Genshin Impact has remained one of the most popular games since it launched in 2020. Developer MiHoYo has kept to a good schedule of releasing new content, and there’s been plenty to do over the years. But some players will want to take a break from the world of Teyvat to try something a little different. If you’re on the lookout for something new to play that still feels like home, here are 10 games to play like Genshin Impact.
Best Games to Play Like Genshing Impact
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Image via Nintendo
- Available on: Nintendo Switch
We naturally have to include this. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a huge inspiration for developer MiHoYo when the studio was creating Genshin Impact, and it shows in a lot of ways.
Each game will have you trekking across various painterly terrains, all the while climbing and gliding to your stamina bar’s content. There are even campfires to cook the local flora, fauna, and enemy body part. If you’re looking for free open-ended traversal, you’re very likely to enjoy the latest adventure in Hyrule (until Tears of the Kingdom releases on May 12, 2023).
Of course, we loved Breath of the Wild. In our 9/10 review, we said the game’s difficulty was challenging but accommodating and that the degree of player freedom on display was “nearly endless.”
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Image via Ubisoft
- Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch
This next game can be included simply by extension of sharing the same inspiration. Immortals Fenyx Rising aligns closely with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with a dense setting filled with combat encounters and dungeons.
For those coming from Genshin Impact, you’ll find your gliding needs fulfilled as you soar across the open world with the protagonist’s wings. Anyone who is a fan of the more humorous moments of the Wanderer’s journey in Teyvat is also sure to be amused by the characters in Immortals Fenyx Rising.
We enjoyed the game when we reviewed it at release, calling it “a godly good time.” We praised it for its world, storytelling, breadth of content, and difficulty adjustments. There are also two expansion packs, Myths of the Eastern Realm and A New God, that both do well expanding on the core game, with the former even featuring a new story and protagonist.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Image via MiHoYo
- Available on: Mobile (iOS, Android) and PC
Honkai Impact 3rd may not be as successful as Genshin Impact, but MiHoYo’s first game does have the advantage of having three more years of content and support. Whether you’re looking for co-op anime hack-and-slash action, gacha elements, or wish the minigames from Genshin Impact were even wilder, a lot of fun can be had here.
On a related note, the upcoming Honkai: Star Rail will likely be worth a look. Although the combat is turn-based, it’s very evident that MiHoYo is taking a lot of elements from their most successful game and applying them to the next Honkai entry.
Tower of Fantasy
Image via Level Infinite
- Available on: Mobile (iOS, Android) and PC
Given the success of Genshin Impact, it should come as no surprise that it’s become an inspiration itself. Tower of Fantasy might just be the best and most recent example of a game following similar ideas.
Even with a sci-fi setting and in-depth character customization, players are sure to get a sense of deja vu between the incredibly similar story introduction, traversal methods, and gacha system. There are lots of events and plenty of mechanics to keep you entertained for hours. ToF still has plenty to offer, though, and anyone who wants more variety or an MMO spin on the formula can have a great time.
If you’re looking to jump into the game, we’ve got plenty of guides to get you started.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Image via Nintendo
- Available on: Nintendo Switch
The sequel may have come out last year, but it’s Xenoblade Chronicles 2 that Genshin players will feel the most accustomed to. Aside from the anime visuals and the eventual freedom to explore large areas, there is also a familiar elemental combo system (called Blade combos) to master. A gacha system is also available, albeit it’s not very necessary and features no real-monetary options.
We called it “one of the most unique RPGs of the year” when we reviewed it back in 2017, giving it high marks for its deep mechanics and hundreds of hours of gameplay. There’s a lot to like here.
Azur Lane
Image via Shanghai Yostar
- Available on: Mobile (iOS, Android)
Let’s be real for a moment – it’s undeniable that a big draw for Genshin Impact is rolling and, hopefully, unlocking new characters. When RNG isn’t on your side and you’re out of Primogems, the mobile-only game Azur Lane can fill the void.
While it’s known for featuring anthropomorphic characters based on warships, within the genre, it’s also known for being extremely generous with its gacha elements. A dormitory mode and character EXP stat bonuses help make character relationships feel even stronger than in Genshin Impact.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Available on: PS4, Nintendo Switch, and PC
Having anime visuals is a big selling point for Genshin Impact, and it’s a common theme for multiple games on this list. One of the most unique and recognizable uses of the style comes from Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom.
No animation studio within the anime industry is as revered as Studio Ghibli, and this game wears the inspiration on its sleeve. If the visuals aren’t enough, this open-world RPG opts for more action-oriented combat than its predecessor and lets you switch between party members on the fly.
It’s another title on this list we had a great time with. Giving it an 8/10, we said it was “an immensely satisfying and fun game,” praising it for its world and combat.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Image via Square Enix
- Available on: PS4, PS5, and PC
The grinding, dungeons, and co-op PvE moments of Genshin Impact are reminiscent of MMOs. When it comes to that topic, few are as popular as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
Those looking to transition into something with improved social elements and a more nuanced combat system might find this one addicting for good reason. A strong story supported by well-written characters, a wondrous fantasy setting, and an accommodating free trial only make it more appealing.
It takes a lot of work to see everything FFXIV has to offer, but it has some incredibly rewarding systems and loads of content to go through. It did launch in 2013, after all. If you plan on jumping into FFXIV, we’ve got way too many guides right over.
Tales of Arise
Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Genshin Impact can turn into a chaotic, fun mess when a group of four players is all in the fight together, but solo players are left only to switch out characters. Tales of Arise is the perfect RPG for anyone who wants to lead a party on their own in a style reminiscent of Genshin.
All four party members can fight at the same time with the help of A.I. and it’s even possible to switch between characters in the middle of combat. The A.I. system for each character can also be finely tuned, allowing players to command their team exactly how they envision.
Tales of Arise received high marks from us because of those factors, a “thoughtful story,” “strong characters,” and “high production values.” We even went so far as to put it alongside some of the RPG luminaries of the PS4/Xbox One era.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Image via Sega
- Available on: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC
On the other hand, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a perfect game to add to your rotation if you love the chaos of taking down enemies with other players. This F2P MMORPG features over-the-top combat in an open-world environment that mixes fantasy with sci-fi.
Solo players can still have plenty of fun, but multiplayer enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that servers support up to 32 people in groups of four. The included gacha system only focuses on cosmetics and it’s possible to purchase them from other players with in-game currency, as well.
That covers our varied list of 10 games to play like Genshin Impact. If you’re interested in what’s happening next in MiHoYo’s popular game, here is what you need to know about the Version 3.5 update.
