When HoYoverse launched Genshin Impact in September 2020, the gaming world wasn’t ready for what was about to hit it. A free-to-play open-world action RPG that drew obvious inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild — but expanded the formula with elemental combat, gacha mechanics, and a constantly evolving story across multiple regions.
An Open World That Rivals Console Giants
The world of Teyvat is massive. Each of its seven regions — Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya — offers distinct biomes, cultures, and puzzles. What’s remarkable is that this entire world is available on mobile devices, running at a stable 30 FPS on mid-range phones and hitting 60 FPS on flagship devices.
Combat That Demands Strategy
Genshin’s elemental combat system is its secret weapon. Seven elements — Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo — interact in ways that create emergent gameplay. Vaporize, Melt, Superconduct, Bloom, Burgeon — the reactions are endless, and building a team around them is deeply satisfying.
The Gacha Question
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Genshin Impact is a gacha game. The Wish system can be predatory, with limited-time character banners and weapon banners that can drain your primogems fast. But HoYoverse has been generous with free primogems, and the game’s story and exploration can be fully enjoyed without spending a dime.
Verdict
Six years after launch, Genshin Impact remains the gold standard for mobile RPGs. Version 7.0 “Everwinter Without Mercy” proves HoYoverse isn’t slowing down. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on one of gaming’s most ambitious projects.
Score: 9/10 — A genre-defining masterpiece that keeps getting better.