Genshin Impacthas much to offer players, such as immersive environments, detailed storytelling, and engaging gameplay. But often, it is the colorful cast that seems to steal the spotlight. With the series constantly releasing new regions, it’s only natural that the Traveler runs into quirky new characters along the way. However, among all thewarm, friendly charactersare some vicious villains.
Aside from the regular, run-of-the-mill hilichurls and abyss mages, there are a few main characters that are known for their brutality and a few others that prefer to keep that darker side of themselves hidden. Here are some of the most ruthless characters inGenshin Impact.
6Zhongli
While he may be unsuspecting at first glance, the mysteriousMr. Zhongli is actually the Geo Archonknown as Rex Lapis or Morax. For the most part, Zhongli is regarded as a calm and peaceful god within Liyue. However, it is his “tough love” approach to parenting his loyal followers that makes him much more brutal than he first appears. For many years, the people of Liyue looked to Rex Lapis for advice and guidance, causing the great god to begin worrying that his devout followers were becoming too dependent on him.
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This led to Zhongli faking his own death (in a shocking and public display, no less) to force the citizens of Liyue to move on from their old ways and become more self-sustaining. It was unthinkable that Rex Lapis would ever leave his people, but apparently, Zhongli was ruthless enough to not only leave citizens in a panic but also in a huge, scarring spectacle (for their own good).
5The Traveler’s Twin
The name of the Traveler’s twin will be dependent on whom the player chooses to play as at the beginning of the game. If the player chooses Lumine, their twin will be Aether, and vice versa. Later in theGenshinstoryline, it is revealed in Dainself’s quest that the Traveler’s twin has sided with the Abyss Order and is stopping at nothing to help them accomplish their goals, including fighting against their own blood.
In the twin’s mission to avenge the people of Khaenri’ah, the ancient land thatAether and Lumineboth apparently originated from, they showed that they had no hesitation to turn their back on their very own sibling. It’s no secret that the Abyss Order is ruthless and is more than willing to harm those that stand in the way of their goals, but it definitely came as a surprise to many players to find out that their beloved twin had been calling the shots and been the leader all along.
4Childe
It’s no secret that Tartaglia, codenamed Childe, is not only a member of the Fatui, but also one of the eleven deadly Fatui harbingers. Although Childe did indeed warn the Traveler right from the beginning that he was a bit of a bad guy, it was still jarring to see the drastic change in Childe’s demeanor once the two decided to face off. After the friendly act was over and done with, Childe takes on the Traveler and even goes as far as unleashing hisdangerous Foul Legacy formon them, not bothering with holding back or pulling any punches.
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Sure, it is through battle that Childe finds the best of comrades and considers combat a bonding experience and a true test of friendship. However, witnessing the real-time shift of Childe’s innocent goofy act slowly fading into that of a bloodthirsty enemy truly struck fear into many players' hearts.
3Ningguang
If there’s one thing that even casualGenshin Impactplayers know aboutthe elegant Ningguang, it’s that she is a businesswoman, and a strict one at that. Although she obviously has a soft spot for all the citizens within Liyue and was willing to sacrifice the opulent floating Jade Chamber just to ensure their safety, it’s all business once safety is no longer an issue. Ningguang may be a kind-hearted person, but as the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, it is imperative that she still maintains a strong backbone (especially when money is involved).
Ningguang is the most famous mogul in all of Liyue and essentially acts as the foundation for Liyue’s business ventures and revenue. Ningguang wasn’t simply born into money and handed her wealth; rather, she worked hard for it. She has no problem with viciously hunting down anyone that has wronged her financially and forcefully making them pay up and owe her what she is due.
2La Signora
Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter is much better known as La Signora. La Signora is a member of the Fatui and goes by her codename “The Fair Lady.” She is the eighth of the eleven Fatui harbingers, and much like the rest of her fellow harbingers, she is quick to draw a weapon at the first sight of confrontation or disagreement. As the first of the harbingers that appears in the mainGenshinstoryline, Signora made sure to make her introduction memorable.
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In a successful attempt to steal Venti’s gnosis, Signora ambushes him right in front of the Traveler and his friends. This cutscene was so powerful that many players were left thinking that Venti had been killed right in front of their eyes! Fortunately,Venti was perfectly safeafter the scarring incident (minus his gnosis), but that didn’t stop La Signora from leaving a terrifying impression on the Traveler (and players).
1Raiden Shogun
The infamous Raiden Shogun rules over the land of Inazuma, and although the citizens are her subjects, she is obeyed out of fear rather than respect. Within the Raiden Shogun are two separate beings:Ei and the Shogun. While Ei is much kinder and soft-spoken, she is locked away in the Plane of Euthymia at the beginning of her story, allowing the Shogun full control. Unfortunately for the citizens of Inazuma, the Shogun is cold, fearless, and heartless.
Aside from enforcing the horrific Vision Hunt Decree and carelessly allowing hundreds of people across the land to suffer, there was one other instance of the Raiden Shogun’s brutality that truly stuck with players. After losing a battle against the Traveler before the throne, La Signora is formally sentenced to death. Many fans assumed that La Signora’s importance and status would surely save her from an untimely death; she was going to be a playable character after all, right? Nope! The cold-hearted Raiden Shogun didn’t hesitate for a second to kill Signora immediately after her defeat at the hands of the Traveler. Hopefully, Ei will stick around from now on.
Genshin Impactis available now on Android, iOS, iPadOS, Microsoft Windows, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.
