Genshin Impact, the popular open-world action role-playing game, has captivated players with its rich lore and diverse characters. Within this vast and enchanting world are those whose stories are filled with heartbreak, sorrow, and tragedy.
These individuals have faced unimaginable hardships, loss, and personal struggles that have left an indelible mark on their lives. From haunting pasts to heart-wrenching sacrifices and emotional turmoil, their Genshin Impact stories tug at players' heartstrings, evoking empathy and a deep connection.
10 Nahida
Nahida, also known as Lesser Lord Kusanali, assumes the role of the succeeding Archon of Sumeru following the demise of Greater Lord Rukhadevatah. However, instead of receiving the respect and protection befitting a newborn Archon, Nahida faced unjust blame from the Akademiya sages, who held her responsible for the death of their former lord.
Under the pretense of studying the works of the previous Archon, she was imprisoned within its walls. Over time, her existence became inconsequential in the eyes of the people, overshadowed by the growing authority of the sages within Sumeru's government. Isolated and confined, Nahida's only connection to the outside world was through the Akasha terminal. Having been imprisoned since birth, Nahida began to internalize the belief that she was truly inept and powerless.
9 Zhongli
Zhongli, also known as Morax or Rex Lapis, is the Geo Archon of Liyue who faked his death, opting to live among the citizens of Liyue. He assumes a consultant role at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, blending seamlessly into their daily lives.
During the Archon War, Zhongli fought alongside his closest fellow gods and adepti friends, who gradually fell one by one, including the god of dust, Guizhong. As an immortal being, he was burdened with the heavy weight of witnessing the loss of those he held dear. He was resolute in fulfilling his duty to protect Liyue and honor the memories of his fallen comrades for millennia. However, this duty, though noble, became an increasingly lonely and burdensome endeavor.
8 Raiden Ei
Raiden Ei, also known as Beelzebub, is the current Electro Archon and one of the original surviving seven Archons of Teyvat. Together with her sister, Makoto, they ruled over the nation of Inazuma, dedicated to protecting their vision of eternity. However, their peaceful reign was shattered by the cataclysmic events of the Khaenri'ah War, a devastating conflict that ravaged Inazuma and left it in ruins.
As the war general, Ei was entrusted with defending Inazuma against the forces of Khaenri'ah. During the war, her friends and allies succumbed to the corrupting influence of the Abyss, making them wreak havoc throughout the country. With a heavy heart, Ei was forced to confront and defeat her corrupted comrades one by one, a painful duty that weighed heavily on her. Unfortunately, this is not the biggest blow the war dealt to her; it is the death of her twin sister Makoto.
7 Venti
Venti, also known as Barbatos, is the current Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, residing there as a bard. During the Archon War, Venti had a close friend who was a bard. Together, they inspired and rallied the people of Mondstadt to overthrow the tyrant Decarabian and fight for their freedom. Through their collective efforts, a successful revolution unfolded, liberating the people from oppression.
However, Venti's dear bard friend did not survive the revolution. At this moment Venti received his gnosis and divine power and became an archon.
6 Xiao
As one of the five Yakshas who served Morax, the Geo Archon of Liyue, Xiao bears an Anemo Vision and dedicates himself to protecting Liyue from the shadows. However, his past is marked by a tragic turn of events during the Archon War. At that time, Xiao was enslaved by an ancient god, compelling him to commit acts he did not desire, such as devouring the dreams of his victims. This forced servitude brought him immense guilt and inner turmoil as he was made to act contrary to his true nature.
Fortunately, Xiao's suffering ended when he was liberated by Morax, who granted him the name Xiao and offered him a place by his side. However, the war left an indelible mark on Xiao's heart as he witnessed his friends and kin, the other Yakshas, succumb to madness and despair one after another. He stood alone as the sole survivor, burdened with the weight of their loss and the horrors of the war.
5 Qiqi
As an apprentice and herb gatherer of Bubu Pharmacy, Qiqi is unique. She exists as a zombie, unable to die due to the powers bestowed upon her. In her mortal life, she suffered a severe leg injury and sought refuge in a cavern. She was caught amid a fierce conflict between the adepti and demons.
In her final moments, filled with fear and a desperate desire to survive, Qiqi made a heartfelt plea to live, so she could return home to her family. The adepti and demons, recognizing her innocence and refusing to just let her die, decided to revive her. However, the sudden surge of adepti energy overwhelmed Qiqi, causing her to go berserk. To protect others and prevent further harm, the adepti were forced to seal her away Qiqi awoke hundreds of years later, navigating the world as a zombie, trapped between life and death.
4 Scaramouche
Created as a prototype puppet by Raiden Ei, the Electro Archon, to house her gnosis, Scaramouche was deemed too human and gentle, causing the idea to be discarded. After being abandoned, he found a sense of family in Tatarasuna, where he met and befriended Niwa. Tragedy struck his life during the incident at the Mikage Furnace, which resulted in the death of his family. Dottore, the Second Harbinger, falsely accused Niwa of betraying Scaramouche to save himself, leading to a deep sense of betrayal and grief. Later, he discovered that Niwa was innocent and had been brutally murdered by Dottore.
As Scaramouche sought to rid himself of his anguish and suffering, he became determined to acquire the Electro gnosis to destroy the source of his pain, even if it meant sacrificing his own identity. Upon obtaining the Electro gnosis, he journeyed to the Irminsul in Sumeru, intending to erase his existence and prevent the tragedies that had plagued his life. Unfortunately, he failed in his quest, losing his sense of purpose and direction.
3 Kazuha
Kazuha, a young master of the now-fallen Kaedehara Clan in Inazuma, has a poignant and sorrowful story. After the downfall of his clan, he roamed Inazuma freely until the implementation of the Vision Hunt Decree forced him into hiding. During this period of seclusion, he formed a deep bond with his closest friend, knowing that their paths would eventually diverge. With heavy hearts, they decided to part ways.
One fateful day, Kazuha received news that his dear friend had challenged the tyrannical Raiden Shogun to a duel for the throne. However, when he arrived, it was too late. The tragic sight of his friend's defeat and the realization of his powerlessness against the might of the Raiden Shogun left him devastated. So he snatched the empty vision of his friend and fled Inazuma.
2 Diluc
Diluc, the owner of Dawn Winery and a prominent business tycoon. He served as a cavalry captain in his youth, leading an escort mission that would forever change his life. During this mission, their transport fleet was attacked by a formidable monster, overpowering Diluc and his comrades. Diluc's father stepped in to save them, utilizing a mysterious power called a delusion. They could defeat the monster with this power, but the cost was steep. His father died in his arms.
This devastating loss was followed by betrayal. In an effort to protect their reputation, the order planned to cover up the truth of his father's sacrifice. He then made the difficult decision to abandon his post as knight captain. Fueled by a deep thirst for vengeance, he dedicated himself to uncovering the source of the occult powers responsible for his father's tragic death.
1 Collei
Collei, born sickly, sought treatment from a seer. The seer subjected instead to the experiments of the Fatui, which bestowed her new Dark powers. Unfortunately, these experiments also resulted in Eleazar.
She developed a deep resentment towards humanity and anger towards the gods. She believed she didn't deserve the hardships she had endured simply because the gods didn't choose her. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, Collei's sole purpose was to make those who had caused her misfortunes to pay for their actions.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.