Last Updated: August 13, 2026 | Genshin Impact Version 7.0
Genshin Impact Version 7.0 introduces Snezhnaya and a new exploration tool that quickly becomes essential for navigating its frozen environment: the Eye of Graeae.
The gadget is more than a simple quest item. It ties together Prime Ice Constructs, cold protection, Kresnik Energy, environmental puzzles, and Snezhnaya's railway system. Learning how these systems work early makes exploration considerably easier.
This guide explains how to obtain and use the Eye of Graeae, how Prime Ice Constructs work, how to manage the cold, and how to use the gadget to operate Snezhnaya's trains.
Table of Contents
- ➜ What Is the Eye of Graeae?
- ➜ How to Unlock the Eye of Graeae
- ➜ How to Use the Eye of Graeae
- ➜ What Is Prime Ice?
- ➜ How to Use Prime Ice Constructs
- ➜ How to Solve Prime Ice Environmental Puzzles
- ➜ How the Eye of Graeae Helps With Cold
- ➜ How to Manage Kresnik Energy
- ➜ How to Use the Eye of Graeae With Trains
- ➜ Best Eye of Graeae Exploration Tips
- ➜ Eye of Graeae vs. the Lore Guide
- ➜ Frequently Asked Questions
- ➜ Final Tips
What Is the Eye of Graeae?
The Eye of Graeae is one of the most important exploration tools introduced with Snezhnaya in Genshin Impact 7.0.
During the early Snezhnaya storyline, the Traveler obtains the device and learns how it can be used to interact with the region's unique environmental systems.
The Eye of Graeae can be used for several important exploration functions, including:
- Creating and interacting with Prime Ice Constructs
- Helping protect the Traveler from Snezhnaya's extreme cold
- Managing interactions involving Kresnik Energy
- Solving environmental obstacles and traversal puzzles
- Operating Snezhnaya's railway system
- Calling and driving trains at compatible railway locations
HoYoverse describes the Eye of Graeae as technology carrying the wisdom of an ancient era, making it an important part of Snezhnaya's exploration design.
For practical exploration, however, the most important thing to remember is simple:
How to Unlock the Eye of Graeae
You don't need to search Snezhnaya for a hidden chest or collectible to obtain the Eye of Graeae.
The gadget is introduced through the Chapter VII: Act I — Everwinter Without Mercy storyline.
During the opening portion of the quest, the Traveler and Paimon encounter the harsh conditions of Snezhnaya before obtaining the device and learning how it works.
The early tutorial specifically introduces the Eye of Graeae as the tool needed to create a heat source and find a way through the surrounding environment.
Once you obtain it, the gadget becomes an important part of your Snezhnaya exploration toolkit.
How to Use the Eye of Graeae
Once the Eye of Graeae is available, equip it through the appropriate gadget interface.
Its functions depend on what you're interacting with.
You may use it to:
- Interact with Prime Ice mechanisms.
- Create or use Prime Ice Constructs.
- Generate or maintain heat in cold areas.
- Interact with Kresnik Energy-related mechanisms.
- Operate compatible railway systems.
The most important change compared with a conventional gadget is that the Eye isn't limited to one puzzle type.
It acts as a central interface for several of Snezhnaya's exploration mechanics.
What Is Prime Ice?
Prime Ice is one of the core environmental systems introduced in Snezhnaya.
The Eye of Graeae allows the Traveler to interact with Prime Ice and use it to create structures that can affect the surrounding environment.
These structures can help with:
- Traversal
- Environmental puzzles
- Reaching otherwise inaccessible areas
- Creating useful interaction points
- Managing certain cold-related situations
Official Snezhnaya material specifically highlights Prime Ice Constructs as one of the Eye of Graeae's main exploration functions.
Think of Prime Ice as a toolbox for environmental interaction, rather than simply another material to collect.
How to Use Prime Ice Constructs
When you encounter a Prime Ice mechanism or blueprint, the basic process is straightforward.
Step 1: Find a Prime Ice interaction
Look around the environment for a Prime Ice Construct, mechanism, or related interaction.
Step 2: Use the Eye of Graeae
Equip the Eye and interact with the available Prime Ice functionality.
Step 3: Select the required construct
Depending on the puzzle, the game will provide the relevant construction option.
Step 4: Position the construct
Move the construction preview to the location where you want to place it.
Pay attention to the placement indicator.
Step 5: Build the construct
Once the position is valid, activate the construction.
The resulting Prime Ice object can then be used to interact with the environment.
Step 6: Reassess the area
Don't immediately assume the puzzle is finished.
After placing a construct, look around again.
A newly created object may:
- Open a route.
- Provide a platform.
- Change how you approach an obstacle.
- Give you access to another interaction.
- Help you reach a higher or previously inaccessible position.
How to Solve Prime Ice Environmental Puzzles
The biggest mistake you can make with Prime Ice puzzles is looking for a single obvious interaction point.
Instead, look at the entire environment first.
When you encounter a blocked route, ask:
Is there a missing platform?
A Prime Ice Construct may provide the additional structure needed to cross an otherwise inaccessible area.
Is there an environmental mechanism nearby?
Some puzzles require you to use the construct in combination with another object rather than simply placing it in front of you.
Is the problem actually related to the cold?
If the Traveler is losing protection from the cold, the correct solution may involve creating or reaching a heat source rather than finding another route.
Is there a railway connection?
Snezhnaya's railway system is integrated into exploration, so some apparent long-distance traversal problems may be solved more efficiently by using a nearby station.
How the Eye of Graeae Helps With Cold
Snezhnaya's environment introduces a significant cold-management system.
The Eye of Graeae helps the Traveler survive these harsh conditions by working with the region's Kresnik Energy system.
This means the Eye should not be treated purely as a puzzle gadget.
It is also part of your survival toolkit.
During extended exploration, pay attention to your available energy and your surroundings.
If you're entering a remote snowy area, don't simply sprint forward without checking your resources.
A safer approach is:
This reduces the chance of reaching an isolated area while your cold protection is running low.
How to Manage Kresnik Energy
Kresnik Energy is closely connected to Snezhnaya's environmental systems.
For exploration purposes, the important rule is:
If you're planning to explore a large section of the map, consider the following:
- Activate nearby Teleport Waypoints first.
- Identify nearby sources of warmth.
- Avoid unnecessary detours through exposed areas.
- Solve nearby environmental puzzles before travelling farther.
- Keep the Eye of Graeae available when entering particularly cold regions.
- Use the railway when it provides a more efficient route.
This becomes particularly important during longer exploration sessions.
You don't want to discover a puzzle on the opposite side of the area only to have to turn around because you failed to manage your resources.
How to Use the Eye of Graeae With Trains
One of Snezhnaya's biggest exploration features is its railway network.
The region contains extensive train routes connecting different parts of the frozen landscape, making trains an important alternative to travelling entirely on foot.
The Eye of Graeae is used to interact with the railway system.
During the early Snezhnaya progression, the game introduces the player to the ability to operate the train using the Eye of Graeae.
Basic train workflow
When you reach a compatible railway location:
- Approach the railway terminal or train interaction point.
- Equip/use the Eye of Graeae when prompted.
- Interact with the railway system.
- Call or board the available train.
- Follow the available route.
- Use the train to move between connected areas.
The railway isn't just decorative scenery. It is part of Snezhnaya's intended traversal system.
When should you use trains?
Trains are particularly useful when:
- You're travelling between distant settlements.
- You've already unlocked the relevant railway connections.
- You want to avoid crossing large snowy areas on foot.
- You're returning to an area you've previously explored.
- You want to combine railway travel with local waypoint exploration.
For short-distance movement, Teleport Waypoints remain convenient. For longer regional routes, the railway can become a much more natural way to move through Snezhnaya.
Best Eye of Graeae Exploration Tips
Here are the most useful habits to develop after unlocking the gadget.
1. Learn the Eye early
Don't treat the early Eye of Graeae tutorial as something you can skip. Its functions appear throughout Snezhnaya exploration.
2. Watch your cold protection
If you're travelling through an exposed snowy area, keep an eye on the resources supporting your protection from the cold. Don't wait until the last moment to look for warmth.
3. Experiment with Prime Ice
If a route appears impossible, don't immediately assume you've missed a hidden path. Look around for a Prime Ice solution.
4. Think vertically
Prime Ice puzzles aren't necessarily about walking directly toward the objective.
Check:
- Higher ledges
- Platforms
- Gaps
- Walls
- Nearby mechanisms
- Alternative approaches
A construct may change the geometry of the area enough to reveal a route you didn't initially notice.
5. Use trains for long-distance travel
Once railway connections become available, incorporate them into your normal travel routine.
Use:
- Waypoints for fast point-to-point travel.
- Trains for connected regional routes.
- Walking/gliding for local exploration and puzzle solving.
6. Explore around railway stations
Don't immediately leave after arriving at a new station. Stations can serve as useful starting points for exploring the surrounding area. Activate nearby Waypoints, inspect the environment, and check for puzzles and other interactions before moving on.
7. Revisit areas later
Snezhnaya's exploration systems are designed around learning how its mechanics interact. If something looks difficult or inaccessible, mark the location mentally—or on your map—and return after you've become more familiar with the Eye of Graeae.
Eye of Graeae vs. Our Lore Guide
This article is intentionally focused on gameplay and exploration.
Our separate Eye of Graeae lore article covers the device's story implications, including its deeper connections to the Snezhnaya narrative and its lore significance.
If you're looking for that side of the subject, see:
The distinction is deliberate:
| Guide | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| This guide | How to use the Eye of Graeae during exploration |
| Eye of Graeae Explained | Lore, story implications and deeper mysteries |
| Act II Walkthrough | Quest progression, objectives and story events |
| Substation 03 Puzzle Guide | Specific puzzle solution |
This guide therefore avoids repeating the lore discussion and concentrates on how the gadget actually works during exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eye of Graeae in Genshin Impact 7.0?
The Eye of Graeae is a major Snezhnaya exploration gadget introduced in Version 7.0. It interacts with Prime Ice, cold-management systems, Kresnik Energy and the region's railway network.
How do you get the Eye of Graeae?
The Eye of Graeae is obtained during the early Snezhnaya Archon Quest progression rather than from a hidden collectible.
What does the Eye of Graeae do?
It provides access to several Snezhnaya exploration systems, including Prime Ice Constructs, environmental interactions, cold protection and train-related interactions.
What are Prime Ice Constructs?
Prime Ice Constructs are environmental objects that can be created and used through the Eye of Graeae to assist with traversal and puzzle solving.
How does the Eye of Graeae help with the cold?
The gadget works with Snezhnaya's Kresnik Energy system to help the Traveler survive the region's extreme cold. Managing this resource is important during extended exploration.
Can the Eye of Graeae summon trains?
Yes. The Eye of Graeae is used to interact with Snezhnaya's railway system and can be used to call trains at compatible locations.
Should I use trains instead of Teleport Waypoints?
Not necessarily. Use Waypoints for direct fast travel and trains when travelling along connected railway routes. The two systems complement each other.
Do I need the Eye of Graeae for every Snezhnaya puzzle?
No. However, it is an important part of Snezhnaya's exploration mechanics, so it's worth checking the gadget whenever you encounter an unusual environmental obstacle.
Final Tips: Master the Eye Before Clearing Snezhnaya
The Eye of Graeae is one of the most important exploration tools introduced with Genshin Impact 7.0.
Rather than being useful for only one type of puzzle, it connects several of Snezhnaya's major systems:
Once you understand that relationship, Snezhnaya becomes much easier to navigate.
The best approach is to learn the gadget early, manage your cold protection, experiment with Prime Ice Constructs, and use trains intelligently for longer journeys.
Most importantly, don't assume that a blocked route means you've missed a hidden path. In Snezhnaya, the solution may simply be another way to use the tools you've already been given.
Related Guides & Sources
For the gameplay side of the Snezhnaya story, see:
- Snezhnaya Train Guide: How to Call, Unlock & Use the Railway
- Who Is Noy? Danica's Mysterious Companion & Fae Connection Explained
- Who Is Lelek in Genshin Impact 7.0? Odette and Signora Connection Explained
- Project Stuzha Explained: Stuzha Canopy, Celestia & Snezhnaya's Plan
- Act II Walkthrough: Everwinter Without Mercy, All Quests & Puzzles
- Substation 03 Puzzle Solution: Kresnik Energy Alignment Guide
- Puppet Controlling RONOVA Boss Guide: How to Beat the Boss
- 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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