Genshin Impact is a massive open-world action role-playing game set in the vast, vibrant fantasy continent of Teyvat. Players step into the shoes of the "Traveler," an interdimensional voyager separated from their twin sibling and stripped of their powers by an unknown god. To find answers, you must journey across seven distinct nations, each ruled by a different elemental Archon (deity) and inspired by real-world cultures and geographies. Along the way, you explore stunning landscapes, uncover deep-rooted lore, and recruit a diverse cast of playable companions to aid you in your quest.

At its core, the game revolves around a dynamic, elemental combat system and seamless world exploration. Players can form a party of up to four characters, switching between them instantly to combine elemental abilities—such as using water to wet an enemy, then hitting them with electricity to trigger an "Electro-Charged" chain reaction. Beyond combat, the open world encourages freedom, allowing players to climb mountains, glide across valleys, swim through oceans, and solve environmental puzzles. While free-to-play, the game utilizes a "gacha" system, letting players use in-game currency or optional real-world purchases to unlock new characters and powerful weapons.