Video games allow a level of freedom that very few mediums can match up to. Not only do they offer a visual, narrative experience, but gamers get to contribute to it in ways that television or film rarely allow. In addition, one gamer’s experience with a game is rarely identical to another’s. How someone plays a game likeThe Legend of Zelda, for example, is likely to be unique from everyone else, and sharing those experiences is a core aspect of building community. There are times, however, when a gaming community will also establish conformity through unwritten rules, andGenshin Impacthas more than a few.
As one of the most financially successful games of the last few years,Genshin Impacthas the dedicated community to match. Much of this community has followed the game from the very beginning, adapting to new content updates and traversing every nook and cranny of Teyvat. ThroughoutGenshin’s many changes, however, the community has solidified a number of expectations for how the game is supposed to be played, both solo and in co-op. Some of these unwritten rules are all in good fun, but others serve to ensure a fair and conflict-free experience when delving into multiplayer.
RELATED:Genshin Impact Fans Want Major Changes to the Geo Element
Higher Level Players in a Domain Get Character Priority
One of the most exciting features ofGenshin Impactis its four player co-op. This can make exploringthe wide world of Teyvatall the more engrossing, and it also opens up opportunities to take on one ofGenshin Impact’s many challenging domains. One wayGenshinplayers have gone about ensuring domains go smoothly is by establishing that the highest level player gets priority over which character they want to choose. The higher the level of the player, the more experience they have with certain characters, and the better chance they have of using that character to the best of their ability.
Always Shoot Timmie’s Birds
While many unwritten rules in gaming ensure a smooth experience in multiplayer, others simply encourage having a bit of fun. One of the more prominent unwritten rules inGenshin Impacthas nothing to do with streamlining co-op, and everything to do with terrorizing a little boy and his birds. In the city of Mondstadt,an NPC named Timmiestands on a bridge near a group of birds that he cares for. It’s possible for the player to shoot these birds, horrifying Timmie in the process, and fueling the unwritten rule that whenever a player passes by Timmie and his birds, they’re obligated to shoot them every time.
Parkour to Pass the Time
Genshin Impactis one of manylive-service gamesthat encourages players to log in every day and complete daily tasks. Once those tasks are done and the story is complete, however, it can sometimes be difficult to find something to do between domains. That’s why much of theGenshincommunity has used in-game parkour to pass the time. It’s a fairly widely accepted thing that if players are not doing much or waiting to take on a domain with friends, pass the time by parkouring around the rooftops of Mondstadt. It may not be the same asAssassin’s Creed, but it makes for some light entertainment nonetheless.
Genshin Impactis still growing at a steady pace three years after launch, and with that continued growth, there are sure to be more unwritten rules that the community develops. Whether they’re based on using certainGenshincharactersover others, how to spend in-game currency, or co-op etiquette, the unwritten rules that govern the game will continue to shape players' experiences for a long time. While it may seem antithetical to establish such rules in a game rooted in boundless open-world exploration, they ensureGenshin Impactremains an accessible experience that all types of gamers can jump into and enjoy.
Genshin Impactis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is currently in development.
