Genshin Impact

Introduction

When Genshin Impact launched globally in September 2020, it shocked the gaming industry. Developed by the Chinese studio HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo), this free-to-play action RPG drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but soon proved it was far more than a clone. With its sprawling open world, deep elemental combat, high production values, and generous free-to-play model, Genshin Impact redefined what gamers could expect from mobile and cross-platform titles.

Available on PC, PlayStation, iOS, Android, and eventually Nintendo Switch, Genshin Impact offers an experience that rivals full-priced AAA games—and it continues to evolve with frequent content updates, new characters, story arcs, and entire regions. Let’s explore why this global sensation has become a cultural and gaming milestone.

The Origins and Launch of Genshin Impact

The early reveal of Genshin Impact was met with skepticism. Many saw it as a visually inspired homage to Nintendo's Breath of the Wild, but HoYoverse aimed for something broader: a Gacha-based, action-combat RPG with deep lore, expansive regions, and live-service content.

The game launched with the region of Mondstadt, a European-themed land of freedom, and Liyue, inspired by Chinese culture. Despite being free-to-play, it offered a polished experience complete with fully voiced characters, a sweeping orchestral soundtrack, and near-infinite exploration potential.

H3: Key Features at Launch

• 20+ unique characters

• Deep elemental combat system

• 2 full regions (Mondstadt, Liyue)

• Co-op multiplayer (4-player)

Pros:

• AAA-quality visuals and sound for free

• Enormous open world to explore

Cons:

• Gacha system for character acquisition

• Limited original endgame content

Rating (Launch): 9.0/10

Expanding the World: New Regions and Updates

Genshin Impact is structured around Teyvat, a fantasy world split into seven elemental nations. Since launch, HoYoverse has released several major regions:

• Inazuma (Electro Nation) – Japanese-inspired, introduced in Version 2.0

• Sumeru (Dendro Nation) – Middle Eastern/South Asian influence, added in 3.0

• Fontaine (Hydro Nation) – European/Steampunk style, added in 4.0

Each region introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as environmental puzzles, terrain exploration tools, and story arcs that explore deep philosophical and political themes.

H4: Region Highlights

• Inazuma: Travel by boat, use Electrograna

• Sumeru: Dendro reactions, scholarly intrigue

• Fontaine: Underwater exploration, legal systems

Pros:

• Continuous expansion of the game world

• Rich cultural and mythological inspirations

Cons:

• Older regions feel outdated by comparison

• Exploration can be gated by story progress

Rating (Worldbuilding): 9.3/10

Combat and Elemental Synergy

The core of Genshin Impact's gameplay is its elemental combat system, where players switch between four-character teams to combine abilities. The seven elements—Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo—interact to produce unique reactions like Overload, Freeze, Electro-Charged, and Bloom.

Each character has a Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, and Elemental Burst. Strategy revolves around cooldown management, positioning, and elemental synergy.

Top Elemental Combos:

• Vaporize (Hydro + Pyro)

• Melt (Cryo + Pyro)

• Aggravate (Dendro + Electro)

• Hyperbloom (Dendro + Hydro + Electro)

Pros:

• Satisfying and strategic combat

• Flexible team-building and customization

Cons:

• Some elements are stronger than others

• No PvP to test team strength competitively

Rating (Combat System): 9.1/10

Character Design and Storytelling

One of Genshin's standout features is its diverse and lovable cast of characters, each with unique backstories, aesthetics, and personalities. These characters are introduced via Archon Quests, Story Quests, and Hangout Events.

Characters are fully voiced in four languages (EN, JP, CN, KR), and each region brings new additions, deepening both gameplay variety and the emotional resonance of the story.

Fan-Favorite Characters:

• Zhongli (Liyue’s stoic Archon)

• Raiden Shogun (Inazuma’s ruler)

• Nahida (Sumeru’s gentle god of wisdom)

• Childe/Tartaglia, Hu Tao, Kazuha, and more

Pros:

• Deep lore tied to character development

• High-quality voice acting and animation

Cons:

• Gacha system makes acquiring favorites uncertain

• Some characters feel less viable in late game

Rating (Characters & Lore): 9.5/10

Gacha System, Resin, and Monetization

Genshin Impact’s biggest controversy is its gacha system. Players roll for characters and weapons using Primogems, obtained through daily commissions, events, Spiral Abyss, and sometimes paid top-ups.

There is a pity system—a guaranteed 5-star every 90 rolls—but randomness still reigns. Resin, the stamina system used for endgame domains and bosses, further limits daily progression.

H4: Currency & Monetization

• Primogems: Main gacha currency

• Resin: Used to claim loot from bosses/domains

• Genesis Crystals: Premium paid currency

Pros:

• Generous rewards for F2P players

• No pay-to-win PvP issues

Cons:

• Frustrating RNG in gacha pulls

• Resin system hampers long sessions

Rating (Economy & Monetization): 7.8/10

Multiplayer and Co-op Experience

Genshin supports four-player co-op, allowing friends to explore, farm bosses, and complete domains together. While the co-op system is somewhat limited (story quests are solo only), it adds a welcome social element to the game.

World owners control quest progression, while visitors assist in combat and resource gathering. Unique mechanics like Ley Line Outcrops, Elite Bosses, and Domains become easier with good team coordination.

H3: Co-op Modes

• Domains (Artifacts, Talent Books)

• World Bosses

• Spiral Abyss (Solo only)

Pros:

• Co-op farming is efficient and fun

• Encourages teamwork in late game

Cons:

• Can’t complete quests or explore new regions together

• No matchmaking for story content

Rating (Multiplayer): 8.0/10

Spiral Abyss and Endgame Challenge

The Spiral Abyss is Genshin’s main PvE endgame challenge. Located on Musk Reef, this 12-floor dungeon tests your roster strength by forcing you to use two separate teams with increasing difficulty and timers.

It rewards Primogems, Mora, and upgrade materials, making it essential for competitive and F2P players. New content like Imaginarium Theater (in 4.7) aims to expand endgame options beyond Abyss.

Pros:

• True test of game mastery

• Encourages diverse character builds

Cons:

• Highly time-gated

• No competitive rankings or co-op

Rating (Endgame Content): 8.4/10

Live Events and Seasonal Content

Genshin Impact keeps things fresh with frequent live events. These often include minigames, limited-time domains, lore events, and seasonal festivals based on the game’s regions (e.g., Lantern Rite in Liyue, Windblume in Mondstadt).

Events are designed to be F2P-accessible and often include free characters, Primogems, and exclusive cosmetics.

Popular Past Events:

• Windtrace (hide-and-seek PvP)

• Theater Mechanicus (tower defense)

• Labyrinth Warriors

• Summer Fantasia in Golden Apple Archipelago

Pros:

• Creative and diverse events

• Frequent free rewards

Cons:

• Missable content (can’t replay events)

• Events sometimes feel like filler

Rating (Seasonal Content): 9.0/10

Graphics, Music, and Performance

Visually, Genshin Impact is a masterpiece of anime-inspired 3D design. Each region has its own art direction, climate, and architecture. The soundtrack, composed by Yu-Peng Chen and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, is breathtaking.

From Mondstadt’s tranquil string melodies to Sumeru’s exotic rhythms, the music heightens emotional moments and elevates exploration. On high settings, the game is stunning even by console standards.

Performance Overview:

• Stable on PC and PS5

• Strong mobile optimization

• Occasional lag on older devices

Pros:

• Award-winning visuals and score

• Unique atmospheres per region

Cons:

• High storage requirements (20+ GB)

• Occasional FPS drops during effects-heavy scenes

Rating (Presentation): 9.6/10

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:

• Visually stunning open world

• Rich elemental combat system

• Diverse characters and lore

• Constant updates and live content

• Generous to free-to-play users

Cons:

• Gacha mechanics can frustrate collectors

• Endgame content is limited

• Resin system restricts hardcore grinding

• Story progression locks exploration at times

Conclusion

Genshin Impact isn’t just a mobile game—it’s a landmark in modern game development. It blends the best aspects of AAA open-world design, gacha character progression, live-service updates, and deep storytelling into one cohesive and beautiful package.

Despite some limitations in monetization and endgame challenge, HoYoverse has proven its dedication to evolving the world of Teyvat, with more regions and characters yet to be unveiled. For both casual gamers and RPG veterans, Genshin Impact offers a rich and rewarding experience that continues to impress year after year.

Final Expert Rating: 9.3/10 — A genre-defining masterpiece in the free-to-play RPG space. Beautiful, immersive, and endlessly evolving.