Download the action-packed open-world RPG Genshin Impact and play for FREE
Genshin Impact has made a huge splash in the gaming world since its original release in September 2020. In just a year, it established itself as one of the biggest gaming phenomena—and a title practically anyone with an internet connection can download and play—for free!
About the publisher
The company behind Genshin Impact is miHoYo. The company’s story is inspiring—a passion project begun in 2012 by three university students based on their love for the anime genre that, over the years, grew into a massive corporation with more than 2,000 employees by 2021.
They also have other major titles under their belt, for example Honkai Impact 3rd, a game that closely resembles Genshin Impact and shares many of the same visual elements. If you’re a fan of Genshin Impact’s style, you’ll likely love Honkai Impact 3rd as well.
That means when you download Genshin Impact, you’re getting top-tier quality—and the best part is you can get it without paying a single cent. Read on to learn why Genshin Impact has become so iconic and one of the highest-grossing games on mobile, with full cross-platform play.
A story that unfolds over time
miHoYo isn’t interested in a static game but a living world that evolves on a cadence rivaling its competitors. Every six weeks (every 42 days), you can download brand-new content introducing new characters, weapons, story quests, regions, nations, and more.
The latest update (2.7), called ‘Hidden Dreams in the Depths,’ launched on 05/31/2022, adding new playable stories and expanding the world through fresh narrative content. It also introduces a new Hydro character, Yelan, a bow user who fights with the grace of falling rain, as well as Kuki Shinobu, a ninja who wields Electro attacks to take down her foes.
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable world
Genshin Impact understands that fast-paced combat feels even more impactful when blended with relaxing—yet still exciting—exploration. In Genshin Impact, your imagination is often the only limit.
The game arrived three years after the ultra-popular The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild hit Nintendo Switch in 2017. For good reason, Genshin Impact was often compared to a spiritual successor to the Zelda formula.
But Genshin Impact feels more modern, with razor-sharp visuals, a huge roster of diverse characters to choose from, and smooth, natural gameplay—in sharp contrast to Breath of the Wild’s more rigid feel, especially due to the Switch’s limited hardware.
Given the game’s vast scale, strong exploration systems are essential—and Teyvat, the game’s world, has plenty. Familiar mechanics include climbing sheer cliffs and swimming across lakes and the open sea. Some regions also force you to contend with harsh temperatures, which become a strategic layer in those areas.
After the first few introductory quests, you’ll receive your own glider, letting you soar down from high ledges—perfect for descending from the game’s tallest peaks without face-planting miles below.
Imaginative, fun, and unique characters
Thanks to frequent updates, the already large roster of playable heroes and villains has grown even bigger since launch. So far, characters hail from three major regions, bringing varied backstories that make the world feel alive and encourage you to explore every corner of the map to learn more about them. These are the protagonists of Teyvat’s saga—but you’ll also meet many other memorable characters along the way.
Every character is fully voiced in multiple languages, adding personality and making each one feel distinct and memorable.
To date, 39 characters have been released. Each one has a unique visual design and a distinct playstyle. There are five weapon types: sword, claymore (two-handed), polearm, catalyst (magic), and bow. Every character uses exactly one of these. Their gameplay is further expanded by the game’s elemental system.
Teyvat features seven elements, each tied to an ‘Archon’ who also rules a nation like a deity.
The seven elements are Pyro (fire), Hydro (water), Anemo (wind), Electro (electricity), Dendro (flora), Cryo (ice), and Geo (earth). You might field a bow user who unleashes electric attacks, or a claymore wielder who ignites their blade before battle. The possibilities are endless—choose based on aesthetics and synergy to create devastating combat combos.
Combat that rewards strategy and quick thinking
Genshin Impact’s combat blends the best of both worlds. To be effective, you’ll need to think logically, creatively, quickly, and strategically. You can build a party of four characters, and the trick is to create a team whose elements and weapons complement each other—because elements react together in powerful ways.
For example, you can soak enemies with a Hydro character, then swap to an Electro bow user and fire off a charged attack from afar, triggering a fireworks display of lightning and thunder.
To top it off, finish with a Pyro character tossing explosive fire bombs—into a thunderstorm… We’ll let your imagination picture the result. This creates countless exciting choices, both in and out of the many battles you’ll face in Genshin Impact.
Play solo or team up with friends online
Over the past year, Genshin Impact has expanded to virtually every platform. It also supports cross-platform play, making it even easier to keep playing across your devices—and to team up with friends, whether they’re on PlayStation, PC, or mobile while you prefer your iPad.
Whatever your setup, there’s almost no excuse not to download this fantastic game.
Prefer multiplayer? The game’s got you covered. Stuck on a tough boss after multiple tries? Help is at hand—you can party up with up to three friends.
If your friends aren’t gamers, don’t worry: there’s a built-in matchmaking system to find players who may also need help—or are ready to assist on your adventure—and who might even become new friends.
Play completely free—or pray to the gacha gods
The game is free to download on every platform, and you can access all content without paying. Weapons and characters are unlocked via “Wishes,” which require special crystals. You can earn these through gameplay systems or purchase them with real money, including via a small monthly subscription.
It’s your choice: play completely free and grind for new characters and weapons, or spend to enjoy the flexibility that comes with having more options on hand.
Conclusion
Genshin Impact is a sublime game available on almost every platform, with a future Nintendo Switch release not yet announced. With constant updates, there’s always something to do in its massive universe.
Whether you love exploring a beautiful world at your own pace or the thrill of defeating hordes of enemies with magic and sharp weapons, Genshin Impact has something for you.
Download Genshin Impact
