As HoYoverse's phenomenal open-world RPG, Genshin Impact, approaches its fourth anniversary this September, the global community of Travelers is buzzing with anticipation. Four years of traversing the breathtaking landscapes of Teyvat, from the windswept fields of Mondstadt to the submerged secrets of Fontaine, marks a significant milestone for a game that has redefined expectations for the free-to-play market. With each anniversary comes a celebration, and all eyes are on HoYoverse to see what in-game rewards and events are in store for its dedicated player base.
While the developer keeps its plans tightly under wraps, a look back at previous anniversaries provides a solid foundation for what players might find in their in-game mailboxes. From free Intertwined Fates to exclusive cosmetic items, the annual celebration has become a major event in the game's calendar, rewarding players for their year-long dedication.
A Journey Through Teyvat's Past
Launched in September 2020, Genshin Impact became an instant global sensation, blending a vibrant, anime-inspired open world with a complex elemental combat system and a compelling ongoing narrative. Its success has been monumental, not only establishing a massive, dedicated fanbase but also setting a new benchmark for production quality and content depth in the gacha game space. Over nearly four years, players have witnessed the Traveler's journey across five of Teyvat's seven nations, with the fiery realm of Natlan looming on the horizon. Each new region has expanded the world, introduced beloved characters, and deepened the lore, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for millions.
Anniversary Rewards: A History of Highs and Lows
The path of Genshin Impact's anniversary celebrations has been as winding as a Liyue mountain trail. Veteran players will recall the infamous first anniversary, which sparked significant community backlash over what was perceived as lackluster rewards. However, HoYoverse demonstrated a willingness to listen, course-correcting with additional gifts and adopting a more generous approach in subsequent years. This has set a precedent that the community now looks to each fall. The standard has since settled on a multi-part celebration, typically including a cumulative login event rewarding up to 10 Intertwined Fates, alongside direct in-game mail deliveries containing Primogems, Fragile Resin, and unique commemorative gadgets or pets. The second and third anniversaries successfully built upon this model, delivering a satisfying bundle of resources and exclusive items that were much better received by the community.
What to Expect for the Fourth Anniversary
Looking ahead to the fourth anniversary, it's reasonable to expect a continuation of this established formula. A login event similar to the previous 'Path of Gleaming Jade' is almost a certainty, providing players with the coveted 10-pull for the character or weapon banners. A generous mail distribution of at least 1,600 Primogems—equivalent to another 10 pulls—also seems highly probable, spread across the celebration period. This would bring the total free pulls to around 20, a figure that aligns with previous years.
The real question is what unique flair HoYoverse will add for year four. Past anniversaries have gifted players with special items like the 'Starwicker' companion and commemorative wind gliders. We could see another exclusive pet or a unique cosmetic item for the Serenitea Pot. While less likely, the community continues to hope for more significant gestures, such as a reset of the first-time top-up bonus for Genesis Crystals or even a free 4-star character of choice, though players should temper their expectations on that front.
Beyond the Freebies: The State of the Game
The anniversary celebration doesn't happen in a vacuum. It typically coincides with a major version update that propels the game's story and world forward. With the Fontaine chapter of the Archon Quest now concluded, the fourth anniversary will likely serve as the prologue to the Traveler's next great adventure in Natlan, the nation of Pyro and war. Players can expect the anniversary patch to be packed with new story quests, explorable areas, and potentially major quality-of-life updates. This synergy of celebration and content is what makes the anniversary period one of the most exciting times to be a Genshin Impact player. As the game enters its fifth year, its future looks as bright and expansive as the world of Teyvat itself.