Ah, Genshin Impact. It’s more than just visual beauty and combat. Underneath elemental chaos lies a rich musical landscape. I don’t mean catchy tunes that linger in your mind (though they do). We’re exploring the instruments that create the beautiful music of Teyvat.
A Symphony of Regions: Instruments Across Teyvat
Every nation in Genshin Impact showcases a unique musical identity. Their sound reflects their diverse landscapes and cuisines. It’s not random noise; there’s a purpose behind it all.
Mondstadt: Ballads and Lyres
We begin in Mondstadt, the city of freedom with questionable wine. Naturally, they love the Lyre. Venti has a deep connection with it. They have the standard Lyre, the elegant Windsong Lyre, and the aged Vintage Lyre. Think of it as their ancient guitar, elegant and unique.
Venti is our tone-deaf bard (don’t tell him). His lyre connects him to music deeply. The original was divine, and the one he plays? A wind construct lyre – because he can just create his instrument. Some say Barbatos, his divine form, links to the ancient Barbitos or Barbiton. He takes his lyre seriously.
Liyue: East Meets West in Harmony
Travel east to Liyue for an intriguing mix. They blend traditional Chinese instruments with Western orchestral sounds. It’s like musical fusion cuisine for your ears.
Liyue features classic instruments: the Dizi (bamboo flute), the emotional Erhu (two-stringed fiddle), the strong Guzheng (zither), and the lively Pipa (a lute). This creates an authentic Eastern sound. The game does note a blend of these instruments with Western orchestral elements. It’s impressive.
In addition, Liyue includes Western orchestral options. We see Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, and the deep tones of the Bassoon. They invite Western musicians into traditional tunes and it works beautifully. The soundtrack confirms this mix, listing various instruments for Liyue tracks. There’s much musical depth.
Inazuma: Echoes of Ancient Japan
Next up is Inazuma. Prepare for sounds echoing feudal Japan. This land features traditional Japanese musical elements. Expect serene, powerful, and sometimes eerie tones.
Inazuma showcases prominent instruments – or rather, big drums. There’s the ethereal Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), gentle strumming on the Koto (Japanese zither), rhythmic Shamisen (three-stringed lute), and thunderous sounds from the Taiko drum. The music truly reflects traditional Japan’s essence without time travel paradoxes.
Fontaine: Operatic Grandeur and Symphonic Swirls
Fontaine, the land of justice, fashion, and probable pastries, embraces dramatic music. Think grand opera houses, sweeping symphonies, and theatricality.
Sumeru: The Unheard Melodies of Knowledge
Sumeru reveals scorching deserts and lush rainforests. Yet, it seems musical traditions are forgotten here. No specifics surface about Sumeru’s instruments. Do characters only converse via interpretive dance? Probably not. With diverse cultures and environments, unique instruments await discovery. Think sitars or mystical rainforest rhythms. The musical secret of Sumeru lingers… for now.
Character Concertos: Instruments of Personality
Beyond regional sounds, Genshin also ties instruments to specific characters. Each character gets a musical signature, adding a special touch.
Venti/Barbatos: The Lyre Lord
We have Venti again; he deserves a second mention. His lyre is key to his being. His original lyre is holy, while the one he plays? A wind construct. Eco-friendly choices for music! He can summon a lyre from thin air like it’s nothing.
Xinyan: Rock ‘n’ Roll Lyre Renegade
Xinyan is next. She’s Mondstadt’s rockstar, though Mondstadt isn’t fully on board with rock ‘n’ roll yet. Her instrument? A handcrafted lyre; but it’s no standard one. This lyre merges rock ‘n’ roll with traditional elements from Fontaine. Picture a lyre-electric guitar hybrid, loud and filled with Xinyan’s flair.
Xiao: The Flute of Solitude
Xiao, our brooding Yaksha, resonates with the Flute, specifically the Xiao. This bamboo flute emits a gentle, melancholy sound—ideal for a loner contemplating life (or demons). The flute’s softness contrasts with Xiao’s combat style, deepening his character.
Arataki Itto: Drumming to His Own Beat
We can’t ignore Arataki Itto, leader of the Arataki Gang and beetle enthusiast. His choice? The loud Arataki’s Great and Glorious Drum. Subtlety isn’t his thing. This drum is massive and boisterous, probably scaring away hilichurls. Perfect for someone who loves grand entrances.
The Genshin Instrument Emporium: A Wider Orchestra
Teyvat’s musical toolkit is robust. Beyond character-specific instruments lie numerous types. Some are playable, others set the scene.
Consider instruments like the Zither, Ukulele, whimsical Floral Zither, mysterious Nightwind Horn, rhythmic Djem Djem Drum, and even a classic Piano. Modern travelers may stumble upon Synthesizers or other Electronic instruments. Genshin isn’t shy about adding electronic elements to its fantasy.
If you fancy wind instruments, look out for the Clarinet or humble Tin Whistle. And for fans of Xiao, you can grab the general-use Xiao. Rounding it off is the Kora, a West African stringed beauty, adding global flair in Teyvat’s symphony.
The Soundtrack of Adventure: More Than Just Background Music
The Original Soundtrack (OST) is what binds this musical discussion together. Simply put, the OST is a recorded sound accompanying a production like a game or film. It embodies Genshin Impact’s musical essence.
Anime-Style Tunes with a Twist
The music evokes “anime-style open-world tunes.” This fits with the game’s visuals. Most tracks stay upbeat and melodic to engage players without distraction. But it isn’t bland anime music either; it incorporates “synthesizers and electronic instruments“ for a contemporary flair. Merging traditional with modern makes it like the instrument variety.
Liyue’s soundtrack dives into these traditional themes as well…
The Chinese pentatonic scale adds an Eastern flavor to the region’s music. This detail makes Genshin’s music more than background noise. It becomes a key part of the game’s experience.
Yu-Peng Chen: The Maestro Behind the Melodies
The mind behind this musical magic? Yu-Peng Chen from HOYO-MiX. This is miHoYo’s music team. He composes every note heard in Genshin Impact. Give him a raise, Hoyoverse! The quantity and quality of music here are astounding. Yu-Peng Chen deserves praise for crafting a rich soundscape.
Musical Gadgets: Become Your Own Bard
For aspiring musicians, Genshin offers Musical Gadgets! You can become a bard (hopefully not tone-deaf). Collect four music gadgets and add a piece of Teyvat’s music to your gameplay. This feature allows you to interact with the game’s music personally.
Genshin Impact’s music is far more than background tunes. It is a crafted soundscape with regional influences, character motifs, and a mix of real and fantastical instruments. Next time you roam Teyvat, listen closely. You may be surprised by the symphony surrounding you.
