# List of Genshin Impact characters

The cast of characters in HoYoverse's Genshin Impact hails from the continent of Teyvat, which has seven nations: Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya. Each nation is ruled by one of seven Archons, or gods. The seven Archons stand for seven different elements: Anemo (air), Geo (earth), Pyro (fire), Hydro (water), Cryo (ice), Electro (electricity), and Dendro (plant). Nearly all playable characters control one of these elements with help from a Vision, a device Celestia grants to those with great ambitions, with the exception of some characters who control the elements through their own supernatural powers, such as the Archons, Dainsleif, Neuvillette, and the Traveler (Aether/Lumine).

## Character creation and design

Some of Genshin Impact's characters were first introduced in an official manga released prior to the game's launch.
Genshin Impact producer Cai Haoyu said that characters are one of the most important components of the game. The characters have unique gameplay based on different elements, which represent the cultural characteristics of the respective regions the characters are from. The multi-character design of the game is derived from Japanese card games. To meet the needs of players, new characters will be continuously introduced. At the same time, contrary to mainstream and past designs that used characters to serve the plot, the production team made a design in which the narrative is centered on characters, carrying out multi-plotline parallel narratives under the same worldview. In addition, the characters of Genshin Impact are the main source of profit for the game, while other content in the game is provided to players for free.
Each character is designed by a team rather than an individual and there are no "art director" or "creative director" positions in MiHoYo. The production team will first establish the character's background story and place of residence, then conduct internal discussions and brainstorming. The production team will work as a group to evaluate the character's art style, background design, and gameplay mechanics based on player preferences. After the character concept design is established, the character design process will enter the modeling stage. The production team will continuously review the character's 3D model to ensure that it is consistent with the concept drawing. In terms of character rendering, the in-game character model and the scene are rendered independently. The scene uses deferred shading, while the characters use forward rendering, allowing the production team to control all lighting effects to ensure that the effect of the character presentation always meets the artist's expectations. To maintain the display effect of the character's face, a system that will automatically adjust according to the direction of the main light source was designed. In terms of the overall shadow effect of the character, the production team will ensure the cartoonishness of the character through cel shading, allowing the character to be affected by real-time light sources.
In terms of character artificial intelligence (AI) design, the production team has been developing the game's character AI system since 2017. AI is mainly divided into three categories: humans, wildlife, and non-player characters (NPCs) in combat. There were more than 200 types of AI in the early stages of the game. With the increase in AI brought about by game updates, the production team designed an AI framework and established an independent AI pipeline, breaking the inference modules into different categories according to each function to facilitate subsequent updates and maintenance. The character's behavior is based on a decision tree system to determine the character's skills or movements, and the data will be imported into the animation system for execution. The entire system facilitates giving NPCs different personalities and special abilities, also allowing boss-type characters to have unique actions.
In terms of character background setting, the production team will create the character image by building interpersonal relationships for the character and refining the regional cultural background of the character's origin. Before the character is officially launched in the game, miHoYo will release character-related videos through its official social media accounts for promotion. In the initial stage, "Character Teasers" will be released to show the character's image, identity and personality. This kind of video is usually produced in Live2D to help players establish a first impression of the character and spark discussion among players about the character. After that, the "Character Demo" videos are released, showing the character's 3D model, combat animation, skill effects, and some story clips about the character. Finally, "Collected Miscellany" videos show how to use the character's skills, basic stat changes and other information, also explaining the character's personality based on the worldview.
After the character is officially launched in the game, the production team will launch a character-specific plot, or add content for the character to interact with players in the main storyline and event quests so that the character can attract players' attention soon after its launch. If the player obtains the character, they can obtain more information about the character through character stories. The stories will be gradually unlocked as the player's friendship level with the character increases. In the character's voice-over list, players can see and listen to the character's views on other characters. In addition to showing the character's interpersonal relationships, this also shows the character's personality and values. Some voice lines in the voice-over sections tease things to come, serving as hints and references to upcoming content in the game, including new characters.
On character birthdays or during in-game events, players will receive letters from relevant characters to increase interaction with players. miHoYo has launched character design surveys to gather feedback on players' opinions on the game's character designs, including what they look for in characters, whether the character's design is close to reality, fits their identity and personality, is original, lines up with other from the same faction, or contains regional cultural elements.
Outside of the game, miHoYo will sometimes launch fan creation activities for specific characters to guide players to participate in discussion and creation, better promoting the characters. The free official manga allows players and fans of characters to spend more time with characters while introducing new characters to them, helping players better understand the game's lore and shedding light on the backgrounds of upcoming characters or those not in the game. In the collaborative activities with KFC, the characters participating in the activities will appear as another side of their persona that is different from their in-game side, with a more modern and lifelike essence.
In terms of gameplay, the playable characters have constellations. When the player obtains the character for the first time, it is called "C0". After that, when the same character is acquired repeatedly, the constellations will be activated, which can provide additional status effects; each character has six constellation levels. The character's constellation name and the names of each level are usually related to the character's setting and identity. For example, Hu Tao's constellation name (Papilio Charontis) is related to work in the deathcare industry. The player can choose the Traveler's in-game birthday and celebrate the birthdays of all other playable characters plus Paimon. On character birthdays, the player will receive a short message from the character, including their signature dish and other items; for the Traveler, a birthday cake is sent to the player via in-game mail.
When designing characters, the designers first decide who the character is at their core as well as their needs, then may design them to fit that original idea and those needs. Designers may also consider the relation of a character to other characters in Teyvat: for instance, the elegant and reserved opera singer Yun Jin was designed to juxtapose the fiery and unbound rock star Xinyan.
Many characters are derived from legends of certain nations: for instance, the adepti of Liyue are based on the Xian of Daoism. The idea of the Vision is derived from Daoism: in the game, the concept of a third eye manifests itself in humans in the form of their Vision. Some characters are named after historical or literary figures; for example, Alhaitham, Tighnari, and Xiangling are named after Ibn al-Haytham, Al-Tighnari, and Xiangling from Dream of the Red Chamber.

## Characters
### Playable

The following is a table that lists all currently confirmed playable characters by region in alphabetical order. All playable characters are associated with a specific region, with the exception of the Travelers and Aloy, who come from their own world.
All characters wield one of 5 weapon types: swords, polearms, claymores, bows, or catalysts.

#### Outlanders

| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Traveler (Aether) | Changeable | Sword | ZH: Luyin (Dong Hailong) EN: Zach Aguilar JA: Shun Horie KO: Lee Kyung-tae [ko] | The main protagonist of the game, commonly referred to as the Traveler. Players can choose to play as either Aether (male) or Lumine (female), while the other becomes the leader of the Abyss Order. After being separated from their twin, they embark on a journey to meet the gods of Teyvat and reunite with their lost sibling. Players can name the Traveler at the beginning of the game. The name chosen by the player will be the name used to refer to the Traveler in-game. Only the Traveler's Sibling calls the Traveler by their real name. In Natlan, their Ancient Name is Tumaini (Hope). |
| Traveler (Lumine) | Changeable | Sword | ZH: Yanning (Geng Minglin) EN: Sarah Miller-Crews JA: Aoi Yūki KO: Lee Sae-a [ko] | The main protagonist of the game, commonly referred to as the Traveler. Players can choose to play as either Aether (male) or Lumine (female), while the other becomes the leader of the Abyss Order. After being separated from their twin, they embark on a journey to meet the gods of Teyvat and reunite with their lost sibling. Players can name the Traveler at the beginning of the game. The name chosen by the player will be the name used to refer to the Traveler in-game. Only the Traveler's Sibling calls the Traveler by their real name. In Natlan, their Ancient Name is Tumaini (Hope). |
| Aloy | Cryo | Bow | ZH: Li Mufei EN: Giselle Fernandez JA: Ayahi Takagaki KO: Jo Hyeon-jeong | The protagonist of Horizon Zero Dawn. She was added to the game for a limited time as part of a collaboration between miHoYo and Guerrilla Games. |

#### Mondstadt

Mondstadt was released in September 2020.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Albedo | Geo | Sword | ZH: Mace (Lu Minyue) EN: Khoi Dao JA: Kenji Nojima KO: Kim Myung-jun | The Chief Alchemist of the Knights of Favonius and the Captain of its Investigation Team. Albedo is not human, but rather a homunculus created by the Khaenri'ahan alchemist Rhinedottir. |
| Amber | Pyro | Bow | ZH: Cai Shujin EN: Kelly Baskin JA: Manaka Iwami KO: Kim Yeon-woo | An outgoing, gregarious Knight of Favonius and the only member of its Outrider unit; she is widely regarded as the gliding champion of Mondstadt. Amber is the first playable character that players obtain in the game, other than the Traveler. |
| Barbara | Hydro | Catalyst | ZH: Song Yuanyuan EN: Laura Stahl JA: Akari Kitō KO: Yun Ah-yeong [ko] | The Deaconess of the Church of Favonius and the younger sister of Jean, who is also a famous idol. Players can obtain Barbara after completing the prologue of the main story. |
| Bennett | Pyro | Sword | ZH: Mu Xueting EN: Cristina Vee JA: Ryōta Ōsaka KO: Song Ha-rim [ko] | A member of the Mondstadt branch of the Adventurers' Guild, who is well known for his almost supernaturally bad luck. |
| Diluc | Pyro | Claymore | ZH: Ma Yang EN: Sean Chiplock JA: Kensho Ono KO: Choi Seung-hoon [ko] | A solitary businessman and vintner who was formerly the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius. He and Kaeya grew up as adopted brothers, but are no longer on friendly terms. He secretly operates as a vigilante nicknamed "the Darknight Hero". |
| Diona | Cryo | Bow | ZH: Nuoya (Zhang Yazhu) EN: Dina Sherman JA: Shiori Izawa KO: Woo Jeong-sin [ko] | An alcohol-hating bartender who works at the Cat's Tail and is a descendant of the Kätzlein bloodline. She has some cute cat features.(cat ears and tail) |
| Eula | Cryo | Claymore | ZH: Ziyin (Qi Tianyi) EN: Suzie Yeung JA: Rina Satō KO: Kim Hyeon-ji [ko] | A descendant of the Lawrence Clan, whose tyrannical rule of Mondstadt eventually resulted in its overthrow and exile. She currently works for the Knights of Favonius as the Captain of its Reconnaissance Company. |
| Fischl | Electro | Bow | ZH: Mace (Lu Minyue) EN: Brittany Cox JA: Maaya Uchida KO: Park Go-woon [ko] | An eccentric investigator for the Adventurers' Guild who claims to be a princess from another world. Her real name is Amy and she is based on the chūnibyō trope. |
| Jean | Anemo | Sword | ZH: Lin Su (Tang Suling) EN: Stephanie Southerland JA: Chiwa Saitō KO: Ahn Young-mi [ko] | The Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and Barbara's older sister, regarded as the Dandelion Knight. |
| Kaeya | Cryo | Sword | ZH: Sun Ye EN: Josey Montana McCoy JA: Kohsuke Toriumi KO: Jeong Joo-won [ko] | The Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius and Diluc's adopted brother. Kaeya is the second character that players obtain in the game. Kaeya originally hails from the mysterious nation of Khaenri’ah and serves as a sleeper agent for one of their ancient plots. |
| Klee | Pyro | Catalyst | ZH: Hualing (Lin Min) EN: Poonam Basu JA: Misaki Kuno KO: Bang Yeon-ji [ko] | A cheerful young girl who refers to herself as the Spark Knight and is the daughter of Alice, a powerful sorceress. Klee's obsession with explosives at a young age has caused her to often be in solitary confinement. |
| Lisa | Electro | Catalyst | ZH: Zhong Ke EN: Mara Junot JA: Rie Tanaka KO: Park Go-woon [ko] | The head librarian of the Knights of Favonius and a former student of the Sumeru Akademiya. She is the third character that players can obtain in the game. |
| Mika | Cryo | Polearm | ZH: Deng Youxi EN: Robb Moreira JA: Yūko Sanpei KO: Yoon Eun-seo [ko] | An anxious cartographer for the Knights of Favonius and a member of its Reconnaissance Company. |
| Mona | Hydro | Catalyst | ZH: Chen Tingting EN: Felecia Angelle JA: Konomi Kohara KO: Woo Jeong-sin [ko] | A stern astrologist who often finds herself strapped for money. |
| Noelle | Geo | Claymore | ZH: Yanning (Geng Minglin) EN: Laura Faye Smith JA: Kanon Takao KO: Lee Bo-hee | A maid employed by the Knights of Favonius who dreams of someday joining their ranks. She is one of the first characters that players can obtain through the "Beginner's Wish" banner. |
| Razor | Electro | Claymore | ZH: Zhou Shuai EN: Todd Haberkorn JA: Koki Uchiyama KO: Kim Seo-yeong | A mysterious boy who was raised by wolves in Wolvendom. |
| Rosaria | Cryo | Polearm | ZH: Zhang Anqi EN: Elizabeth Maxwell JA: Ai Kakuma KO: Kim Bo-na [ko] | A sister of the Church of Favonius who rarely participates in church activities and protects Mondstadt from the shadows. |
| Sucrose | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Xiaogan (Yan Yinan) EN: Valeria Rodriguez JA: Akane Fujita KO: Kim Ha-yeong [ko] | A shy alchemist and Albedo's assistant. |
| Venti | Anemo | Bow | ZH: Miaojiang (Yao Yanze) EN: Erika Harlacher JA: Ayumu Murase KO: Jung Yoo-jung | A carefree bard fond of drinking, and the human vessel of the Anemo Archon, Barbatos. |

#### Liyue

Liyue was released in September 2020.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Baizhu | Dendro | Catalyst | ZH: Qin Qiege EN: Sean Durrie JA: Kōji Yusa KO: Lee Hosan [ko] | The owner of the Bubu Pharmacy and guardian of the jiangshi Qiqi. |
| Beidou | Electro | Claymore | ZH: Tang Yajing EN: Allegra Clark JA: Ami Koshimizu KO: Jeong Yoo-mi [ko] | The Captain of the Crux, an armed fleet famous for their daring adventures. |
| Chongyun | Cryo | Claymore | ZH: kinsen (Jin Chuan) EN: Beau Bridgland JA: Soma Saito KO: Yang Jeong-hwa [ko] | An exorcist with a pure-yang spirit able to drive away evil spirits, who has never actually seen a spirit to exorcise it. |
| Gaming | Pyro | Claymore | ZH: Xie Ying EN: Caleb Yen JA: Shohei Komatsu [ja] KO: Kim Yoon-ki [ko] | A guard of the Sword and Strongbox Secure Transport Agency, which escorts goods from Yilong Wharf to Liyue Harbor. As the head of the Mighty Mythical Beasts, he seeks to make the Wushou Dance a regular occurrence in Liyue Harbor. |
| Ganyu | Cryo | Bow | ZH: Lin Su (Tang Suling) EN: Jennifer Losi JA: Reina Ueda KO: Kim Sun-hye [ko] | The half-qilin secretary of the Liyue Qixing. She is also an adeptus, a species of illuminated beasts native to Liyue, and is currently bound by a contract involving the Geo Archon. |
| Hu Tao | Pyro | Polearm | ZH: Tao Dian [zh] EN: Brianna Knickerbocker JA: Rie Takahashi KO: Kim Ha-ru [ko] | The 77th Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, who is carefree and lively. She never misses an opportunity to sell coffins to people, and enjoys playing pranks on others. |
| Keqing | Electro | Sword | ZH: Xie Ying EN: Kayli Mills JA: Eri Kitamura KO: Lee Bo-hee [ko] | A member of the Liyue Qixing, the governing body of Liyue, who manages the nation's real estate. Some consider her odd due to her lack of devotion to the Archons. |
| Lan Yan | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Liu Shisi EN: Anna Devlin JA: Shion Wakayama KO: Kim Soon-mi | The master rattan weaver of the Chenyu Vale Artisans Association. |
| Ningguang | Geo | Catalyst | ZH: Du Mingya EN: Erin Ebers JA: Sayaka Ohara KO: Gwak Gyu-mi [ko] | The owner of the Jade Chamber and a wealthy businesswoman in charge of maintaining the law on behalf of the Liyue Qixing. |
| Qiqi | Cryo | Sword | ZH: Yanning (Geng Minglin) EN: Christie Cate JA: Yukari Tamura KO: Lee Seul [ko] | A jiangshi herb gatherer working for the Bubu Pharmacy who the adepti resurrected. |
| Shenhe | Cryo | Polearm | ZH: Qin Ziyi EN: Chelsea Kwoka JA: Ayako Kawasumi KO: Lee Hyun-jin [ko] | A cursed human woman who grew up as a disciple of the adepti and is a relative of Chongyun, whom he calls his aunt. |
| Xiangling | Pyro | Polearm | ZH: Xiao N (Jiang Li) EN: Jackie Lastra JA: Ari Ozawa KO: Yun A-yeong [ko] | The head chef of Wanmin Restaurant, accompanied by a small bear named Guoba. Players can obtain Xiangling by completing Floor 3 of the Spiral Abyss. |
| Xianyun | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Qin Ziyi EN: Stephanie Panisello JA: Mana Nakatomi [ja] KO: Kang Si-hyeon [ko] | The human form of Cloud Retainer, a knowledgeable yet chatty adeptus. She is one of Morax's old allies, as well as Ganyu and Shenhe's mentor. |
| Xiao | Anemo | Polearm | ZH: kinsen (Jin Chuan) EN: Laila Berzins JA: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka KO: Sim Kyu-hyuk [ko] | The sole remaining member of the Yaksha, a specialised group of adepti tasked with protecting Liyue from evil gods and spirits, at the cost of being infected with karma. |
| Xingqiu | Hydro | Sword | ZH: Tang Yajing EN: Cristina Vee JA: Junko Minagawa KO: Gwak Gyu-mi [ko] | The second son to the head of the Feiyun Commerce Guild and a practitioner of the Guhua martial arts. |
| Xinyan | Pyro | Claymore | ZH: Wang Yaxin EN: Laura Stahl JA: Chiaki Takahashi KO: Kim Chae-ha [ko] | A popular rock and roll musician. |
| Yanfei | Pyro | Catalyst | ZH: Su Ziwu EN: Lizzie Freeman JA: Yumiri Hanamori KO: Cho Kyung-yi [ko] | A half-xiezhi legal adviser and one of the few adepti not under contract to the Geo Archon. |
| Yaoyao | Dendro | Polearm | ZH: Liu Yinuo EN: Kelsey Jaffer JA: Mai Kadowaki KO: Yu Hye-ji [ko] | A young adepti disciple, despite being an ordinary human, and Ganyu's assistant. |
| Yelan | Hydro | Bow | ZH: Xu Hui EN: Laura Post JA: Aya Endō KO: Min-a [ko] | A mysterious woman operating as an intelligence agent for Ningguang. |
| Yun Jin | Geo | Polearm | ZH: He Wenxiao EN: Judy Alice Lee JA: Kotori Koiwai KO: Sa Mun-yeong [ko] | An elegant opera singer of the Heyu Tea House. (Vocals performed by ZH: Yang Yang in all languages.) |
| Zhongli | Geo | Polearm | ZH: Peng Bo EN: Keith Silverstein JA: Tomoaki Maeno KO: Pyo Yeong-jae | A consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the human vessel of the Geo Archon, Morax. |

#### Inazuma

Inazuma was released in July 2021.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Arataki Itto | Geo | Claymore | ZH: Liu Zhaokun EN: Max Mittelman JA: Takanori Nishikawa KO: Song Joon-seok | A mischievous oni and leader of the Arataki Gang. |
| Chiori | Geo | Sword | ZH: Chen Yang EN: Brittany Lauda JA: Ayana Taketatsu KO: Lee Da-eun [ko] | A famous fashion designer from Inazuma who is currently running Chioriya Boutique in Fontaine. |
| Gorou | Geo | Bow | ZH: Yang Xinran EN: Cory Yee JA: Tasuku Hatanaka KO: Lee Sae-byeok [ko] | The general of the Watatsumi Army, a resistance group fighting to overturn some of Inazuma's policies. |
| Kaedehara Kazuha | Anemo | Sword | ZH: Banma (Ma Banma) [zh] EN: Mark Whitten JA: Nobunaga Shimazaki KO: Kim Shin-woo [ko] | A ronin and poet who is a temporary member of Beidou's crew. Despite his remarkable skill with a blade, Kazuha is a gentle soul who wishes to travel without the burdens of his past. |
| Kamisato Ayaka | Cryo | Sword | ZH: Xiao N (Jiang Li) EN: Erica Mendez JA: Saori Hayami KO: Lee Yu-ri [ko] | The daughter of the Yashiro Commission's Kamisato Clan and Ayato's younger sister. |
| Kamisato Ayato | Hydro | Sword | ZH: Zhao Lu [zh] EN: Chris Hackney JA: Akira Ishida KO: Jang Min-hyeok | The head of the Yashiro Commission and Ayaka's older brother. |
| Kirara | Dendro | Sword | ZH: Sun Yangqi EN: Julia Gu JA: Sayumi Suzushiro KO: Kang Eun-ae [ko] | A nekomata who works as a courier at Komaniya Express. |
| Kujou Sara | Electro | Bow | ZH: Yang Menglu EN: Jeannie Tirado JA: Asami Seto KO: Mun Ji-yeong [ko] | A tengu who is a war general and adopted daughter of the Kujou Clan, a clan that serves the Shogun and helps execute her policies. |
| Kuki Shinobu | Electro | Sword | ZH: Yang Ning [zh] EN: Kira Buckland JA: Kaori Mizuhashi KO: Kim Yool [ko] | The deputy leader of the Arataki Gang, who takes it upon herself to keep them out of trouble. |
| Raiden Shogun | Electro | Polearm | ZH: Ju Huahua (Jiang Jingju) EN: Anne Yatco JA: Miyuki Sawashiro KO: Park Ji-yoon [ko] | A bionic puppet serving as the vessel of the Electro Archon, Raiden Ei, as well as the current shogun of Inazuma. |
| Sangonomiya Kokomi | Hydro | Catalyst | ZH: Guiniang (Du Qingqing) [zh] EN: Risa Mei JA: Suzuko Mimori KO: Yeo Yun-mi [ko] | The leader of the Watatsumi Army and the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island. |
| Sayu | Anemo | Claymore | ZH: Sakula Xiaowu EN: LilyPichu JA: Aya Suzaki KO: Lee Ji-hyeon [ko] | A mujina ninja who is a member of the Shuumatsuban, an organization the Yashiro Commission secretly runs. She believes that sleeping will make her grow taller. |
| Shikanoin Heizou | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Lin Jing EN: Kieran Regan JA: Yūichi Iguchi KO: Jeong-Ui-jin [ko] | A detective associated with the Tenryou Commission. |
| Thoma | Pyro | Polearm | ZH: Zhang Pei EN: Christian Banas JA: Masakazu Morita KO: Ryu Seung-gon [ko] | The chief housekeeper of the Kamisato Clan, who originates from Mondstadt. |
| Yae Miko | Electro | Catalyst | ZH: Du Mingya EN: Ratana JA: Ayane Sakura KO: Moon Yoo-jeong [ko] | A clever kitsune and the owner of the Yae Publishing House. She is also the head shrine maiden of the Grand Narukami shrine and an old friend of Raiden Ei. |
| Yoimiya | Pyro | Bow | ZH: Jin Na EN: Jenny Yokobori JA: Kana Ueda KO: Bak Sin-hee | The lively owner of Naganohara Fireworks, who the people of Inazuma have nicknamed the "Queen of the Summer Festival". |
| Yumemizuki Mizuki | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Fu Meng Ruo Wei EN: Naomi McDonald JA: Saya Aizawa KO: Kim Seo-hyun [ko] | A yumekui-baku who is a clinical psychologist with remarkable talent for reading minds and major shareholder of Aisa Bathhouse. |

#### Sumeru

Sumeru was released in August 2022, and introduced the Dendro element to the game.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Alhaitham | Dendro | Sword | ZH: Yang Chaoran EN: Nazeeh Tarsha JA: Yūichirō Umehara KO: Jun Seunghwa [ko] | The aloof Scribe of the Sumeru Akademiya, who is responsible for documenting their findings. |
| Candace | Hydro | Polearm | ZH: Zhang Qi [zh] EN: Shara Kirby JA: Ryoka Yuzuki KO: Jeon Yeongsu [ko] | The steadfast guardian of Aaru Village. |
| Collei | Dendro | Bow | ZH: Qin Wenjing EN: Christina Costello JA: Ryoko Maekawa KO: Bang Si-woo | An Avidya Forest Ranger trainee under Tighnari's mentorship and a close friend of Amber. She is one of the main characters of the manga, which details her traumatic past. Players can obtain Collei by completing Floor 4 of the Spiral Abyss. |
| Cyno | Electro | Polearm | ZH: Li Qingyang EN: Alejandro Saab JA: Miyu Irino KO: Lee Woo-ri [ko] & Jung Eui-jin [ko] | The intimidating General Mahamatra of the Matra, a group of disciplinary officers who work for the Akademiya. |
| Dehya | Pyro | Claymore | ZH: Chen Yu EN: Amber May JA: Ayaka Fukuhara KO: Kim Hyeon-sim [ko] | A hired bodyguard who is a member of the Eremites, a group of mercenaries from Sumeru's deserts. |
| Dori | Electro | Claymore | ZH: Wang Xiaotong EN: Anjali Kunapaneni JA: Tomoko Kaneda KO: Lee Myeong-ho [ko] | An enterprising and clever merchant who is obsessed with money. Dori is also the owner of the Palace of Alcazarzaray, which was designed by Kaveh. |
| Faruzan | Anemo | Bow | ZH: Yan Mengmeng EN: Chandni Parekh JA: Yui Horie KO: Kim You-rim [ko] | An Akademiya professor who has recently returned to the institution after being trapped in ancient ruins for a century. |
| Kaveh | Dendro | Claymore | ZH: Liu Sanmu EN: Ben Balmaceda JA: Yuma Uchida KO: Lee Jung-min [ko] | An esteemed architect whose projects have bankrupt him. He is sensitive, empathetic, and idealistic. |
| Layla | Cryo | Sword | ZH: Hou Xiaofei EN: Ashely Biski JA: Miyu Tomita KO: Kang Sae-Bom [ko] | A theoretical astrology student at the Sumeru Akademiya who suffers from chronic sleep deprivation. It is also possible that she has a more lively, pragmatic alter ego. |
| Nahida | Dendro | Catalyst | ZH: Hualing (Lin Min) EN: Kimberley Anne Campbell JA: Yukari Tamura KO: Park Shi-Yoon [ko] | The human vessel of the Dendro Archon, who is known as Lesser Lord Kusanali to her citizens. She is the Dendro Archon after Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. |
| Nilou | Hydro | Sword | ZH: Zisu Jiuyue EN: Dani Chambers JA: Hisako Kanemoto KO: Chae Rim [ko] | A gentle and talented dancer, and the star of the Zubayr Theater. Her outfit is based off of the Goddess of Flowers outfit. |
| Sethos | Electro | Bow | ZH: Li Lanling [zh] EN: Zeno Robinson JA: Shōya Chiba KO: Kim Dong-hyun [ko] | The heir of the Temple of Silence and a former vessel of Hermanubis. |
| Tighnari | Dendro | Bow | ZH: Moran EN: Zachary Gordon JA: Sanae Kobayashi KO: Jung Ui-taek [ko] | The stern, hardworking chief officer of the Avidya Forest Rangers. |
| Wanderer | Anemo | Catalyst | ZH: Luyin (Dong Hailong) EN: Patrick Pedraza JA: Tetsuya Kakihara KO: Min Seung-woo [ko] | The former Sixth Fatui Harbinger, Scaramouche, also known as the Balladeer and Kunikuzushi by Raiden Ei, who originally created as a prototype for her mortal vessel before she abandoned him. He seeks to destroy himself from the world's knowledge to rid himself of his sins. Players can rename the Wanderer after completion of a certain quest. He is frequently called Hat Guy upon being enrolled into Vahumana. |

#### Fontaine

Fontaine was released in August 2023.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Charlotte | Cryo | Catalyst | ZH: Ruan Congqing EN: Maya Aoki Tuttle JA: Azumi Waki KO: Shin On-yu | An enthusiastic reporter for Fontaine's famous newspaper, The Steambird. |
| Chevreuse | Pyro | Polearm | ZH: Pan Danni EN: Erica Lindbeck JA: Shino Shimoji KO: Chae Min-ji | A musketeer and the hardworking captain of the Special Security and Surveillance Patrol, a special law enforcement branch in Fontaine. |
| Clorinde | Electro | Sword | ZH: Zhao Hanyu EN: Crystal Lee JA: Yui Ishikawa KO: Shin Na-ri | An undefeated Champion Duelist in Fontaine who once served as Furina's personal bodyguard. A successor of Fontaine's Marechaussee Hunters of old, she is trained in the art of their swordsmanship. |
| Emilie | Dendro | Polearm | ZH: Muzi Cheng EN: Amber Aviles JA: Yoko Hikasa KO: Kwon Da-Ye | A renowned perfumer whose products are highly sought out by Fontaine's fashionistas. A friend of Chevreuse, she has helped her solve some difficult cases. |
| Freminet | Cryo | Claymore | ZH: Jinli (Chen Jinwen) EN: Paul Castro Jr. JA: Shun'ichi Toki KO: Lee Joo-seung | A shy diver who is well known in Fontaine. He is Lyney and Lynette's adoptive younger brother. |
| Furina | Hydro | Sword | ZH: Qian Chen EN: Amber Lee Connors JA: Inori Minase KO: Kim Ha-yeong | An actress and celebrity in Fontaine who has a childlike temper, but who can also be caring at times. She is the human vessel of the former Hydro Archon, Focalors. |
| Lynette | Anemo | Sword | ZH: Kekewei EN: Anairis Quiñones JA: Yū Sasahara KO: Lee Myung-hwa | An introverted catgirl who is Lyney's sister and assistant. Like him, she belongs to the House of the Hearth, an orphanage run by the Fatui. Players can invite Lynette after reaching an Adventure Rank of 25. |
| Lyney | Pyro | Bow | ZH: Jinli (Chen Jinwen) EN: Daman Mills JA: Hiro Shimono KO: Park Song-young | Lynette's brother, who is a famous magician in Fontaine. He is outgoing and spirited, in contrast to his siblings. Like his sister, he belongs to the House of the Hearth. |
| Navia | Geo | Claymore | ZH: Xiaogan (Yan Yinan) EN: Brenna Larsen JA: Aki Toyosaki KO: Jeong Hae-eun | The president of the Spina di Rosula, an organization in Fontaine that extends aid and assistance to citizens that the nation's governing body does not cover. |
| Neuvillette | Hydro | Catalyst | ZH: Sang Yuze EN: Ray Chase JA: Hiroshi Kamiya KO: Kwak Yoon-sang | The imposing Chief Justice of the Court of Fontaine. He is also the reincarnation of the Hydro Sovereign, the Dragon of Water, one of the rulers of Teyvat's ancient dragon race. |
| Sigewinne | Hydro | Bow | ZH: Zhao Shuang EN: Sarah Anne Williams JA: Hina Kino KO: Kim Chae-rin | The head nurse of the Fortress of Meropide's infirmary. She is a Melusine, albeit one with a special body that is physiologically closer to a human's. |
| Wriothesley | Cryo | Catalyst | ZH: Liu Beichen [zh] EN: Joe Zieja JA: Daisuke Ono KO: Kwon Chang-wook | The Administrator and Warden of the Fortress of Meropide, an underwater autonomous stronghold that serves as Fontaine's de facto prison. He often goes by the title of "Duke", or "Your Grace". |

#### Natlan

Natlan was released in August 2024. Natlan characters are grouped into the six tribes of the nation: Nanatzcayan (Children of Echoes), Meztli (People of Springs), Huitztlan (Scions of the Canopy), Mictlan (Masters of the Night-Wind), Tlalocan (Flower-Feather Clan) and Teteocan (Collective of Plenty); each of which aligns with six of the game's seven elements and owns a specific species of Saurian (tamed and developed dragon). The names of Natlan's tribes are derived from the Thirteen Heavens.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description |
| Chasca | Anemo | Bow | ZH: Zhang Ruoyu EN: Lauren Amante JA: Yūko Kaida KO: Su-hyeon | A well-known peacekeeper from the Tlalocan who is adopted by the Qucusaurs as a child. She is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and her Ancient Name is Vuka (Transcension). |
| Citlali | Cryo | Catalyst | ZH: Liu Zhixiao EN: Skyler Davenport JA: Asami Tano KO: Lee Eun-jo | The high priestess of the Mictlan, who had left the tribe to live alone. She is called "Granny Itztli" by Natlanese and her predictions are always accurate. Her Ancient Name is Ukumbuko (Memory). |
| Iansan | Electro | Polearm | ZH: Zhen Li EN: Katrina Salisbury JA: Ayaka Ōhashi KO: Lee Jae-hyeon | A fitness instructor and Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame champion mentor who is from Teteocan. She is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and her Ancient Name is Uwezo (Power). |
| Ifa | Anemo | TBA | ZH: Lu Shujun EN: Jonny Loquasto JA: Junta Terashima KO: Park Ki-wook | A renowned Saurian veterinarian from the Tlalocan. |
| Kachina | Geo | Polearm | ZH: Jing Chen EN: Kristen McGuire JA: Yurika Kubo KO: Son Seon-young | A young and determined girl from the Nanatzcayan, known for her tenacity and knowledge of the land. Her Ancient Name is Uthabiti (Resilience). Players obtain Kachina by progressing through the Natlan Archon Quest, Natlan! A New Adventure. |
| Kinich | Dendro | Claymore | ZH: Banma (Ma Banma) EN: John Patneaude JP: Noriaki Sugiyama KO: Kim Seong-woo | A hunter of Saurians from the Huitztlan, who is notorious for charging fees for his services and for his ruthless nature. He is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and his Ancient Name is Malipo (Turnfire). |
| Mavuika | Pyro | Claymore | ZH: Li Ye EN: Katiana Sarkissian JA: Mikako Komatsu KO: Kim Na-yul | The current human vessel of the Pyro Archon, Haborym. She was a member of Huitztlan before ascending as Pyro Archon. Her Ancient Name is Kiongozi (Leader). |
| Mualani | Hydro | Catalyst | ZH: Wang Xiaotong EN: Cassandra Lee Morris JA: Nao Toyama KO: Kim Do-hee | A knowledgeable and popular guide from the Meztli. She is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and her Ancient Name is Umoja (Unity). |
| Ororon | Electro | Bow | ZH: Liang Dawei EN: Nathan Nokes JA: Takashi Kondo KO: Seo Jung-ik | A young man from the Mictlan, with a strong ability to perceive souls who grew up as a disciple of Citlali. He is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and his Ancient Name is Bidii (Devotion). |
| Varesa | Electro | Catalyst | ZH: Qiao Su EN: Jane Jackson JA: Mao Ichimichi KO: Kim Ye-rim | A competitive eater from the Teteocan who participated in the 242nd Inferno Stomach Supremo competition and won. |
| Xilonen | Geo | Sword | ZH: Mi Yang EN: Beth Curry JA: Fairouz Ai KO: Kim I-an | A smith from the Nanatzcayan who crafts the Ancient Names. Her skill with the forge is renowned throughout Natlan. She is one of the six heroes chosen by the Wayob and her Ancient Name is Baraka (Blessing). |

#### Snezhnaya

Snezhnaya is expected for release in 2026. Some characters from Snezhnaya have already been released due to their involvement in other regions' Archon Quests.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description | Citations |
| Arlecchino | Pyro | Polearm | ZH: Huang Ying EN: Erin Yvette JA: Nanako Mori KO: Lee Myung-Hee | The Fourth of the Fatui Harbingers, sometimes called "The Knave" or commonly "Father" by members of House of the Hearth whom she is the current director of the House. She obtained the title after killing Crucabena, the previous Knave. She is diplomatic, cunning, and ruthless. Her real name is Peruere. | |
| Tartaglia | Hydro | Bow | ZH: Yudong (Li Chunyin) EN: Griffin Burns JA: Ryōhei Kimura KO: Nam Doh-hyeong | The Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, more commonly known as "Childe". The youngest and lowest-ranking Harbinger, he is often carefree and enjoys fighting powerful opponents. His real name is Ajax. | |

#### Khaenri'ah

Khaenri'ah is expected to be released after Snezhnaya.
| Name | Element | Weapon | Voice Actors | Description | Citations |
| Dainsleif | TBA | TBA | ZH: Sun Ye EN: Yuri Lowenthal JA: Kenjiro Tsuda KO: Choi Han | A wandering stranger from the fallen civilization of Khaenri'ah, who served as the captain of its royal knights and was cursed with immortality after failing to protect its citizens. He used to travel with the Traveler's sibling and occasionally meets with the Traveler to share information he has gathered about their lost twin. | |

### Non-playable

* Paimon (Voiced by: ZH: Duoduo Poi (Shi Xinlei), EN: Corina Boettger, JA: Aoi Koga, KO: Kim Ga-ryeong) The Traveler's guide and companion, who mostly speaks for them due to them being a silent protagonist.
* Unknown God (Voiced by: ZH: Tao Dian, EN: Christie Cate, JA: Rie Kugimiya, KO: Unknown) The mysterious god who fights the Traveler and abducts their sibling at the beginning of the game, thus beginning their journey through Teyvat.
* Katheryne (Voiced by: ZH: Xiao N (Jiang Li), EN: Erica Mendez, JA: Mai Sato, KO: Park Go-woon) The receptionist of the Adventurer's Guild. It is later revealed in the Sumeru chapter that Katheryne is a bionic puppet made in Snezhnaya.
* The Eleven Fatui Harbingers, the powerful lieutenants of the Tsaritsa. They are based on characters from the commedia dell'arte. Arlecchino and Tartaglia are playable Harbingers.
** Il Capitano (Voiced by: ZH: Wang Wei, EN: Chris Tergliafera, JA: Narita Ken, KO: Min Eung-sik), or "The Captain", the First Harbinger. Extremely powerful and enigmatic, he is well-respected within the Fatui, and has a strong sense of righteousness. A survivor of Khaenri'ah, he fled to Natlan, only to find that the nation was under attack by the Abyss Order, which he was forced to fight. He eventually joined the Fatui. In Natlan, he decides to confront Mavuika, the Pryo Archon, and loses the duel but manages to escape with the help of Ororon. He then meets the Traveler and reveals his plan to save Natlan by rebuilding the nation's severely damaged Ley Lines. However, his plan fails as it instead awakens Yohualtecuhtin, the Lord of the Night. He eventually agrees to Mavuika's plan and assists her in repelling the Abyss when they invade the nation. Afterward, he helps the Natlanese recover from post-traumatic stress disorder. After the victory over the Abyss, he sacrifices his life force to Yohualtecuhtin in Mavuika's place. Without consciousness, his physical body permanently sits on a throne in Ochkanatlan. His real name is Thrain.
** Il Dottore (Voiced by: ZH: Wu Lei, EN: Mick Wingert, JA: Toshihiko Seki, KO: Park Seong-tae), or "The Doctor." The Second Fatui Harbinger, he is a mad scientist who conducts experiments on his test subjects and abandons them should the experiments fail. He is the main antagonist of the Sumeru Archon Quests, attempting to create an artificial god to replace the Dendro Archon. His real name is Zandik.
** La Signora (Voiced by: ZH: Ziyin (Qi Tianyi), EN: Unknown, JA: Yui Shoji, KO: Unknown), or "The Fair Lady". The Eighth Fatui Harbinger, she steals Venti's Gnosis, bargains with Zhongli for his Gnosis, and tries taking the Raiden Shogun's Gnosis as the Tsaritsa desires to collect all Archons' Gnoses. After helping to incite turmoil and a civil war in the nation of Inazuma, the Traveler challenges her to a duel that leads to her execution by the Raiden Shogun. Her real name is Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter.
* Traveler's Sibling (Voiced by: Aether: ZH: Luyin (Dong Hailong), EN: Zach Aguilar, JA: Shun Horie, KO: Lee Kyung-tae; Lumine: ZH: Yanning (Geng Minglin), EN: Sarah Miller-Crews, JA: Aoi Yuki, KO: Lee Sae-a) Lost twin sibling of the Traveler and the Prince/Princess of the Abyss Order. During the beginning cutscene, the sibling is sealed first by the Unknown God. It is later revealed in the end of Sumeru chapter that the sibling is not considered as Descender as Irminsul has the records of the sibling's sudden appearance in Khaenri'ah before the Cataclysm and their journey through the seven nations of Teyvat after being sealed. It is also revealed in Portended Fate that the sibling was Prince/Princess of Khaenri'ah before its demise.
* Alice (Voiced by: ZH: Zhang Qi, EN: Rachel Kimsey, JA: Kikuko Inoue, KO: Yeo Min-jeong) Klee's mother and founder of the Hexenzirkel, an organization which conducts Irminsul explorations and gathers around for "formal tea parties". A powerful traveling sorceress who is often destructive. Her codename in the organization is "A".
* Rhinedottir (Voiced by: ZH: Fan Churong, EN: Ivy Dupler, JA: Atsuko Tanaka, KO: Ahn So-yeon), or "Gold." An alchemist from Khaenri'ah with the ability to create life, she is the creator of Albedo, the dragon Durin, and the Riftwolves that plague Teyvat. She is also responsible for triggering the cataclysm that destroyed Teyvat 500 years prior to the game's events, making her one of Five Sinners of Khaenri'ah. She is also a member of Hexenzirkel with the codename "R".
* Focalors (Voiced by: ZH: Qian Chen, EN: Amber Lee Connors, JA: Inori Minase, KO: Kim Ha-yeong) Now-deceased former Hydro Archon. Originally an Oceanid, she was transformed into human by her predecessor, Egeria. After ascended as Hydro Archon, she separated her divinity from her body and spirit 500 years before the main events of the game, and named the human body "Furina". Focalors then instructed Furina to take the throne of Divine Throne to impersonate Hydro Archon for 500 years while she kept her Gnosis in her divine half and hid inside the Oratrice Mecanique d'Analyse Cardinale, accumulating Indemnitium in the device. Eventually, Indemnitium accumulated enough for Focalors to sacrifice to save Fontainians from dissolving, shattering the Divine Throne in the process and returning her elemental authority to Hydro Sovereign, Neuvillette.
* Oz (Voiced by: ZH: Zhao Yuecheng, EN: Ben Pronsky, JA: Masutani Yasunori, KO: Lee Hyun) Fischl's night raven familiar and companion. His full name is Ozvaldo von Hrafnavins.
* Changsheng (Voiced by: ZH: Wang Xiaotong, EN: Xanthe Huynh, JA: Yui Shoji, KO: Jang Mi) An adeptus, formerly known as the Herblord, currently in the form of a snake. She is bound by contract to Baizhu and aids him in using his life force to heal patients.
* Skirk (Voiced by: ZH: Xie Ying, EN: Cat Protano, JA: Noto Mamiko, KO: Seo Dahye) A mysterious swordswoman who took Tartaglia as an apprentice after he fell into the Abyss as a teenager.
* K'uhul Ajaw (Voiced by: ZH: Mi Yang, EN: Abby Espiritu, JA: Takeuchi Junko, KO: Park Ri-na) Kinich's companion who self-proclaims as Almighty Dragonlord, notorious for his rudeness. Ajaw was sealed several millennia ago and rescued by Kinich under the condition that he would take Kinich's body once he had passed away. In return, he would be Kinich's companion and would lend his powers to him on a limited, restricted basis. His name means Destined Rulership.

## Reception

The characters of Genshin Impact have enjoyed positive reception, especially in terms of revenue: as Genshin Impact is a gacha game, much of its revenue comes from sales of in-game currency players use to obtain characters. Most revenue comes from limited character banners. Across all platforms, including mobile, console and computer platforms, the game is estimated to have grossed nearly US$3.7 billion in its first year by September 2021, the highest ever first-year launch revenue for any video game. The mobile version grossed a further US$567 million between January and March 2022.
Several of the game's characters have enjoyed massive popularity and have earned millions of dollars in revenue. For instance, in March 2021, it was reported that Zhongli was the game's highest grossing character, with US$15.5 million reported in revenue at the time. This number was later eclipsed by the December 2022 release of the Raiden Shogun, whose first banner earned US$9 million in two days from Chinese iOS sales; by the time the banner ended, it had netted around US$33 million in the Chinese market alone. Shogun's record was eventually broken by the November 2, 2022 banner, which introduced the Dendro archon Nahida and earned US$34 million in the Chinese market.

### Controversies

In November 2020, following Zhongli's release he received criticism from fans; due to his equipment and gameplay being viewed as poor, many took Zhongli as an insult toward Chinese players. miHoYo published a blog post in response, noting that the character was working as designed. Later, miHoYo issued an apology, and promised to improve the character's kit during beta testing for version 1.3.
In early March 2023, HoYoverse was criticized following Dehya's release, as some of the game's fanbase argued that her kit was underpowered and dysfunctional, particularly compared to those of lower-rarity characters. Several players announced that they had stopped spending money on the game, while others sent feedback to HoYoverse demanding improvements. As one of the few dark-skinned playable characters in the game, some suggested that her poor skillset might be due to colorism, given similar accusations made against HoYoverse in the past. A campaign urging the wider playerbase to press HoYoverse for change trended on Twitter under the hashtag #FixDehya, with many spamming the game's official account.