Genshin Impact: Your A to Z Guide – From Annoying Achievements to Zero-Star Characters (and Everything in Between)
You’ve found yourself in Teyvat. Welcome to Genshin Impact. This game combines stunning visuals and brutal gacha mechanics. You may have questions. Fear not! We offer a comprehensive guide to address your queries. Plus, we add some wit to help prevent phone-throwing moments.
Decoding the Genshin Universe
The Elusive “Der Freischutz” – A Wild Goose Chase
First on our list: something not in Genshin Impact. “Der Freischutz” is trending in searches. It sounds dramatic, like a hidden quest or a secret boss fight. Spoiler: it’s not real. Perhaps you confused it with “Freminet’s Schutzhund”? Or you typed it while searching for something else. Either way, there’s no “Der Freischutz” in Teyvat. Focus on battling Hilichurls instead.
Achievements: Bragging Rights or Torture Devices?
The Pinnacle of Pain: Hardest Achievements in Genshin
Ah, achievements. Some offer a sense of accomplishment. Others bring frustration. Genshin Impact has a variety of these. Here are the toughest milestones for players:
- Stop! Gather Time. Stop time 100 times with Mona or Ayaka’s sprints. That’s dedication or unfortunate wall crashes.
- Ding Ding Ding! Hit 20 Ruin Guards’ weak spots while they are awake. Chaos and precision collide.
- Tales Of Monstrous Madness. Defeat a specific strong enemy in a short time. It tests your build and time management.
- Bounty Of The Earth. Collect all regional specialties at once. It’s more tedious than it sounds.
- Culmination Of The Great Dream. Reach Adventure Rank 60. Congratulations on your time investment.
- Divine Roots. Max out the Statues of the Seven across regions. More exploration equals more offerings.
- Perfectionist. Complete every commission in a region. Consistent diligence and luck are vital.
- Dear Daddy. Defeat the Primo Geovishap three times after element absorption. Get ready for a painful fight.
These achievements? They are not easy. If you earn them all, good for you. You have bragging rights (and maybe need a therapist).
50k Damage? No Problem! (Purveyor of Punishment Achievement)
Want to flex your damage? The “Purveyor of Punishment” achievement needs your help! Deal 50,000 Crit DMG in one hit! It’s tough, but rewarding. This achievement tests character builds, team setups, and elemental reactions. Think big numbers, and hope for a touch of luck. Eula mains, this is your moment!
Summit of Wisdom: Reaching for the Sumeru Skies
Ready to climb? The “Summit of Wisdom” achievement awaits! Find the highest point in Sumeru City. Head to the city and find the giant tree. Climb to the top branch. A bird awaits you there. Achieve this, and enjoy the view of Sumeru. It’s worth it for the Primogems!
Character Conundrums: Navigating the Genshin Roster
The Puzzle Masters: Hardest Characters to Master
Genshin Impact has a large cast of characters. Some are simple, while others are tricky, like IKEA furniture needing assembly. Meet the mechanically challenging characters:
- Raiden Shogun: Simple at first glance. But mastering her Energy Recharge and rotations is key. A powerhouse with the right skill set.
- Nahida: The Dendro Archon is powerful but complex. Understanding her Dendro reactions is essential.
- Cyno: This Electro DPS needs specific rotations for optimal damage. He is not for the casual player.
These characters require practice and dedication to shine. Mastering them is like solving a puzzle, often frustrating yet rewarding.
The Underdogs: Weakest Characters (or Are They?)
Every game has underperformers. In Genshin Impact, characters like Xinyan, Dehya, and Layla are often labeled as weak. But are they really so bad?
- Xinyan: Liyue’s rockstar faces criticism for her disjointed kit. She aims to be multiple things but excels at none.
- Layla: The sleepy scholar’s kit struggles to impress compared to others. Lore hints at potential, but gameplay leaves much to be desired.
- Dehya: As a five-star character, Dehya’s kit disappoints many. Her abilities seem inconsistent, especially as a Pyro tank.
These characters are not unusable. You can complete content with them. But they are not optimal choices. Playing them can be a self-imposed challenge or a display of stubbornness.
Damage Dealers Supreme: Most Damaging Characters
Now, let’s move away from the underperformers. Let’s spotlight the real powerhouses who can obliterate bosses quickly. When talking about high damage potential, Eula…
is often crowned queen.
- Eula: The Spindrift Knight. Eula brings massive physical damage. Her burst, Lightfall Sword, can hit colossal numbers with the right setup. If you want giant damage numbers, Eula is your best choice. She’s a nuke in human form.
Eula shines for burst damage, but many characters excel in consistent DPS. Arlecchino and Childe are top-tier Main DPS choices. Each has unique elemental strengths. The “most damaging” character varies by scenario, team composition, and enemy weaknesses. Yet, Eula is a standout in the “big number” hall of fame.
The Rarity Spectrum: Elusive 5-Star Characters
Ah, the gacha. The heart of Genshin Impact. Everyone wants those rare 5-star characters. But some are harder to pull than others. Within the Standard Banner pool, some 5-stars play hide-and-seek more often. Who are these elusive figures?
- The Standard Banner Squad (Elusive Edition): Diluc, Jean, Keqing, Mona, and Qiqi are harder to pull from the Standard Banner than others like Tighnari or Dehya. Statistically proven? Debatable. Does it feel that way to players? Absolutely. Many still haven’t added these characters despite their launch presence. RNG can be quite capricious.
The debate continues about the rarest of the rare. Albedo, Ganyu, Klee, Mona… fan polls often try to identify the rarest 5-star. But rarity combines statistical probability with personal perception. One player’s Mona can be another’s C6 Qiqi. It’s all about luck—good or bad.
The Outcasts: Unpopular Characters
In a vibrant community, opinions run strong. Some characters become less loved for various reasons. Who are the “unpopular kids” of Genshin Impact?
- The Usual Suspects: Xinyan and Amber sit near the bottom of popularity polls. Xinyan’s kit issues and Amber’s general criticisms contribute to their reputation. Scaramouche may appear on “most hated” lists due to his past villainy and questionable kit scaling.
“Unpopular” doesn’t mean “bad.” It often reflects gameplay weaknesses, kit design, or personality in community eyes. Every character has fans. Somewhere, a Xinyan main rocks out proving naysayers wrong. That’s pretty awesome.
Tearjerkers of Teyvat: Saddest Characters
Genshin Impact holds emotional depth beneath its bright colors and anime aesthetics. Many characters carry heavy burdens and tragic backstories. Who makes you reach for tissues?
- The Angsty Squad: Raiden Ei, Venti, Xiao, Qiqi, Scaramouche, Kazuha, Diluc, and Collei are among the saddest characters. Lost loved ones (Ei, Diluc, Kazuha) and centuries of suffering (Xiao, Scaramouche) create compelling stories. Existential loneliness is present in Venti and Qiqi. These factors make them relatable.
Their sadness adds layers to personalities, motivations, and relationships. It makes them relatable amid fantastical circumstances. Sometimes, fictional angst is just what we need to feel… something.
Main DPS Power Rankings: Strongest of the Strong
The quest for meta optimization continues. Who are the top Main DPS contenders in Genshin Impact? Arlecchino and Chasca are in the conversation.
- Top Tier DPS Dynamos: Arlecchino quickly rose in DPS charts. She has a fiery personality and gameplay. Chasca, possibly referring to Neuvillette, holds Hydro dragon-like powers. He’s another high-ranking character. Alhaitham, Childe, and Ayaka are also solid Main DPS options.
Tier lists evolve with characters and meta shifts. But these names still surface when discussing top damage dealers. They’re the ones to bring for efficient content clearing—max style and damage.
Burst Damage Bombers: Unleashing the Nuke
Sometimes, you want to watch big, flashy numbers. Burst damage is all about explosive power in a glorious moment. Who masters burst damage in Genshin Impact?
- Burst Damage Royalty: Eula (the queen of nukes), Mona, Navia, Hu Tao, Raiden Shogun, Arlecchino, Childe, and Mualani (likely referencing another character or team comp) can unleash devastating burst attacks. These attacks can obliterate health bars in an instant.
Burst damage isn’t the most consistent DPS type, but it’s satisfying. Great for boss fights and waves of enemies. Just charge those bursts and watch the fireworks fly.
Simp Supremacy: Most Simped Characters
Genshin Impact features attractive characters. The community has opinions. Who inspires the most fervent admiration?
- The Simp Pantheon: Zhongli, Xiao, Ganyu, Childe, and Ayaka are favorites in the “most simped” category. Their appealing designs and charismatic personalities attract fans. Diluc, Kazuha, Eula, Rosaria, Kaeya, Yoimiya, Chongyun, Ningguang, Keqing, and Venti also receive mentions.
Simping represents intense admiration often bordering on obsession. It’s testament to Hoyoverse’s character design skills. They’ve crafted engaging characters, both fun to play and visually captivating.
The Cool Kids Club: Coolest Characters
Coolness is subjective, yet some characters ooze effortless style. Who are the “coolest” characters in Genshin Impact that inspire admiration?
- The Style Icons: Arlecchino, Alhaitham, Kinich (likely Kaveh), Wriothesley, Zhongli, and Neuvillette are often noted for coolness. Their sharp designs and composed personalities create an aura of coolness. Raiden Shogun and Nahida also make this list, showing coolness comes in various forms.
Coolness transcends looks. It’s about attitude and personality too. These characters have that something extra that differentiates them from the crowd. You want these characters for both combat prowess and undeniable coolness.
Lost and Forgotten? Forgotten Characters
With a growing roster, some characters fade into the background. Who are the “forgotten” ones in Genshin Impact?
- The Dust Collectors: Chevreuse and Qiqi are sometimes called forgotten characters. Noelle, Barbara, Lisa, and Kaeya are early characters often overlooked in the endgame meta.
“Forgotten” doesn’t equal “bad.” It indicates meta relevance or a less impactful story presence. Forgotten characters can find their niche with dedicated players and specific team compositions. They may even regain popularity with future updates.
Boss Battles: Triumphs and Tribulations
The Gauntlet of Guardians: Hardest Bosses
Bosses in Genshin Impact range significantly in challenge. Who are the bosses that test your skills, builds, and patience?
- The Boss Hall of Fame (of Pain):Magatsu Mitake Narukami no Mikoto (Raiden Shogun Weekly Boss), La Signora/Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter, Azhdaha, and Childe/Tartaglia are often cited as hardest encounters. These bosses require mastery of mechanics and optimized team comps.
- won the lottery.
These bosses need more than strength. They need strategy, quick reflexes and adaptability. They guard endgame content. They are the barriers that divide casual players from veterans. Beating them shows your skill, a mark of your Genshin prowess.
Items and Resources: The Grind Never Ends
Rarity Defined: The Elusive Items
Genshin Impact focuses on loot. The rarity of items is crucial. What truly qualifies as “rare” in this game?
- Rarity Tiers: 1-star and 2-star items are everywhere. 3-star weapons serve as fodder. 4-star gacha weapons and 5-star items (both characters and weapons) hold real rarity. 5-star characters represent the ultimate prize. Some 4-star weapons are rare due to their effects. To learn more about rare items and how to acquire them, check this guide.
Genshin Impact ties rarity to the gacha system and drop rates. 5-star items have a base drop rate of 0.6%. This isn’t favorable. The pity system offers a guarantee of one 5-star within 90 pulls on character banners and 80 on weapon banners. Still, you’ll always gamble for exactly what you want. It’s in the nature of the gacha.
Crystal Chunks and White Iron Chunks: Mining for Glory (and Ascension Materials)
Gathering resources is essential in Genshin Impact. Crystal Chunks and White Iron Chunks are crucial for crafting and weapon upgrades. Where do you find these materials?
- Crystal Chunk Hotspots: Stormterror’s Lair provides a classic spot for Crystal Chunks. You can find them in the wild or through expeditions in places like Whispering Woods, Dadaupa Gorge, and Yaoguang Shoal. Some NPCs, like Imix and Qiuwei, sell them too, but that’s often inefficient.
- White Iron Chunk Bonanza: Those can be found in caves and mountainous regions across Teyvat. Expeditions in Whispering Woods, Dadaupa Gorge, and Yaoguang Shoal work well again. If necessary, you can buy a limited amount from Shitou in Liyue Harbor. Remember to use claymores in quick mining.
Mining isn’t glamorous. Still, it’s required. Knowing the best spots can save time and frustration. You might also discover a chest or hidden areas while mining, adding to the adventure.
Cor Lapis: Liyue’s Golden Goodness
Cor Lapis is vital for ascending certain characters in Liyue. Where can you find this valuable resource?
- Cor Lapis Locations and NPCs: Cor Lapis mostly appears in Liyue, near cliffs and mountains. For quick buying, Changshun in Liyue Harbor sells a limited stock that restocks every three days. Fengtai in Chenyu Vale and an unnamed NPC in Port Ormos (Sumeru) also sell some.
Cor Lapis shines with a vibrant hue. Farming can be tedious, yet NPCs offer a good alternative when you’re short on pieces for character upgrades.
Crystal Tears: Elden Ring Crossover? (Spoiler: No)
Crystal Tears? Are we discussing Elden Ring now? Genshin Impact has no such items. You may mean Crystal Chunks or are misremembering items from other games. If you’re searching for Crystal Tears, you’re in the wrong universe. Elden Ring is great, intense, and challenging.
Combat and Mechanics: Mastering the Art of Mayhem
Million-Dollar Damage: The Pursuit of Peak Performance
Pushing damage numbers to extremes is popular in Genshin Impact. Some players have achieved unbelievable figures. Eula hitting 9,999,999 damage? That’s legendary. The damage cap is now raised to 20,000,000! The potential is terrifyingly thrilling.
- The Eula Nuke: C6 Eula excels in achieving insane damage with the right setup and buffs. Her Lightfall Sword is built for massive damage. The new cap allows even more damage-dealing fun.
Achieving million-damage figures combines character optimization, team synergy, buff stacking, and RNG. It shows the depth of the game’s combat system. Watching those gigantic numbers appear is simply enjoyable.
Breaking Seals: Unlocking Stormterror’s Lair
Stormterror’s Lair, once guarded by strong seals, needs unlocking. How can you gain access to this area?
- Seal-Breaking 101: To break the seals, activate three Light Actuator altars located north, east, and west of the lair. These altars appear during quest progression. Activate all three to lift the seals, granting access to Stormterror’s domain. Need guidance? Check this walkthrough.
Seals in Genshin Impact often tie to puzzles or exploration mechanics. Breaking the Stormterror’s Lair seals introduces environmental interaction and quest progression. It opens new areas, which is always beneficial.
Defense Mode: Protecting the Monolith
Monolith Defense is a recognizable mode within Genshin Impact. It shows up in events, daily challenges, and the Spiral Abyss. Your mission? Protect the monolith from enemy waves.
- Monolith Mayhem: Enemies target the monolith directly. Your task is to stop its destruction. Strategic character placement and efficient enemy elimination are essential for success. Think of it as tower defense combined with elemental reactions.
Defense Mode offers a break from typical combat scenarios. It focuses on strategy and area damage. It can become surprisingly challenging in higher-level content, making protection feel personal over time.
Elemental Reactions: The Spice of Combat
Elemental Reactions form the foundation of Genshin Impact’s combat system. Mastering them maximizes damage output and battlefield control. What are these elemental reactions worth understanding?
- Reaction Rundown: Elemental Reactions occur when combining elements. Variants include Vaporize (Hydro + Pyro), Melt (Pyro + Cryo), Overload (Pyro + Electro), Electro-Charged (Electro + Hydro), Superconduct (Electro + Cryo), Swirl (Anemo + various elements), Crystallize (Geo + various elements), and several Dendro combinations with other elements. Each has unique effects from damage boosts to crowd control. Mastering these reactions unlocks Genshin Impact’s true combat potential.
Elemental Reactions add depth and strategy to battles. They encourage team composition experimentation with different elemental pairings. Triggering a chain reaction wipes out waves of enemies, creating an elemental symphony.
Damage Cap: Hitting the Limit
Previously, Genshin Impact capped damage at 9,999,999. Now, this cap is raised to 20,000,000. Why the change? Perhaps power creep or simply because they could.
- Breaking the Barrier: Raising the cap to 20,000,000 enables absurdly high damage possibilities. Its influence on gameplay remains to be seen but opens new avenues for damage showcases.
This increase mainly interests players obsessed with damage potential limits. For most players, hitting 9,999,999 was rare but celebrated. The 20,000,000 cap offers a fresh challenge for damage enthusiasts seeking new heights.
World Exploration: Journey Through
Teyvat
Stormterror’s Lair: Venturing into the Wind-Swept Ruins
Stormterror’s Lair presents an intriguing experience blocked by strong winds initially. How do you bypass these barriers and explore fully?
- Winds of Woe: Winds are part of the lore and are removed through main quest progression. Complete quests involving the Knights of Favonius and Anemo Archon for access. This guide on breaking the Sword Cemetery seal offers similar mechanics applicable here. Once you advance through the story, you can explore freely.