Jesper Berg 
Free-to-play mobile games with gacha monetization are anything but rare, but Genshin Impact is definitely a rare find in this category. It has attracted millions of players across different platforms for the best possible reasons, including a beautiful open-world design, engaging gameplay, and endless options for character development.
It’s also one of few games in the genre that are available on PC, which makes it all the more interesting.
What Makes a PC Game Similar to Genshin Impact?
It is no secret that Genshin Impact is heavily inspired by Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW), but there are also differences. For example, unlike any Zelda game, it is party-based and has online co-op features.
In any event, Zelda is restricted to Nintendo systems, so if you are not willing to emulate, you have to look elsewhere for PC-native games like Genshin Impact. The good news is that there are plenty of options and many of them are every bit as polished.
For a game to be similar to Genshin Impact and other top games in the genre, some key ingredients are necessary, including:
- Open-world exploration: One of the main attractions of Genshin Impact is its vast, beautiful world teeming with secrets. To be considered similar, the PC game in question should also offer a rich open-world experience.
- RPG mechanics: Genshin Impact combines action gameplay with RPG elements, i.e. character development, skill progression, and equipment customization.
- Compelling storyline and characters: While Genshin Impact’s story is hardly groundbreaking, it is engaging enough to keep players invested in the game.
- Good visuals and music: Genshin Impact is available on mobile platforms and will run on any PC with a budget graphics card, but in spite of its entry-level requirements, it manages to look great (especially on PC).
With that introduction out of the way, let’s dive into our list of PC games like Genshin Impact.
1. Honkai Impact 3rd
Honkai Impact 3rd is an obvious choice to top this list, as it’s another action RPG developed by miHoYo, the same studio behind Genshin Impact. It features a similar anime-inspired art style and a fast-paced combat system, making it instantly recognizable for Genshin Impact players.
In Honkai Impact 3rd, you take control of powerful female warriors known as Valkyries, as they battle against the mysterious Honkai, a destructive force threatening humanity.
Like Genshin it’s a mobile game but also comes in a PC version that provides improved graphics and controls. It will look fantastic on a PC with a fast GPU. The game offers an extensive storyline, diverse characters, and engaging gameplay that will keep you hooked for a long time.
Available from: Hoyoverse, Steam, Epic Games
Update: A reader adds that you should also look into Honkai: Star Rail – another major title from the same developer (miHoYo). This game does deviate a bit from the action RPG formula, however, as it’s a turn-based game.
2. Immortals: Fenyx Rising
Immortals: Fenyx Rising is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft. Set in the world of Greek mythology, players take on the role of Fenyx, a mortal demigod on a quest to save the Greek gods from the deadly Titan Typhon. The game features a vast open-world filled with puzzles, secrets, and challenging combat encounters.
With its colorful art style, satisfying action combat, basic Zelda-like RPG elements, and an emphasis on exploration, Immortals: Fenyx Rising is a good fit for fans of Genshin Impact. There are no co-op multiplayer elements, but it’s an engaging single-player experience. The game also boasts a humorous narrative and memorable characters that add depth to the game.
Available from: Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft
3. Tales of Arise
This latest entry in the Tales series of action RPGs developed by Bandai Namco is set in a world divided by two opposing realms. You get to follow the story of Alphen and Shionne as they embark on a journey to change their world’s fate.
Tales of Arise features a revamped combat system, stunning graphics, and a richly detailed world to explore. With its engaging story, memorable characters, and fast-paced gameplay, it’s an excellent choice for fans of games like Genshin Impact PC.
Available from: Steam
4. Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition
Other Final Fantasy games could also make exemplary addition to this list, but FF XV is the latest single-player action RPG in this long-running series developed by Square Enix. Set in the world of Eos, players follow the journey of Prince Noctis and his companions as they embark on a quest to reclaim their kingdom from an invading empire.
Featuring a massive world, real-time combat, and deep character development, Final Fantasy 15 is a pleasure to play in 4K60 FPS on a fast PC. With a decent GPU, you will experience breathtaking visuals in addition to a captivating story. A must-play for JRPG fans.
Available from: Steam
5. Persona 5 Royal
Appropriately, number five on the list is Persona 5 – a Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Atlus. Although it’s different in several ways, it could still appeal to Genshin Impact fans because of its deep story, well-developed characters, and anime-like art style. The setting is not your average fantasy type, however, but modern-day Tokyo. You play as a high school student who discovers his ability to enter people’s hearts and change their desires.
Also unlike Genshin, Persona 5 features turn-based combat, where you utilize the unique abilities of each character and their Personas – powerful beings that grant them supernatural powers. The game also has a social sim aspect, where you build relationships with other characters to unlock new abilities and strengthen your Personas.
Available from: Steam
6. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Ni no Kuni 2 is a fun action RPG developed by Level-5. The game features a stunning art style, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s animation, and an engaging story about a young king trying to reclaim his kingdom.
It offers a mix of real-time combat and some strategy elements. Players control a party of characters, each with their unique abilities, and engage in battles against various foes. The game also features a kingdom-building aspect, where you can develop your kingdom, manage resources, and recruit new characters to your cause.
While not a PC game exactly like Genshin Impact, it likewise offers a captivating story, a beautiful art style, and lots of hours of engaging gameplay. It isn’t overly demanding on your hardware and also runs well on the Steam Deck.
Available from: Steam
7. Phantasy Star Online 2 (Free to Play)
PSO 2: New Genesis is a free-to-play online action RPG developed by Sega. It features a real-time combat system, where you can switch between multiple weapons and abilities to adapt to different situations. There is a character customization system, allowing players to create their unique avatar and explore the world with friends or solo.
In short, it shares quite a few aspects with Genshin Impact – and much like Genshin, you can try it out for free.
Available from: Steam, Epic Games
8. Trials Of Mana
Square Enix returns to this list with Trials of Mana, a 3D remake of the original action RPG from 1995 (SNES). The game features real-time combat, where players control a party of characters, each with their unique abilities and skill trees. It also includes a class system, allowing players to develop and customize their characters as they progress through the story.
If you’re looking for a PC game that’s somewhat similar to Genshin Impact in terms of its vibrant world and character development, Trials of Mana is worthy of consideration.
Available from: Steam
9. Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
Like with the Final Fantasy series (and the above-mentioned Mana games) Nihom Falcom’s long-running Ys series is interesting in its entirety to fans of Genshin and action RPGs in general.
Part VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is one of the latest entries and offers a solid story, varied environments, and great combat that will keep you entertained for hours. In Ys VIII, you get to control a party of characters with varying abilities and skills. The game also offers various platforming and puzzle-solving elements.
Fans of open-world exploration will find a lot to like in Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana and it’s an excellent choice for those seeking other PC games like Genshin Impact.
10. Star Ocean: The Divine Force
The latest in another long-running series of action RPGs, Star Ocean: The Divine Force offers an open-world sci-fi experience filled with diverse environments, character development, and real-time combat. It also features an interesting crafting system that lets you create and customize your gear.
It is distinct from Genshin Impact due to its sci-fi setting, but the open-world exploration and action-oriented combat could make Star Ocean: The Divine Force a worthy addition to your library.
Available from: Steam
11. Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Last but not least – and suitably number eleven on this list – Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is another JRPG that differs from Genshin Impact due to its turn-based combat. What it does have in common with Genshin is a large, gorgeous world to explore, and a charming cast of characters.
Wrapping Up
There are many great games like Genshin Impact for PC enthusiasts to enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of the character development aspects, the open-world exploration, or the compelling stories, the above games offer a variety of experiences.
Honkai Star Rail should also be mentioned. Action is turn based but it looks/feels similar.
Good one, thanks! Added this to the writeup.