10 Best Games Like Genshin Impact: Anime-Style RPGs in 2025

As something of a gacha enjoyer myself, I’ve spent years trying to find the best games like Genshin Impact to see if I can capture that same feeling of wonder and excitement I had when I first arrived at Mondstadt back in 2020. This wasn’t easy, of course, considering how truly special and addictive this game was – even for me, who’d already gone through several gachas at the time of its release.

However, despite dominating the anime gacha scene and topping revenue charts for live-service mobile games for years, I can confidently say that Genshin Impact now has some very solid competition amongst online anime-style gachas. And for those of you who want to experience Genshin’s vibes minus the microtransactions, I’ve also prepared some great single-player alternatives you should look into right away.

Every game you’ll see here features at least two traits that made Genshin Impact the awesome game it is today; a vast, interactive open world, gorgeous anime aesthetics, flashy characters, an intense party-centric combat system, thrilling gacha mechanics, and a strong, overarching narrative that’ll keep you on your toes.

I’ll also give you some pointers on spotting good Genshin-likes yourself, so don’t forget to take notes!

Our Top Picks for Games Like Genshin Impact

Here are our team’s top picks for the games we think all Genshin Impact players looking for an alternative would love to play, ranging from online games where you can collect characters you like via in-game currencies to the best single-player game that closely resembles Genshin thematically, even without a gacha system.

1. Wuthering Waves (2020) – the closest game to Genshin Impact in terms of story, characters, combat, exploration, visuals, and overall gameplay feel. It’s by far the best Genshin-like not made by miHoYo to be released yet.
2. Honkai: Star Rail (2023) – a turn-based, anime-style gacha by mihoYo that’s set in the same universe as Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd.
3. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022) – a single-player JRPG that features team-based, real-time combat and beautifully-crafted, anime-style visuals and storytelling that’s reminiscent of Genshin’s. 

These games are the best of the best and certainly won’t disappoint both casual and veteran Genshin fans, but in case you’ve already tried these games and didn’t like any of them, don’t fret. I have seven other terrific Genshin-likes for you to look at below, a few of which may just be the game you’re looking for.

10 Fantastic Anime Games Like Genshin Impact You’ll Get Hooked On

Listed below are the highest-tier Genshin-like games I’ve come across throughout my many years of searching for excellent alternatives.

1. Wuthering Waves [Best Genshin Impact Alternative]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, macOS
Release Year	2024
Developer	Kuro Games

Wuthering Waves boasts significantly more similarities to Genshin Impact than any other title on this list. It features 3D anime visuals, patch-by-patch story, event, and character releases, a vast world you can explore freely, intense character-swap combat, tons of side content, and a gacha system that allows players to collect new characters via in-game currency.

It’s not a 1-for-1 copy of Genshin, however. Wuthering Waves separates itself quite nicely by having a darker main plot, farmable “Echoes” that allow you to transform into monsters you encounter in combat, as well as a generally more F2P-friendly approach when it comes to the gacha and freebies.

Simply put, it’s one of the best open-world games that’s also a free-to-play gacha, rivalling even Genshin Impact in its own category.

What makes the game shine:

• Expansive open-world traversal lets you glide, wallrun, and use a grappling hook mid-air.
• Real-time character-swapping combat features intro/outro skills and reactive counterattacks.
• Gacha-based progression driven by Convenes and a pity system, with cross-platform availability and consistent event drops.

Wuthering Waves has the essence of Genshin Impact with its beautiful 3D anime visuals and gacha-fueled character collection. It carves out its own niche through more tactical combat and the unique Echo system for monster transformations. It’s not just similar but often superior in mechanics and player-friendliness.

2. Honkai: Star Rail [Best Turn-Based Gacha Game]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5
Release Year	2023
Developer	miHoYo

Honkai: Star Rail is one of miHoYo’s current top three earners, along with Genshin Impact and Zenless Zone Zero, with HSR in particular shooting way past $1,000,000,000 in total revenue as of this writing. These numbers reflect this game’s quality accurately, I think. Considering how much better it is than most other turn-based RPGs in terms of game mechanics and visual appeal.

Its eye-catching, strategic turn-based combat aside, the number one selling point Honkai: Star Rail has is its phenomenal story and cinematics. There are lots of great video game movies already out there, but I think a film based on the Trailblazer’s adventures as they travel aboard the Astral Express has the potential to blow them all away.

What makes the game shine:

• Cinematic, anime‑style storytelling captures attention.
• Strategic turn‑based combat balances accessibility and depth.
• Regular content updates (new story chapters, events, banners) maintain long‑term engagement and freshness.

Honkai: Star Rail is a turn‑based RPG powerhouse that gives players story and spectacle in equal measure. It stands tall beside Genshin Impact and even redefines expectations for the genre. Crave a gacha game that marries cinematic depth with tactical gameplay? This is your pick.

3. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 [Best Story-Driven Anime Game With Party Combat]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Nintendo Switch
Release Year	2022
Developer	Monolith Soft

Now that we’ve covered a couple of live-service gacha games, how about an intense action RPG game with anime-style graphics, incredible voice acting, and a party-centric combat system, and zero microtransactions? Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will scratch that Genshin itch for those of you who’d like to limit your monthly purchases, as gachas can get quite expensive real fast. 

Its previous installment, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, does have a gacha system in the form of the Blade Resonance mechanic, so you may consider playing that before this one if you still need your gacha fix. 

What makes the game shine:

• Boasts 70+ hours of story content with high replay value from skirmishes and NG+.
• Party Class Swapping unlocks via the “Hillside Hulk” quest in Chapter 2 for flexible team roles.
• Classes rank up through Succession Points.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 delivers a rich, polished anime action RPG experience with depth and longevity. Its robust story (70+ hours), unique party mechanics, adaptive class system, and stat-driven progression offer a satisfying progression loop.

4. Persona 5 [Best Anime Game With Captivating Characters]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Year	2016
Developer	P-Studio

Persona 5 is a traditional JRPG that combines dungeon crawler, turn-based combat, and social simulation mechanics into one, outstanding package, making it distinctly unique compared to other games similar to Genshin Impact. It’s also one of the best-selling RPGs of all time, surpassing 10,000,000 copies back in 2024.

If you’re into immersive dungeon crawler games and see yourself enjoying social-sim mechanics that’ll let you connect with several Genshin-esque, vibrant characters, then heads up, because you’ve just found your next favorite game!

What makes the game shine:

• 10.45 million units sold worldwide. Largest in the Megami Tensei franchise.
• Fusion during a Full Moon boosts chances of rare “Fusion Accidents,” which unlock exclusive Personas.
• Combines 700+ hours of content across Palaces and Confidants, with 100+ hours in pure story mode alone.

Persona 5 stands as a peak of JRPG design: a compelling fusion of strategic combat, deep character relationships, strong plot, and high-stakes dungeon exploration. Its extensive social and gameplay systems not only deliver a uniquely engrossing experience but also signal auteur-level quality and sustained success.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild [Best Game for Open World Exploration]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Nintendo Switch 2
Release Year	2017
Developer	Nintendo EPD

Who would’ve known that the game Genshin Impact was accused of being a “clone” of would be on this list? Sarcasm aside, it’s not really that hard to see why the well-regarded gacha game has drawn plenty of comparisons with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. 

From its implementation of stimulating, creative puzzles to its breathtaking open world aesthetics, this game had such an influence on Genshin Impact that miHoYo developers themselves admitted that they were inspired by it. Offering hours of quality story, a dynamic combat system, and an excellently interactive open world, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is amazing.

What makes the game shine:

• Pioneered a chemistry + physics engine that enables elements to interact to each other like IRL.
• Laid the foundation for stamina-based gliding, climbing, and stamina management.
• Featured over 100 hours of exploration-rich gameplay.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild revolutionized open-world design by combining elemental physics, free-form exploration, and a literally reactive environment. It remains the gold standard and a fitting inclusion on this list for any Genshin fan seeking the genre’s origin.

6. Tales of Arise [Best Action JRPG Like Genshin Impact]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Release Year	2021
Developer	Bandai Namco Studios

Tales of Arise stands out as one of the best JRPG games released this decade, thanks to its incredible story about revolution, top-notch anime graphics, and a combat system that’s centered around elemental combos and team synergies.

Despite not being fully open-world, this game has several large maps with unique biomes and lots of sub-quests, which is just fantastic if you like completing quests and exploring content that are largely unrelated to the main plot, yet expand the game’s lore and world-building just as well.

Moreover, the well-written characters in Tales of Arise really sell the game for me. I just love how fleshed out they are compared to your run-of-the-mill JRPGs.

What makes the game shine:

• Features 70 base-game side-quests (plus 40 DLC).
• “Boost Strikes” allow up to four characters to execute coordinated attack chains.
• Immerses you in sprawling maps across diverse biomes.

Tales of Arise delivers a commercial and critical triumph, earning accolades like The Game Awards’ Best RPG 2021. For Genshin fans seeking a truly complete JRPG, Tales of Arise offers a compelling experience worth every hour.

7. Tower of Fantasy [Best Gacha MMORPG]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Release Year	2022
Developer	Hotta Studio

In Tower of Fantasy, players explore a massive open world with other players visible on the map, effectively making this title a gacha MMORPG. This was quite a welcome surprise in the anime gacha genre upon its release date, as even Genshin Impact only has co-op support and can’t really be considered a true MMO.

It has a real-time combat system focusing on weapon swaps instead of Genshin’s character switching, as you only control one unit and pull for weapons in this game. You do get the character model that a specific weapon you pulled belongs to, but it’s just mostly cosmetics. You can ignore them entirely and play as your customizable main character with any weapon.

What makes the game shine:

• True shared-world MMO elements so you can roam an open world alongside other players.
• Weapon-focused real-time combat makes gameplay flow and personalizable.
• Matrices provide powerful stat boosts. 

Tower of Fantasy elevates the anime-gacha formula by giving players MMO-scale social interaction and deep customization through Matrices. With real-time multiplayer content like 4-player dungeons, 8-player raids, and open-world boss battles, it’s a substantial evolution from Genshin.

8. Zenless Zone Zero [Best Hoyoverse Game With Deep Combat Mechanics]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Windows, iOS, Android, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Release Year	2024
Developer	miHoYo

For those of you who like HoYo’s brand of storytelling, art style, and production value for gacha games, then you’re bound to enjoy this urban-themed action RPG. Unlike Genshin Impact and all other similar games, Zenless Zone Zero is a lot more respectful of your time. I, for one, can vouch for it being less grindy and more generous with pull currencies than most other gacha games, and I’ve played a lot. 

Ultimately, this is the gacha I’d recommend to those of you who prefer challenging combat, impactful and strategic team-building, but don’t have much time for extensive open-world games. It has a well-written main story and lots of side quests, too, not to mention a whole host of expressive characters that you’ll get to socialize with through ZZZ’s Quality Time social-sim feature.

What makes the game shine:

• A standard banner pity of 50–90 pulls, alongside over 100 free pulls and Polychromes from login rewards and events.
• Engaging combat system with fun dodge mechanics.
• Decked out with a Quality Time social-sim feature.

Zenless Zone Zero carves its niche in the urban gacha genre by delivering generous pull mechanics, skill-based combat, and a polished mix of story, side quests, and social systems. The game offers a great balance of time-respectful gameplay and reward-rich progression.

9. Final Fantasy XIV [Best MMORPG Like Genshin Impact]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS
Release Year	2010
Developer	Square Enix

Want to play a Genshin-like, non-gacha multiplayer game with your friends? If so, then Final Fantasy XIV is your best bet, considering that it’s the biggest MMO that rocks that similar anime feel and (mostly) light-hearted narrative that Genshin has.

You’ll especially like Final Fantasy XIV if you prefer a more “hardcore” level of co-op, as FFXIV has a pretty steep learning curve due to how many macros and combat mechanics you’ll have to familiarize yourself with compared to other games on this list. Nevertheless, I highly recommend trying this one out due to its terrific storyline alone, which spans across multiple expansions. 

What makes the game shine:

• The Free Trial covers three expansions and allows play up to level 70 with no time cap.
• Team combat requires mastery and feels rewarding.

Final Fantasy XIV blends anime-style charm with true MMO complexity. It offers structured team-based dungeons, strategic combat depth, lush 3d visuals, and an expansive storyline that extends well beyond a traditional gacha title.

10. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom [Best Anime Game with Outstanding Visuals]

My Rating	☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Platforms	Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Release Year	2018
Developer	Level-5

Games inspired by Studio Ghibli’s art style generally excel in terms of anime visuals (no surprise there), and while Level-5 didn’t collaborate directly with the studio as they did in the first game, Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is still an impressive sequel that sports that classic, Ghibli-style graphics that’s just a treat to look at.

Here, instead of pulling for characters through a gacha system, you collect cute little Higgledies that use elemental attacks in combat by discovering them as you explore the huge open world or via crafting. This game is a must-play if you’re a fan of Genshin’s vibrant 3D anime visuals. 

I’m sure you’ll enjoy Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack here too. Which really brings out that whimsical, fairy tale-esque vibe that Genshin Impact also has.

What makes the game shine:

• Elemental powers and tactical nuance in combat.
• Beautiful orchestral score composed by Joe Hisaishi.
• Combat flows with seamless real-time melee and magic switching.

Ni no Kuni II stands out as a masterclass in marrying storybook visuals, meaningful combat systems, and musical artistry, all while offering action-RPG depth without gacha constraints. It’s a trustworthy pick for anyone drawn to Genshin-style aesthetics.

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TL;DR for the Busy Gamer: Which Game Is the Best Genshin Impact Alternative?

If you want a Genshin-like experience with both quality and momentum, Wuthering Waves stands out thanks to a peak of 32,651 concurrent Steam players on launch day, around 780K daily active users across PC and mobile, and nearly $10 million in first-week mobile revenue. It’s a top-tier rival in both taste and traction.

Games Similar to Genshin Impact: How To Choose A Great Alternative?

Want to see if a game will satisfy your cravings as a Genshin Impact fan? Here are all the elements that you should keep an eye on if you want to find good titles that are similar to it:

1. Open-World Exploration

Genshin Impact has a massive open world with tons of exploration features such as gliding, puzzles, combat challenges, chests, world bosses, side quests, and more. Hence, open-world games full of things you can actually interact with and explore freely should likely pique your interest.

Here are five open-world games that didn’t quite make my list, but are very solid titles that you should consider trying out as a Genshin enjoyer:

• Infinity Nikki 
• Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
• Azur Promilia [UPCOMING]
• Immortals Fenyx Rising
• Ys IX: Monstrum Nox

2. Action Combat

One of the best features Genshin has is how dynamic its combat is, despite having the typical Hypercarry/Sub-DPS/Support setup. For the most part, this is due to characters having different kits and the Elemental Reaction system, which incentivizes players to optimize their rotations, teambuilding, and micros.

On that note, if you enjoy Genshin Impact’s brand of combat, you should look for games that feature:

• Strategic, party-based combat (Real-time character-swapping is ideal but not required)
• Parrying and/or dodging (Basically any game that allows you to counterplay)
• Unique battle mechanics (e.g., Wuthering Waves’ Echo transformations/summons, Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Fusion Arts, HSR’s Weakness Breaks)

3. Gacha System

You either love it or you don’t, but Genshin Impact’s gacha system is what keeps a huge chunk of its playerbase hooked in the first place. After all, what’s a great story, incredible graphics, and beautifully crafted maps compared to that high you get when you win a 50/50 or bag your favorite character in just a few pulls? 

If you live for the thrill of the RNG, then I recommend trying these anime-style games with gacha systems that aren’t on my list:

• Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (single-player, no IAPs)
• Arknights: Endfield
• Aether Gazer
• Honkai Impact 3rd
• Punishing: Gray Raven
• Sword Art Online: Variant Showdown
• Epic Seven

Mobile games, in particular, have tons of titles in the gacha genre readily available, so feel free to visit your phone’s app store if you want more games like these. Just remember to spend responsibly!

4. Anime Aesthetics

Another crucial aspect of Genshin Impact that most players are likely attracted to is its anime-themed art style and storytelling, which adds a certain whimsical charm to the characters, lore, and of the game.

Luckily for you, there are a lot of titles with these traits. My advice? Look into JRPG games, as you’d likely find your next favorite game straight from the source.

5. Story and Characters

Finally, a good Genshin-like must have, at the very least, good storytelling and captivating characters that you can connect with. 

In which case, RPGs with mostly light-hearted plots that also have streaks of high-stakes action and more serious themes in between should be right up your alley. Again, JRPGs, in general, closely resemble Genshin’s style of storytelling and character tropes, so I recommend starting your search there.

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Pro Tip: How to Smart-Shop Digital Game Keys

When you’re ready to pick up one of these games (especially on sale) look for a reliable online marketplace for gaming goods like Eneba that offers:

• Verified merchants: To reduce the risk of invalid keys or scams.
• Responsive support: The customer is king.
• A game-first mentality: 48% of gamers prioritize price, with 40% only buying during deep discounts, so value matters as much as trust.

Deciding where to buy is almost as important as deciding which game to play. Secure, user-focused marketplaces save you the hassle of trying to find a reliable source of game goodies.

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FAQs

What game is most like Genshin Impact?

The game that’s most like Genshin Impact is Wuthering Waves, which is an open-world action RPG that offers a largely similar gacha system, world-building, storytelling, character designs, combat mechanics, and overall gameplay feel. 

What makes a game similar to Genshin Impact?

Games that are similar to Genshin Impact typically have either an extensive open-world exploration system, an action-packed, party-centric combat, a gacha system for collectible characters and weapons, anime aesthetics, or an overarching, plot-driven narrative with an engaging cast of characters. 

A breathtaking open world to explore or engaging combat mechanics?

Wuthering Waves offers both: a seamless glide-and-grapple open world and combo-based real-time combat with dodge counters and echo transformations. It strikes a strong balance and is great for players drawn to both exploration and dynamic fights.

Is Genshin Impact for children?

Genshin is rated PEGI-12, with relatively mild fantasy violence and no graphic content. However, its gacha mechanics resemble loot boxes, raising concerns about spending behaviors. Parents should be aware of microtransaction structures.

What’s the best Genshin Impact alternative for multiplayer gameplay?

Tower of Fantasy is the top pick: it features a shared open world, seamless 4-player dungeons, and MMO-style raids, unlike Genshin’s limited co-op system. Community feedback highlights it as the closest multiplayer substitute.