It looks like Genshin Impact will not be leaving our smartphones and consoles anytime soon!
Since its release last year, Genshin Impact continues to expand its vast map alongside its character roster and the rich stories the players can dive into. While the open-world gameplay is already addicting, the game also got us hooked through its gacha mechanics where players can obtain new characters and weapons with luck, just like Japan’s gachapon toy vending machines.
Genshin Impact & Its Gacha System
In case you haven’t checked it out yet, Genshin Impact is a free-to-play, open-world online game from the Chinese Studio Mihoyo, which is currently available on mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. In this high fantasy game, you play one of the twins who traveled to the magical world of Teyvat only to be separated by a powerful demigoddess. To find your sibling, you must go on a quest to seek answers from The Seven ā the gods of each element.
Joining you on your adventures are characters equipped with different powers and skills– some of which are playable through quests, while others are obtainable by pulling on the game’s gacha system, or in the game’s terminology, by making Wishes. While non-paying gamers can still get these characters, it is still about chance, and players who pay for additional Wishes are basically buying more chances to bring home their desired characters and weapons.
There’s a pitfall, however, because playing gacha games can lead to uncontrollable spending for some of its players. Still, for most players who pay in moderation, it is their way to also give back to the developers who have made such a beloved game and offered it to players for free.
Gacha Games Like ‘Genshin Impact’
If you love playing games like Genshin Impact, which are free-to-play and offer exciting content that can be obtained through the gacha system, this is a list for you! We’ve rounded up eight such games you can conveniently play on your handheld devices!
1. Honkai Impact 3rd
If you’re looking for a game similar to Genshin Impact, you don’t have to look far. Honkai Impact 3rd is another title from Mihoyo, which also infuses the gacha mechanics in an RPG game. Like Genshin, this game is packed with intense action, compelling stories, an open-world map, and other additional in-game content.
This game offers the players a lineup of Valkyries with different skills and capabilities. Through the gacha system, you can collect these playable Valkyries and customize them with different outfits, weapons, and armors.
2. The Alchemist Code
If you prefer strategy games rather than real-time action games, The Alchemist Code might be the perfect game for you to try. This Japanese RPG (JRPG) mobile game implements turn-based battle mechanics with grid-based movement. It has more than 50 playable characters that you can collect via gacha, plus, you can even play your favorite anime characters at certain events.
In the past, The Alchemist Code has collaborated with titles like Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, Attack on Titan, and The Seven Deadly Sins to bring familiar characters such as the Elric brothers, Eren Yeager, and Meliodas into the game.
3. Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of The Visions
Here’s another free-to-play turn-based title, which comes from the popular video game franchise, Final Fantasy! Set in 3D terrains, this game lets you build a party composed of your favorite Final Fantasy heroes, summon legendary espers with stunning CG animations, and unlock rare characters by pulling on their gacha feature!
Along with its Story Quests, the game will also keep you occupied with its list of World Quests, Event Quests, and Multiplayer Quests where you get to team up with other players. You can also check out the game’s predecessor, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, which offers vibrant pixel graphics reminiscent of the earlier Final Fantasy games.
4. Dragalia Lost
Dragalia Lost is a swipe-controlled RPG game from Nintendo where you can play as heroes who have strong bonds with their dragons, and can even transform into the fearsome winged creatures! Set in the Kingdom of Alberia, this game follows the seventh Alberian Prince as he searches for a dragon he could make a pact with in order to protect the kingdom. Via the game’s gacha mechanics, you can collect and be aided by over 60 voiced in-game characters.
5. Fate/Grand Order
Fate/Grand Order is a command card battle RPG with a captivating story told in visual novel style. In this game, you take the role of a Master who can summon Servants– obtained via gacha– in order to fight enemies. Like many RPGs, the Servants have different skillsets that players can strategically use during gameplay.
Gameplay aside, what really makes Fate/Grand Order popular is its compelling story. It follows Ritsuka and a mysterious girl named Mash Kyrielight who were transported back in time to investigate and prevent the imminent human extinction of the future.
6. Azur Lane
Azur Lane offers a game of Naval Warfare on mobile, with a side-scrolling shoot ’em up gameplay. To thrive in this game, you have to bring six warships into battle and defeat the enemies. Through their gacha system, you can collect up to 300 ships from different parts of the globe, with each ship represented by a cute anime character.
7. PokƩmon Masters EX
Of course, gacha games are not limited to high fantasy characters or warship girls. Nintendo’s PokĆ©mon franchise also offers a free-to-play mobile game where players can collect their favorite PokĆ©mon and trainers! Unlike the games we grew up with, PokĆ©mon Masters EX offers 3-on-3 battles, and instead of switching between your monsters, you assemble a team of three trainers with one PokĆ©mon each. Through their gacha system, you can summon your favorite trainers to build your dream team, battle the Elite Four, and become the regional Champion!
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8. Marvel Future Fight
Here’s a Western mobile game that fans of the Marvel Universe would love playing! Marvel Future Fight is an action RPG game where you can assemble your team of Marvel heroes and villains to stop the world’s destruction. With over 200 Marvel characters you can collect and level up, as well as hundreds of Uniforms for them to wear, this game’s massive content will surely get you hooked! It is also a friendly gacha game for non-paying players, letting you score great characters without spending real money.
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Homestream images from the Google Play Store.
