Genshin Impact 6.7 Leaks: Cryo Nerf and Stellar Reaction Delay

Genshin Impact, HoYoverse’s ever-evolving open-world RPG, has long kept players on their toes with annual overhauls that shake up the meta, rework core mechanics, and introduce game-changing elemental reactions. From the Lunar reactions tied to Hydro (seen with characters like Columbina and Nicole) to the constant tweaks to character kits, no part of the game is safe from change. But recent leaks for the upcoming Version 6.7 update have left Cryo mains feeling more than a little deflated—because it looks like the element’s long-awaited revival might be put on ice, and even worse, it could be getting another nerf.

The biggest buzz around Version 6.7 centers on Sandrone, the Fatui Harbinger set to make her playable debut. Early rumors teased that she would bring a brand-new elemental reaction variation called Stellar, a Cryo-focused counterpart to Hydro’s Lunar reactions that could finally give the underperforming element the boost it needed. But a recent leak from leaker HXG, shared by Reddit user IS_Mythix, has thrown a wrench in those plans. According to the leak, two older Cryo characters—Diona and Qiqi—had their planned Stellar reaction mechanics removed from their kits ahead of the update.

For context, Diona and Qiqi were originally slated to get Cryo Swirl mechanics tied to Stellar reactions in Version 6.7, a change that would have made both characters far more viable in endgame content. Diona, the sassy bartender from Mondstadt, has long been a niche support, valued for her shield and healing but overshadowed by more versatile Cryo supports like Shenhe or Layla. Qiqi, the zombie-like adeptus from Liyue, has faced even harsher criticism, with many players writing her off as a weak healer who can’t compete with the likes of Kokomi or Jean. Adding Stellar reactions to their kits would have been a game-changer, giving both characters a reason to be included in high-level teams. But now, that text has been scrubbed from their leaked kit data, leaving fans wondering if they’ll ever get the buff they deserve.

Cryo has always been one of Genshin Impact’s most frustrating elements. On paper, it’s fun to play—freezing enemies, setting up powerful combos, and using standout characters like Wriothesley, Citlali, and Skirk. But in practice, it’s hard to justify building a full Cryo team for endgame activities like Spiral Abyss. Other elements have far stronger reactions: Hydro’s Lunar reactions can deal massive damage, Electro’s Aggravate and Spread are meta-defining, and even Anemo’s Swirl remains a core part of most top-tier teams. Cryo’s reactions, by contrast, are underwhelming. Superconduct reduces physical resistance but is largely irrelevant in a meta dominated by elemental damage, while Freeze is great for crowd control but doesn’t deal enough damage to compete. Even when HoYoverse releases Cryo-focused buffs, the element still lags behind.

That’s why the Stellar reaction was such a big deal. It promised to revitalize Cryo by giving it a reaction that could hold its own against the best in the game. Early details suggested Stellar reactions would center around Stellar-Conduct, a Cryo-Electro interaction that could deal massive damage or provide powerful buffs. But the leak about Diona and Qiqi’s removed mechanics has led to a new suspicion: HoYoverse is holding back the full Stellar reaction system for the release of Snezhnaya, the Nation of Cryo, in Version 7.0. It makes sense, in a way—Snezhnaya is the home of Cryo, so it would be the perfect time to fully rework the element and make it a dominant force in the meta. But that means players will have to wait at least another six months to see if Stellar reactions can save Cryo.

Of course, it’s important to take all of this with a grain of salt. Leaks are always subject to change, and HoYoverse could still add Stellar reactions to Diona and Qiqi’s kits before Version 6.7 launches. But even if they don’t, there’s still hope for Cryo. Sandrone will still introduce a basic version of the Stellar reaction in Version 6.7, which could give players a taste of what’s to come. And when Snezhnaya arrives in Version 7.0, HoYoverse will almost certainly give Cryo a full overhaul, adding new characters, reworking old ones, and making the element competitive again.

For now, though, Cryo mains are left feeling disappointed. They’ve waited years for their favorite element to get the buff it deserves, and it looks like they’ll have to wait a little longer. But Genshin Impact has a history of surprising players, so who knows? Maybe HoYoverse will pull a last-minute change and give Diona and Qiqi their Stellar reactions after all. Until then, players will just have to keep their fingers crossed and hope that Cryo’s time in the spotlight isn’t too far away.