Genshin Impact is a massively successful title by miHoYo, seamlessly combining several game types into one complete package. Genshin has everything from high production value to an engaging story and even gacha mechanics. So what do you play if you want more? Here are my top 10 best games like Genshin Impact.
Top 10 games like Genshin Impact
The market is full of games trying to cash in on Genshin Impact’s success, but a precious few got the goods. If you crave a high-quality experience, you must often dig deep to find it. With this in mind, here are my top 10 games like Genshin Impact.
Honkai: Star Rail
Let’s get the low-hanging fruit out of the way first. Honkai: Star Rail is another game by miHoYo, but this time, we swap the high fantasy setting for a more futuristic theme.Â
The high-production value you love from Genshin Impact is here, complete with top-tier voice acting and stunning visuals. Many of Genshin Impact’s mechanics are present, just with a name swap.
The most significant difference between the titles is Honkai: Star Rail has turn-based combat. I know this is a deal breaker for some players, but I urge you to try it, as it’s done remarkably well.
Nier Automata
Nier and Genshin Impact have many differences, but it’s a good alternative if you crave more satisfying, silky-smooth combat.
Both titles boast high production value, an open world to explore, and a floating companion, but fighting is where Nier truly shines. 2B is a formidable brawler, and darting around cutting opponents to shreds never gets old.
Nier may as well be black and white compared to Genshins, stunning, colorful vistas, but if you’re open to a sci-fi adventure, you can do much worse than Nier Automata.
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
While the difference in art style and tone is immediately apparent, CD Projekt Red’s fantasy masterpiece is well worth a look to scratch that Genshin Impact itch.
Witcher 3 immerses players in a beautiful but bleak world. There’s a great story propped up by exemplary voice acting and high-quality side quests.
Combat may feel stiff at first, but you’ll be dashing around like you do in Genshin Impact before you know it.
Witcher 3 does a great job of telling a story without prior knowledge of the previous games. I recommend diving straight into 3 and ignoring the older titles unless you really enjoy it, as the older games are pretty dated and janky.
Breath of the Wild
There was some controversy when Genshin Impact first came out, as miHoYo was accused of copying The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
While the inspiration is obvious, anyone who’s played both will tell you the games are quite different. If you’re after a 3D adventure game with astounding smooth combat and jaw-dropping visuals, BoTW is absolutely worth it.
While I have reservations about the weapon durability system, it’s a remarkable game and easily one of the best on the Nintendo Switch. And best of all, if you’re hungry for more, Tears of the Kingdom is another incredible Zelda title you can sink your teeth into afterward.
Final Fantasy 14
We’re hopping genres with this entry, but hear me out. If you’re drawn to Genshin Impact for its strong story, character building, and vast open world, you may find a lot to love in Final Fantasy 14.
Final Fantasy 14 is a gigantic game spanning several expansions and offers hundreds of hours of gameplay. Much of the story is voice-acted, and you’ll be fully invested in the world of Eorzea before you know it. Combat isn’t as free-flowing as Genshin, but it’s not turn-based, and with almost 20 jobs, there’s a playstyle to suit everyone.
Best of all, you can play through the base game of FFXIV and two expansions completely free without spending a penny.
Guild Wars 2
Similarly to FFXIV, Guild Wars 2 is another MMO offering a rich, vibrant world ripe for exploring. If you’re into storytelling, you’ll love Guild Wars, as tales are told in stunning voice-acted exchanges that look straight from an art book.
Guild Wars 2 is a joy to play, and while combat isn’t as direct as Genshin Impact, it still feels smooth and responsive. As GW2 is an MMO, social activities like World Bosses are integral to the experience, but the community is notably friendly to newcomers.
While quite different in many aspects, Genshin Impact players will appreciate a lot that GW2 has to offer.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the second Nintendo Switch exclusive on this list, and it is well worth checking out if you own the console. The Xenoblade games are popular JRPGs, boasting gorgeous graphics, a compelling storyline, and a stellar assortment of characters.
Combat is fun and surprisingly complex, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 feels like a straight upgrade from its predecessor. Fortunately, each Xenoblade game has its own story, and you don’t need to play the older games to enjoy the latest entry.
Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is an excellent alternative to Genshin Impact if you don’t mind more of an anime-style twist.
Bandai Namco’s Tales of Arise is a lore-rich JRPG with a heavy emphasis on story. There’s live combat, which feels similar to Genshin, and while the art style is very different, it’s gorgeous all the same.
I’ve seen several people refer to Tales of Arise as “anime comfort food,” and it really is a perfect description. The “Power of Friendship” vibes are very real, but if you don’t mind those, you may find a lot to love in Tales of Arise.
There are well over 15 Tales games, as the series began in 1995. Regardless, Arise is a great starting point for newcomers, so don’t worry if this becomes your first Tales game.
Tower of Fantasy
You only need to glance at the image above to see where Tower of Fantasy draws inspiration. If you scrunch your eyes up, Tower of Fantasy could pass as Genshin Impact, but it does have a few key differences.
Tower of Fantasy is an MMO that focuses more on the genre’s social aspect than you’ll find in Genshin.
Combat is surprisingly snappy, and while there are element-based abilities, they work quite differently. Fighting is flashy, and you can even freeze enemies in place with a well-timed dodge.
Unlike many titles on this list, gacha mechanics are a big part of the game for better and worse.
Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
Skyrim should need no introduction as one of Bethesda’s greatest games. This title offers an incredible high-fantasy open-world adventure complete with magic, medieval weapons, and monsters.
The main story is epic and is propped up by mountains of high-quality side quests. Combat is quite different than Genshin’s. That said, fighting feels weighty and satisfying. If you’re after a fresh open world to explore, there are few as iconic as Skyrim, but this classic has fewer similarities to Genshin Impact than many other titles on this list.
Those are my picks for the best games like Genshin Impact, and the hardest part of curating this list is finding titles that rival its quality. If you’re a fan of survival crafting games, why not check out our list of the best games like Grounded?
