Why Genshin Impact Is Missing from Steam and Where to Find It

Genshin Impact on Steam? Buckle Up, Travelers!

Itching to explore Teyvat’s landscapes? Want that elusive five-star character in Genshin Impact? Your first thought might be to open Steam. But hold on a minute. Before searching for Genshin Impact, let’s clarify a few points.

Steam’s Empty Space Where Genshin Should Be

To be clear: Genshin Impact is not on Steam. Yes, that’s correct. If you search the Steam store, you will find no sign of our beloved Traveler and Paimon. Don’t blame Steam, though. HoYoverse made this choice.

If you are on PC, you have options. The best way is to go to the official Genshin Impact website. Look for a big “PC Download” button ready for you to click. If you want more options, check the Epic Games Store. Genshin Impact is available there. Options are limited but viable.

Think of Genshin Impact as that popular kid who throws parties at their mansion and rents out the community center (Epic Games Store), but skips the Steam dance. Odd, right? But it gives us more room on the dance floor.

Sneaking Genshin Impact into Your Steam Library (Like a Ninja)

Genshin isn’t *on* Steam, but what if you want it in your Steam library? Don’t worry! You can add Genshin Impact as a non-Steam game. It’s not a proper Steam release, but it helps organize your library.

Here is how to do it:

1. Download and install Genshin Impact from either the official website or the Epic Games Store.
2. Open Steam and go to your Steam Library.
3. Click “Add a Game” at the bottom left corner of Steam.
4. Select “Add a Non-Steam Game…” from the menu.
5. A window with applications will pop up. If “Genshin Impact” is there, tick the box and click “Add Selected Programs.”
6. If not, click “Browse…” and navigate to where you installed Genshin Impact.
7. Find “GenshinImpact.exe” and select it. Click “Open.”
8. Back in the “Add a Game” window, ensure Genshin Impact is selected and click “Add Selected Programs“.

Voila! Genshin Impact shows up in your Steam library. Right-click on it, go to “Properties,” and add a custom name and artwork. It won’t track your playtime but brings that organizational bliss.

Genshin Impact and the Steam Deck: A Match Made in…Proton?

For handheld warriors, the question remains: Can you play Genshin Impact on the Steam Deck? Yes! But, there’s a catch. Genshin Impact isn’t officially verified for Steam Deck and is not available directly on the platform.

The Steam Deck is essentially a portable PC. You can install the Genshin Impact client directly onto your Steam Deck. This requires entering Desktop Mode, tinkering with Proton compatibility layers, and checking online guides. YouTube will help.

This isn’t as simple as plug-and-play like some verified games, but the Genshin community has made it work. You may need time for setup and to adjust graphics settings for performance. But playing Genshin on the go is very doable.

Beyond Steam: Where Else Can You Embark on Your Adventure?

Where else can you play Genshin Impact? Let’s examine some other options:

• Epic Games Store: A solid choice for PC and direct downloads.
• Official Genshin Impact Website: The straightforward way to get the PC client.
• Mobile (iOS & Android): Genshin is huge in mobile gaming! Check the App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android for quick commissions on the go.
• PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5: Console gamers can enjoy Genshin Impact on both PlayStation generations.
• Xbox Series X/S: Microsoft’s latest consoles also host Teyvat’s adventures.
• Cloud Gaming Services: If you have a good internet connection, play Genshin Impact via Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce NOW in supported regions. It’s like streaming directly.

Notably absent here is the Microsoft Store (Windows Store). While Genshin is on Xbox consoles and Cloud Gaming, no direct download exists through the Microsoft Store. It’s a bit puzzling, but that’s how game distribution goes.

Quick Pit Stop: Minimum PC Specs, Account Shenanigans, and Error Codes

Before downloading Genshin Impact, keep these quick points in mind:

• PC Minimum Requirements: Make sure your setup can handle it! At least something like an Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, an Nvidia GeForce GT 1030, 8GB of RAM, and around 30GB of storage space. If your PC is older than your grandmother’s phone, consider an upgrade. Older rigs might not launch the game.
• HoYoverse Account Linking: Note that some servers lack support for linking accounts. Specifically, Huawei and Steam servers don’t support linking HoYoverse accounts. This may matter only if you’re switching platforms.
• Error Code 4201: Encountering this error? It usually indicates connection issues. First, check server status websites like Downdetector. If servers are fine, it may be your internet or firewall.
• Genshin Impact Difficulty: If Teyvat seems challenging, don’t worry; you’re not alone. The game’s difficulty relies on character builds and artifact farming. Master elemental reactions, learn character synergies, and grind for artifacts to conquer tough content.

So, there you have it! The details on Genshin Impact’s Steam situation. It may not be on Steam, but plenty of ways exist to jump into this amazing game. Now go explore Teyvat, and may your wishes be ever in your favor!