How to Progress Efficiently in Genshin Impact: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

June 25, 2025

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Introduction
Genshin Impact is more than just a gacha game — it's a vast open-world RPG that blends elemental combat, exploration, and storytelling. While it can be incredibly rewarding, the game can also feel overwhelming for new players or those trying to optimize their progress. From unlocking key features and building strong characters to managing resources and navigating endgame content, every step in Genshin Impact requires strategic thinking. This comprehensive “how to” guide walks you through everything in the right order — so you can enjoy the game, grow faster, and avoid common mistakes.

1. How to Start Strong: Choosing the Right Path Early Game

When you first begin your journey in Teyvat, you're introduced to the story, basic mechanics, and elemental combat. Resist the urge to rush. Instead, explore the world, open chests, and absorb the mechanics. Your main goal early on should be reaching Adventure Rank (AR) 20 to unlock key game modes like the Battle Pass and co-op.

Focus on completing Archon Quests (main story) and Adventurer’s Handbook commissions. Avoid spending Primogems recklessly — wait for event banners with high-value 5-star characters or weapons.

Key Beginner Tips:

  • Stick with your starting 4-star characters until you understand team roles.

  • Don’t overinvest in low-tier artifacts or weapons too early.

  • Use food and healing strategically to manage tougher fights.

2. How to Build a Balanced Team Composition

Team synergy is crucial in Genshin. Every character has an elemental affinity and role (DPS, Sub-DPS, Support, or Healer). Understanding how to combine their abilities for reactions — like Vaporize, Melt, or Superconduct — is the foundation of good team building.

Start with a simple structure: 1 Main DPS, 1 Sub DPS, 1 Support, and 1 Healer. Use trial characters and test them before leveling. You’ll want to build around synergy, not just high rarity.

Team Composition Breakdown:

  • Main DPS: The core damage dealer (e.g. Diluc, Keqing, Cyno)

  • Sub DPS: Supports with burst damage (e.g. Fischl, Xiangling)

  • Healer: Restores HP (e.g. Barbara, Bennett)

  • Utility/Support: Shields, buffs, or elemental resonance (e.g. Zhongli, Sucrose)

3. How to Level Up Efficiently: Characters, Weapons & Talents

Once you’ve chosen a solid team, focus on leveling your characters — but do so wisely. Use your fragile resources (resin, ascension materials) on characters you plan to keep long-term. Character level, weapon level, and talent level all contribute to overall strength.

Farming bosses and talent domains requires Original Resin. Try not to waste it early. Instead, collect resources from the overworld until you reach AR 30+, when domains become more rewarding.

Leveling Order Suggestion:

  1. Ascend main DPS to Level 70 or 80.

  2. Level weapon to 70, prioritize 4-star or higher.

  3. Upgrade talents in this order: Normal > Skill > Burst (for DPS).

4. How to Use Resin and Daily Activities Wisely

Resin is your most limited resource in Genshin Impact. It regenerates over time and is used for Domains, World Bosses, and Weekly Bosses. Spend it efficiently by planning your week ahead.

In addition to Resin use, complete daily commissions and check the Adventurer’s Handbook for bounties and requests. These provide Primogems and Mora, which are essential for progress.

Resin Usage Tips:

  • Prioritize talent books and ascension materials over artifacts early.

  • Use Condensed Resin for more efficient farming after AR 40.

  • Save resin for events and double-drop domains.

5. How to Unlock Stat Progression Through Adventure Rank

Adventure Rank (AR) unlocks the game's features. At AR 25, you unlock weekly bosses; at AR 30, higher domain levels; and at AR 35-45, artifact grinding becomes viable. However, leveling AR too fast can cause problems if your characters aren't ready for the difficulty spike.

Avoid claiming Adventure EXP from the handbook until your team is stronger. This will help keep World Level manageable and ensure you can handle elite enemies and bosses.

Adventure Rank Milestones:

  • AR 20: Battle Pass, co-op, events

  • AR 30: Tier III Talent Books

  • AR 40+: 5-star artifact drop rates improve

6. How to Choose Artifacts and Optimize Builds

Artifacts can make or break a character, but you shouldn’t farm them heavily until AR 45, when 5-star drops are guaranteed. Before that, use set bonuses from overworld domains or events.

Each artifact has a main stat and sub-stats. Main DPS characters benefit from Crit Rate/Crit Damage, while Support units might prefer Energy Recharge or Elemental Mastery.

Artifact Tips:

  • Early Game: Use 4-piece Instructor, Exile, or Berserker sets.

  • Mid Game: Prioritize 2-piece ATK% sets (e.g., Gladiator + Shimenawa).

  • End Game: Farm for ideal sets like Emblem of Severed Fate, Crimson Witch.

7. How to Navigate Events and Limited-Time Rewards

Genshin constantly rotates events offering free Primogems, upgrade materials, and even characters. Events are usually limited-time, but offer massive value.

Always prioritize completing events. Even if you don’t use the event character, the rewards (Mora, resin, books) are worth it. Some events also introduce minigames and lore that enrich the overall experience.

Event Participation Strategy:

  • Log in daily to keep up with event objectives.

  • Use trial characters to complete event challenges more easily.

  • Save Primogems from events for banners you truly want.

8. How to Manage Primogems and Wishes

Genshin’s gacha system uses Primogems to make wishes on banners. Be smart about how you spend them. Standard banner wishes have diluted pools, while limited banners focus on specific 5-star characters or weapons.

Check the pity system: soft pity starts around 75 wishes. Keep track of your pulls to avoid wasting resources. Unless you’re a spender, focus on characters, not weapons.

Wish Management Checklist:

  • Save for rate-up banners with high-tier characters.

  • Use 10-pulls for faster pity tracking.

  • Avoid spending Primogems on standard banners.

9. How to Explore the World for Maximum Rewards

Exploration is one of Genshin’s greatest strengths. Each region is packed with chests, puzzles, and hidden secrets. Completing exploration not only offers Primogems and resources but also Adventure EXP and Electro/Anemo/Geo Sigils for leveling Statues of The Seven.

Use the interactive map tools to mark Anemoculi, Geoculi, Luxurious Chests, and more. Exploration also gives access to crafting materials for weapons and ascensions.

Exploration Tips:

  • Use a diverse team: climbers (Kazuha), swimmers (Ayaka), puzzle solvers (Amber).

  • Mark Time Trials and domains for return visits.

  • Max out Statue levels in each region for stamina boosts and wishes.

10. How to Tackle Endgame Content Like Spiral Abyss

The Spiral Abyss is the ultimate test of your character builds and strategy. Floor 9 onward features timed combat challenges requiring two teams. To succeed, you need well-built characters, elemental synergy, and good mechanics.

Study the enemy lineups, and bring counters (e.g., Cryo vs. Hydro, Pyro vs. Cryo). Focus on 36-star completion for the most Primogems every update. Practice dodging and burst rotation timings.

Spiral Abyss Tips:

  • Prepare two full teams with complementary elements.

  • Bring food and potions to prep before entry.

  • Learn wave timings and enemy spawns for speed.

Conclusion
Genshin Impact is a game of depth, patience, and smart decision-making. Whether you’re exploring vast landscapes or planning your next 10-pull, every step matters. By following a structured progression path — starting from team building and leveling to artifact farming and Spiral Abyss strategy — you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Above all, remember that enjoying the world and characters is just as important as min-maxing stats. The journey is just as fun as the destination.