Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Genshin Impact.
What is Genshin Impact?
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action RPG developed by miHoYo that features an anime-inspired fantasy world called Teyvat. Players explore diverse regions, solve puzzles, and engage in real-time elemental combat while uncovering the story of the Traveler searching for their lost sibling.
Who are the main playable characters?
The primary protagonist is the Traveler, who can switch between Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo elements depending on the region visited. Other key figures include Paimon, the floating guide; Zhongli, the former Archon of Liyue; and Nahida, the current Dendro Archon.
Where should a new player start?
Newcomers should begin by creating an account and following the prologue quest in Mondstadt to learn basic movement, combat, and stamina mechanics. After completing the initial tutorial, players can freely explore the open world or focus on the Archon quests to advance the main narrative.
What is the gacha system?
The game uses a randomized 'Wish' system where players spend premium currency called Primogems to obtain new characters and weapons. This mechanic includes a pity counter that guarantees a 5-star item after 90 pulls if one has not been received earlier.
How often does the game update?
Genshin Impact releases major version updates approximately every six weeks, introducing new story chapters, regions, events, and characters. These updates also balance existing mechanics and add seasonal limited-time activities for players to enjoy.
What are the seven nations of Teyvat?
The world consists of Mondstadt (Anemo), Liyue (Geo), Inazuma (Electro), Sumeru (Dendro), Fontaine (Hydro), Natlan (Pyro), and Snezhnaya (Cryo). Each nation is governed by an Archon and features unique geography, culture, and elemental themes.
Who are the Seven Archons?
The Archons are divine rulers who govern each of Teyvat's seven nations and hold a specific elemental power. Notable examples include Venti (Barbatos) of Mondstadt, Zhongli (Morax) of Liyue, and Raiden Shogun (Beelzebul/Ei) of Inazuma.
Can I play with friends?
Yes, the game supports co-op multiplayer allowing up to four players to explore the world and tackle domains together once they reach Adventure Rank 16. However, main story quests must be completed individually in each player's own world.
What is a notable moment in the game's history?
The release of Sumeru marked a significant milestone by introducing the Dendro element and expanding the map with vast desert and rainforest biomes. Additionally, the 'Archon Quest' storylines have consistently driven massive player engagement through emotional narrative twists.
Is Genshin Impact cross-platform?
The game is fully cross-platform, allowing players on PC, PlayStation 4/5, iOS, and Android to share progress via a single miHoYo account. This feature enables seamless switching between devices without losing character levels or inventory items.