What Makes Genshin Impact a Gacha Game?

1. Gacha System (“Wishes”)
   Genshin Impact has this “Wish” feature where you can spend in-game cash called Primogems or Fates to pull for random characters and weapons. It’s really similar to that classic gacha style you see in lots of mobile RPGs.
2. Free-to-Play Model
   You can download and play it for free, but it mainly makes money through microtransactions. You can buy Genesis Crystals, which turn into Primogems. This way, it’s easier and quicker to get those rare characters and 5-star weapons.
3. Character Rarity & Rates
   In Genshin Impact, there are 5-star units (highest rarity) and 4-star units (lower rarity). The chance of getting a 5-star item is pretty low, so you’ll need to wish a lot, or spend some cash, to snag those top-tier heroes or weapons.
4. Pity System
   Just like other gacha games, Genshin Impact features a “pity” mechanism. This means you’re guaranteed to get a 5-star drop after a certain number of pulls, which keeps that random draw element that gacha games are known for.

So, Is Genshin Impact Pay-to-Win?

Even though Genshin Impact is a gacha game, you can definitely enjoy it and finish it up without spending any money. Free-to-play players can unlock strong characters and keep moving through the story, although it might take a bit longer. Spending money mainly speeds up your collection of rare characters and weapons, rather than locking content behind a paywall.

Conclusion on Is Genshin Impact a Gacha Game?

Yep, Genshin Impact is a gacha game for sure. It mixes open-world exploration, action-RPG fighting, and anime-style storytelling with those randomized pulls for characters and weapons. It stands out as one of the top examples of the gacha model across PC, mobile, and console platforms.

Games like or similar to Genshin Impact

Here’s a rundown of anime-action RPGs for PC that are packed with huge worlds and bright anime-style graphics. I’ll break down each game based on how they play, their environments, art styles, spending options, and how to get them on your PC.

Tower of Fantasy

Tower of Fantasy’s sci-fi world has cool tech ruins and lush landscapes.

• Gameplay: It’s a shared-world MMORPG that offers fast-paced action combat. You can make your own character using lots of sliders, and you’ll fight in real-time with different weapons and skills. There’s also cooperative play like dealing with world bosses and dungeons, showing off its MMO vibe.
• Open-World & Exploration: Set on the planet Aida, it’s a post-apocalyptic sci-fi spot with a smooth open world filled with monsters and different regions. You can run, climb, and even ride vehicles or jetpacks to uncover chests, puzzles, and resources across the map.
• Art & Anime Aesthetics: The game has a unique anime-inspired sci-fi design that’s really colorful. Characters are styled in an anime way, and the world blends fantasy with tech to give it a cool cyber-fantasy look.
• Monetization: It’s free-to-play, but there’s a gacha system for getting weapons and characters. You can grind to earn rewards or pay to unlock rarer weapons with special character forms. There’s no mandatory spending, but you can speed things up with gacha and in-app purchases.
• Availability on PC: You can download it for free on PC using the official launcher or Steam. Cross-play is possible with mobile users since it launched at the same time on both platforms.

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds

Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds brings the charm of Studio Ghibli to life, even with cute little sheep roaming around.

• Gameplay: This is an MMO action RPG with five classes to pick from like swordsman, witch, and engineer. Combat is real-time with flashy moves, and you’ll collect adorable pet creatures called “Familiars” that battle alongside you and level up. Plus, there’s an auto-play option for quests if you prefer a more laid-back experience.
• Open-World & Exploration: The game boasts an enormous open world with all kinds of landscapes from fields to lava caves, all designed like a Studio Ghibli film. Roaming around lets you find chests, resources, and enemies, but it can also auto-path your journey if you want.
• Art & Anime Aesthetics: The game looks stunning with anime-style graphics that aim to feel like an animated film. Characters and creatures are inspired by Studio Ghibli’s artwork, bringing vibrant colors and a whimsical feel to the game.
• Monetization: It’s free-to-play, but it relies heavily on gacha and microtransactions. You’ll find various gacha pools for items, familiars, and costumes. You can enjoy the game for free, but progression can encourage more spending.
• Availability on PC: You can play it on PC through Netmarble’s launcher. It’s also on mobile with cross-play support, but you’ll need to get it from the official website as it’s not on Steam. Since it’s an MMO, you’ll need an online connection.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a fast-paced MMORPG that keeps the action stylish.

• Gameplay: It’s free-to-play and focuses on flashy combat and flexible character growth. You create your anime-styled hero with a detailed character creation system. Combat is real-time with various classes to choose from, allowing you to switch between them freely while teaming up for quests.
• Open-World & Exploration: New Genesis transforms PSO2 into an open-world RPG. It features a large planet called Halpha, full of open zones instead of locked corridors. You’ll find wildlife, resources, and events while enjoying a dynamic day/night cycle that adds life to the areas.
• Art & Anime Aesthetics: With a futuristic anime look, it mixes slick sci-fi designs with bright landscapes. Characters have that typical anime vibe, and the upgrade in graphics lets even the small details like finger movements look realistic.
• Monetization: The game is free-to-play with optional microtransactions. There’s no gacha for power; instead, you can buy cosmetics and exclusive perks through a premium subscription. It’s great for free players, letting you enjoy the content without mandatory spending.
• Availability on PC: You can download it for free on Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store. Cross-play with Xbox is also supported.

Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise delivers stunning anime-inspired locations, like the lively city of Vicintia.

• Gameplay: This single-player action JRPG mixes exciting real-time combat with traditional party gameplay. You manage a team of characters and can switch between them quickly. Combos and special attacks keep battles fast-paced and stylish, complete with cooking and crafting mechanics in downtime.
• Open-World & Exploration: While it doesn’t have a fully open world like Genshin, it features large interconnected areas with diverse biomes. The day/night cycle affects the world and the challenges you face, encouraging exploration for collectibles and side-quests.
• Art & Anime Aesthetics: The art is incredibly beautiful, combining polished 3D with anime charm. Character designs transform into a multimedia experience, especially during animated cutscenes crafted by Ufotable.
• Monetization: It’s a buy-to-play game, meaning once you buy it, you’re not hit with gacha or microtransactions that mess with your gameplay. There are optional DLC packs, but they’re not necessary to enjoy the full experience.
• Availability on PC: Available on Steam and other digital storefronts as a single purchase. There’s no online requirement, so it’s a classic offline JRPG. You’ll enjoy excellent controller support, but it’s keyboard and mouse-friendly too.

Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris

Alicization Lycoris brings the SAO anime’s world and characters to life, featuring original characters like Medina.

• Gameplay: This story-rich action RPG is based on the Sword Art Online: Alicization anime arc. You play as Kirito, experiencing his adventure with familiar faces. The combat system is all about real-time action and smooth sword skills, capturing the thrill of SAO’s duels.
• Open-World & Exploration: Set in the “Underworld,” it offers large areas inspired by the anime. Although it’s not a single seamless map, players can explore various zones filled with quests and resources as they progress.
• Art & Anime Aesthetics: The visuals stay true to the SAO anime, with character models matching their anime selves closely. The vibrant environments reflect a colorful JRPG world, and important story moments are brought to life with animated scenes featuring original voice actors.
• Monetization: A buy-to-play title with no gacha or pay-to-win elements. All characters and gear come from gameplay, though there are optional DLC expansions for extra story content that you can buy separately.
• Availability on PC: Available on Steam as a purchase. It’s mainly single-player, but there’s an optional co-op mode once you’ve progressed in the story for up to four players.

So that’s the scoop on some anime-style open-world RPG games similar to Genshin Impact for PC that might catch your interest.