So Genshin Impact is going to hit the big 5. FIVE YEARS. It’s basically an ancient record walk-down in the gacha timeline. And hoYoverse just dropped a cosplay-call to player memories, with replies pouring down like mora from the treasure hoarder camp.
The official Twitter asked the players to recount their best moments of heartwarming tales and downright awe-inspiring short anecdotes of five years having explored Teyvat in any manner. And the crimson dot: some of those amazing stories might just make it to the official anniversary celebration video. Pretty rad, if you ask me.
And those early memories deal with some seriously emotional stuff. An account purporting to be called Autumn said that witnessing the Traveler and Paimon’s journey through Natlan has been “so amazing to witness,” and that “always makes me feel warm” about their friendship. Ditto! Paimon might be emergency food but she is OUR emergency food.
Katies says that they have made special friendships through Genshin during the 5 years. “Learned to enjoy co-op and helping others is fun but sometimes you just stop and enjoy the scenery together.” There you have it. The social aspect of the game hardly ever gets praised.
But then it is not all glitter and rainbows. The harsh ones are told, too. “The tales of Raiden and her friends are one of the most heart-breaking moments in Genshin Impact,” says Eureka Cross. And they are not wrong. The Inazuma arc had some moments that just… oof. Directly into the feels.
The support for the whole Natlan-loving side then comes with a vengeance. Emil said, “The whole of Natlan just made me feel so happy and nice, i love the Characters and the Animals,” whereas swampy calls it “the most peakest, most humorous, and inspirational region we’ve ever gotten!” That is praise of the highest order, considering we have been through like seven nations already.
Wait, what was I saying? Oh yes, memories. Players went from remembering their first walk into Liyue Harbor (“being in awe. The scenery, the music, beautiful”-Alo) to very specific instances like the Freminet event that Greodore mentioned, followed only by a crying emoji. Mood.
Some are taking it one step further. Gawatofu admits, “I started Genshin with a very negative bias, and slowly the game won me over.” That is really a power of that game; it sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Classic first golden apple archipelago shoutout from MochiRani also exists because, let’s be honest, that event was legendary, the summer islands were just built differently.
Otto Lees’s sarcasm kicks in: “Can’t wait for a singular pull and 3 pieces of poultry!” And, well that’s fair. Let’s say anniversary rewards have been… controversial in the past.
Then, the friend stories really hit. Charmy & Noa go back and forth in Spanish, translating to “I love you more” “No, I love YOU more” This is so cute. This game actually brings people together.
Val keeps it simple: “I’ve got every character I want and more. Kazuha is my first five star and still hasn’t left my team since.” Never forget…
Meanwhile, Rashed Shaikh Avro takes us on a journey: From my first steps in Mondstadt to exploring Sumeru, diving under Fontaine’s rivers, and feeling Natlan’s heat, every adventure in Teyvat has been unforgettable.” That is basically the whole game experience in one sentence.
And here comes the emotional impact. “This game made me cry so the story quests were so good, emotional, plot twisted….I love Genshin, everything is perfect in this game,” Mayhem’s Servant said. And they are right – When Genshin hits, it HITS.
Even mechanics get love. Ruri Z demands “GIVE US UBER DELIVERY WITH ITS ANNOYING MECHANICS BAAAAACK!! WE LOVED THAT SO MUCH!!” Madness or genius, I just can’t decide.
But a pattern begins to appear, and after five years, Genshin Impact is more than just a game for these people. It is a fat memory bank of friendships, emotional instances, and shared times. From the heartbreak of Tsurumi Island to the joy of pulling that one character you’ve been saving up months for.
We all know the anniversary will drag on with the standard array of “great” debate about rewards and primogems and all that, but just looking at these responses, the true value has always been the journey itself. Five years of exploring Teyvat, meeting characters, solving puzzles, and making memories that players are still talking about years down the line.
With Natlan still fresh and new regions coming soon, the adventure is just getting started. Here’s to five more years of surprising emotional moments, stunning vistas, and Paimon being… well, Paimon.
Preemptive happy anniversary to Genshin Impact and all travelers still out there exploring. The memories are obviously still being made by the day.
