Genshin Impact: Yet Another Game That Has Me Simping for Fictional Characters
I downloaded Genshin Impact on a whim at the request/suggestion of some coworkers, expecting a fun little open-world adventure to pass the time. What I didn’t expect was to spiral into a full-blown obsession that would have me rearranging my daily schedule around resin refreshes, primogem grinding, and—let’s be honest—some deeply committed simping. This game didn’t just hook me; it claimed my heart, and my soul.
What started as casual curiosity quickly turned into an emotional investment, not just in the gorgeous open world and deep sometimes tragic lore, but especially in the characters. The beautifully crafted designs, the voice acting, the personalities—they’re not just playable units. They’re family. They’re comfort. They’re the waifus and husbandos of my harem, and I love them unapologetically.
My King, My Shield, My Geo Daddy: Zhongli
Let’s get one thing straight—Zhongli is my king and the ONLY male I will EVER be caught referring to as "Daddy". I fell for him the moment I stepped foot in Liyue and saw his Archon statue. Then I heard his voice, and—oh no. Game over. The way his deep, velvety tone washes over me makes my whole body go soft and hot at the same time. I've only played the English version, but Keith Silverstein's voice acting? Iconic. Sinful. Divine.
I managed to pull Zhongli at the very last minute of the first refresh of his banner that came up when I started this game (after all the game had been out for a few years), and I legit screamed. When his banner returned again last year, I went all in and got him again—no regrets. He’s in every party I run, and I’m constantly working to max him out. His shielding abilities? Life-saving. His meteor burst that slams down like divine judgment? Straight-up Sephiroth vibes, and I am here for it. The man created mora and still somehow has the worst financial instincts in Teyvat, and I find that endlessly charming. Geo Daddy forever.
My Foxy Priestess Waifu: Yae Miko
Miko is pure chaos and elegance wrapped in one gorgeous, Sakura pink-haired package. I adore the dissonance between her innocent appearance and her sharp, seductive, wicked sense of humor. She’s the kind of character who will bless you with wisdom and then roast you into oblivion before vanishing in a swirl of electro petals. In battle, her elemental burst is a powerhouse, and her presence in my party is non-negotiable. She’s my mischievous queen.
My Royal Husbando Line-Up: Wriothesley & Neuvillette
If Zhongli is my king, then Wriothesley is definitely my brooding, tea-loving prince. He’s a prison warden who punches his way through enemies like a tank, but still manages to be thoughtful, gentle, and weirdly wholesome. Joe Zieja did an amazing job voicing him—his tone has this perfect balance of authority and kindness. His obsession with tea is adorable. He could detain me any day.
Neuvillette is another prince I keep close, and not just for his devastatingly deep voice (although, yes). His story aches with quiet pain and dignity, and all I want to do is give him a blanket, a hug, and tell him it’s okay to cry. He’s like 800 years old and still out here carrying emotional baggage that makes my chest hurt. Protect him at all costs.
My Bratty Princess: Furina
Oh, Furina. At first, I thought she was going to annoy me with her dramatic flair and over-the-top arrogance. But then her backstory unraveled, and I realized she’s not just putting on a show—she is the show. A performer with a heart buried beneath layers of flair and self-doubt. I love her dearly. Paired with Wriothesley’s freeze punches and Zhongli’s shielding, she makes for a ferocious (and fabulous) team. Plus, her healing abilities have saved my butt more times than I can count.
The Extended Simp Squad
The list doesn’t end there. Layla's sleepy brilliance, Ningguang’s CEO energy, Rosaria’s dark sarcasm, Clorinde’s cool confidence, Ei’s complexity as the Raiden Shogun, and Thoma—sweet, loyal, cinnamon roll Thoma—the ultimate house husband. I love them all. Every character in Genshin has so much more depth than their design lets on, and discovering that depth is half the joy.
And let’s not forget our Traveler, Lumine. Playing as her while chasing after her twin has been emotional, to say the least. She’s resilient, brave, and kind—but with an edge that keeps me invested in her journey.
Even Paimon, who I originally considered my emergency food stash, has grown on me. She’s loud, demanding, and basically a floating mora detector, but she’s also loyal and surprisingly insightful when it counts. At least she sees me as more than a piggy bank now.
Final Thoughts (A Love Letter to My Digital Soulmates):
Genshin Impact is more than a game—it’s an experience. It’s comfort on a rough day, joy in a surprise pull, and a safe space to project my deepest emotions onto fictional characters who make me laugh, cry, and clutch my chest dramatically at 2 a.m. I’ll keep simping, keep exploring, and keep loving this wild, beautiful world that HoYoVerse somehow gifted to us for free (mostly).
So now I want to know—who are your top waifus and husbandos? Who is chilling in your harem? Drop them in the comments. Bonus points if they’ve wrecked your bank account or your emotional stability.
We’re all simps here. It’s a safe space.