Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is a free action RPG set in the open fantasy world of Teyvat. A traveling protagonist searches for their lost twin and gets caught up in the conflicts between various nations. Exploration, real-time combat, character development and an ongoing main story are closely intertwined.

Genshin Impact was released on Sep 28, 2020 for PC, PlayStation 4, iOS and Android. The standalone PS5 version followed on Apr 28, 2021, and the Xbox Series version on Nov 20, 2024. Service on PS4 ended on Apr 8, 2026.

Genshin Impact can be played on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android. The earlier PS4 version has not allowed sign-ins since April 2026. A Nintendo Switch version was announced, but without a confirmed release date. Xbox One and Switch 2 are not confirmed native versions.

The focus is on freely explorable regions, quests, combat and puzzles. During combat, players switch between members of their party and combine attacks, movement and the special abilities of individual characters. The main story can be played mostly alone.

On Windows, Genshin Impact requires at least Windows 10 64-bit, 8 GB RAM and a graphics card roughly on the level of a GeForce GTX 1050. 16 GB RAM, a GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB or better, and an SSD are recommended. HoYoverse lists at least 110 GB of free storage. Storage needs may grow with additional content.

Pyro, Hydro, Electro, Cryo, Anemo, Geo and Dendro determine the abilities of many characters and enemies. When different elements meet, reactions occur that cause damage, control or other effects. Building your team around this lets you handle fights and exploration tasks in different ways.

Teyvat is made up of regions with their own history, architecture, landscape and culture. Mondstadt and Liyue mark the start of the journey, and later the adventures lead to Inazuma and Natlan, among other places. Exploration includes climbing, gliding, teleporting, puzzles and fights against enemies in the open world.

A team consists of up to four characters with different elements and combat styles. New characters expand the options for attacks, healing, protection and movement. Level-ups, talents and equipment improve their abilities, so the makeup of your party accounts for a large part of your progress.

Alongside the single-player adventure, up to four people can explore the game world together. Crossplay connects the supported platforms. With a linked HoYoverse account, you can continue your game progress across the supported PC, console and mobile versions.

Downloading and getting started with Genshin Impact is free. Characters and weapons can be obtained, among other ways, through a random system with a selection that changes over time. Optional purchases mainly go toward this system and additional digital content. Playing normally on Xbox Series X|S does not require a Game Pass subscription.

The PS4 version of Genshin Impact has been unplayable since Apr 8, 2026. New downloads ended on Sep 10, 2025, and in-game purchases on PS4 ended on Feb 25, 2026. With a linked account, you can continue your journey on platforms that are still supported.

Genshin Impact was developed by miHoYo and is published internationally under the HoYoverse brand by Cognosphere. The game is regularly expanded with permanently playable regions, quests and characters. Unlike a classic self-contained role-playing game, it focuses on a continuous online world.

The native PS5 version uses specially developed graphics and loading technology for higher detail, 4K and faster travel across Teyvat. The same core game features, including crossplay and cross-platform progression, were released on Xbox Series X|S. Xbox Cloud Gaming, by contrast, requires Game Pass Ultimate.