Since its global release in September 2020, Genshin Impact, developed by miHoYo (now HoYoverse), has taken the gaming world by storm. Combining an expansive open-world with action-RPG mechanics, anime-inspired visuals, and a gacha-based character system, it became one of the most successful free-to-play games in history—available on PC, PlayStation, iOS, and Android.
With comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Genshin Impact sets itself apart through its elemental combat system, multi-character party mechanics, deep lore, and regular content updates. It’s not just a game—it’s a living world that continues to evolve, captivating millions of players across the globe.
This article explores Genshin Impact from its beginnings to its current status, offering a deep analysis of gameplay, world-building, combat, monetization, community, pros and cons, and overall rating.
1. The Launch of Genshin Impact: A Global Sensation
A Surprise Hit
Genshin Impact was first revealed in 2019 and quickly drew attention due to its visual similarities to Breath of the Wild. However, after its launch on September 28, 2020, it proved to be much more than just a clone.
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Over 10 million pre-registrations before launch
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Earned $100 million in revenue in just two weeks
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Won numerous awards, including Google and Apple Game of the Year honors
Developer Vision
miHoYo aimed to create an immersive, anime-style open-world RPG that players could enjoy across devices. The result was a cross-platform epic with stunning graphics, voice acting in multiple languages, and deep storytelling.
2. The World of Teyvat: Exploration at Its Finest
Expansive Regions
Genshin Impact’s world, Teyvat, is divided into seven nations inspired by real-world cultures and governed by elemental gods. So far, the game features:
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Mondstadt (European/Germanic-inspired)
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Liyue (Chinese-inspired)
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Inazuma (Japanese-inspired)
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Sumeru (South Asian/Middle Eastern mix)
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Fontaine (French-inspired, latest addition)
Each region has unique terrain, characters, architecture, and quests, making exploration feel fresh and rewarding.
Environmental Interaction
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Climb mountains, glide across valleys, swim through rivers
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Dynamic weather and day-night cycles
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Puzzles, hidden treasures, and lore-rich landmarks
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High emphasis on vertical movement and elemental interaction
Genshin Impact rewards curiosity, offering seamless and engaging exploration unlike most mobile games.
3. Elemental Combat System: Strategy in Real-Time
Combat in Genshin Impact is built around seven elements:
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Pyro (Fire)
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Hydro (Water)
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Cryo (Ice)
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Electro (Electricity)
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Geo (Earth)
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Anemo (Wind)
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Dendro (Nature)
Party System
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You control a team of four characters and can switch between them instantly
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Chain elemental reactions (e.g., Hydro + Cryo = Freeze) for powerful effects
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Each character has a Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst
Strategic Depth
Building the right team, choosing artifacts, leveling up skills, and managing cooldowns all come into play. Combat is fluid, fast-paced, and heavily reliant on synergy.
4. Characters and the Gacha System
One of Genshin’s biggest draws is its diverse cast of characters, each with unique backstories, playstyles, and elemental abilities.
Unlocking Characters
Characters are obtained via the Wish system, a gacha mechanic:
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Use Primogems to purchase “Intertwined” or “Acquaint Fates”
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Limited-time banners feature 5-star characters and weapons
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“Pity system” guarantees high-rarity rewards after a certain number of pulls
Character Variety
From the wind-swept bard Venti to the firework-loving ninja Yoimiya, each character is voice-acted and tied to the game’s rich lore.
While gacha mechanics can be controversial, Genshin's system includes free characters, generous rewards, and a soft guarantee system.
5. Quests, Events, and Storytelling
Archon and World Quests
The main story (Archon Quests) explores the mystery of the Traveler searching for their sibling while navigating Teyvat’s divine politics. Story and World Quests offer deep dives into character lore and world-building.
Limited-Time Events
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Mini-games, boss fights, puzzle-solving, and more
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Often feature event-exclusive stories, rewards, and characters
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Events are rotated every few weeks, maintaining engagement
With fully voiced dialogue, rich writing, and cinematic scenes, Genshin delivers one of the best story experiences in any live-service game.
6. Progression and Customization
Genshin’s RPG mechanics include character leveling, weapon upgrades, artifact farming, and talent boosts.
Core Systems
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Adventure Rank (AR): Unlocks new quests and regions
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Resin: Limits how many bosses and domains can be farmed per day
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Artifacts: 5-slot gear system with randomized stats
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Weapons: Gacha-obtained or forged using materials
Deep Builds
Min-maxing characters for damage output requires careful balancing of:
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Elemental resonance
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Crit rate/damage
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Energy recharge and attack boosts
This level of customization offers long-term goals but can be grindy for casual players.
7. Multiplayer and Co-Op Mode
Genshin supports cooperative play with up to four players in the same world.
What You Can Do in Co-Op
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Fight bosses together
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Explore dungeons and domains
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Farm resources
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Help friends with hard quests
While story quests are solo-only, multiplayer is useful for grinding or enjoying the world together. It’s also cross-platform, allowing friends on different devices to play together.
8. Visuals, Soundtrack, and Artistic Design
Graphics
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Anime-style visuals with realistic lighting and physics
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Highly optimized to run well on mobile and console
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Beautiful water, terrain, and skybox effects
Soundtrack and Voice Acting
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Original score performed by orchestras like the London Philharmonic
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Dynamic music that changes based on region and situation
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Voice-acted in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese
The level of polish and atmosphere is comparable to premium AAA titles.
9. Expert Rating and Final Verdict
Genshin Impact succeeds as a hybrid of an open-world RPG, anime adventure, and live-service platform. It offers an unprecedented level of polish for a free-to-play title and continues to grow with every update.
While its gacha system introduces some friction, the amount of free content, the freedom to explore, and the emotional depth of its world make it a landmark achievement in modern gaming.
Conclusion
Genshin Impact is not just a game—it’s a living fantasy world filled with lore, personality, and artistic vision. From its sprawling landscapes to its tight combat and frequent updates, it redefines what’s possible in a free-to-play model.
Whether you’re gliding off the cliffs of Mondstadt, solving puzzles in the ruins of Sumeru, or battling weekly bosses with friends, Genshin Impact consistently delivers moments of beauty, thrill, and discovery.
