Released in 2020, Genshin Impact by MiHoYo quickly catapulted to fame, becoming the most successful new IP from a Chinese developer within just two weeks. This engaging action RPG, inspired by the combat mechanics of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, captivates players across PlayStation, PC, and mobile platforms with its innovative “gacha-style”gameplay.
With a plethora of characters to unlock and a continually expanding map featuring new regions, Genshin Impact offers a richly immersive experience that cannot be easily completed in a short span. However, for the committed fans who have achieved all there is to do, there are several alternative titles worth exploring. Whether you’re seeking another mobile gacha RPG or a vast open-world adventure on a console, we’ve curated a list of the best games like Genshin Impact to ease the transition.
Updated on January 4, 2025 by Mark Sammut: This fresh year promises new releases similar to Genshin Impact, with a spotlight on two notable candidates. For additional insights, you can navigate directly to the highlighted sections through the links below. Moreover, we’ve recently added a recommendation for a free-to-play title launched in December 2024.
1. Zenless Zone Zero
miHoYo’s Latest Action RPG
Each new release from miHoYo generates significant buzz, and Zenless Zone Zero is no exception. Following the success of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, expectations were high for this free-to-play title. Genshin fans will likely find enjoyment in the polished gameplay and well-crafted character designs, although it’s important to note that this title does not mimic the Genshin format.
Set in the world of New Eridu, players assume the role of the Proxy, guiding a team of agents to combat threats emerging from dimensional portals. While its narrative promises depth that will expand with updates, gameplay focuses on gacha mechanics, with a diverse cast of Agents to unlock.
Unlike Genshin Impact’s open-world exploration, missions in Zenless Zone Zero are more linear, emphasizing combat over exploration. This design caters to short gaming sessions, rewarding players for quick bursts of engagement.
2. Honkai: Star Rail
HoYoVerse’s Turn-Based Sci-Fi JRPG
On its surface, Honkai: Star Rail might seem like a sci-fi variant of Genshin Impact, but it is indeed a distinct experience. Launched in April 2023, it invites players to embark on interplanetary adventures, each offering unique ecosystems and challenges. With its visually stunning dynamic turn-based combat, it captivates in an entirely different manner.
Both games utilize similar gacha mechanics for character unlocking but diverge in party-building strategies, as players must adapt to enemy vulnerabilities while grinding for new character opportunities.
3. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Awesome Combat, Along With Great Visuals & Fun Story
Birthed from the successful Granblue Fantasy series, Granblue Fantasy: Relink transcended its mobile origins to deliver a traditional single-player action RPG experience. Unlike Genshin’s live-service model, Relink offers a more contained narrative journey, complemented by co-op gameplay options.
The combat system allows players to choose from a variety of characters, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses, fostering an engaging party-building experience reminiscent of Genshin Impact, yet unique in its execution.
4. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The Open-World Game That Changed The Genre’s Landscape
It’s well acknowledged that the design of Genshin Impact drew heavily from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, enforcing real-time combat mechanics that have impressed millions. This monumental title redefined the open-world genre, offering players a deeply engaging environment filled with secrets, expansion, and thrilling encounters.
If you haven’t already experienced it, the world of Breath of the Wild awaits to provide an unforgettable journey.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Expands On BOTW’s Blueprint
With Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo built upon the foundations of Breath of the Wild to deliver an even more expansive and intricate journey. Players are treated to a richer world, enhanced abilities, and opportunities to manipulate environments creatively.
While core gameplay mechanics retain similarities to its predecessor, combat systems diverge significantly from Genshin’s action-oriented approach.
6. Ys 10: Nordics
Fast-Paced Hack And Slash Combat And A Pretty Big World To Explore
Nihon Falcom’s Ys series has long been a cornerstone of the action JRPG genre. The latest title, Ys 10: Nordics, showcases an innovative approach, featuring two main characters that work in tandem during combat, diverging from the traditional character pool.
The game encourages exploration of vast seas divided into smaller islands and incorporates ship combat, providing a refreshing take on the classic JRPG format.
7. Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Great Combat & An Even Better Story
The action JRPG, Tokyo Xanadu eX+, from the developers of the acclaimed Trails series, spans a narrative of around 40 hours, blending character-driven storylines with engaging dungeon missions.
With its chapter-based structure, players are introduced to a wide variety of unlockable characters, each contributing uniquely to the gameplay experience.
8. Tower Of Fantasy
Flashy, Weapon-Based Combat
Upon its release, Tower of Fantasy drew immediate comparisons to Genshin Impact for its gacha-driven mechanics and hack-and-slash combat. While both share common threads, Tower of Fantasy establishes its own identity through unique character creation and a diverse cast known as Simulacrum.
Focusing on weapon proficiency rather than character swapping, it offers a distinct gameplay experience while maintaining an engaging open-world environment.
9. Solo Leveling: Arise
Gacha Adaptation Of Manhwa
Based on the popular manhwa series, Solo Leveling: Arise presents an engaging yet conventional action RPG experience. Fans of the source material may find enjoyment here, although the gameplay lacks depth and dynamism for those unfamiliar with the narrative.
The game includes the traditional gacha mechanics typical of the genre, where character and weapon acquisitions depend on luck.
10. Immortals Fenyx Rising
Hack And Slash Romp Through A Vibrant Open-World
Often likened to Breath of the Wild, Immortals Fenyx Rising offers an exciting experience full of exploration and combat that resonates with fans of Genshin Impact. While visibly drawing inspiration, it presents a narrative and experience uniquely its own.
11. Star Ocean: The Divine Force
Stellar Combo-Based Combat
The iconic Star Ocean franchise has faced ups and downs over the years, but The Divine Force marks a notable return to form. The game features a blend of sci-fi elements with real-time combat and is not tied to Genshin’s action mechanics, offering a unique combination of deep combo systems and expansive environments.
12. Scarlet Nexus
Fantastic Combat That Gets Better & Better
Offering a fresh take on action JRPGs, Scarlet Nexus introduces a unique narrative set in a tech-savvy future. While divergent from Genshin Impact’s gameplay style, the game thrives on its fast-paced combat and evolving mechanics that keep the experience compelling.
13. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Great Entry Point Into the Definitive JRPG Franchise
The Dragon Quest series has solidified its status as a cornerstone of JRPGs with countless successful titles, including the highly acclaimed Dragon Quest 11. While differing in combat mechanics from Genshin Impact, the emphasis on party dynamic and an expansive world is a shared trait that invites Genshin fans to explore ancient lands. The visual style parallels Genshin’s gorgeous art direction, providing an appealing aesthetic experience.
14. Persona 5 Striker
Musou Take On The Persona Series
For those captivated by the character depth and story of Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Strikers offers a unique twist with a streamlined combat system reminiscent of Genshin Impact. Engage with iconic characters in exhilarating battles against numerous adversaries, allowing for rapid character switches during gameplay, enhancing the fast-paced action.
15. Tales Of Arise
Intense Real-Time Combat & Fun Party System
Part of the longstanding Tales franchise, Tales of Arise stands out with dynamic combat and an engrossing narrative. Although it lacks gacha mechanics, it effectively engages players through intense battles and character development, appealing to fans of Genshin Impact.
16. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Brilliant Action, Gorgeous Open-World, Great Story
As a sequel to the exceptional Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Rebirth is anticipated to further enrich the beloved franchise. The introduction of an expansive open world allows players to traverse landscapes filled with quests and mini-games while engaging deeply with the storyline. Similar to Genshin Impact, frequent character switches during combat promote varied combat strategies across an impressive map.
17. Visions Of Mana
Great Action, Vibrant World, And A Mix Of Old And New JRPG Ideas
Visions of Mana continues the legacy of the Mana franchise, presenting action-packed gameplay within a vibrant yet dynamic world. Although not entirely open-world, the game encourages exploration and party synergy, adding depth that fans of Genshin Impact will appreciate.
18. Infinity Nikki
A Different Type Of Free Open-World Gacha Game
Infinity Nikki brings a fresh take on the open-world gacha genre, encouraging exploration in a tranquil setting, immensely differentiated from the frenetic action of Genshin Impact. With its focus on aesthetic customization rather than combat, it offers a laid-back gaming experience that can complement fans of Genshin’s world.
In summary, while games like Genshin Impact are not released frequently, this list offers a variety of engaging titles that share core elements, ensuring continued enjoyment for fans. As new titles emerge, including free offerings, players can anticipate fresh experiences that resonate with their love for Genshin Impact.
- Arknights: Endfield – A new dimension in the Arknights franchise offering strategic gameplay within a 3D environment, maintaining the beloved gacha mechanics that fans cherish.
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