Genshin Impact is huge, but now is the best time to start playing

At times, Genshin ImpactIt can seem like an interminable to-do-list. Three large areas, story-focused missions that focus on characters, as well as world quests asking you to search the entire land for particular items, are all available. There’s also the gargantuan task of collecting characters and optimizing your party to counter a plethora of elemental enemies. Let’s just say it: Genshin ImpactIt can seem overwhelming. However, there is an opportunity for players who are not familiar with the game to jump in now because of a content shortage.

Genshin ImpactIt’s a fun, open-world adventure that you can play free of charge. You take the role as a Traveler who is searching for his or her lost brother. The game begins with you meeting a companion called Paimon who takes you on a lengthy adventure in the fantasy world Teyvat. In general, there is a gacha update about every six weeks. This updates include new characters and/or timed events. In April however, Hoyoverse, the developer, announced that the next update was being delayed. Devotees may be disappointed by the announcement, but the absence of new content created an opportunity for them to enter the game and begin the game.

Special challenges like the Irodori Festival and the Lantern Rite Festival can be difficult to accomplish between puzzles challenges and story quests. While these sorts of events can provide players the chance to see new combinations of characters interact and make cities feel more festive with special decorations, they’re a large commitment. They’re great options to have, but they can add to the overwhelming early-game content cascade.

Photo: Polygon via Hoyoverse

I was able to get into Genshin ImpactAround the Lantern Rite Festival, this extra story quest was added to my list of tasks. It was overwhelming to learn the details of the game and to figure out the best way to accomplish the various quests. Additionally, it was extremely hard to connect to any of the characters, since I wasn’t able to do the their respective story quests by the time the event arrived. It was ironic because many Lantern Rite members spoke about how important it is to take a moment and enjoy the beauty around us. But I treated these journeys as a job.

Now, I understand that content droughts aren’t usually a good thing in live-service games. However Genshin ImpactIt’s the first time I have felt relaxed since starting. With the slower pace, I’ve been able to message friends on Discord and spend more time thinking about how I want to build stronger characters and a better team. Sometimes I log in, complete my daily tasks, then go for a leisurely run around Mondstadt’s breezy grasslands, looking for flowers that will help my characters. It’s an exceptionally beautiful game, and these past few weeks have been sublime.

My virtual worlds should be able to allow me some time for leisure in real life. It can be difficult to feel the excitement of discovering a new place for the first-time, despite the pressure to keep up with the new battles and events. And with the drought, new players have been handed a rare opportunity to experience Teyvat without the pressure of “keeping up.” So go out there and pick some flowers!