Genshin Impact Ships: Fan Favorites and Flirty Fantasies
You’ve entered Teyvat’s colorful world. You’ve fought hilichurls. You might be questioning if some Genshin Impact characters share more than friendship. Welcome to “shipping!”
“Shipping” is internet slang. It means you want two fictional characters together. A “ship” is the pairing you support. To “ship” means you back that couple. Shippers are fans who get very involved. Sometimes this leads to heated “shipping wars.” Different ships can clash, much like playground crushes. But this happens on a global scale.
Genshin Impact lacks a formal romance system. You can’t win favor with your favorite characters by gifting flowers or singing to them. The game’s focus is the Traveler’s journey and friendships formed along the way. Still, players notice *sparkling* interactions between characters. Flirty dialogue and suggestive moments appear often. Hoyoverse gives us little hints, and we shippers enjoy them!
Many characters seem to have romantic histories, but Genshin’s lore stays vague. Perhaps all characters prioritize saving the world over settling down. But fear not, shippers, as long as there’s a flirty glance containing blushes, the fandom will take note.
Navigating the Sea of Ships: Popular Pairings
Let’s explore popular ships in Genshin Impact. Here’s your guide.
Aether, the Golden Traveler:
Aether, our male Traveler, is quite the charmer! He gets shipped with many characters. Think of him as the popular kid. Instead of lockers, it’s Domains. Instead of notes, it’s hilichurl masks.
- Ayaka, Ganyu, Hu Tao, Amber, Yomiya: These ladies are often paired with Aether. Fan interactions and storylines really add fuel here. Admit it, who hasn’t felt something during Ayaka’s quest?
- Venti: Don’t overlook the bard! Some fans sense a spark between Aether and Venti. Comic dubs suggest a crush on Venti’s part!
Characters have flirtations toward both Aether and Lumine. Ningguang may have a special fondness for Lumine. The Traveler is truly collecting fans like elemental sigils.
Lumine, the Radiant Traveler:
Lumine, our female Traveler, has eager shippers. A ginger Fatui Harbinger leads this charge.
- Childe (Tartaglia) – “Chilumi”: This ship is huge! “Chilumi” is recognized in Genshin circles. Opposites appear to attract, or maybe enemies turn to lovers? Fans are into it.
- Xiao and Mona: These ships also involve Lumine, but don’t overshadow Chilumi’s dominance. Xiao’s intensity paired with Mona’s mystery creates appeal.
Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain with a Wink:
Kaeya is flirty and enigmatic, making him quite shippable.
- Diluc (KaeLuc): This classic ship features complicated brothers. KaeLuc is pivotal in Genshin shipping culture. Will they reconcile their strain and perhaps become more? Fanfiction explores this!
- Albedo (Kaebedo): The charming captain paired with the mysterious alchemist makes for quiet but intriguing chemistry.
Interestingly, Kaeya’s flirty lines after Dvalin’s defeat do not change based on your character. His flirtation towards Sara and Albedo suggests a headcanon of bisexuality. This intrigues and entertains fans!
Lisa, the Librarian with a Tease:
Lisa has a special affection for the Traveler.
- Traveler (Lisa x Aether/Lumine): Lisa uses pet names like “cutie” and “darling” for the Traveler, hinting at affection!
- Kaeya (KaeLisa), Dottore (DottoLisa), Klee (Lisa & Klee): Lisa gets shipped with Kaeya and even other unusual pairs. The fandom truly diversifies ships!
Zhongli, the Geo Archon of our Hearts (and Wallets):
Zhongli is stoic yet popular in major ships.
- Childe/Zhongli (ZhongChi): Prepare yourself; this ship is a powerhouse! ZhongChi may be the most prominent ship in fandoms. Zhongli calls Childe “rascal,” indicating mixed feelings. The dynamic truly appeals to shippers!
Childe, the Snezhnayan Sweetheart (Maybe?):
Childe can be morally questionable but remains a shipping icon.
- Zhongli (ZhongChi): This ship dominates; on AO3, ZhongChiLi is the most frequently written ship!
- Scaramouche, Traveler (Aether/Lumine): Childe also connects with Scaramouche and both Travelers in various ships.
Kazuha, the Wandering Samurai:
Kazuha charms fans with a poetic spirit and tragic past.
- Scaramouche (Wanderer) – “Scarakazu”: This ship is very popular. The juxtaposition of their lives opens ways for angst and redemption!
- Gorou, Kokomi: Kazuha also sees ships with Gorou and Kokomi in intriguing dynamics.
Scaramouche (Wanderer), the Edgy Hat Guy:
The reformed Wanderer still captures attention as a ship.
- Kazuha (Scarakazu), Childe, Traveler (Aether/Lumine), Mona, Dottore: Scaramouche’s diverse ships span angsty pairings to strange combinations like Dottore.
Xiao, the Brooding Yaksha:
Xiao attracts significant shipping interest.
- Zhongli, Venti, Aether: These are prominent Xiao ships. Zhongli as a father figure, Venti as a mentor, and Aether as a romantic prospect contribute angst!
- Albedo (Xiaobedo): Slightly less common but notable is Xiaobedo pairing Xiao with Albedo.
Cyno, the General Mahamatra with a Dry Sense of Humor:
Cyno has key shipping connections.
- Tighnari (CynoNari): This ship is extremely popular due to their close friendship!
- Heizou (CyHei): CyHei pairs Cyno with energetic detective Heizou.
Popular and “Cute” Ships: Fandom Favorites
- Popular Ships:
- Kaveh x Alhaitham (HaiKaveh): Currently touted as the most popular ship! Roommates-to-lovers? Their bickering hides deeper feelings!
- Zhongli x Childe (ZhongChi): A leading player especially historically in shipping.
- Sucrose and Albedo: Sweet dynamics surface here! Quiet chemistry between assistant and alchemist shines brightly!
- “Cutest” Ships:
- ZhongChi: Despite dynamics in shipping, many find this pairing cute.
- Chilumi: Heartwarming yet chaotic interactions appeal to many fans.
- Jeanluc: A mature classic pairing between stoic winery owner and dependable Acting Grand Master.
- YaeEi: Ships belong to playful kitsune paired with the serious Raiden Shogun.
- Charlotte and Freminet: A newer pair emerging from Fontaine offers sweet vibes!
Canon and Implied Relationships: Glimmers of Romance in Teyvat
The game avoids outright romance for playable characters but includes hints towards relationships added on top of friendship.
and even some confirmed canon couples exist, mostly among NPCs.
- Beidou and Ningguang (BeiGuang): BeiGuang feels like the ship closest to canon for playable characters. Their dynamic shows mutual respect and affection. Fans see their interactions as romantic.
- Vlad and Nadia: Confirmed NPC ship! These Fatui members were pen pals for long and met during the Lantern Rite. A heartwarming, recognized couple!
- Marvin and Marla: Another cute NPC couple. They live in Mondstadt and Springvale. They stargaze together at Starsnatcher Cliff every night. Such dedication!
- Vikram and Gohar: New characters confirmed to be in a relationship! Watch for them in future updates.
- Semaine and Lionera: Boyfriend and girlfriend from Fontaine. More canon NPC romance!
- HaiKaveh: Not officially canon *yet*, but HaiKaveh is arguably Genshin’s *most* implied ship. Their dynamic is a clear “will they/won’t they?” The fandom believes they’ll get together.
Traveler Preferences: Aether vs. Lumine
A quick note on the Traveler twins! Does choice impact shipping?
- Aether Lore Preference: Aether seems slightly preferred lore-wise, perhaps due to marketing. Still, both twins fit in the story.
- Lumine Popularity: Despite Aether’s lore favor, Lumine often wins popularity polls. Girl power!
- Gameplay Differences: In gameplay, Lumine has faster attack speed. Aether runs and climbs faster, but swims slower. Choose your twin based on playstyle or looks!
Other Factors: Simping and Ship Dynamics
“Simping” (excessive admiration) impacts shipping!
- Top Simped Characters: Zhongli, Xiao, Ganyu, and Childe top “most simped for” lists. Coincidence Zhongli and Childe share the most popular ship? Probably not!
- Raiden Shogun (Baal): Raiden Shogun scores high in simping polls. Her beauty, power, and “god” status enhance her appeal.
Ultimately, shipping in Genshin Impact centers around fun and creativity. It celebrates characters we love. Whether you’re hardcore into it or enjoy fanart, Genshin ships form a vibrant part of the fandom.
