Why Genshin Impact Has Taken the Gaming World by Storm

July 29, 2025

Written by Kelli Marchman McNeely

Kelli Marchman McNeely is the owner of HorrorFuel.com. She is an Executive Producer of "13 Slays Till Christmas" which is out on Digital and DVD and now streaming on Tubi. She has several other films in the works. Kelli is an animal lover and a true horror addict since the age of 9 when she saw Friday the 13th. Email: horrorfuelinfo@gmail.com

The release of Genshin Impact in September 2020 marked a turning point for free-to-play RPGs. Developed by Chinese studio HoYoverse, the game quickly captured the attention of players worldwide with its expansive open world, elemental combat system, and anime-inspired art style. What began as a mobile and PC release soon expanded to consoles, uniting players across platforms. Its rapid rise wasn’t just a fluke or a trend. The depth of its gameplay, frequency of content updates, and the compelling gacha system have kept millions engaged long after launch. From character collection to regional exploration, the game offers layers that continue to expand and evolve, each drawing players deeper into the world of Teyvat.

 

https://unsplash.com/photos/logo-SLpna2yVab0

Compelling Combat and the Main DPS Role

 

Genshin Impact’s combat system is built around character swapping and elemental reactions, but for many, the thrill starts with choosing the right Main DPS. These are the characters who do most of the heavy lifting in battle, continuously dealing damage while others support with buffs or healing. Main DPS characters often become fan favorites because of their flashy skills and dynamic playstyles. Picking the best one isn’t as simple as choosing the most powerful five-star. Team synergy, weapon availability, and personal preference all come into play. To help with this decision, many players rely on a detailed Genshin Impact tier list that evaluates characters based on role, stats, and performance in current content. For Main DPS characters, it’s important to look at consistency over short bursts, elemental application, and how easily they can be supported. A strong Main DPS will carry the team through domains, bosses, and the Spiral Abyss. Names like Hu Tao, Arlecchino, and Navia frequently appear near the top because of their high damage output and versatility in different team setups. But with frequent balance shifts and new character releases, the best picks can change, keeping the tier list fresh and relevant.

Visual Design and World Building

 

The success of Genshin Impact can’t be separated from its presentation. From sweeping mountain vistas in Liyue to the pastel tones of Fontaine’s waterways, the world feels hand-painted and immersive. Each region introduced reflects its own distinct culture, aesthetic, and architectural language, all carefully blended into the overarching fantasy style. What makes exploration feel so rewarding isn’t just the view but how the visual cues guide players to puzzles, hidden chests, or story clues.

 

The game’s day-night cycle, weather variations, and soundtrack create a constantly shifting backdrop that feels alive. Visual storytelling plays a strong role in how lore is delivered; statues, ruins, and subtle environmental details speak volumes without needing dialogue. Every region feels interconnected through design, encouraging players to revisit older areas with new abilities or characters that reveal previously inaccessible secrets. It’s this cohesion that helps Genshin Impact stand out in a crowded genre.

Storytelling and Character Writing

 

Beyond the combat and exploration, Genshin Impact thrives on its characters. The writing team has created dozens of distinct personalities, each with their story arcs, motivations, and relationships. These aren’t just units with stats; they’re individuals whose backgrounds often tie into larger world events. Whether through character story quests or limited-time events, players are regularly treated to deeper looks into these lives. The interactions between characters often lead to emotional payoffs or unexpected twists.

 

Genshin avoids flat archetypes by allowing characters to evolve across patches. Someone like Tartaglia begins as a villain but later becomes a fan-favorite for his layered motives and sense of duty to his family. Others, like Albedo or Kazuha, bring philosophical depth that enhances major plotlines. These evolving stories keep the game from feeling episodic, giving a sense of long-term progression both for the player and the world of Teyvat.

Ongoing Content and Events

 

A big part of Genshin’s lasting appeal comes from its update cycle. HoYoverse releases new content on a six-week schedule, often including new characters, quests, and limited-time events. These events are more than just side activities; they often expand lore or feature elaborate mini-games that temporarily change how the game plays. Players can find themselves running a theme park, composing music, or engaging in narrative-heavy trials depending on the season.

 

These updates consistently refresh the experience, giving players a reason to return. They also reflect community feedback, with quality-of-life improvements often based on suggestions. The addition of new regions like Inazuma or Fontaine not only introduces new stories and characters but also reshapes how the game world functions. As content expands, older areas are revisited, and existing characters gain new relevance, creating a living, evolving world rather than a static one.

 

https://unsplash.com/photos/man-and-woman-siting-on-sofa-chair-inside-room-CT7IWRM7G5k

 

Rather than rely on gimmicks, Genshin Impact delivers consistent quality with just enough unpredictability to keep players watching the horizon. Whether chasing the next banner or simply wandering through the forests of Mondstadt, there’s always something worth doing. That staying power is rare, especially in a crowded industry, and it’s the reason why Genshin Impact continues to thrive long after its debut.

Share This Article

You May Also Like…