How To Play Genshin Impact on a PC

Aaron Donald August 24, 2022

Genshin Impact is available on many platforms, but most players prefer playing it on a PC or smartphone.

Below are the main ways to install Genshin Impact and play it on your computer. A mouse and keyboard are standard, but you can also use a controller. Read on for all the details.

Here’s How You Play Genshin Impact on a PC

Before we get started, here are the game’s system requirements. You should check your PC’s specifications before attempting to install the game.

Minimum Requirements

Intel Core i5 and above or AMD equivalent
At least 8GB of RAM
Have 2048MB of VRAM, which is found on your GPU
An NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 or AMD equivalent
DirectX 11-compatible GPU

Recommended Requirements

Intel i7 and above or AMD equivalent
16GB of RAM
6GB of VRAM
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD equivalent

Your gaming PC should run Windows 7 and above and have at least 30GB of free space. However, keeping the game’s large updates in mind, you should prepare at least double the recommended storage. If required, back some files up to a portable hard drive or install a new SSD/HDD.

To download the Genshin Impact desktop client, follow these steps:

Go to the Genshin Impact official website.
Click on the “Download” button in the top-right corner.
Choose the PC platform over the other choices.
Get the game installer.
Run the game installer and wait.
After the download is complete, the system will install the game.
Start playing if you already have an account.

If you have an account, feel free to log-in using your credentials. If not, create a HoYoverse account and start playing.

Because the desktop client contains a lot of textures and other files, the game usually takes a long time to download. A speedy internet connection usually helps everything finish within an hour.

Alternatively, if you’re a fan of Android emulators, you can play the game on Bluestacks or an equivalent.

Download Bluestacks and install the emulator.
Click on the Google Play Store app and sign in.
Type “Genshin Impact” in the search bar.
Get the official mobile client.
Download and install the app.
Tap on the Genshin Impact app on the Bluestacks home screen.
Log-in with your credentials.
Start playing.

Note that you may have to authenticate the device first, but that takes only a minute. Some players prefer this approach because the mobile version is much smaller and doesn’t take up as much space. You can also use the emulator’s features to mimic touchscreen gameplay with a mouse and keyboard.

Playing Genshin Impact on a PC With a Keyboard

When you’re playing Genshin Impact on a PC, you’re likely already playing with a keyboard. The PC client will immediately use your PC’s peripherals without additional setup. Therefore, any supported USB keyboard will work fine.

Please assume we’re using the default settings when we talk about controls and actions.

You move using the WASD keys and attack with the left mouse button. Jumping is performed by hitting the Space bar, and when in the air, you can press it to deploy the glider.

By moving your mouse, you can easily rotate the camera. The scroll wheel increases or decreases zoom levels depending on your preference.

In combat, normal attacks aren’t enough, and each character has an Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst. They’re deployed using the E and Q keys, respectively.

The F key is used to interact or pick items up. This is useful when trying to gather resources or progressing in-game.

To use a Quick-Use Gadget, press Z. T is reserved for certain interactions and X for dropping while climbing.

The 1, 2, 3, and 4 keys are how you access your four characters in the party. Occasionally, you get a fifth member you can temporarily deploy with the 5 key.

Why Use Mouse and Keyboard

Many PC gamers use a mouse and keyboard due to familiarity and convenience. Everything can be assigned to one key, and you can develop muscle memory easily. Those mechanical skills transfer over quickly if you play other online RPGs.

A mouse and keyboard are also much faster than controllers or touch screens. The combat experience is more fluid, and you have less room for error.

Playing Genshin Impact on a PC With a Controller

Genshin Impact also supports using controllers like the Xbox and PS4 controllers. You just have to pair them up, and the game will automatically detect them. Here’s how you can switch to a controller.

For USB controllers, plug them into a free port and wait for the system to take care of everything. Bluetooth controllers will require you to turn the computer’s Bluetooth functionality on.

None of these choices have an in-game advantage over the other. Pick the one you have, and you should be able to play Genshin Impact immediately.

Connect a controller to your gaming computer.
Launch Genshin Impact.
Log-in to your account.
Press Esc to open the Paimon Menu.
Click on the cog wheel.
Select “Controls.”
Under “Control Type,” pick “Controller.”
Customize your settings and apply them.

Try again if the controller option doesn’t let you use your current device. The PC version works with USB and Bluetooth controllers that your computer recognizes.

When using a controller, movement is performed by the left stick and the right stick is used for camera rotation.

The face buttons will be used for interacting, attacking, and jumping. Your Burst and Skill are located on the triggers, which are at the base of the controller.

Clicking the sticks lets you access several functions like quest navigation and abandoning challenges.

The D-pad is where your party members can be summoned on-field as required. For the fifth member, you’ll need to press LB + Y or L1 + Triangle, depending on your controller type.

Because controllers have much fewer buttons than a keyboard, you’ll need to memorize some combinations for specific actions. Many people find this straightforward, especially if they’re experienced console gamers.

Some players prefer using a controller for its precision and easy portability. They may also play Genshin Impact on a console already. In these cases, they can use muscle memory with some adaptation.

There’s also a case for extra precision when moving and aiming, but mouse and keyboard players say the same thing. Therefore, it’s mostly up to personal preference.

Playing Genshin Impact on a PC With a Linked Google Account

You need to follow a particular process if you want to link your Google account to your Genshin Impact account.

Launch Genshin Impact on your mobile device.
Tap on the Paimon Menu.
Select the cog to enter the Settings menu.
Go to “Account.”
Pick “User Center.”
Look for the email option and send a verification code to your Gmail address.
Find the email and get the code.
Go back to Genshin Impact and enter the verification code.

The process allows users to initiate cross-platform and cross-save play. You can now play on a mobile device fluidly and immediately start where you left off on a PC.

If the verification code doesn’t appear, check if you entered the wrong address. It should arrive in moments after pressing the button.

A Seamless Experience

While Genshin Impact isn’t without its problems, many players enjoy the rich storyline and large cast of characters. No matter your controller of choice, it’s safe to say the experience is enjoyable.

How do you play Genshin Impact? What’s your primary platform? Let us know in the comments section below.