I never would have thought this game would become so relevant in my life. When it first launched on Sept. 28, 2020, my initial impression was that it was simply an anime ripoff of another game with similar exploration mechanics. Well, fast forward six years, and I am beyond happy to be celebrating Genshin Impact’s sixth anniversary. I stand corrected. Far from being a ripoff, this game has become one of the most unique gaming experiences I have ever had. As a long-time player, there are plenty of reasons why I am excited to celebrate Genshin’s birthday.
Each year, Genshin marks its anniversary by giving players special rewards, and this year’s rewards might be the most bountiful yet! To understand why this feels so exciting, it is worth revisiting past anniversary events and how they have improved over the years. Since the first anniversary in 2021, players have consistently received 20 wishes, the currency used to obtain characters. That changed with the game’s fourth anniversary in 2024, when HoYoverse introduced a free selectable five-star character. These characters come from the standard pool, meaning they are always available through the regular wish system. While two free 10-pulls and a selectable standard five-star character are certainly welcome rewards, many fans have long hoped that one day, Genshin would give away a limited five-star character for free.
Imagine my delight when I learned that, for the first time in its history, Genshin would indeed be giving away a limited five-star character for free! From the pool of six limited five-stars, players can choose one as long as they’re caught up with the game’s main story quest. I feel lucky — one of those options happens to be a character I regretted skipping ever since her release. Now, I’ll be able to get her, and for free!
As exciting as the anniversary rewards are, they’re not the entire reason why I am thrilled about Genshin’s current state. I am especially pleased with the amount of quality-of-life improvements that have made the game more enjoyable to play. To me, it has felt like over the past two years, the developers of the game have really prioritized making the gaming experience more convenient and rewarding.
For example, the game used to have a recurring issue where certain story quests would overlap with others, preventing players from progressing through the one they were actively completing. But with Focused Experience Mode, players can now prioritize a specific story quest and temporarily override the conflicting quests — allowing for a much more seamless playthrough. Daily commissions also feel easier to complete, with far greater flexibility in how players earn their daily rewards. Characters and weapon enhancing materials are more accessible than ever, making progression less of a grind. My favorite improvement, though, has to be the immersion and quality of the story quests themselves.
Ever since Nod-Krai, one of the game’s regions introduced in 2025, the story and immersion have been absolutely popping off! The way stories are narrated and experienced feels like it has taken a massive step forward. I was blown away by the level of detail and storytelling woven into the region’s quests. I can confidently say there is nothing I look forward to more than new main story quests, even more so now that we are reaching a critical point in its timeline.
The most recent region, Snezhnaya, was introduced this past August. Arguably one of the most hyped regions since the release of the “Teyvat Chapter Storyline Preview: Travail” trailer, where all of Teyvat’s playable regions were first teased. Let me tell you, things are about to get even more fun.
This anniversary, I get to play through story quests that dive into the deepest of Genshin’s lore and see the craziest of story events unfolding! I get to have an absolute blast discovering a region I’ve been tremendously excited for. I get to be blown away by more of this game’s breathtaking scenery and soundtrack; to feel great about the gameplay — and at the end of it all, I get a free character! Are you kidding me? This is everything I could have imagined five years ago and more!
This game has aged very well, and it continues to be one of my favourites. I am still awestruck by the sheer scale of it, and would highly recommend Genshin for anyone looking to experience it as one of the most unique free games I’ve ever seen.
Yeah, that’s right — you can get Genshin Impact for free!
