Soar Through Teyvat: A No-Nonsense Guide to Gliding in Genshin Impact
Let’s talk gliding in Genshin Impact. It’s not about winging it. The Wind Glider lets you see Teyvat from above. With some knowledge, you will glide smoothly over landscapes. This guide will help you master the skies with practical tips.
Taking the Plunge: Initiating Your Glide
First, you need to get airborne. Genshin Impact is magical, but not that magical. To launch your Wind Glider, understand the basics. It’s easy, unlike some of the puzzles.
- Jump then Jump Again: The core mechanic is straightforward. Jump into the air. Any jump works, even a little one. While airborne, hit jump again to deploy your Wind Glider. On PC, press Spacebar. On Xbox, it’s ‘A’, and on PlayStation, the ‘cross’ button. Simple.
- Off a Ledge or Any Height: A mid-air jump works, but jumping off something is better. A cliff, a building, even a small rock will give you momentum.
If you can jump, you can glide. This is one of the first lessons in the game. You get your first Wind Glider from Amber during the “City of Freedom” quest. It’s practically a gift to new adventurers.
Landing with (Slightly Less) Style: Canceling Your Glide
What goes up must come down. Gliding is no different. At some point, you’ll need to stop gliding, whether to land or because you’ve arrived at your destination. Canceling your glide is as easy as starting it.
- The Double Jump Cancel: You double-jumped to start gliding. Press ‘jump’ again mid-glide to cancel it. It’s the same button used to start gliding.
- Plunged Attack for the Dramatic Exit: Want to get down fast? You can initiate a plunge to cancel your glide by pressing “jump” while falling. You trade gliding for a swift downward attack, though you mainly can’t attack while gliding.
Learning both methods adds flexibility to your aerial moves. Sometimes you want a soft landing; other times, you need a quick descent. Genshin Impact offers you choices.
Stamina: The Bane of Every Glider’s Existence
Now, let’s discuss stamina. Gliding uses that yellow bar, which controls every physical activity in Teyvat. Watch your stamina during glides, especially on long flights. If you run out mid-glide, you will fall. Potentially take fall damage, so be careful.
Stamina management is key in Genshin Impact. It might not be flashy, but it matters. Potions and food can boost your stamina or cut consumption during those long glides.
Wind Gliders: Not All Wings Are Created Equal (Mechanically)
Your Wind Glider is your friend in the sky. It makes gliding happen. While many unique Wind Gliders exist, they all work the same in the game. It’s all about cosmetics. Looking good while soaring is half the battle.
You can find more on the Wind Glider at the Genshin Impact Wiki. Explore the lore if you’re interested.
Combat Aloft? Mostly Not.
Let’s be clear: Genshin Impact isn’t about aerial combat. While gliding is great for exploration, combat mostly happens on the ground. Like climbing, you’re vulnerable while gliding. You can’t swing your sword or unleash elemental abilities mid-air.
Plunged attacks are the main exception. You can attack from above but not during a glide. Think of it as a quick drop rather than airborne combat. Perhaps one day there will be aerial combat, but for now, gliding is more about getting from point A to B safely.
Need a Boost? Red Feather Fan to the Rescue!
If you’re feeling slow in the air, use the Red Feather Fan gadget. This item provides a temporary 30% boost to gliding speed for 30 seconds. It’s like a nitro boost for your Wind Glider. Craftable and reusable, it’s perfect for quick travel or feeling the wind in your virtual hair.
Glide Like a Pro: Controls Across Platforms
Control schemes are consistent. Here’s a quick breakdown for PC and console users, especially if you frequently switch platforms or forget controls.
Keyboard Kings and Queens (PC)
- Steering is WASD: These are standard movement keys. ‘W’ moves forward, ‘S’ moves back (though gliding backward is odd), ‘A’ and ‘D’ strafe left and right.
- Jump is Spacebar (Mostly): Spacebar is your default jump key. Double-tap it in mid-air to launch your Wind Glider and start gliding. Experiment to find what works best.
Controller Crusaders (Xbox & PlayStation)
- Xbox: A for Action: The ‘A’ button activates your jump and glide. Press ‘A’ to jump, and ‘A’ again in the air to glide.
- PlayStation: Cross Button Does the Job: It’s the same as Xbox; just use the ‘cross’ button. Jump with it and glide again using it. Controller consistency is important.
Wind Glider Wardrobe: Obtaining and Changing Your Wings
Now, let’s dive into aesthetics. In Genshin Impact, even gliding wings have a style factor. While they all perform similarly, different Wind Gliders provide visual variety. Here’s how to gain new wings and swap them out.
Acquiring New Gliders: Beyond the Starter Set
Amber’s starter Wind Glider works fine, but many other wing designs exist. How can you get these coveted upgrades?
- Reputation Rewards: Leveling your reputation in regions unlocks new Wind Gliders. Reach Reputation Level 10 in Inazuma or Sumeru for region-specific wings. Show off your adventures, one glide at a time.
- Events and Promotions: Watch for special events and collaborations. Attending the Genshin Concert Tour (or following online) can get you unique Wind Gliders via redemption codes. Remember the McDonald’s “Wings of Delicacies” Wind Glider from a special meal? That’s a culinary win!
- Anniversary Exclusives: Limited-time wings like the Wings of Shimmering Galaxy were first-anniversary exclusives. Sad they are now gone. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real in gacha games. Maybe they’ll return someday?
Changing Your Wings: The Dressing Room
You got a new pair of wings! Time to switch them out. The Dressing Room is where you can customize.
- Paimon Menu -> Character -> Dressing Room: Open Paimon’s menu (your loyal sidekick doubles as your fashion advisor). Go to “Character,” select your character, then find the coat hanger icon in the bottom right corner. That leads to your Dressing Room.
- Wing Selection: Inside the Dressing Room, browse your Wind Glider collection. Choose your wings, confirm, and now you’re gliding with style.
Gliding
Mechanics: Updrafts and Exams
Gliding involves mechanics, not just aimless flying. Understanding these principles enhances your flight experience. Avoiding obstacles is vital, but so is mastering the updrafts.
Updrafts: Your Vertical Velocity BFF
Updrafts are columns of rising air with swirling currents. These are your friends for gaining altitude when gliding. Fly into one for an altitude boost. This allows high flights or long glides. They act like elevators in the sky.
For details on ascending in Genshin Impact, check out this guide on Playbite. It discusses updrafts and vertical movement techniques.
Gliding Exams: Putting Your Skills to the Test
Recall the Gliding Exam in Mondstadt? It serves as a practical lesson. Navigate golden rings and updrafts are key. You glide through five rings and use an updraft near a tree. It’s practical training, a Gliding 101 course.
Characters and Gliding: Who’s Got Wings?
While anyone can use the Wind Glider, certain characters enjoy a unique relationship with flight.
Characters with…Alternative Flight Options?
Calling them characters that can fly feels exaggerated, but let’s have fun:
- Paimon: She floats. Is it gliding? It’s unclear. Might just be game logic.
- Wanderer: His name suggests he flies. He hovers and floats. Good enough for us.
- Venti: Our Anemo Archon makes updrafts. You get a vertical lift. Venti is an updraft generator. Call him for elevation.
- Fischl & Oz: Fischl can “kinda fly” using Oz’s consciousness. Lore supports it. Gameplay doesn’t reflect it, though.
- Sara Kujou: Her lore says she could fly if her wings were intact. Again, this is only lore.
- Capitano: Lore hints he might fly too. More speculation than confirmation, though.
For a visual guide on gliding techniques, including updrafts, check this YouTube video on using the Wind Glider.
Supergliding: For the Truly Ambitious (and Slightly Buggy)
Let’s discuss “supergliding.” This is an advanced, technical maneuver. It’s faster gliding, potentially reaching farther distances. Timing and inputs are key. It’s undocumented and may be removed. If you like exploring mechanics, watch out for “supergliding.” It requires precise jumps and crouches. Results vary, practice is essential.
Miscellaneous Gliding Factoid: Glide Typing?
Lastly, glide typing is a fun fact. Genshin Impact offers it on mobile. Slide your finger between letters to type. Not related to Wind Glider, but it shares the “glide” connection. A bonus for completionists.
Now you have a guide to gliding in Genshin Impact. Go forth and explore Teyvat from the skies. Avoid crashing. Try not to do it too often.
