For those who enjoy getting lost in expansive fantasy worlds, games like Genshin Impact continue to amaze players who love the thrill of a good RPG. Thanks to its colorful cast of unlockable characters and vibrant art style, Genshin Impact left quite an impression on players when it originally launched back in 2020. With players particularly loving the premise of "here's a world, go explore"--combined with the fact it's free and has plenty to unlock--Genshin Impact has solidified itself as one of the best free gacha games to try right now.
While it certainly wasn't the first game of its type, Genshin Impact has influenced games over the years thanks to its innovative approach to open-world design and gacha elements. Similarly, there are older titles that influenced it which are also certainly worth checking out. Below you'll find a selection of games we've picked that are like Genshin Impact, either because they adapt and evolve the game's core gacha mechanics or that they simply evoke a similar feeling or vibe. While you may always feel the draw of Teyvat calling you back, there are certainly plenty of other games that you should dip your toes into.
Of course, be sure to also check out the best open-world games and best free games to play in 2025 too, if you want even more options to fill your backlog.
Wuthering Waves
- Developer: Kuro Games
- Release Date: May 22, 2024
- Platforms: iOS, Android, PC, PS5
- Price: Free
When Wuthering Waves was first released in 2024, it was able to capture a core of Genshin Impact players due to the similar gacha mechanics on show. After four years, Genshin Impact players were simply ready for a change in the formula, which is what makes Wuthering Waves' approach to combat so enticing. Intro and Outro skills gives it a little extra depth over Genshin's action, while being able to collect and use Echoes from defeated bosses makes overcoming each challenge feel all the more rewarding. As a result, it feels a lot more challenging to get to grips with early on, but it does make a refreshing change of pace for any players looking for a Genshin Impact alternative.
