Official art from 2024 of all the playable characters that had been released at the time, celebrating the game's 4th anniversary
Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG built around exploration, elemental combat, and a diverse roster of playable characters. Each character is aligned with one of seven elements and wields a Vision[a], a magical device that lets its bearer channel elemental energy in combat.[1][2] As of December 2025, there are 109 playable characters in the game, each offering distinct playstyles, backstories and ties to Teyvat's culture. The current roster consists of 21 characters from Mondstadt, 21 from Liyue, 17 from Inazuma, 14 from Sumeru, 13 from Fontaine, 11 from Natlan, 2 from Snezhnaya and 6 from Nod-Krai. Four characters come from outside of Teyvat.
Genshin Impact uses a gacha system as its core business model. This means that most of the game's revenue comes from sales on time-limited character "banners" during which players can spend in-game currency for the chance to acquire characters. Through this, some characters such as Zhongli and the Raiden Shogun have earned massive amounts of money for developer HoYoverse. However, some characters faced criticism from players for issues like poor performance in combat and cultural misrepresentation.
Creation and design
Genshin Impact producer Cai Haoyu said that characters are one of the most important components of the game. The characters have unique gameplay based on different elements, which represent the cultural characteristics of their respective regions. The multi-character design of the game is derived from Japanese card games. New characters are continuously introduced; at the same time, contrary to mainstream and past designs that used characters to serve the plot, the production team designed a narrative centered on characters, carrying out multi-plotline parallel narratives under the same worldview. In addition, the characters of Genshin Impact are the main source of profit for the game, with most characters obtained through a wishing mechanic, while other content in the game is provided to players for free.[3]
Each character is designed by a team rather than an individual and there are no "art director" or "creative director" positions in miHoYo. The production team first establishes the character's background story and place of residence, then conducts internal discussions and brainstorming. Afterwards, they evaluate the character's art style, background design, and gameplay mechanics based on player preferences. Once a concept design is finalized, the character design process enters the modeling stage. The production team continuously reviews the character's 3D model to ensure that it is consistent with the concept drawing. In terms of character rendering, the in-game character model and the scene are rendered independently. The scene uses deferred shading, while the characters use forward rendering, allowing the production team to control all lighting effects to ensure that the effect of the character presentation always meets the artist's expectations. To maintain the display effect of the character's face, a system that will automatically adjust according to the direction of the main light source was designed. In terms of the overall shadow effect of the character, the production team depicts the character in a cartoonish art style through cel shading, while also allowing the character to be affected by real-time light sources.[3]
In terms of character artificial intelligence (AI) design, the production team has been developing the game's character AI system since 2017. AI is mainly divided into three categories: humans, wildlife, and non-player characters (NPCs) in combat. There were more than 200 types of AI in the early stages of the game. With the increase in AI brought about by game updates, the production team designed an AI framework and established an independent AI pipeline, breaking the inference modules into different categories according to each function to facilitate subsequent updates and maintenance. The character's behavior is based on a decision tree system to determine the character's skills or movements, and the data will be imported into the animation system for execution. The entire system facilitates giving NPCs different personalities and special abilities, also allowing boss-type characters to have unique actions.[4]
For a character's background, the production team creates their image by building interpersonal relationship networks for the character and refining the regional cultural background of the character's origin.[5] Before the character is officially launched in the game, miHoYo promotes them by releasing relevant videos through its official social media accounts for promotion. Initially, a character teaser in Live2D is released to provide a first impression of their design, identity and personality to players. The day before the character's release, a character trailer (formerly termed "character demo") is released, showing their detailed 3D model, combat animations, skill effects, and some exclusive story and interaction clips. Finally, "Collected Miscellany" videos explain how to use the character's skills and their unique mechanics, with the narrator also describing and commenting on the character's personality based on their respective worldviews.[6]
Many characters are derived from legends of certain nations: for instance, the adepti of Liyue are based on the Xian of Taoism. The idea of the Vision is derived from Taoism: in the game, the concept of a third eye manifests itself in humans in the form of their Vision.[7] Some characters are named after historical or literary figures; for example, Alhaitham is named after the real-life figure Ibn al-Haytham.[8]
Outlanders
Outlanders are characters that are not originally from the world of Teyvat.
The main protagonist of the game. Players can choose either Aether (male) or Lumine (female) as their Traveler, with the other becoming the non-playable lost sibling, the Prince or Princess of the Abyss Order. After being separated from their twin, they embark on a journey to meet the gods of Teyvat and reunite with their lost sibling. Players can name the Traveler at the beginning of the game. The name chosen by the player will be the name used to refer to the Traveler in-game, and only the Traveler's Sibling calls the Traveler by their real name.[11]
An alien swordswoman who took Tartaglia as an apprentice after he fell into the Abyss.[14] Being the only survivor of her civilization's genocide, she was rescued and trained by Surtalogi and sent to Teyvat to learn about his past. She uses the Seven-Shifting Serpent, an ancient Khaenri'ahn technique he imparted to her, to mimic Cryo while traveling Teyvat.[15]
A stern astrologist who often finds herself strapped for money. She is a disciple of Barbeloth, a member of the Hexenzirkel, whom she frequently calls "old hag".[17]
A Natlan-born member of the Mondstadt branch of the Adventurers' Guild, who is well known for his almost supernaturally bad luck due to being disconnected from Natlan's Ley Lines since infancy.[18]
The head of the Ragnvindr Clan which is well known for running the Dawn Winery, Mondstadt's premier winery. A solitary businessman and vintner who was formerly the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. He and Kaeya grew up as adopted brothers, but are no longer on friendly terms. He secretly operates as a vigilante nicknamed "the Darknight Hero".
A descendant of the Kätzlein bloodline and alcohol-hating bartender of the Cat's Tail tavern, whose goal is to destroy Mondstadt's wine industry.[19] Unknown to her, she was blessed by her childhood friend to always make delicious drinks regardless of the ingredients.
Durin (杜林; Dùlín)
Voiced by: Hualing[9] (Chinese); Laura K. Welsh[12] (English); Aya Hisakawa[12] (Japanese); Unknown (Korean) (Dragon form)
A dragon from the fairy-tale world of Simulanka, created by Andersdotter of the Hexenzirkel. He was based on Teyvat's real dragon of the same name, created by Rhinedottir. With Albedo's help, he is transformed into a synthetic human after merging with the original Durin's life force and replaces him as the new Durin.
Fischl von Luftschloss Narfidort (菲谢尔·冯·露弗施洛斯·那菲多特; Fēixiè'ěr Féng Lùfúshīluòsī Nàfēiduōtè) /Amy (艾咪; Àimī) and Ozvaldo von Hrafnavins[b] (奥兹华尔多·赫芙那梵茵斯; Àozīhuá'ěrduō Hèfúnàfànyīnsī)
An eccentric investigator for the Adventurers' Guild who claims to be a princess from another world. Her night raven companion, Oz, helps interprets her words into plain speech.[20]
A mysterious boy who was raised by wolves in Wolvendom. He has slowly begun interacting with humans and learning their language, guided by his teacher Lisa Minci.
The Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius and the Captain of its Investigation Team. Albedo is not human, but rather the "Kreideprinz", a homunculus created by the Khaenri'ahn alchemist and Hexenzirkel member, Rhinedottir.[24]
An outgoing, gregarious Knight of Favonius and the only member of its Outrider unit; she is widely regarded as the gliding champion of Mondstadt.[25][26]
A descendant of the Lawrence Clan, whose tyrannical rule of Mondstadt eventually resulted in its overthrow and exile. She currently works for the Knights of Favonius as the Captain of its Reconnaissance Company.[27]
An heir of the Gunnhildr Clan who is the Acting Grand Master and deputy Master of the Knights of Favonius, and Barbara's older sister. She is regarded as the Dandelion Knight.[30]
A cheerful young girl who refers to herself as the Spark Knight and is the daughter of Alice, a powerful sorceress and leader of the Hexenzirkel. Klee's obsession with explosives at a young age and destructive nature, inherited from her mother, has caused her to often be placed in solitary confinement.[33]
The current Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, who departed on an expedition half a year before the game's events. Varka is currently in Nod-Krai with his retinue to investigate after discovering new information during his expedition.[40]
Church of Favonius
The Church of Favonius is the church subordinate to the Knights of Favonius, worshipping Lord Barbatos.
The Deaconess of the Church of Favonius, the primary religious entity in Mondstadt. Also a famous idol, she is a member of the Gunnhildr Clan and the younger sister of Jean.[42]
Voiced by: Wang Xiaotong[9] (Chinese); Xanthe Huynh[9] (English); Yui Shoji[9] (Japanese); Jang Mi[9] (Korean) (Changsheng)
The owner of the Bubu Pharmacy and guardian of the jiangshi Qiqi. He is accompanied by Changsheng, an adeptus currently in the form of a snake.[46] She is bound by contract to Baizhu and aids him in using his life force to heal patients.
The 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, who is carefree and lively. She never misses an opportunity to sell coffins to people, and enjoys playing pranks on others.[51]
Lan Yan (蓝砚; Lán Yàn)
Voiced by: Liu Shisi[9] (Chinese); Anna Devlin[52] (English); Shion Wakayama[52] (Japanese); Kim Soon-mi[9] (Korean)
The master rattan weaver of the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association.[52]
Mao Xiangling (卯香菱; Mǎo Xiānglíng) and Guoba (锅巴; Guōbā) formerly Marchosius (马科修斯; Mǎkēxiūsī)
A young girl turned into a jiangshi or zombie by the adepti when she was a casualty of a battle. She works as a herb gatherer for the Bubu Pharmacy.[54][55]
A cursed human woman who grew up as a disciple of the adepti and is a relative of Chongyun, whom he calls his aunt. She is the disciple of Xianyun.[56]
A guard of the Sword and Strongbox Secure Transport Agency, which escorts goods from Yilong Wharf to Liyue Harbor. As the head of the Mighty Mythical Beasts, he seeks to make the Wushou Dance a regular occurrence in Liyue Harbor.[64]
An elegant opera singer of the Heyu Tea House,[65] and the director and playwright of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe.
Adepti
The Adepti (singular Adeptus) are a group in Liyue that consists of both illuminated beasts and gods. Most of them are bound by a contract to protect Liyue from demons and evil gods and are led by the Prime of Adepti, Rex Lapis himself.
The sole remaining member of the Yakshas, a specialized group of Adepti tasked with protecting Liyue from evil gods and spirits, at the cost of being infected with karma.[68]
A mischievous oni and leader of the Arataki Gang. His delinquency often places him at odds with the Tenryou Commission and its general, Kujou Sara.[76]
A ronin and poet who is a temporary member of Beidou's crew. Despite his remarkable skill with a blade, Kazuha is a gentle soul who wishes to travel without the burdens of his past.[80]
A mujina-costumed ninja who is a member of the Shuumatsuban, an organization the Yashiro Commission secretly runs. She believes that sleeping will make her grow taller.[100][101]
A clever kitsune and the owner of the Yae Publishing House. She is also the head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami Shrine and head of Yae Publishing House, the biggest publishing house in all of Teyvat.[105]
The aloof Scribe of the Sumeru Akademiya, who is responsible for documenting their findings. He briefly served as Acting Grand Sage after the previous one, Azar, was exiled.[111]
Voiced by: Qin Wenjing[9] (Chinese); Christina Costello[114] (English); Ryoko Maekawa[9] (Japanese); Bang Si-woo[115] (Korean)
An Avidya Forest Ranger trainee under Tighnari's mentorship and a close friend of Amber. She is one of the main characters of the manga, which details her traumatic past.[116]
An enterprising and clever merchant who is obsessed with money.[123] Dori is also the owner of the Palace of Alcazarzaray, which was designed by Kaveh.[124]
A theoretical astrology student at the Sumeru Akademiya who suffers from chronic sleep deprivation.[129] She has a livelier, more pragmatic alter ego when she falls asleep.
The current Dendro Archon, who is known as Lesser Lord Kusanali to her citizens. She is the reincarnation and successor of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.[e][131]
The former Sixth Fatui Harbinger. He was originally created as a prototype by Raiden Ei to carry the Electro Gnosis before she abandoned him. He tried and failed to erase himself from the world's memories in an attempt to re-write the past. Upon his failure, he was kept in Nahida's custody and enrolled into the Akademiya under the name "Hat Guy". The name chosen by the players will be the name used by the Traveler and Paimon.[126]
An undefeated Champion Duelist in Fontaine who once served as Furina's personal bodyguard. A successor of Fontaine's Marechaussee Hunters of old, she is trained in the art of their swordsmanship.[143]
A renowned perfumer whose products are highly sought out by Fontaine's fashionistas. She also works in the background as a forensic cleaner and is a friend of Chevreuse, having helped her solve some difficult cases.[144]
Escoffier (爱可菲; Àikěfēi)
Voiced by: Cai Haiting[9] (Chinese); Emily Cass[145] (English); Satomi Satō[145] (Japanese); Son Jung-min[9] (Korean)
The strict and talented ex-head chef of Hotel Debord whose precision gastronomy is famed in Fontaine. She is a hot topic in the culinary world because of her merciless critiques of both colleagues and apprentices.[citation needed]
An actress and celebrity in Fontaine who has a childlike temper, but who can also be caring at times. She is the human half of the former Hydro Archon, Focalors.[146]
The president of the Spina di Rosula, an organization in Fontaine that extends aid and assistance to citizens that the nation's governing body does not cover.[141]
The imposing Chief Justice of the Court of Fontaine. He is also the reincarnation of the Hydro Sovereign, the Dragon of Water, one of the rulers of Teyvat's ancient dragon race.[147]
The Administrator and Warden of the Fortress of Meropide, an autonomous underwater stronghold that serves as Fontaine's de facto prison. He often goes by the title of "Duke", or "Your Grace".[149]
House of the Hearth
The House of the Hearth is an orphanage run by Arlecchino, the Fourth Fatui Harbinger. Orphans within the house are often raised directly into the Fatui or remain closely affiliated with the organization by way of their relation to Arlecchino.
Freminet (菲米尼; Fēimǐní)
Voiced by: Jinli[9] (Chinese); Paul Castro Jr.[12] (English); Shun'ichi Toki[12] (Japanese); Lee Joo-seung[9] (Korean)
A shy diver who is well known in Fontaine for his focus and expertise. He is Lyney and Lynette's adoptive younger brother.[150]
The high priestess of the Masters of the Night-Wind and the adoptive grandmother of Ororon, who lives in seclusion from the tribe. She is called "Granny Itztli" by the Natlanese due to her being afflicted with a long life span.[153]
Voiced by: Lu Shujun (Chinese); Dominic Catrambone (English); Shōhei Komatsu (Japanese); Park Ki-wook (Korean) (Cacucu)
A renowned Saurian veterinarian from the Flower-Feather Clan who travels with his companion Cacucu.[156] Cacucu assists at Ifa's clinic and is capable of understanding and mimicking human speech.
A smith from the Children of Echoes whose skill with the forge is renowned throughout Natlan. She has designed and created multiple custom implements for her friends and also possesses the knowledge and skill required to forge Ancient Names.[9]
Snezhnaya
Snezhnaya saw a partial release in September 2025 with the release of Nod-Krai. The rest of Snezhnaya is scheduled to release in 2026.
Eleven Fatui Harbingers
The Eleven Fatui Harbingers are the powerful lieutenants of the Tsaritsa. They are based on characters from the commedia dell'arte.[161]
Voiced by: Wang Wei[9] (Chinese); Chris Tergliafera[152] (English); Ken Narita[9] (Japanese); Min Eung-sik[9] (Korean)
The First Fatui Harbinger, formerly a Sentinel Knight of Khaenri'ah. Extremely powerful and enigmatic, he is well-respected within the Fatui and holds a strong sense of righteousness. He sacrificed himself in place of Mavuika after she used Ronova's powers.[citation needed]
Il Dottore (多托雷; Duōtuōléi) a.k.a.The Doctor (博士; Bóshì) /Zandik (赞迪克; Zàndíkè)
The Second Fatui Harbinger, formerly a student at Sumeru's Akademiya. Ambitious and obsessed with transcending the boundaries of humanity, he is a mad scientist unfettered by morality. He created multiple segments of himself based on different stages of his life.[citation needed]
Voiced by: Hong Haitian[9] (Chinese); Deneen Melody[9] (English); Mariko Honda[9] (Japanese); Gang Eun-ae[9] (Korean)
The Seventh Fatui Harbinger. She was a puppet created by genius researcher Alain Guillotin who modeled her after his younger sister. She was always accompanied by Pulonia, a modified Ruin Machine. She was killed by Dottore after sacrificing her life to protect the Traveler.[citation needed]
La Signora (席诺拉; Xínuòlā) a.k.a.The Fair Lady (女士; Nǚshì) /Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter (罗莎琳·克鲁兹希卡·洛厄法特; Luóshālín-Kèlǔzīxīkǎ Luò'èfǎtè)
The deceased Eighth Fatui Harbinger and formerly the Crimson Witch of Flame. She was executed by the Raiden Shogun after losing a duel with the Traveler.[citation needed]
The Eleventh Fatui Harbinger. He was trained by Skirk after he fell into the Abyss as a teenager. Despite being carefree, he is an expert combatant proficient with multiple weapons. He is obsessed with battle and enjoys fighting powerful opponents, with his only goal being to become stronger.[citation needed]
Nod-Krai
Nod-Krai is an autonomous region located at the southernmost part of Snezhnaya. Kuuvahki, a primordial lunar energy predating the seven elements, is abundant in Nod-Krai and harnessed for many purposes, including powering the Vision-like Moon Wheels and their Lunar Elemental Reactions. Nod-Krai was released in September 2025.
Aino (爱诺; Àinuò)
Voiced by: Ge Zirui[9] (Chinese); Annabel Brook[9] (English); Natsumi Takamori[9] (Japanese); Jo Kyoung-i[9] (Korean)
The creator of Ineffa and founder of the Clink-Clank Krumkake Craftshop, who can piece together all kinds of intricate machines for various functions just from the scrap metal she collects.[citation needed]
Columbina Hyposelenia (哥伦比娅·希珀塞莱尼娅; Gēlúnbǐyà Xīpòsāiláiníyà) formerly The Damselette (少女; Shàonǚ)
The former Third Fatui Harbinger and Goddess of the Frost Moon and later Goddess of the Three Moons. She is worshipped as the Moon Maiden Kuutar by the Frostmoon Scions which she left shortly after her birth and joined the Fatui. After fulfilling an unspecified agreement with the Tsaritsa which required much of her strength, she left the Fatui and currently resides in the Silvermoon Hall at Hiisi Island.[citation needed]
A member of the Lightkeepers who is part of the Nightmare Orioles, an investigation squad. The son of the current leader, he is able to remain optimistic and positive, no matter the situation.[citation needed]
A multifunctional robot created by Aino containing integrated mechanical components from various nations and assembled in Nod-Krai. She is accompanied by a smaller robot named Birgitta.[citation needed]
Voiced by: Ma Zhengyang[9] (Chinese); Nic Olsen[9] (English); Yuichi Nakamura[9] (Japanese); Shin Yong-woo[9] (Korean)
A member of the Lightkeepers who watches over the cemetery in the north of Nod-Krai. He carries a lantern to dispel the Wild Hunt, which contains Rerir's heart inside.[citation needed]
Lauma (菈乌玛; Lāwūmǎ)
Voiced by: Zhang Anqi[9] (Chinese); Alexandra Guelff[9] (English); Houko Kuwashima[9] (Japanese); Jang Chae-yeon[9] (Korean)
The Moonchanter of the Frostmoon Scions. She is incredibly benevolent and kind, becoming highly respected among her people and the wildlife.[citation needed]
The head of the Curatorium of Secrets and the Northern Intelligence Network. She is incredibly calculating to the point where people speculate that she can predict the future.[citation needed]
Other regions
Khaenri'ah
Khaenri'ah is expected to be released after Snezhnaya. It is not part of the continent of Teyvat, and not ruled by any of the Seven Archons.
The former knight captain of the Khaenri'ahn Royal Guard. He used to travel with the Traveler's sibling and occasionally meets with the Traveler to share information.[citation needed]
The Traveler's guide and companion, who mostly speaks for them due to them being a silent protagonist.
Hexenzirkel
The Hexenzirkel is a mysterious coven of mages, some of whom possess immense power. They conduct explorations of the world tree that holds all of Teyvat's information, Irminsul, and sometimes host "formal tea parties". Each member has a unique codename corresponding to a letter of the alphabet.
The Founder and Elder of the Hexenzirkel, creator of Simulanka, and Klee's mother. She is a potent sorceress, adventurer and prolific inventor whose experiments often end destructively. She is also the sustainer of Teyvat's borders and goes by the codename "A".[citation needed]
Nicole Reeyn (尼可·莱恩; Níkě Lái'ēn)
Voiced by: Yun Hezhui[9] (Chinese); Sophie Shad[9] (English); Megumi Toyoguchi[9] (Japanese); Lee So-eun[9] (Korean)
An angelprophetess who studies Teyvat's direction and order. She is physically mute but has an ability to speak directly into people's minds. She goes by the codename "N".[citation needed]
Reception
Several of the game's characters have enjoyed massive popularity and have earned millions of dollars in revenue. According to PCGamesN, the character banner featuring the Wanderer and Arataki Itto generated over US$3.79 million in revenue on its first day of release and more than US$17.43 million in its first week.[164] In September 2021, during the week of the Raiden Shogun's first banner, the game generated $150 million in revenue, far exceeding that of the whole preceding month. Genshin Impact topped the sales ranking for mobile games in 42 countries and regions. A commentator for HK01 attributed this to her character design, widespread advertising, high player expectations, and the discounts of the game's first anniversary. This record exceeded all previous characters until she made available again in March 2022, which resulted in the game topping iOS revenue charts in over 20 countries and regions. The Raiden Shogun's record was eventually broken by the November 2, 2022 banner, which introduced the Dendro archon Nahida and earned US$34million in the Chinese market.[165] The record was broken again by a banner featuring Xiao.[166]
In July 2024, HoYoverse released a trailer for the nation of Natlan, which was inspired by pre-Columbian Mesoamerican, African, and Polynesian cultures. Similar to Sumeru's characters, the character designs received criticism for perceived colorism and cultural appropriation, as the majority of the characters are depicted with white skin. Among those criticizing included many of the English voice actors in the game.[168][169]
Voice actor controversies
In February 2023, allegations of abusive behavior and sexual exploitation of minors were made against Elliot Gindi, the English voice actor of Tighnari. Gindi apologized for some of his actions but denied the allegations of preying on minors. He was widely condemned by the Genshin Impact community and fellow voice actors, with the voice director of the game, Chris Faiella, seeking to take action against Gindi.[170][171] HoYoverse later fired Gindi and replaced him with Zachary Gordon.[134]
Although HoYoverse wasn't listed as one of the companies targeted in the SAG-AFTRA strike, multiple English voice actors in support of the strike stopped voicing their assigned characters as part of an independent strike separate from the main strike. HoYoverse responded by recasting various striking voice actors, most notably John Patneaude (formerly Kinich) with Jacob Takanashi.[172]
Following the main strike's suspension, while some voice actors continued their work, Sean Chiplock stated that other voice actors are still striking against HoYoverse independently due to the company's non-union status.[173] As a result, HoYoverse continued to recast multiple voice actors, including Corina Boettger (formerly Paimon), Kayli Mills (formerly Keqing), Valeria Rodriguez (formerly Sucrose), and Shara Kirby (formerly Candace).[174]
Notes
↑Most characters wield Visions, except for a few who use their own means of controlling the elements.
↑His name is inconsistent throughout the game. Fischl's lore depicts it as Ozvaldo Hrafnavins while her English voiceovers depicting it as Ozvaldo von Hrafnavins.
↑南山虎 (January 7, 2022). "原神云堇申鹤表现惊艳,传统国风再度风靡,国外玩家积极考究". 游戏日报 (in Simplified Chinese). Archived from the original on January 25, 2022. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
↑Wutz, Marco (August 5, 2022). "Genshin Impact Tighnari Guide: Weapons, Artifacts, Teams". For The Win. Archived from the original on January 12, 2026. Retrieved January 12, 2026. This guide will show you how to equip Tighnari in Genshin Impact with the best weapons and artifacts, and which team compositions suit the Sumeru ranger best.
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