Genshin Impact, since its release in 2020, has risen through the ranks to become a staple in gaming. Its lush environments, intricate storylines, and immersive gameplay have captivated millions worldwide. Players step into the shoes of the Traveler, a character torn from their twin sibling by a mysterious god. This separation sets the stage for an epic adventure through the expansive world of Teyvat.
Teyvat itself is a wonder to behold, comprising seven distinct nations, each ruled by an Archon and tied to a unique elemental power. From the icy lands of Snezhnaya to the serene waterfalls of Liyue, each region offers a fresh landscape and set of challenges. As the Traveler, you’re not just exploring these lands—you’re unraveling deep secrets and piecing together the fate of your long-lost sibling with the help of your energetic companion, Paimon.
But why talk about Genshin Impact in 2025? Well, games often have a life cycle, and it’s crucial to know whether it’s worth investing your precious time into Genshin Impact now. Is it still grabbing the attention of gamers worldwide, or has it faded into obscurity like many games before it? That’s exactly what we’re here to find out. In this journey, we’ll be assessing whether Genshin Impact remains relevant and captivating in 2025, while I sprinkle in some of my own thoughts as a beginner who’s just picked up the game!
The Beginning of the Genshin Impact Story
The kickoff to the Genshin Impact saga unfolds in the fantastical world of Teyvat, where the Traveler’s journey comes to life. In this mystic land known for its elemental magic, our hero starts with a mission: to reunite with their twin sibling, who was separated from them by a mysterious god. This twist of fate serves as a compelling backdrop, fueling your adventure with personal stakes and mysteries to uncover.
In the middle of the first cutscene, you’re immediately given the choice of which twin – Aether or Lumine – you want to take control of as your main playable character for the rest of the story. You then get to give them a nickname, which the game’s written dialogue will use to address your character while the voice lines still address your character as ‘Traveler’. It didn’t occur to me that these twins had their own names, since the game doesn’t indicate much to you at the beginning regarding who they are, just the fact that you get to name them yourself.
Teyvat, the vast open-world you can freely run around in, isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a living character in its own right. Each region, from Mondstadt’s windswept towers to Liyue’s mountainous majesty, is governed by its own Archon. These divine rulers are more than mere figureheads; they embody the very spirit and power of their realms. Traversing these lands means engaging deeply with the world, exploring both its visible beauty and hidden stories.
This rich tapestry of settings on this expansive map offers more than visual delight. As the Traveler, guided by the chatterbox Paimon, you’ve got a front-row view of each nation’s culture and conflicts. The narrative is your compass here, guiding you through political intrigue, alliances, and ancient prophecies that paint a larger picture of Teyvat’s interwoven fate.
What really pulls you in is how the narrative doesn’t just serve as context—it’s a main course. Each chapter dives into deeper bonds between characters and challenges you to make choices impacting the world around you. This dynamic storytelling keeps things fresh and lets you, the player, forge your own path in this ambitious universe.
Character Builds, Quests & Exploration: The Heart of Gameplay
In Genshin Impact, your journey lets you explore, adapt and grow your character roster to tackle the diverse challenges that Teyvat throws at you. Each character boasts their own unique abilities and elemental prowess, allowing for a variety of combat styles and strategies to emerge. Choosing the right setup can make or break your adventure, so it’s crucial to experiment and figure out what works best for your playstyle and the tasks at hand. Personally, in the few days I’ve been playing, I’ve naturally become comfortable with using Kaeya’s attacks and abilities (you’ll be able to unlock this character pretty early on). With the right artefacts and weapons equipped to him, he can deal a lot of damage to enemies quickly. The trick is to choose artefacts that come in a pair together.
Speaking of characters’ movesets, the elemental aspect of their combat brings an electrifying twist to battles. Whether you’re setting enemies ablaze with Pyro characters like Outrider Amber or freezing foes in their tracks with Cryo abilities from the likes of Kaeya, mastering elemental combos can give you a significant edge. Understanding these interactions doesn’t just spice up combat—it’s essential for solving environmental puzzles and unlocking the land’s mysteries. Take the elemental reaction between Cryo and Electro – you’ll be able to deal a lot of damage to Electro enemies with a Cryo character, for instance.
Quests are the directives on your bulletin board but they’re also gateways into the heart of the game. These missions, ranging from main story arcs to side adventures, are crucial in both narrative development and in understanding the world’s complexities. Each quest not only propels the story forward but also adds layers to the characters you meet, whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of the Ancient Ruins or aiding in the local affairs of the bustling city of Mondstadt. You’ll even be taken to some passages hidden between crevices and cliffsides, which will transport you to the ruins and temples of the land to defeat enemies and claim rewards.
This is a great example of how the world of Teyvat is vast and brimming with lush vistas and hidden treasures, waiting for those curious enough to seek them out. Exploration isn’t a passive stroll through wonderland; it’s an active and spark-filled journey. Keep your eyes peeled for those unique items that hold the key to mastering the elements and levelling up your characters. Each region entices with its own set of secrets and rewards for the intrepid explorer, so don’t forget to open every treasure chest and pick up anything you find!
The area that Teyvat covers is probably bigger than that of any other open-world games you might have played. For example, if you’re familiar with Sonic Frontiers (the Sonic the Hedgehog series’ first attempt at an open-world game) each island is pretty decently sized, but you would probably need at least 7 to 8 islands the size of those in Frontiers to be able to fully cover at least the majority of Genshin’s entire map – AND it’s still being constantly expanded!
All in all, approaching Genshin Impact with a blend of strategic combat and curiosity-driven exploration helps you discover the magic that makes Teyvat an exciting place. But alternatively, doing your own thing in terms of exploration will still help you get far with your progress.
Top Things to Keep in Mind for Genshin Impact Players in 2025
As Genshin Impact continues to evolve, staying ahead of potential changes and updates can be a game-changer for players diving in or returning. The developers have promised new expansions and regions, each with unique landscapes, quests, and lore to explore. Keeping an eye on these developments can keep the game feeling fresh and engaging.
Player feedback over the years has been a treasure trove for improvements, and the community is more active than ever. This collaborative spirit has led to tweaks and features that cater more closely to what players want. Whether it’s new character releases, event schedules, or system improvements, being engaged in community discussions can greatly enhance your playing experience.
One practical thing to keep in mind though, is the hefty storage space the game demands. As it grows, the game files grow along with it. Ensuring your device has enough space can save you the surprise of a sudden expansion blocking your gaming plans. For your reference, this article gives a helpful breakdown of the amount of storage on a given device needed to play the game: Genshin Impact’s file size on mobile, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
For both newcomers and veterans, understanding the game’s increasingly rich lore is key. As the arc of the Traveler continues broadening, familiarizing yourself with past storylines and character backstories could be the secret to a much deeper appreciation of the ongoing narrative.
Planning ahead for time management is also something to consider. With its sprawling world, daily tasks, and event schedules, being wise with your playtime prevents the game’s expansive nature from becoming overwhelming. Balancing daily commitments with your world-saving missions can make your gameplay more enjoyable without burnout.
But overall, I think Genshin Impact offers new players a blend of strategy, exploration, and narrative depth in 2025. Whether you’re new to the universe or a seasoned traveler in Teyvat, being mindful of these aspects can ensure you’re making the most of your journey right here, right now. I definitely think it’s worth picking this game up; there’s so much content and so many things you can do that can easily leave you playing for hours (within reason of course!). It’s a very enjoyable experience so far, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into the game and its intricate characters and story. If you love open-world games with a little combat and a lot of narrative depth, this is the game for you!
Are you thinking of playing Genshin Impact? Why, or why not? Leave a comment and let me know.
About Julianne
Julianne is the founder and writer for the blog articles here on Power Player Zone – a nurturing online space for gamers to learn more about their passion, no matter their background or identity. As an introverted female gamer for the past 5 years, Julianne strives for inclusivity in her mission to spread the joy of video games to everyone; for her, games aren’t just for fun – they allow us to gain insight into ourselves and the vibrant cultures and communities in which we live.