Genshin Impact, developed by China’s HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo), is an open-world Role-Playing Game that captivated players in the USA within no time after its September 2020 release. The game’s immense popularity in the US comes from its blend of vast, beautifully designed landscapes, rich character development, and an immersive storyline. The Gacha mechanics in the game capture the attention of the American players, which allows them to collect unique characters and gear, adding to its replay value. Creating a game like Genshin Impact is complex, involving detailed world-building, high-quality graphics, and engaging gameplay that appeals to Western audiences.
What is Genshin Impact Game?
Only a few online games like Genshin Impact can match its intricately designed environment. The game’s performance, optimization, and game mechanics stand apart from other open-world RPG games like Genshin Impact. Players take the role of ‘Traveler’ in the world of ‘Teyvat’ to find their lost sibling. Given its anime-style graphics, Genshin Impact is highly praised in Japan and USA.
Top Open-World Games Like Genshin Impact
we’ll list the top open-world games like Genshin Impact that are popular in the USA and other countries. You can choose your favorite title as inspiration for your own game development.
Honkai Impact 3rd
Honkai Impact 3rd tops the list of games similar to Genshin Impact probably because both games are developed by the same studio, i.e., miHoYo. The game draws inspiration from a post-apocalyptic world where Valkyries are being controlled by the players. Players use Valkyries to conquer Honkai threats. The eye-pleasing visual is a factor that makes this game similar to Genshin Impact.
- Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, iPad OS
- Publisher: HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo)
- Launched: October 14, 2016
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A big leap in open-world gaming, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers one of the biggest worlds to explore. The game provides an unmatched exploration clubbed with combats and quests. You play the character of Link and your archenemy is Calamity Ganon. Players who enjoy Genshin Impact-like games tend to appreciate this game because of its rich game mechanics, although it does not have a Gacha system.
- Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Switch
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Launched: March 3, 2017
Tales of Arise
A JRPG (Japan Role-playing Game) game, Tales of Arise’s selling feature is the depth of its storytelling. Being a game produced by a Japanese studio, you can expect a world-class animation. Set in Dahana, players can mingle with party members along with fighting enemies. The experience a player gets while playing Tales of Arise is similar to that of Genshin Impact like games, particularly in terms of its rich storytelling and RPG elements.
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Studios
- Launched: September 10, 2021
Immortals Fenyx Rising
An action-adventure game similar to Genshin Impact, Immortals Fenyx Rising draws its inspiration from Greek mythology. Using a satirical tone, the game’s main character Fenyx’s job is to save the Greek Gods. The similarity between Immortals Fenyx Rising and Genshin Impact lies in its combat style, which incorporates elemental features.
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, Stadia.
- Publisher: Ubisoft Quebec
- Launched: December 3, 2020
Tower of Fantasy
Tower of Fantasy is a gacha-driven MMORPG game that features hack-and-slash combat mechanics. The game has been compared to Genshin Impact since its release but features several distinctions from Genshin. While the genre and mechanics may be similar, Tower of Fantasy has different combat mechanics.
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5
- Publisher: Hotta Studio
- Launched: August 11, 2022
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Another JRPG, Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom, developed by Level-5 was rolled out in 2018. It was a sequel to Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. The fantasy adventure game for anime fans boasts a beautiful story where a young kid named Evan Pettiwhisker Tildrum gets debarred from his throne and strives to build a kingdom for himself.
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, and Windows.
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Launched: March 22, 2018
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris
A popular RPG game, Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris is based on the anime of the same name. The game’s environment displays an Underworld setting where players go on an adventurous quest being in the character of Kirito. This game, similar to Genshin Impact, was released in 2020 and is one of the best alternatives to Genshin Impact.
- Platforms: Windows, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Launched: July 9, 2020
Blue Protocol
Bandai Namco, a Japanese video game development company headquartered in Minato, is well-known for its high-quality video games. The company is set to release an open-world game, Blue Protocol, that is expected to be another masterpiece developed by the game. The game falls under the category of anime games like Genshin Impact, as its graphics resemble the anime style.
- Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Launched: June 14, 2023
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The game was launched for Nintendo Switch in 2017, where players roam the world Alrest and interact with Titans. Players take up the role of Rex in the game who has a partner in the game called Pyra. Rex and Pyra’s characters’ job is to locate Elysium, a mythical paradise. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 incorporates ‘blades’ in its gameplay, an enhanced gameplay mechanism where characters can customize different blades with distinct powers.
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Launched: December 1, 2017
Black Desert Online
Developed by a South Korean game development company, Black Desert Online was initially released regionally only, and later around the world. The player’s ability to perform chores like fishing, cooking, farming, and trading gives a real-life-like feel, which gained the game a huge base around the world. It is a game similar to Genshin Impact if we compare features like open-world design, unique storyline, and elemental interaction.
- Platforms: PS4, Windows, Android, Xbox One, GeForce Now
- Publisher: Pearl Abyss
- Launched: 14 July 2015
Dragalia Lost
Admire fantasies? Dragalia Lost is an action RPG that was developed specifically for mobile users. If you are looking for mobile games like Genshin Impact, Dragalia Lost will not disappoint you You will behold dragons in the game, moreover, heavy customization of characters is also possible inside the game.
- Platforms: Android, iOS
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Launched: September 27, 2018
Wuthering Waves
Developed by Kuro Games, Wuthering Waves was in its testing phase for over a year. Hence, users had good expectations from the game, and fortunately, it did not disappoint the gamers. An open-world Gacha game like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves can be played on a PC and a smartphone. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it resembles Genshin Impact for its vast open-world exploration and character building. The protagonist, Rover, fights with different kinds of mysterious beings.
- Platforms: PS5, Windows, Android, iOS, GeForce Now
- Publisher: Kuro Games
- Launched: May 22, 2024
Sonic Frontiers
Some people might disagree and would not compare Sonic Frontiers to Genshin Impact, however, that is not the case. The game shares similarities with Genshin Impact as it features an open-world setup where Sonic has a stamina gauge, a skill tree, and a day-night cycle. Sonic has the ability to climb, navigate using a system to reach objectives, and complete puzzles that uncover new areas, resembling the missions in Genshin Impact.
It’s a game set in another world as the protagonist gets sucked into a wormhole and lands in an alien world called Starfall Islands.
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Publisher: SEGA
- Launched: November 8, 2022
Persona 5
Persona 5 has a strong plot where the story revolves around a high school student under the alias Joker. The protagonist gets accused of violence and spends time on probation, after this event he forms a group of vigilantes called Phantom Thieves of Hearts. The gameplay mechanics have a unique touch where you get inside the metaverse in the game and remove malicious desires from other people’s subconscious. A completely unorthodox storyline where missions allow players to raid dungeons created by corrupted hearts of human beings.
- Platforms: PS4, Windows, Switch
- Publisher: P-Studio
- Launched: February 3, 2021
Honkai: Star Rail
Developed by HoYoverse, Honkai: Star Rail is another gacha game like Genshin Impact. It is the sequel to Honkai Impact 3rd and shares some common characteristics with Genshin. The players play as the Traveler, a being with a spaceship and crew. The game is split across various planets each with its own ecosystem, missions, and enemies.
- Platforms: PS5, Windows, Android, iOS.
- Publisher: HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo)
- Launched: April 26, 2023
Zenless: Zone Zero
Zenless: Zone Zero is HoYoverse’s newest RPG that got hyped up before its release. It is a perfect alternative for Genshin Impact fans with visually appealing character designs and immersive gameplay. The game is set in the world of New Eridu where portals of unknown origin are opening up randomly, forcing Agents to enter and eliminate any potential threats. You play as a Proxy who directs the team of Agents as they explore the portals.
When it comes to similarities, this popular game like Genshin Impact also uses gacha mechanics, unlockable characters, and creating a balanced party. Moreover, the Agents are also divided into various classes. The combat is very fast-paced and even flashier than Genshin Impact.
- Platforms: PS5, Windows, Android, iOS.
- Publisher: HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo)
- Launched: July 4, 2024
Conclusion
However, the above-mentioned games can give you a similar experience if not the exact feel. The gaming industry continues to reach new heights as more games are released. Black Myth: Wukong and Blue Protocol are expected to further elevate the gaming experience.
If you want to develop an open-world game resembling Genshin Impact, BR Softech, a prominent name in the game development industry, can help you launch your ideal open-world game.
Frequently-asked Questions
Ans. Yes, you can install and run the game for free on your device. However, if you wish to purchase in-game assets you will have to spend bucks.
Ans. Yes, Genshin Impact is a cross-platform game. You can play it on your mobile devices. However, not all best games similar to Genshin Impact provide cross-platform functionality.
Ans. The developers of Genshin Impact usually roll out updates every 5-6 weeks. Updates feature new characters and events.
Ans. Apart from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the above titles are free-to-play and do not require payment to start.
Ans. Honkai Impact 3rd resembles Genshin Impact the most considering both the games’ art styles resembling the most. Also, both games were developed by the same studio, hence, they are influenced by each other.
Ans. Various platforms like PC, PS4, Xbox, Nintendo, Android, iOS, and more support gacha games like Genshin Impact. It is a cross-platform game that is available across multiple platforms.
Ans. Since Genshin Impact like games feature multiplayer and real-time battle systems, it is not possible to play them online. While Genshin does not offer offline play, you may be able to play one or two of the alternatives without an internet connection.
Ans. Some upcoming games like Genshin Impact include Project Mugen which is expected to release in early 2025, Arknights: Endfield, which is expected to release in 2025, and Azur Promilia expected for a 2025 release.
