quest progression and an Exquisite Chest.
You'll also obtain:
- Kresnik Maintenance Keycard
- 30 Primogems
- 3× Hero's Wit
Quest 3: Shadows in the Ice
Location: Satarose Caverns
The investigation moves underground after the energy leak is traced toward the Satarose Caverns.
Your objective is:
This section makes heavier use of the Eye of Graeae.
Use it to search for hidden thermal traces and follow the energy trail deeper into the cave system.
Eventually, the Traveler encounters Odette.
Meeting Odette
Odette is attempting to recalibrate a damaged Kresnik Core when the Traveler finds her.
The situation quickly becomes unstable.
The cavern begins collapsing, forcing the Traveler, Paimon, and Odette to escape.
Odette uses her Cryo abilities to break through falling ice and create a route out of the collapsing area.
Enemies
The cavern contains mutated creatures including:
- Frostbite Shadow-Hound
- Glacial Spore-Beast
You'll also obtain:
Prime Ice Bridge Puzzle Solution
One of Act II's new mechanics is the ability to create Prime Ice Constructs.
You'll need this ability to cross a large underground gap.
How to create the bridge
- Activate the Eye of Graeae.
- Open the construct selection menu.
- Select Prime Ice Construct.
- Position the blueprint across the gap.
- Align it with the available anchor points.
- Confirm the placement.
- Apply Cryo to solidify the construct.
- Cross the newly created ice bridge.
This opens the route toward the lower cavern.
Quest 4: Diplomacy Under Zero
Location: Satarose District Fatui Outpost
After escaping the cavern, the Traveler escorts Odette toward the Fatui forward post.
The next major character to enter the story is Tartaglia, better known as Childe.
Childe's involvement changes the direction of the investigation.
He recognizes Odette and eventually discusses her history with La Signora.
Odette and La Signora's Connection
One of Act II's biggest revelations is that Odette was directly trained by La Signora.
Childe also reveals to Odette that the Traveler was responsible for defeating Signora in Inazuma.
Odette's reaction makes it clear that Signora's death is still deeply personal to her.
This transforms the earlier mystery surrounding Odette from a simple investigation into a much more personal story involving Signora's legacy.
Reward
This section provides:
- Fatui Clearance Pass - Grade 2
- 20,000 Mora
- 2× Guide to Equity
Quest 5: The Mayor's Calculus
Location: Snezhnograd Administrative Hall
The investigation eventually reaches the administrative center.
Here, the Traveler meets Pulcinella, the Fifth Fatui Harbinger.
The discussion surrounding the Kresnik network finally reveals much more about Project Stuja.
Project Stuja Explained
Project Stuja is one of the biggest revelations of Act II.
The project requires enormous amounts of energy from Snezhnaya's Kresnik infrastructure.
The story explains that the project is connected to a massive protective system known as the Stuja Canopy.
Its purpose is connected to protecting Snezhnaya against a much greater threat involving the heavens and Celestia.
The project explains why energy consumption has become such a serious issue throughout the region.
The massive energy requirements have consequences for ordinary citizens, particularly in areas already suffering from severe winter conditions.
Why is Lelik sabotaging it?
This is where the central mystery finally comes together.
Odette admits that she is Lelik.
Her sabotage isn't random.
She has been targeting the Kresnik infrastructure because of the human cost associated with Project Stuja and because of what happened to her father.
Who is Odette's Father?
Odette reveals that her father was Alexei, who worked as the head engineer of Substation 01.
He died after being exposed to dangerous Kresnik energy during a reactor accident.
His death became one of the major reasons behind Odette's actions.
The Lelik identity therefore isn't simply an anti-Fatui alias.
For Odette, the sabotage is connected to her father's death, the cost of Project Stuja, and her desire to expose what she believes the project is doing to ordinary people.
Pulcinella Already Knew
Another important twist is that Pulcinella already knew Odette was Lelik.
Rather than immediately stopping her, he had allowed the sabotage investigation to continue.
The revelation suggests that Pulcinella was using the incidents to learn more about weaknesses in the Stuja system and its backup infrastructure.
This makes the entire Lelik investigation more complicated than it initially appeared.
Childe Protects Odette
Pulcinella's response could have been much harsher.
Instead, Childe intervenes.
He uses his authority to take Odette into his custody and prevents her from receiving immediate punishment.
Odette is ultimately placed under Childe's protection and becomes associated with his tactical unit.
Reward
This section provides:
- Project Stuja Technical Briefing Document
- 50 Primogems
- 4× Hero's Wit
Quest 6: Elegies Written on Snow
Location: Snezhnograd Grand Theater
The story then shifts away from the industrial investigation and toward Odette's connection to Signora.
The Traveler meets Odette at the Snezhnograd Grand Theater.
A major stage performance takes place before Odette leaves for the memorial area associated with Signora.
Odette Visits Signora's Memorial
Odette visits La Signora's cenotaph.
This is an important distinction:
Signora does not physically return in this scene.
There is no confirmed resurrection or physical ghost appearance.
Instead, the scene uses visual imagery associated with Signora and Odette's memories.
Crimson moth-like effects appear around Odette as she reflects on her former teacher.
The imagery reinforces Signora's continuing influence over Odette without establishing that Rosalyne herself has returned.
Quest item
Reward
- 30 Primogems
Quest 7: The Eye That Watches Time
Location: Snezhnograd Inn → Eye of Graeae Core Facility
The story takes a much darker turn after the Traveler rests at the inn.
A strange dream sequence begins.
Pierro's Voice
During the dream, the Traveler and Paimon hear Pierro.
His warning concerns the state of Teyvat and an approaching threat connected to the sky.
The dialogue surrounding the countdown becomes one of Act II's biggest lore moments.
Pierro's warning strongly connects the unfolding events to the larger conflict surrounding Celestia and the fate of the world.
The Eye of Graeae Is Hacked
After the dream sequence, the Traveler is drawn toward the Eye of Graeae facility.
An entity associated with Ronova interferes with the system.
The Eye of Graeae again scans the Traveler and provides unusual identification data.
The system identifies the Traveler as:
This is particularly significant because the Eye's records also reference Khaenri'ah Guidance Architecture.
The Act II material therefore provides another direct connection between Snezhnaya's technology and ancient Khaenri'ahn technology.
Puppet Controlling RONOVA Boss Guide
The major combat encounter of Act II is against the entity displayed on the health bar as:
This is important because other proposed names for the boss do not match the health-bar terminology shown during the encounter.
Location
Eye of Graeae Core Chamber
Boss mechanics
The fight combines conventional combat with the new Eye of Graeae targeting mechanics.
The boss uses attacks including:
- Wide sweeping attacks
- Large-area shockwaves
- Kresnik energy discharges
- Orbital core protection
The most important mechanic involves the boss's floating nodes.
How to Damage the Boss
During the protected phases:
- Activate the Eye of Graeae.
- Enter its aiming/TPS mode.
- Target the exposed floating core nodes.
- Destroy the required nodes.
- Wait for the boss's vulnerable phase.
- Switch back to your normal combat setup.
- Use your strongest damage abilities while the core is exposed.
The boss's Kresnik energy attacks can cover large sections of the arena.
Use the available Prime Ice Constructs to create elevated positions when necessary.
Recommended strategy
Don't waste your strongest burst abilities while the core is protected.
Instead:
Once the puppet's core breaks, the story sequence begins.
Reward
The encounter provides:
- Quest progression
- Archon Quest completion rewards
- 60 Primogems
- 5× Hero's Wit
- 50,000 Mora
Quest 8: Unforgiving Dawn
Location: Snezhnograd High Plaza
After the confrontation at the Eye of Graeae facility, the story moves toward its conclusion.
The Traveler meets Childe and follows him toward the High Plaza.
The discussion focuses on:
- Odette's future
- Project Stuja
- The threat connected to Ronova
- The wider danger facing Snezhnaya
Childe confirms that Odette remains under his protection.
The Tsaritsa's Appearance
Act II concludes with a brief visual appearance of the Tsaritsa.
The scene doesn't turn into a full confrontation.
Instead, the camera provides a distant view of her overlooking Snezhnaya as the weather begins to clear.
This works primarily as a setup for the next stage of the Snezhnaya storyline.
All Act II Puzzle Solutions
For quick reference, here are the main puzzles encountered during the Act.
Puzzle 1 — Substation 03 Kresnik Energy Alignment
Location: Substation 03
Solution:
- Dial 1 → clockwise ×2
- Dial 2 → counter-clockwise ×1
- Then activate the terminal.
Puzzle 2 — Prime Ice Bridge
Location: Satarose Caverns
Solution:
- Open Eye of Graeae.
- Select Prime Ice Construct.
- Position the bridge between the anchor points.
- Confirm placement.
- Apply Cryo.
- Cross the bridge.
Puzzle 3 — Terminal Frequency Resonance
Location: Snezhnograd Administrative Hall
The terminal uses a frequency slider to match the displayed waveform.
The frequency shown during the puzzle is:
Adjust the slider until the waveform reaches the required resonance state and locks into place.
This unlocks the relevant Project Stuja archive information.
All Optional Chests and Secrets
Act II contains several optional rewards that are easy to miss while following the main objective.
Substation 03 Hidden Exquisite Chest
Approximate location: Lower level of Substation 03
Look for a breakable ice wall.
Break through it to find the hidden Exquisite Chest.
Satarose Caverns Precious Chest
Location: Satarose Caverns
The Precious Chest requires you to use a Prime Ice Construct with a weighted pressure mechanism.
Use the construct to activate the required pressure plate and open the route to the chest.
Act II Characters and Important Revelations
Odette
Act II confirms that Odette is:
- A former student of La Signora
- A Fatui operative
- The person behind the Lelik identity
- The daughter of Alexei
- A saboteur targeting Project Stuja's infrastructure
Her actions are driven by both personal loss and opposition to the human cost of the Kresnik energy program.
Lelik
The mystery surrounding Lelik is resolved.
Lelik is Odette.
Her sabotage targets the Kresnik infrastructure and Project Stuja.
The identity is finally confirmed during the administrative confrontation.
Childe
Childe becomes one of Odette's most important allies.
Rather than allowing Pulcinella to immediately punish her, he takes responsibility for her and places her under his tactical unit.
His involvement also reveals Odette's history with Signora.
Pulcinella
Pulcinella knows considerably more about the situation than he initially lets on.
He already knows that Odette is Lelik and has allowed the sabotage investigation to reveal weaknesses in the Stuja system.
La Signora
Signora remains deceased.
Act II does not establish that she has been resurrected.
Her presence is instead felt through:
- Odette's memories
- The theater performance
- The memorial scene
- Crimson moth imagery
- Odette's continued devotion to her former teacher
Pierro
Pierro appears indirectly through a dream/ethereal sequence.
His warning about the approaching countdown expands the story beyond Snezhnaya's internal political problems and connects the current crisis to a much larger threat.
The Eye of Graeae
Act II provides additional information about the Eye of Graeae.
Its system references:
It also identifies the Traveler using the Transcender/Descender terminology.
Importantly, the Act II investigation did not establish the existence of an "Ark of Tomorrow."
That term should not be treated as confirmed Act II lore based on this story.
Act II Rewards
The visible rewards across the Act II progression include approximately:
- 170 Primogems
- 70,000 Mora
- 12× Hero's Wit
- 2× Guide to Equity
- Chapter/Archon Quest completion rewards
- Quest items and documents
- Achievements associated with completing the Act
Individual quest rewards can vary depending on which progression and completion rewards are counted, so the figures above are best treated as the visible Act II total rather than a complete account of every possible Version 7.0 reward source.
Act I vs Act II: What Changed?
Act I introduced the central mysteries.
Act II begins resolving them.
| Story Thread | Act I | Act II |
|---|---|---|
| Lelik | Unknown saboteur | Confirmed as Odette |
| Odette | Theater character / suspect | Former Signora student and Lelik |
| Signora's Legacy | Mentioned | Expanded through Odette |
| Project Stuja | Mysterious project | Large-scale Snezhnayan energy/protection project |
| Eye of Graeae | New technology | Connected to Khaenri'ah |
| Pierro | Background figure | Gives direct warning about the approaching threat |
| Ronova | Unclear threat | Connected to the Act II boss encounter |
| Childe | Investigator | Becomes Odette's protector |
| Pulcinella | Political figure | Revealed to know more about Lelik than expected |
The biggest takeaway is that the Lelik mystery is no longer an open question.
Odette is Lelik.
The larger mystery is now why Project Stuja requires so much energy and what the Fatui ultimately intend to do with the Stuja Canopy.
Genshin Impact 7.0 Act II FAQ
Who is Lelik in Genshin Impact 7.0?
Lelik is Odette. She has been secretly sabotaging parts of Snezhnaya's Kresnik energy infrastructure. Her actions are connected to her father's death and her opposition to the human cost of Project Stuja.
Is Odette La Signora's student?
Yes. Act II explicitly establishes that Odette was a direct student of La Signora. This explains her strong emotional reaction to learning that the Traveler was responsible for defeating Signora.
What is Project Stuja?
Project Stuja is a massive Snezhnayan energy project requiring enormous amounts of Kresnik power. Act II reveals its connection to the Stuja Canopy, a large-scale protective system intended to shield Snezhnaya from threats connected to the heavens.
Is La Signora alive in Genshin Impact 7.0?
No. Act II does not show Signora returning to life. The theater sequence involves Odette visiting Signora's memorial, with crimson moth imagery serving as a symbolic visual motif.
Who is the Act II boss?
The boss's health bar identifies it as: Puppet controlling RONOVA. The encounter takes place inside the Eye of Graeae Core Facility.
How do you beat Puppet controlling RONOVA?
Use the Eye of Graeae's TPS targeting mode to destroy the boss's protected floating nodes. Once the protection is removed and the boss becomes vulnerable, switch back to your normal combat setup and use your strongest attacks.
How do you solve the Substation 03 puzzle?
At the Kresnik Energy Alignment Terminal: Rotate Dial 1 clockwise twice. Rotate Dial 2 counter-clockwise once. Activate the terminal after the energy routes correctly.
How do you cross the Satarose Caverns gap?
Use the Prime Ice Construct. Select the bridge blueprint through the Eye of Graeae, position it between the anchor points, confirm the placement, and apply Cryo to solidify it.
What does the Eye of Graeae identify the Traveler as?
The system identifies the Traveler as: Transcender / Descender Unit #4. The system also contains references to Khaenri'ah Guidance Architecture, adding another connection between Snezhnaya's technology and ancient Khaenri'ah.
Does Act II reveal the "Ark of Tomorrow"?
No. The phrase "Ark of Tomorrow" does not appear in the Act II material covered here, so it should not be presented as a confirmed revelation from this quest.
Final Takeaway
Everwinter Without Mercy Act II takes the mysteries introduced in the opening Snezhnaya storyline and starts connecting them into a much larger conflict.
The biggest revelations are:
- Odette's identity as Lelik
- Her history as La Signora's student
- Alexei's death
- Project Stuja and the Stuja Canopy
- The deeper Khaenri'ah connection behind the Eye of Graeae
- Pierro's warning about the approaching celestial threat
For gameplay, the most important new tools are the Eye of Graeae, Prime Ice Constructs, Kresnik energy systems, and the TPS targeting mechanic used during the Act II boss fight.
And while Act II resolves the Lelik mystery, it leaves the much bigger question unanswered:
That question is likely to become increasingly important as the Snezhnaya Archon Quest continues.
- Puppet Controlling RONOVA Boss Guide: How to Beat the Boss
- Substation 03 Puzzle Solution: Kresnik Energy Alignment
- Genshin Impact 6.7 F2P Primogem Calculator Guide
- Genshin Impact Version 7.0 — Everwinter Without Mercy Update Details
- Community discussion: Version 7.0 player discussions and discoveries can be found on r/Genshin_Impact
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