Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world action role-playing game from HoYoverse (the Google Play and App Store publisher is COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.). You explore the world of Teyvat, build a party of characters with different elemental abilities, and follow a story that is extended in regular version updates. The official site was promoting Version 7.1 when we checked.
Who it suits
- Players who like exploration-heavy action RPGs with a long story.
- People who want to continue the same game on PC and phone.
How characters are obtained
New characters and weapons are mostly obtained through “Wishes”, a random-reward (gacha) system paid for with in-game currency that can be earned by playing or bought with real money. Set a spending limit before you start, and use your phone’s or store’s parental controls for younger players.
How to get the official version
- Windows: the “PC Download” button on genshin.hoyoverse.com installs HoYoverse’s HoYoPlay launcher, which then downloads the game. Genshin Impact is also on the Epic Games Store.
- Android: Genshin Impact on Google Play.
- iPhone and iPad: only through the App Store, seller COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD. The listing requires iOS 13.0 or later.
The official site also links a PlayStation version. There is no native Mac version. HoYoverse also offers a separate “Genshin Impact · Cloud” app on the App Store.
Cost and purchases
The game is free to download and play. All store listings show in-app purchases. Epic lists the game as free and notes it may include in-app purchases.
Requirements
The Epic Games Store lists these PC minimums: Windows 10 64-bit, a 6th-generation Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen processor, 8 GB of memory, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or equivalent, DirectX 11 and 110 GB of storage. The recommended specification asks for 16 GB of memory, a GTX 1060 6 GB and 150 GB of storage. Mobile storage needs are also large, so check free space first.
Safety notes
“Free Primogems” generators, private servers and modified APKs are scams or break the game’s terms, and can cost you your account. Use only the official site and the stores listed above.
Questions
Is Genshin Impact free?
Yes, but it has optional in-app purchases, including a gacha system for characters and weapons.
What age rating does it have?
Teen on Google Play in the US, and 12+ on the App Store.
Can I use one account on PC and phone?
Yes. Progress is tied to your HoYoverse account, which you use to sign in on each device.
