Tsundere is a word commonly used to describe fictional characters with a certain personality type, and in Genshin Impact, there are a couple of male characters that seem to fit the criteria. The term tsundere describes people who have a hot and cold attitude with their friends, family, and lovers.
In Genshin Impact, there is a variety of tsundere male characters as some show it more than others. It’s possible that these characters share a few similar characteristics with the kuudere personality type, like the cold and emotionless aura for example.
6 Xingqiu
Xingqiu is the second son of the Feiyun Commerce Guild. He spends most of his time with Chongyun or Xiangling while walking around Liyue Harbor. His tsundere nature can only be witnessed if he meets someone new for the first time, like the Traveler. Xingqiu appears to be indifferent to whatever activities the latter is invested in. In fact, he won’t bat an eye when the Traveler is fighting a group of enemies and will simply read his book from the sideline.
After spending time with the Guhua Guru of Feiyun Fame, he will open up little by little until his true personality appears. Although Xingqiu seems calm and polite to strangers in Genshin Impact, he actually has a very mischievous side that only comes out around friends and family. So he can be considered somewhat of a tsundere.
5 Diluc
Diluc was a member of the Favonius Knight but quickly quit after an incident and became Master of the Dawn Winery. The Winery Tycoon doesn’t bother with pleasantries and will ignore anyone he deems insignificant. Diluc has a stern facial expression and always seems bored or uninterested.
But deep down, he has a gentle soul and really cares about his friends, especially his adoptive brother Kaeya, even though he doesn’t like to admit it. Although Diluc left the Knights of Favonius in Genshin Impact, he protects the city in his own way by becoming the famous ‘Darknight Hero’ that fights evil at night to keep the citizens of Mondstadt safe. The Master of the Dawn Winery also cares about all of his employees and treats them fairly.
4 Tighnari
Tighnari can be described as a mother-hen in disguise. As a Forest Watcher, he can always be seen lecturing new recruits or lost explorers on daily basis about the importance of Wilderness Survival Skills. According to Genshin Impact, if a troublemaker refuses to follow the rules, he would simply say “What a pity, I majored in botany, and helping people grow a brain is not my area of expertise.”
Tighnari may seem cold or indifferent, but he actually really cares about his subordinates and will go to great lengths to save his friends, as seen in the Archon Quest version 3.2. Collei considers the Avidya Forest Watcher her mentor and respects him immensely. Other Genshin Impact characters like Cyno and Nahida seem to praise his intelligence and fully agree with his decision on declining the Akademiya.
3 Wanderer
Before joining the Fatui, Scaramouche was a gentle soul that got along with everyone. Sadly, after going through a lot of hardship and becoming the Balladeer, he became emotionless, cruel, and indifferent about his fellow Harbingers.
Upon getting reincarnated as the Wanderer and regaining his memories in Genshin Impact, he still had his cold attitude and haughty words but became softer while talking to the Traveler or Nahida. He swore his loyalty to the latter and was secretly happy when players gave him a new identity but tried not to show it in a true tsundere style. Additionally, while the Dendro Archon was explaining the Wanderer’s past by telling a fairy tale, Scaramouche was portrayed as a kitten, which is considered a tsundere animal.
2 Gorou
Gorou is the great General of Watatsumi Island's forces in Genshin Impact. He comes from a dog breed, which is why the General possesses sensitive ears and could understand dogs from one bark. Most see him as a trustworthy friend that’s humble and determined.
The tsundere part really shines when he’s interacting with Yae Miko in Genshin Impact. The Kitsune always says stuff to make him flustered and a blushing mess. Gorou will either deny her words with a tsundere pose, hands on hips while lifting his chin, or hide from her when she’s around. Additionally, Gorou’s tail shows his true feelings, and he would sometimes wags his tail from happiness. The general tries to stop it as it is embarrassing, but he can’t control it all the time.
1 Xiao
Xiao is one of the Guardian Yaksha and is also known as the Conqueror of Demons in Genshin Impact. He greatly respects Morax, as the Geo Archon was the one who saved him from slaughtering the innocent.
Many may see Xiao as unapproachable or cold, which is the truth. Because of his past, the Vigilant Yaksha doesn’t want to interact with mere mortals as he prefers to stay in the shadow, protecting them. However, when the Traveler calls his name, he immediately appears and acts nonchalant about it, as the tsundere part mostly emerges in the presence of the Traveler in Genshin Impact. Occasionally, when the protagonist invites him to spend the day at Liyue Harbor to bond and try to learn more about human customs. Xiao will act uninterested and then agree immediately, like a true tsundere.
Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.