Having made its debut in 2020, there are only a handful of games like Genshin Impact available. But the experiences that are similar to miHoYo's open-world titan are a real good time.
When we think about games like Genshin Impact, we're looking for games that might have a similar blend of Zelda-style free exploration with an inviting free-to-play gacha mechanic. Or RPGs that otherwise offer us a selection of cheery heroes to meet and a beautiful world with a distinctive signature art style to explore. You'll find all of that and more on this list of the best games like Genshin Impact.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
A lot of the mechanics in Genshin Impact borrow heavily from the Nintendo Switch smash hit, from the effect of different elemental attacks to the ability to knock together delicious meals from ingredients you find in the world. There's gliding too, and puzzles littered throughout Teyvat, just like in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Of course, Zelda comes with the added bonus of just having one hero to worry about, instead of a team of expanding characters, and that old Nintendo magic.
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Developer: Ubisoft
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
If you want a giant colorful world to explore and puzzles to solve without having to worry about gacha mechanics or managing a team, Ubisoft's adventure inspired by Greek myth and legend will scratch your itch. You play as Fenyx, a young hero who finds themselves in a land where her friends have been turned to stone and monsters like harpies and gorgons and having a grand old time. You can explore the world by climbing, flying, and racing around on various mounts, and there's crafting, challenges, and a bunch of crazy gods to deal with.
Honkai: Star Rail
Developer: miHoYo
Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, PS5
Honkai: Star Rail is one of the best games like Genshin Impact, and chances are, you've already heard of it. Created by the same studio, Honkai: Star Rail is a JRPG that features a similar gacha-style gameplay with all the vivid characters and madcap antics you'd expect from Genshin. It's the first turn-based game from miHoYo, and paired with some dynamic QOL changes, the refined formula has made Star Rail a breakout success among Genshin fans. It recently launched on PS5 following a very successful mobile and PC release, so if you've been on the fence about trying it out, now is as good a time as any to get stuck in.
Final Fantasy 14
Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PC, PS4
Just looking for a huge online world you can get lost in for weeks at a time? Final Fantasy 14 is an MMORPG with all the lore and history of the classic series on its side, combined with the ability to fully customize your character and experience. Right now the game has around 20 million players and a huge cult following, and there are regular updates - like Shadowbringers in 2019 - to keep expanding the adventure. If you've ever wanted to do your exploring with a Chocobo companion, this is the game for you.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Developer: Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Platform(s): PS4, PC
You want cute JRPG adventuring? Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom has it by the adorable bucketload, and wouldn't look out of place at Studio Ghibli. (The first game in the series was actually made in collaboration with the legendary animation studio, and the look lives on in the sequel.) As well as the usual JRPG quests and combat, this game comes with a Pokemon-style system of Higgledies, little creatures you can collect in the world and call to your aide in battle. Ni No Kuni 2 also packs in kingdom management, letting you upgrade key buildings and staff them with NPCs you meet in the world, and a chibi style battle system.
Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
If rampaging through a magical world with a gang of heroes, visiting towns, and smashing up slimes get your heart racing, the Dragon Quest 11 will give you hours and hours of questing and JRPG goodness. The game follows the story of a legendary hero called the Luminary and an evil sorcerer. There are errands to run, weapons to buy, NPCs to banter endlessly with, and all delivered in the appealing Dragon Quest art style. Recently given a polish for newer consoles, there's a retro 2D visual mode for anyone who wants to pretend they're a time traveler.
Tales of Arise
Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
If you're looking to sink your teeth into a massive, stylish RPG then you need not look much further than Tales of Arise. It has many of the same components as Genshin Impact, albeit presented in an entirely different way – awesome open-world to explore, deep RPG mechanics, great character building, and even a little resource gathering. Tales of Arise will keep you busy for a couple of weeks, so this is definitely one to play when you have a lot of time to kill.
Love Genshin Impact because it's free-to-play? Here are the 25 best free games you can play right now
