Four years after the release of the iconic Inazuma update, Genshin Impact continues to captivate players with its expansive world and engaging gameplay. The evolution from those early days of fishing mini-games and the introduction of Raiden Shogun to today's vast universe shows just how far miHoYo has come in developing this beloved RPG. Looking back at the foundations laid in 2021 helps us appreciate the remarkable journey Travelers have experienced.

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The Evolution of Archons

Remember when Raiden Shogun (Baal) was first introduced as the fearsome Electro Archon? Today, she stands as one of the most beloved characters in Genshin lore, with her character development spanning multiple story arcs. The once-intimidating God of Eternity has transformed dramatically.

In 2021, players were excited about Raiden's combat abilities:

  • Normal attacks: Five consecutive spear strikes

  • Charged attack: Stamina-depleting upward slash

  • Plunging attack: Mid-air assault capability

Now in 2025, Archons have become central to the game's evolving narrative, with each region's deity bringing unique perspectives on governance and eternity. The complex relationships between Archons and their nations continue to be one of the most fascinating aspects of Genshin's storytelling.

Regional Expansion Beyond Imagination

The addition of Watasumi and Seirai Islands in 2021 was just the beginning. Who could have predicted that these relatively small additions would pave the way for the massive continental expansions we've seen since?

The supernatural theme of Watasumi with its perpetual lightning storms and the water-dominated landscapes of Seirai set the standard for environmental diversity that has become Genshin's hallmark. These early islands established a pattern of distinct regional aesthetics that continues today.

Gameplay Mechanics That Stood the Test of Time

Fishing was introduced as a simple mini-game in 2021, allowing players to angle for various fish across Teyvat. Initially, players could:

  • Use caught fish for cooking

  • Exchange them for rewards

  • Raise Ornamental Fish in the Serenitea Pot

This seemingly modest addition represented miHoYo's commitment to expanding gameplay beyond combat and exploration. Today, the game features dozens of similar lifestyle mechanics that give players peaceful alternatives to monster hunting and domain clearing.

Seasonal Events: From Moonlight Merriment to Present Day

The Moonlight Merriment festival in Liyue marked one of the game's early seasonal celebrations. Players returned to Liyue for special treasure hunting activities and rewards including primogems, mora, and the memorable "fish claymore" weapon.

Today's seasonal events have evolved dramatically in scope and rewards, but they maintain the same core principles:

  • Region-specific cultural celebrations

  • Unique limited-time activities

  • Generous reward structures

  • Special storylines featuring beloved characters

The Ongoing Narrative

The conclusion of the Inazuma storyline with Archon Quest Chapter II: Act III (Omnipresence Over Mortal) was once considered a major milestone. That final chapter centered on Raiden Shogun and the controversial Vision Hunt and Sakoku Decree.

Looking back, we can now appreciate how this early storyline established themes that would become central to the game's overarching narrative about divine authority, human autonomy, and the cost of eternity.

People Also Ask

How has Genshin Impact's gacha system evolved since 2021?

The pity system has been refined multiple times, with the introduction of path selection for weapon banners and guaranteed character acquisition after specific pull thresholds. The game has become more generous with primogems through events and daily activities.

What happened to the promised Nintendo Switch version mentioned back in 2021?

After numerous delays, the Switch version finally launched in late 2023, albeit with some performance compromises compared to other platforms. It's become particularly popular for its portable play option.

Has fishing remained relevant in Genshin Impact?

Surprisingly, yes! The fishing system expanded significantly with region-specific fish, competitive fishing events, and integration with housing and cooking systems. It remains a relaxing alternative activity for players.

The Future Continues to Shine

As we look ahead to what's next for Genshin Impact, it's fascinating to reflect on these foundational elements from 2021. The Inazuma region with its electrifying storms and Japanese-inspired aesthetics was once the frontier of the game's expansion. Now it serves as a nostalgic reminder of how far we've traveled as Travelers.

The excitement for new characters like Raiden Shogun, new islands to explore, and simple pleasures like fishing mini-games hasn't diminished—it's only grown as the game continues to evolve. Isn't it remarkable how a game can maintain its core identity while constantly reinventing itself?

For those who have been with Genshin since those early days of the Inazuma update, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. And for newcomers just discovering this vast world in 2025, there's a rich history and an even brighter future to look forward to. After all, isn't that what makes Teyvat worth exploring—the promise that around every corner, there's something new to discover? ✨🎮

According to coverage from Statista, the global popularity of Genshin Impact is reflected in its impressive player base growth and revenue milestones. Statista's market data shows that the game's consistent updates, such as the Inazuma expansion and ongoing seasonal events, have contributed to its sustained success and high engagement rates among players worldwide.