11 Genshin Impact clones: what to play in 2024 for a fan of the Asian hit

Genshin Impact is a real phenomenon and a gold mine for the miHoYo studio. The project includes everything that gamers love: a huge open world, many quests and, of course, dozens of cute anime girls and boys. It seems that it is impossible to tear yourself away from the game — regular updates steadily advance the plot and add entire continents. However, everything gets boring. If for some reason you start to get bored and want to play something similar, it's time to check out our top clones. In this article, we have collected 11 projects that are similar to Genshin in both atmosphere and gameplay.

The main source of inspiration for the creators of Genshin Impact is, of course, The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. This game features a huge open world, puzzles and lots of places to explore. As in the miHoYo project, you will search for treasures, fight various monsters and solve riddles.

There is only one character in Zelda, so you won't be able to assemble a squad of heroes. But gamers have at their disposal a huge arsenal of available tools and complex physics, which, unfortunately, are practically absent in Genshin Impact.

In battle, you must take into account weather conditions, the strength of equipment, and the weaknesses of your opponents. But not only battles await you ahead. The main character Link actively prepares food from everything that comes his way. You can combine different ingredients as you wish and learn the buffs of different dishes.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild also has elemental effects, but they work a little differently. Most often, you will think about the effects of cold or fire not to create a powerful combo, but in the process of survival. For example, without warm equipment in the cold, Link will simply freeze. In Genshin everything is much simpler, but the parallels are obvious. You will have to choose the right characters for specific situations and monitor their condition. If the heroes get wet, they will receive increased damage from electricity and cold, and against fiery enemies it is better to take someone who is not afraid of burns.

Link's Adventures is a Nintendo Switch exclusive, so you can only play it on that console.

Another «Impact» from miHoYo. The creators seem to really like this word. The game was released before Genshin, but is still available. The Valkyries must be controlled, but not from Valhalla. Events take place in a fictional world of the future. All fans of cyberpunk and science fiction will definitely like the atmosphere.

The game has a good plot, a lot of anime girls and cool combat. Battles are generally one of the main advantages of the project. They feel and look much smoother and more impressive than in Genshin Impact. The combat system revolves around quickly switching between characters with different styles, which not only opens up access to stronger combos, but also turns Honkai Impact 3rd into a real slasher game. Watching what is happening on the screen, you involuntarily remember Devil May Cry 5.

It's interesting that the images of the characters from the two projects often overlap, but for obvious reasons miHoYo cannot be convicted of plagiarism — the authors are the same. But pumping is done differently. As Valkyries develop, they will unlock new abilities, for example, shooting will be added to hand-to-hand combat.

The graphics are not very detailed, but the project is well optimized. At the same time, the level of production is pleasantly impressive. The intensity of passions in «Honkai» from the first minutes is much higher than in the story of the Traveler (the hero of Genshin Impact).

The game feels less demanding on donations and will not force you to pour in tons of money for the sake of a particularly deadly heroine. However, it was not without its shortcomings. The game does not have Russian localization, which can be a serious problem for many. Otherwise, we have before us «Genshin in a skirt» with all the ensuing pros and cons. Of course, the game has cross-play, so you can try to plunge into the new universe both on PC and on phones (iOS, Android).

Clone of The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild and Genshin Impact — only from Ubisoft. The game is largely based on Assassin's Creed Odyssey, but the main mechanics were carried over from the Nintendo Switch exclusive. The hero or heroine travels through Ancient Greece, fights mythological monsters and solves many puzzles. Almost all of them are tied to physics and the properties of objects — an arrow can be set on fire, a stone can be raised high or dropped on a button.

Phoenix, that's the character's name, is actively crafting, brewing potions and collecting tons of different ingredients. The combat system allows you to combine standard attacks and magical abilities, and instead of mounts there are special wings.

The game has bright cartoon graphics that bring back memories of Pixar projects, and also a good plot based on Ancient Greek myths. Although Immortals: Fenyx Rising does not have a team of characters, the atmosphere of the game is very similar to Genshin. You will always feel like a discoverer of a magical world full of secrets and mysteries. The project is available on all major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, but you won't be able to play it on phones.

Quite an old game that still deserves attention. The main characters are a couple of humanoid foxes or hedgehogs. They travel on their ship in search of the mother of one of the characters and constantly get involved in dubious adventures. In the future, the team will expand, which will allow changing protagonists at any time. Yes, yes, just like in Genshin Impact.

The combat system is a mixture of hand-to-hand combat and magic. At the same time, the spells are divided into elements, and each of the opponents is susceptible to something different. Let's add a bright fairy-tale world here and we'll get one of the most interesting Genshin clones.

Unfortunately, the game is desperately lacking polish. Many aspects of the gameplay feel too clunky or underdeveloped. There are a lot of abilities, but an indecent number of buttons are responsible for them, the open world is memorable, but the enemies that instantly enter into battle, which are almost impossible to run around, do not allow you to calmly explore it.

With crafting and collecting resources in Shiness: The Lightning Kingdom, everything is also not very great, and the graphics are far from ideal. Nevertheless, the game turned out to be unusual and, as they say, with a twist, so be sure to try it if Genshin Impact is already boring. The project was released on PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and even Mac, but was never ported to phones. The lack of Russian language can also be a problem.

One of the most unusual games in our top. Hardland has a completely generated world, and you only have one life. At the same time, you can do whatever you want — there are no restrictions. However, there is also a downside — without a journal and goal markers it is extremely difficult to complete quests, this can be intimidating.

If you don't read the dialogue carefully and memorize the information you receive, you won't learn important plot details. This kind of storytelling through the environment makes the game similar to Genshin Impact. In miHoYo's creation, you also have to read a lot of notes, listen to conversations of minor characters and complete optional tasks to get a complete understanding of what is happening.

Both projects encourage exploration and reward attention with rare loot. Hardland's combat system does not involve complex combos or multiple characters; the battles turned out to be quite monotonous. But the unusual visual style catches your eye. You will feel like you are playing with children's toys or a new LEGO set. The picture is successfully stylized, which immediately distinguishes Hardland from its competitors.

An interesting feature of the project was the redesigned cooking system. Depending on what you ate for dinner, you will see different dreams in which you will receive hints about the world and some gameplay features. In this case, the recipes are not saved anywhere — write everything down by hand in a notepad. Please note that the game was released only on PC, and there is no Russian language in it.

The latest entry in the famous franchise is more similar to Genshin Impact than it seems at first glance. You have four heroes at your disposal, each of whom has individual abilities and weapons. In battle, they can be given instructions on behalf of the central protagonist, Prince Noctis.

Just like in Genshin, you will move around a huge world, exploring ancient ruins and forgotten caves. An essential part of the adventure in Final Fantasy 15 is cooking. Dishes provide certain positive buffs that can greatly simplify a difficult battle. Genshin Impact has exactly the same system.

The main plot of Final Fantasy 15 is full of dialogues, staged battles and cutscenes, but in the side stories you will get to know the kingdom of Lucis and get to know its inhabitants better. There is something similar in Genshin, where optional tasks will allow you to learn a lot of interesting information about NPCs and members of your team.

Despite the differences in atmosphere, FF15 and Genshin Impact are very similar. Both games immerse you in a fairy-tale atmosphere full of mysteries, plot twists and epic battles. The project is available on all major platforms, there is even a version for mobile phones. A pleasant bonus will be complete Russian localization.

Another game with a large open world and many memorable characters. In the story, the player becomes a participant in the eternal conflict between two races and gets acquainted with different factions whose interests directly contradict each other.

A distinctive feature of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is its well-developed lore. People live on the backs of huge titans that slowly move around the world from the clouds. Not the most meticulous passage will take about 90 hours — and believe me, you won't be bored.

Xenoblade is similar to Genshin Impact in terms of the elements that heroes use in battle. It works on the «rock-paper-scissors» principle, so you will have to constantly monitor which energy is most effective in a particular situation.

The system for collecting materials is also similar. Particularly attentive players will notice parallels in the images of the characters, although this may be just a coincidence.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a classic jRPG with a combat system designed for turn-based battles of an entire team of heroes at once.

The projects also have a clear difference. Thus, Xenoblade has a clearly defined protagonist who takes a much greater part in what is happening than the faceless protagonist from Genshin.

Xenoblade is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch console. The game has Russian subtitles, which will greatly simplify understanding of what is happening.

Blue Protocol is a BANDAI NAMCO Studios project and a full-fledged MMO. From the first gameplay frames, you will immediately notice the similarity of the visual style with Genshin Impact.

There are no classes in the usual sense here. The player is free to choose a weapon and the abilities attached to it, which can be changed at any time. Despite the fact that there is only one character, the battle system is very similar to the change of heroes in the miHoYo project. You can start a battle as an archer, quickly switch to a warrior, and end as a mage.

The main distinguishing feature of Blue Protocol is co-op. At the same time, there is no PvP in the game, so together with other players you can only explore the world and destroy especially strong monsters.

The project is still at the stage of closed beta testing, but development is in full swing, so open access should be expected in the very near future.

Tower of Fantasy is another MMO clone of Genshin. This time everything takes place in a science fiction setting. You have to choose a game character — brother or sister. Note that there is a cool appearance editor here, this will help add personality to your hero.

The game also has its own analogue, Paimon, a small android assistant. You will have to fight with various raiders, robots and other inhabitants of the unhappy world of the future. An impressive arsenal will help you with this. Although the game has melee weapons — energy swords and staves — the main emphasis is on firearms: pistols, machine guns and other long-range guns.

The graphics in the game are reminiscent of Genshin Impact in the general visual style, but they are more detailed and detailed, which is a pleasant surprise.

But the combat systems are not similar. Instead of several fighters per team, here you need to choose three different guns for the hero. Each has its own special ability, and you can change them right during the battle. For local prayers, you will have to get mimics — special images that change the appearance of the character. Each such «suit» has its own recommended weapon. If you wear the full set, you will receive additional bonuses.

The game can already be downloaded to phones or PCs, but there is no Russian language in it.

One of the most obvious clones of Genshin Impact. The game is similar both visually and gameplay. Connoisseurs of miHoYo's creations will notice direct borrowings in the design of the menu and even the appearance of entire locations. Fortunately, there are differences. First of all, The Legend of Neverland only works on phones. Secondly, this is a multiplayer game with a strong emphasis on the online component.

If we talk about small details, then the clone has, although quite simple, customization of the main character, as well as full-fledged interchangeable equipment, which «Genshin» really lacks. Each pair of shoes, hat, or chest piece is different and looks different on the character. Even height changes depending on the height of the heels. Cool features include mounts. They are really different in the game and drawn in a curious way.

There is no team of characters here, but there are fairies. It works much the same as in Genshin Impact. You need to get new companions through the local equivalent of prayers. Fairies actively participate in battle, increasing the character's characteristics, or attack on their own. The battles are reminiscent of Genshin only visually. By choosing an initial class, you will develop strictly defined skills and talents.

In addition to the genocide of villains, there are also peaceful activities: collecting ore, crafting paints, fishing, creating runes and cooking. Each profession can be upgraded by completing certain tasks.

Unfortunately, the game lacks staging and epicness. No cool videos were delivered, and dialogues are displayed in a window with static portraits.

The newest clone of Genshin Impact from the creators of the original. The game is still in closed beta testing, but has already attracted the attention of fans of gacha adventures. Although the projects are very similar, Honkai Star Rail also has its own features.

In the role of a new silent protagonist, you will have to travel in space, resolve conflicts of entire planets and assemble a team of motley characters. It is too early to draw any conclusions about the game, but it is already known that the combat system has become different. Now battles take place in separate arenas, and fighters attack one at a time, just like in a traditional jRPG. Thanks to this, the attacks look much more epic than in Genshin, and you don't get tired of watching fantastic combos.

As in the original, the rarity of heroes is marked with stars. Blows are usually divided into strong and weak, and there are also area attacks.

The game clearly has a great future; the project promises to be many times larger and more epic than Genshin Impact. We hope that «Honkai» will be translated into Russian, and we have no doubt that it will be released on various platforms.

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What do you think of our selection? Write in the comments which game you liked as a replacement for Genshin Impact? Or maybe you haven't played enough of Genshin itself yet?