Genshin Impact for Windows

The free anime RPG that overdelivers

Genshin Impact is a free role-playing game developed by miHoYo that lets you explore the colorful map of Teyvat. The game features a diverse roster of characters. You can assemble a team of four characters and switch between them during gameplay to optimize your strategy.

Prior to this game’s release, the developer was well-known for its creation of Honkai Impact. You can scale structures by climbing and soar through the air by gliding in both games. Black Desert, Blue Protocol, Dragon Raja, and League of Legends are some other comparable battle-based video games.

Why is Genshin Impact so popular?

Genshin Impact is a free-to-play adventure title that delivers pristine graphics and a vast interactive map that gives you plenty of places to discover. The open-world environment is filled with chests, collectibles, and puzzles. In certain areas of the map, you will come across bosses and enemies that you need to battle during your journey to collect their resources to help upgrade your characters.

Simple decisions can lead to multi-faceted chain reactions. You may open a treasure chest that unlocks a quest or follow a non-player character to a boss fight. Players can also unlock new characters for free as the game progresses or opt to wish for a random character on the game’s Standard and Time-Limited banners. Each character in the game has a specific weapon and skill set based on the basic elements: wind, ice, flora, electricity, water, earth, and fire.

The elements are referred to as Anemo, Cryo, Dendro, Electro, Hydro, Geo, and Pyro. These elements form a key part of the game, tying in closely with the plot and the environment that surrounds you. Take note, the terrain and villains react to each element differently. You can create your team of four based on complementary powers. Since the characters are quickly switchable, you can chain together various elements.

With the ability to store up to 2,000 unique items in your inventory, you can pick up accessories, food, tools, weapons, and other resources. Each of the items has a description available in your inventory, with some offering a peek into the deeper intricacies of the game’s lore. You can also cook recipes with the food you gather to help your character, boost their abilities, or give them fuel to move without losing stamina too quickly. 

What is the goal of Genshin Impact?

Your ultimate goal in Genshin Impact is to find your separated sibling. The storyline begins with you and your sibling jumping into a different dimension. An unknown archon then appears to block you both from entering the realm. A brief battle takes place where the aforementioned Archon wins. Afterward, you get to choose which twin brother or sister you want to continue as.

You’re unconscious until you wake up on a beach with a newfound partner: Paimon. Your floating friend serves as your guide to everything within the game. While you search for the unknown archon to get your twin back, you help locals by completing tasks. Each territory has a distinct atmosphere that sets it apart from all the other regions. With this, each area will also have its own set of tasks and quests unique to the terrain or nature of the region.

While Genshin Impact is a primarily single-player game, the option to play with friends in co-op mode is available after reaching Adventure Rank 16. Up to three other players can join your world. Since you do not need to stick together, each player is free to roam around. However, they can also help you out when defeating certain bosses and enemies. Take note, though, that players can only join worlds with a World Level and Adventure Rank equal to or lower than their own.

Is Genshin Impact pay-to-win?

Genshin Impact is a pretty generous gacha game. It is a rare free-to-play game that does not require you to pay to win, although in-app purchases will speed up the gameplay. While the later levels require more grinding, the earlier tasks are easy to play without paying. No worries, though, as you can naturally gain in-game currencies by completing quests, logging in daily, and taking part in events. 

The speed at which you earn currencies like Primogems will all depend on whether you want a playable character on your team. Limited-time characters like Furina and Wanderer are popular and highly sought-after for a good reason—and you’ll have the chance to get more of the other limited characters thanks to the dual Wish Event type. Meanwhile, getting new characters can be a good investment, too. They will greatly help defeat powerful enemies like the Abyss Heralds.

Significant patch updates

Versions 5.0, 5.1, and 5.2 expand the world with Natlan, its fiery sixth nation, and the opening of Ochkanatlan. Version 5.0 features Saurian transformations, Mualani and Kinich, and a free 5-star character reward. Version 5.1 introduces Xilonen and Chiori, Sumeru 4-stars, and Capture the Phlogiston Aphids event. Version 5.2 adds Chasca, Lyney, and Ororon, new weapons, clans, Archon Quests, a mimic boss, and an Iktomi Spiritseeking Scrolls event.

What’s in the 5.4 update?

Genshin Impact's Version 5.4 update introduces the 5-star Anemo Catalyst character, Yumemizuki Mizuki, alongside Sigewinne, Furina, and Wriothesley reruns. New weapons, including the 5-star catalyst Sunny Morning Sleep-In, and Mizuki's story quest, Dream Eater's Melancholia, are also added to the game. Players can participate in events like the Mikawa Festival and Realm of Tempered Valor, explore the Aisa Bathhouse, and collect new Genius Invokation TCG cards featuring Arlecchino, Kinich, and more.

The update brings significant system enhancements. Story Quests no longer require Story Keys, and Archon Quests' Quick Start gains streamlined confirmations. The Training Guide now features Level-Up Plans, aiding detailed character progression, and the Serenitea Pot offers quicker Tubby access and expanded dye materials. Genius Invokation TCG receives deck appearance customization, and the Battle Pass now tracks Spiral Abyss progress across versions, starting with the Version 5.4 game update.

Spiral Abyss floors 11 and 12 receive Ley Line Disorder and monster lineup adjustments, and Abyssal Moon Blessings. Imaginarium Theater debuts with Hydro, Electro, and Cryo requirements, featuring Kamisato Ayato, Raiden Shogun, and more. Enhanced map navigation, character interfaces, and bug fixes across characters, enemies, quests, and systems are also incorporated. On Version 5.5, using Sanctifying Elixir on updated Artifacts guarantees at least two minor affix enhancements by Level 20.

The 5.5 Update 

In the 5.5 update of Genshin Impact, the game debuts two never-before-seen characters: Iansan and Varesa, a four-star Electro character who wields a polearm and a five-star Anemo character who uses a catalyst, respectively. Meanwhile, existing characters like the five-star Anemo catalyst user Xianyun, the five-star Geo sword character Xilonen, and the five-star Anemo bow user Venti are returning. All these new and returning characters are available on Wish. 

Furthermore, this particular update provides four events for players to participate in. Tournament of Glory in Bloom is Natlan's signature event, showcasing a returning contest with both offensive and defensive battle versions, echoing 'capture the flag' and an additional 2D, board game-inspired mode. Another event is the Unlimited Fighting Championship, a combat event that spans five stages of intense challenges, offering rewards such as character and weapon materials alongside Primogems. 

The other two events are Quirky Quaking Arena, a multiplayer event focused on collecting Adventure Coins in various arenas, much like the Battle Mode in Mario Kart, while preventing other teams from scoring, and Rhythm Ball Meztli, a music festival event hosted by the People of the Springs tribe in Natlan that challenges players to use a paddle to bounce a ball in time with the beat, targeting elemental blocks. 

Other updates include the addition of a new 5-Star weapon in the Phase 1 Weapon Banner: Varesa’s signature catalyst, the Vivid Notions. Players can now explore the new Natlan area, the Great Volcano of Tollan, and encounter the Collective of Plenty tribe. A new Saurian type, Tatankasaurus, makes its debut. Moreover, additions include the Varesa Tribal Chronicles quest, a new boss—the Lava Dragon Statue—and two new Artifacts. 

A refreshing action game

Genshin Impact is an attractive role-playing game filled with bright landscapes and animated anime-style characters. The map features multiple regions that each holds secrets to unlock. An appealing element of culture is integrated into the setting. You can unlock all of the characters by completing the list of quests. Additionally, you can receive inventory from NPCs with whom you talk.