Genshin Impact Regions Explained: Mondstadt to Natlan
From the wind-swept streets of Mondstadt to the fiery tribes of Natlan, the regions in Genshin Impact offer unique lore, environments, and gameplay mechanics that shape the player’s journey. Mondstadt introduces the Anemo element and German-inspired aesthetics, while Liyue combines Geo power with ancient Chinese motifs. Inazuma brings Electro currents and Edo-period influences, and Sumeru offers rainforests and deserts rooted in Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions. Fontaine channels Hydro through steampunk and Belle Époque design, and Natlan awaits players with Pyro tribes inspired by Pre-Columbian and African landscapes. Understanding each region’s origins and features is key for both lore enthusiasts and those optimizing their world exploration.
Mondstadt
Mondstadt is the first region unlocked by players, embodying the Anemo element with a freedom-centric culture set against Germanic high fantasy visuals. The name “Mondstadt” literally means “Moon City” in German, reflecting its lyrical cityscape and wind-kissed plains. Governed by the carefree Anemo Archon Barbatos, who wanders Teyvat as the bard Venti, Mondstadt prizes liberty and revels in its annual Windblume Festival.
Liyue
Bordering Mondstadt to the northeast lies Liyue, the Geo nation inspired by ancient China’s mountains, harbors, and contract—centred society. Its capital, Liyue Harbor, bustles with merchants celebrating the Rite of Lanterns under the watchful eye of Morax (Rex Lapis), the Geo Archon of contracts. The region’s design draws from the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Hanging Temple, blending real-world landscapes with fantastical stone forests.
Inazuma
Released in July 2021, Inazuma is the Electro Archon’s closed archipelago, deeply influenced by Edo-period Japan and ruled by the Raiden Shogun. Named after the Japanese word for “lightning,” its islands feature sakura blossoms, Shinto shrines, and high sea walls reflecting its isolationist policies. Players explore Inazuma’s Stormterror–scarred plains and lush Sacred Sakura groves while uncovering political intrigue beneath its thunderous skies.
Sumeru
Sumeru, the nation of knowledge, unites Elemental mastery of Dendro with diverse biomes, from misty rainforests to arid deserts, modeled on Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cultures. The region is governed by the Dendro Archon “Lesser Lord Kusanali” and renowned for its Akademiya of scholars. Verdant jungles hide ancient ruins, while desert caravans traverse windswept dunes rich with botanical treasures and intellectual secrets.
Fontaine
Fontaine, the Hydro nation, blends Belle Époque steampunk with Basque and Corsican influences, all set around grand fountains and clockwork marvels. The Hydro Archon Focalors oversees a justice system powered by water and machinery, where artists, inventors, and aquatic creatures converge. Players will soon navigate its submerged cathedrals and art nouveau streets, solving mysteries beneath shimmering canals.
Natlan
Natlan is the Pyro nation inspired by Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican, Sub-Saharan African, and Oceanian cultures, named after the legendary Aztec homeland, Aztlán. Governed by six tribal chiefs under the Pyro Archon, its tribes, each aligned to an element and ruled by chieftains, roam mesas, canyons, and volcanic highlands. Expect vibrant festivals, tribal arts, and fierce battles against fiery beasts as players forge bonds with Native-inspired cultures and explore Natlan’s sun-scorched territories.
