The Definitive Guide to All Non-Human Characters in Genshin Impact

The colorful cast of characters in Genshin Impact is undoubtedly the game's standout feature. Set in a fantastical realm, the game introduces a multitude of non-human characters, adding an enchanting touch to the diverse nations of the Hoyoverse world.

In this expansive universe, every nation boasts its own array of non-human playable characters. These selections specifically include characters that are confirmed to be non-human either through their lore or appearance. Though some characters may don unique or striking outfits, it is important to note that this does not necessarily imply their non-human nature.

Mondstadt's Non-Human Characters

Mondstadt, the initial nation encountered in the game, draws primarily from Germany as its main inspiration, along with occasional influences from other European countries. The city-state of Mondstadt is portrayed as a typical medieval city within the realm of fantasy. Despite its origins in the land of famous fairy tales, Mondstadt boasts fewer non-human characters compared to the other nations. Interestingly, even some of the residents of Mondstadt, such as Albedo and Klee, are not originally from there.

Albedo is a unique character in that he can be considered a homunculus or synthetic human. Created by the alchemist Rhinedottir, Albedo is not the only member of his kind in the world of Teyvat, as suggested in the "Shadows Amidst Snowstorms" quest.

Diona: Descendant of the Katzlein Bloodline. She has inherited cat ears and a calico cat-like tail.

Klee: A member of an unknown elf species. Klee's elf ears clearly distinguish her, and it can be assumed that her lifespan will be similar to her mother Alice's, who is approximately 500 years old.

Sucrose: She is a mysterious creature with animal-like qualities, including a pair of adorable animal ears. However, the specific animal or species that she is associated with remains unknown for now.

Venti: A divine being with the power over wind and considered a deity by many. Before ascending to the role of the Anemo Archon, Venti existed as a tiny elemental spirit. Taking on the persona of Barbatos, he now takes on the appearance of his departed friend, the Nameless Bard, as he roams the land of Teyvat in his mortal vessel.

Liyue's Non-Human Characters

Liyue is home to a variety of fascinating non-human characters, known as the illuminated beasts/adepti. While the adepti encompass all divine beings or individuals with special powers, the term illuminated beasts specifically refers to the divine species within Liyue. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, these illuminated beasts display remarkable traits. For instance, adepti like Madame Ping have the ability to transform into humans, while others like Cloud Retainer (crane) and Moon Carver (deer) can take on animal forms.

One of Liyue's notable inhabitants is Ganyu, who is a unique blend of half-qilin and half-human. In Chinese folklore, qilins typically possess features of dragons, deer, or goats. Ganyu's distinctive physical attributes include two red horns that protrude from her head. Similar to qilins, Ganyu follows a vegetarian lifestyle.

Qiqi, the Zombie, has been brought back to life by the adepti, but as a result, she now exists as an emotionless and amnesiac undead being due to the adepti's magical abilities.

Xiao, known as the Adeptus, is the last remaining Guardian Yaksha. It is believed that his true form is that of an avian illuminated beast, as indicated by his design and the legends surrounding him. His Yaksha alias, "Alatus", means "winged" in translation. However, his actual form has not yet been unveiled.

Yanfei: A unique fusion of Half-xiezhi and Half-human, Yanfei shares a similar heritage to Ganyu, who is also half-illuminated beast. In Chinese mythology, her father is a xiezhi, an ox or goat-like mythical creature known as a symbol of justice. It is fitting that Yanfei herself is a lawyer. With two white horns protruding from her head and some scales adorning her body, she possesses distinct physical features.

Zhongli: Ascended Adeptus/God. In the world of Genshin Impact, Zhongli is an ascended adeptus who assumed numerous forms during his reign as Rex Lapis. As described in the in-game book series, Rex Incognito, he even took on a half-dragon, half-qilin appearance during the Liyue Archon Quest. However, Zhongli now roams the world in his mortal vessel, existing as his true self.

Inazuma's Non-Human Characters

Inazuma, being grounded in its Japanese roots, features numerous non-human characters inspired by Japanese folklore creatures, particularly the yokai. Yokai are supernatural spirits or entities found in Japanese mythology, similar to the illuminated beasts in Liyue. Within Inazuma, there is a wide array of yokai, ranging from playable characters to NPCs. Interestingly, many of Inazuma's yokai have seamlessly integrated into human society without any issues, although their powers and talents are duly recognized.

One such character is Arataki Itto, who is partially derived from the yokai of the same name. Sharing characteristics with onis, Itto possesses red horns and impressive strength. However, unlike the typical demon-like appearance associated with onis, Itto, being a half-blood oni, does not possess such features. Additionally, it is worth noting that Itto has a peculiar allergy to beans, which hold significance in Japanese folklore as a means to ward off onis.

Gorou is a distinct breed that resembles a dog, with adorable dog ears and a fluffy tail similar to the Shiba Inu, a native Japanese dog breed.

Kirara, on the other hand, is a Nekomata, a yokai with feline characteristics. Kirara boasts a pair of two-toned cat tails and actual paws as her feet.

Kujou Sara, also known as Tengu, is based on the legendary karasu-tengu, a powerful crow spirit. With her black wings and bird mask, Sara exudes an air of mystery. Not only is she highly skilled in combat, but she proved her prowess by defeating Itto, an oni, in a duel and claim his vision as her own.

Raiden Shogun, also referred to as Ei, is a unique fusion of a puppet and a god. Taking the form of an android, the Shogun closely resembles the Electro Archon, Ei. While Ei's physical body no longer exists, her consciousness is preserved within her sword, known as the Musou Isshin, which is currently possessed by the Shogun. Ei has the ability to assume control over the Shogun's body, essentially making it her own. Though her origins before becoming an Archon remain a mystery, she was revered as a Raijin, the God of Lightning, during the intense battles of the Archon War.

Yae Miko: Kitsune. Similar to the fox spirits found in Japanese folklore, kitsunes possess traits of wisdom and mischievousness, which perfectly align with Miko's persona. Notably, she has enchanting pink fox ears and, during her extraordinary Elemental Burst, a total of five majestic fox tails emerge. It is worth mentioning that Miko also benefits from a significantly extended lifespan. This fascinating detail is illustrated in a captivating cutscene, where she is depicted in her fox form as a younger, more diminutive being.

Sumeru's Non-Human Characters

Sumeru, the latest addition to the expansive world of Genshin Impact, holds promising prospects for future updates with the introduction of fresh characters. Distinguished by its distinctive cultural blend inspired by Southern Asia, the Middle East, and Northern Africa, Sumeru presently boasts the least number of non-human characters compared to the other four nations. Looking ahead, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate HoYoverse drawing upon these rich and diverse cultures to create a plethora of unique and compelling characters.

Layla is an enigmatic elf with unmistakable pointed ears.

Nahida, on the other hand, possesses pointed ears similar to that of an elf, leading one to believe she may be one. Nonetheless, in the culmination of the Sumeru Archon Quest, it is disclosed that Nahida is, in fact, an incarnation of Irminsul, a fragment derived from the tree which safeguards Teyvat's wisdom and recollections.

Tighnari: A distinct species resembling a fox with its design drawing inspiration from the fennec fox native to Northern Africa near the Sahara Desert. It features elongated pointed ears and a vibrant green fluffy tail.

Wanderer: An enchanting puppet originally created as a prototype by the Raiden Shogun in Inazuma to safeguard the Electro Gnosis. However, Wanderer has since been released from this responsibility and currently resides in Sumeru.

Genshin Impact is now available on Mobile, PC, PS4, and PS5. A Switch version is in development.