Genshin Impact, developed by miHoYo, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in September 2020. Its vibrant open world, compelling characters, and gacha mechanics have attracted millions of players globally. However, as the game matured, a critical issue has emerged that impacts its long-term player retention—the lack of substantial endgame content. While the early and mid-game experience is rich and engaging, the endgame feels stagnant for many players. This article explores the endgame problem in Genshin Impact, analyzing its causes, effects, and potential solutions.

What is Endgame Content in Genshin Impact?

Endgame content refers to activities designed to keep players engaged after they’ve completed the game's main storyline or reached the maximum level of progression. In Genshin Impact, this includes Spiral Abyss, artifact farming, character building, and limited-time events.

The Spiral Abyss: A Double-Edged Sword

The Spiral Abyss is arguably the only true endgame challenge in Genshin Impact. Consisting of 12 floors with increasing difficulty, it requires players to optimize their characters and strategies. While it provides a sense of accomplishment, its repetitive nature and static format have left many players feeling burnt out.

Artifact Grinding: Necessary but Unrewarding

Building powerful characters requires farming artifacts, but the RNG-heavy system makes this process frustrating. Players can spend weeks farming for the perfect artifact only to receive subpar results, which can discourage long-term engagement.

The Problem of a Static Endgame

Unlike games with evolving endgame systems, Genshin Impact’s endgame content has remained largely static. This stagnation has created dissatisfaction among veteran players who crave more diverse and challenging activities.

Limited Replayability

Once players master the Spiral Abyss or optimize their characters, there’s little incentive to continue engaging with the current endgame. Without new challenges, the game loses its appeal to long-time players.

Lack of Multiplayer Integration

Despite Genshin Impact having a co-op mode, its implementation in endgame content is minimal. There are no multiplayer-exclusive challenges or raids, which could significantly enhance replayability and community engagement.

The Role of Gacha Mechanics in Endgame Stagnation

Gacha systems are a core part of Genshin Impact, driving revenue through character and weapon banners. However, this monetization model indirectly contributes to the lack of meaningful endgame content.

Focus on New Characters Over Content

miHoYo prioritizes the release of new characters and weapons to maintain player spending. While this keeps the gacha system profitable, it comes at the cost of developing substantial endgame activities.

Power Creep and Its Impact

The introduction of more powerful characters over time creates a power creep, making existing endgame content easier and less rewarding. This diminishes the challenge and longevity of endgame activities.

Player Frustration and Community Feedback

The lack of meaningful endgame content has led to widespread frustration among Genshin Impact’s player base. Social media platforms and forums are filled with discussions about the game’s endgame problems.

Recurring Complaints

Players frequently express dissatisfaction with the repetitive nature of artifact farming, the lack of co-op endgame activities, and the absence of long-term goals.

Suggestions from the Community

The Genshin Impact community has proposed several solutions, including the introduction of raids, procedurally generated dungeons, and more interactive co-op content. These ideas reflect a strong desire for innovation in the game’s endgame design.

Comparisons with Other Games

To understand Genshin Impact’s endgame problem, it’s helpful to compare it with other gacha-based or live-service games, such as Honkai Impact 3rd (also by miHoYo) and Destiny 2.

Honkai Impact 3rd

Honkai Impact 3rd offers diverse endgame activities, including competitive leaderboards and evolving challenges. This dynamic approach keeps players engaged over the long term.

Destiny 2

Destiny 2 is a live-service game that excels in endgame content through raids, seasonal events, and PvP modes. These activities provide a blueprint for how Genshin Impact could improve its endgame.

The Financial Perspective

From a business standpoint, miHoYo’s focus on new characters and banners makes sense. However, neglecting endgame content could harm the game’s long-term profitability.

Retention vs. Monetization

While new characters drive short-term revenue, meaningful endgame content is essential for retaining veteran players. Balancing these priorities is crucial for the game’s sustainability.

Impact on Player Spending

As players lose interest in the game due to a lack of endgame content, their spending on banners may also decline. Investing in endgame development could mitigate this risk.

Potential Solutions to the Endgame Problem

Addressing Genshin Impact’s endgame issues requires a combination of new content, systems, and design philosophies. Below are some potential solutions.

Introduce Raids and Multiplayer Content

Adding raids or other multiplayer-exclusive challenges would enhance co-op gameplay and provide a fresh endgame experience.

Dynamic and Evolving Challenges

Procedurally generated dungeons or rotating seasonal events could keep the endgame dynamic and engaging.

Revamp the Artifact System

Improving the artifact farming system, such as by reducing RNG or introducing a pity mechanic, would make character building more rewarding.

miHoYo’s Response to Endgame Criticism

miHoYo has acknowledged player feedback regarding endgame content but has yet to implement significant changes. Their focus remains on expanding the game world and introducing new characters.

Updates and New Regions

The release of new regions, such as Sumeru and Fontaine, has provided temporary relief for players. However, these updates primarily cater to exploration rather than endgame activities.

Limited-Time Events

Genshin Impact frequently features limited-time events, but their temporary nature means they cannot serve as a long-term solution to the endgame problem.

The Future of Genshin Impact’s Endgame

Genshin Impact’s endgame problem is a significant challenge that miHoYo must address to ensure the game’s longevity. While the current approach has been successful in attracting and retaining new players, it risks alienating the veteran player base.

Balancing New Content with Endgame Development

To keep players engaged, miHoYo must strike a balance between releasing new characters and developing meaningful endgame content.

Listening to the Community

By incorporating player feedback and adopting innovative solutions, miHoYo can transform Genshin Impact’s endgame into a compelling and rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Genshin Impact is a groundbreaking game that has captivated millions of players. However, its endgame problem threatens its long-term success. By acknowledging the limitations of its current endgame design and investing in dynamic, challenging, and engaging activities, miHoYo has the opportunity to solidify Genshin Impact’s place as a beloved and enduring title. For now, players wait with hope that the game’s future updates will address these critical issues and offer the depth and excitement that the endgame currently lacks.