Learning how to Genshin Impact starts with understanding what makes this game so popular. Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG developed by HoYoverse. It launched in 2020 and has attracted millions of players worldwide. The game features an open world called Teyvat, filled with exploration, combat, and story-driven quests.
New players often feel overwhelmed by the game’s many systems. Characters, weapons, artifacts, and elemental reactions all demand attention. This guide breaks down everything beginners need to know. Players will learn how to start their adventure, build effective teams, and progress through the main story efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG available on PC, PlayStation, iOS, and Android with cross-platform save syncing.
- Master elemental reactions by combining elements like Hydro and Cryo to multiply damage and defeat enemies faster.
- Build a balanced team with four roles: Main DPS, Sub-DPS, Support, and Healer/Shielder for optimal synergy.
- Focus resources on leveling a core team of four characters before spreading materials across your roster.
- Complete Daily Commissions every day to earn Primogems, currency, and Adventure EXP in just ten minutes.
- Save your Primogems for characters you truly want rather than pulling on every banner.
Getting Started With Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is available on PC, PlayStation, iOS, and Android devices. Players can download it directly from the official website or their platform’s app store. The game requires an account through HoYoverse, which takes just a few minutes to create.
Once installed, players choose between two protagonists: Aether (male) or Lumine (female). This choice affects dialogue and cutscenes but not gameplay mechanics. The story follows the Traveler as they search for their lost sibling across Teyvat.
The game uses a gacha system called “Wishes” to obtain new characters and weapons. Players earn a free currency called Primogems through gameplay. These Primogems convert into Wishes, which provide random rewards. Early on, the game gives plenty of free Wishes to help build a starting roster.
Players should link their account to an email address immediately. This protects progress and allows cross-platform play. Someone can start on mobile during lunch and continue on PC at home, all progress syncs automatically.
Understanding the Basics of Gameplay
Genshin Impact combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players control a party of up to four characters, switching between them freely during battles.
Combat and Elemental Reactions
Each character wields one of seven elements: Pyro (fire), Hydro (water), Electro (electricity), Cryo (ice), Anemo (wind), Geo (earth), or Dendro (nature). When two elements combine on an enemy, they trigger an Elemental Reaction. For example, applying Hydro then Cryo creates Freeze, which immobilizes opponents.
Learning these reactions is essential. They multiply damage output significantly. A player who masters elemental combinations will defeat enemies much faster than someone who button-mashes with a single character.
Stamina Management
Stamina governs running, climbing, swimming, and dodging. New players often run out of stamina mid-climb and fall to their deaths. The solution? Collect Anemoculi and Geoculi scattered throughout the world. Offering these to Statues of the Seven increases maximum stamina permanently.
Resin System
Original Resin is Genshin Impact’s energy system. Players spend Resin to claim rewards from bosses and domains. It regenerates over time, capping at 160. Beginners shouldn’t worry too much about Resin efficiency early on, just play and enjoy the story.
Building Your Team and Characters
Team building in Genshin Impact revolves around synergy. A strong team combines characters whose abilities complement each other.
Character Roles
Most teams include four roles:
- Main DPS: The primary damage dealer who stays on the field longest
- Sub-DPS: Deals damage while the main DPS is on cooldown
- Support: Provides buffs, debuffs, or crowd control
- Healer/Shielder: Keeps the team alive
Beginners receive several strong free characters. Xiangling (Pyro), obtained from the Spiral Abyss, remains one of the game’s best sub-DPS options even years after launch. Barbara (Hydro) provides reliable healing. The Traveler adapts to different elements as players unlock new regions.
Leveling and Ascension
Characters level up using Experience materials. At certain thresholds (20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), they require Ascension using specific boss drops and local specialties. Ascending characters unlocks new talents and raises their level cap.
Focus resources on a core team of four characters initially. Spreading materials too thin across many characters slows progress dramatically. Once the main team reaches a comfortable level, players can invest in alternatives.
Artifacts and Weapons
Artifacts provide stat bonuses and set effects. Early-game artifacts don’t matter much, players should equip whatever has the highest stats. Serious artifact farming begins at Adventure Rank 45, when 5-star artifacts drop consistently.
Weapons follow similar upgrade paths. Three-star weapons work fine early on. Many four-star weapons obtained from Wishes or events outperform even some five-star options.
Exploring Teyvat and Progressing Through the Story
Teyvat contains seven nations, each inspired by different real-world cultures. Players start in Mondstadt, a European-inspired city of freedom. The main story, called the Archon Quest, guides players through each nation sequentially.
Adventure Rank
Adventure Rank (AR) gates story progression. Players earn Adventure EXP by completing quests, opening chests, and discovering waypoints. Certain Archon Quests require specific AR levels before players can start them.
The game naturally provides enough content to level AR while following the main story. Players who get stuck can complete Daily Commissions (four quick tasks that reset daily) or explore for chests and puzzles.
World Level
World Level increases automatically as Adventure Rank rises. Higher World Levels spawn tougher enemies but provide better rewards. If enemies become too difficult, players can manually lower their World Level by one tier through the game menu.
Exploration Tips
Teleport Waypoints allow fast travel across the map. Unlock every waypoint encountered, they save enormous travel time later. The Adventurer Handbook provides guidance on what to do next and tracks collectibles.
Genshin Impact rewards curiosity. That strange rock formation? Probably hides a chest. That glowing butterfly? Follow it. Players who explore thoroughly find more resources, lore, and hidden achievements.
Tips for New Players
These practical tips help new players avoid common mistakes:
Don’t rush. Genshin Impact delivers a massive story with hundreds of hours of content. Players who rush miss the world-building, character development, and emotional moments that make the game special.
Save Primogems for characters you actually want. The gacha system tempts players to pull on every banner. Patience pays off. Check upcoming banners online and save for characters that fit your playstyle or team needs.
Do Daily Commissions every day. They take about ten minutes and provide Primogems, Mora (currency), and Adventure EXP. Skipping them means missing guaranteed daily rewards.
Join a good community. The Genshin Impact subreddit, Discord servers, and YouTube channels provide tier lists, team guides, and event information. The community helps players optimize without hours of trial and error.
Cook food regularly. Food provides healing, buffs, and revival options. Collect ingredients while exploring and cook dishes at any cooking pot. Some foods boost attack, defense, or stamina, perfect for tough fights.
Don’t neglect the Statue of the Seven. Interacting with statues heals the entire party for free. It also unlocks map sections and provides stamina upgrades.
