Genshin Impact has become one of the most popular free-to-play games since its 2020 release. Developed by miHoYo (now HoYoverse), this open-world action RPG attracts millions of players worldwide with its stunning visuals, deep combat system, and expansive world. Whether players are new to Teyvat or looking to improve their gameplay, this guide covers everything they need to know. From core mechanics to team building strategies, Genshin Impact offers an experience that keeps players engaged for hundreds of hours.
Key Takeaways
- Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG set in the expansive world of Teyvat, featuring seven elemental nations inspired by real-world cultures.
- Mastering elemental reactions—like Freeze, Overload, and Vaporize—is essential for maximizing combat damage and team efficiency.
- Four-star characters like Bennett, Xiangling, and Xingqiu remain top-tier picks, proving rarity doesn’t always determine a character’s usefulness.
- New players should prioritize the main story (Archon Quests) and save Primogems for specific characters rather than pulling on every banner.
- Daily commissions and Resin spending take only about 30 minutes but provide steady progression and essential upgrade materials.
- Building effective teams in Genshin Impact requires balancing DPS, Sub-DPS, Support, and Healer roles around powerful elemental synergies.
What Is Genshin Impact?
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG set in the fantasy world of Teyvat. Players control a Traveler who searches for their lost sibling while uncovering the secrets of seven elemental nations. Each nation draws inspiration from real-world cultures, Mondstadt resembles medieval Germany, Liyue reflects ancient China, and Inazuma mirrors feudal Japan.
The game operates on a gacha system for obtaining new characters and weapons. Players earn or purchase in-game currency to make “wishes” on limited-time banners. This model has proven controversial but highly profitable, with Genshin Impact generating billions in revenue since launch.
HoYoverse releases major updates every six weeks, adding new story quests, characters, areas, and events. This consistent content schedule keeps the Genshin Impact community active and engaged. The game runs on PlayStation, PC, iOS, and Android devices, with cross-save functionality across most platforms.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Genshin Impact combines exploration, combat, and progression systems into a cohesive experience. Understanding these mechanics helps players maximize their enjoyment and efficiency.
Exploration and the Open World
Teyvat is massive. Players can climb nearly any surface, glide through the air, and swim across bodies of water, all limited by a stamina bar. The world contains hundreds of treasure chests, puzzles, collectibles, and secrets tucked into every corner.
Waypoints scattered across the map allow fast travel once activated. Statues of The Seven serve as healing stations and increase maximum stamina when upgraded. Players discover new areas by simply walking toward them, and the game rewards curiosity at every turn.
Genshin Impact’s exploration feels genuinely rewarding. A distant glowing light might lead to a chest. A strange rock formation could hide a puzzle. Even after years of updates, veteran players still find hidden details they missed. The world design encourages players to look up, look down, and investigate anything that seems unusual.
Combat and the Elemental System
Combat in Genshin Impact revolves around elemental reactions. Seven elements exist: Pyro (fire), Hydro (water), Electro (electricity), Cryo (ice), Anemo (wind), Geo (earth), and Dendro (nature). When elements combine on enemies, they trigger powerful reactions.
For example, applying Hydro to an enemy and then hitting them with Cryo causes Freeze. Pyro plus Electro triggers Overload, dealing AoE damage. Mastering these reactions separates casual players from efficient ones.
Players control one character at a time but can switch between four party members instantly. This switching mechanic creates fast-paced combat where players apply elements in rapid succession. A typical combo might involve applying Hydro with one character, switching to freeze with Cryo, then shattering with a heavy Claymore hit.
Genshin Impact rewards players who understand elemental synergies. Building teams around specific reactions dramatically increases damage output.
Characters and Team Building
Genshin Impact features over 80 playable characters, each with unique abilities, weapons, and elemental types. Characters fall into different roles: DPS (damage dealers), Sub-DPS, Support, and Healers. Building effective teams requires balancing these roles.
Rarity matters but doesn’t determine usefulness. Five-star characters generally have stronger kits, but many four-star characters perform excellently with proper investment. Bennett, Xiangling, and Xingqiu, all four-stars, remain top-tier picks years after release.
Team composition in Genshin Impact often follows established archetypes. “National Team” uses Xiangling, Bennett, Xingqiu, and a flexible fourth slot for consistent damage. “Freeze Teams” pair Cryo characters with Hydro applicators to keep enemies locked in place. “Hypercarry” teams focus all resources on buffing one powerful DPS.
Artifacts and weapons significantly impact character performance. Players farm artifact domains for pieces with the right main stats and substats. This grind represents Genshin Impact’s primary endgame activity. A well-built character with good artifacts outperforms a poorly built one by massive margins.
Constellation upgrades unlock when players obtain duplicate characters. These provide meaningful power boosts but require significant investment for five-star characters. Most characters function well at zero constellations.
How to Get Started
New players should focus on the main story first. Archon Quests guide players through each nation and provide substantial rewards. The story also unlocks essential features like the Serenitea Pot housing system and reputation systems in each region.
Spend Primogems (the premium currency) wisely. New players receive many free wishes through exploration and quests. Saving for specific characters rather than pulling on every banner stretches resources further. Genshin Impact rewards patience.
Don’t neglect daily activities. Commission quests reset every day and provide Adventure Rank experience plus Primogems. Spending Original Resin on domains and bosses yields essential upgrade materials. These daily tasks take about 30 minutes and maintain steady progression.
Join a good community. The Genshin Impact player base includes helpful veterans willing to answer questions. Reddit, Discord servers, and content creators offer guides for every aspect of the game. Co-op mode lets players team up with friends or strangers to tackle difficult content.
Avoid common mistakes. Don’t spread resources across too many characters early on. Focus on building two main DPS characters and their supports. Level weapons before artifacts, weapon upgrades provide guaranteed stats while artifact farming involves heavy RNG.
