Genshin Impact 3.0 has dropped and is in full swing. With it comes a new region, new weapons, new artifacts, and a whole new storyline full of interesting characters. While I haven’t explored everything 3.0 has to offer, I’m having a wonderful time with what I’ve seen so far.
In this article, I’m going to run down my observations of the Sumeru Region and its Story. How the design of the environment compares to the prior regions for better or worse. The various interesting ways that the Dendro element changes gameplay for combat and exploration. Plus a look at all the new weapons and artifacts that change up the gameplay.
Also, I’ll get into the events 3.0 has to offer right now, and how best to utilize them. One, in particular, will be perfect for getting players to fully explore all Sumeru’s jungle region has to offer. Warning, there will be spoilers for the Genshin Storyline throughout the article.
3.0 New Sumeru Jungle Region
As mentioned above, the new Genshin Impact 3.0 update came with a massive new region. After exploring the deepest pits of the Chasm, you will come across a tunnel. This tunnel contains a broken bridge, leading you from the rocky area of Liyue, to the lush jungles of Sumeru.
Alternatively, you can just climb up and around the walls of the chasm and look from above at the vast array of trees. Sumeru is accessible right from the beginning of the game if you have the stamina to traverse the cliffs.
Covered in trees, and flowers, and filled with waterways, Sumeru’s Jungle region is a sight to behold. With unique wildlife such as pack beasts, tigers, and sentient fungi taking the form of birds. Sumeru does well feeling like it is full of life and adventure.
From a game design standpoint, the comparison of Sumeru’s level design compared to the other three is fascinating. Mondstadt is relatively horizontal with cliffsides, Liyue is filled with tall mountains and ruins, and Inazuma sporting multiple islands of danger.
Sumeru’s jungle takes a more vertical approach to its design. It has a map about as big as Mondstadt, but with multiple layers from ground level to the tallest trees. Even the populated areas of Sumeru City and Port Ormos have winding ramps that spiral up to multiple levels.
My overall thoughts, I adore Sumeru’s jungle design. It feels like even if I’ve traversed an area before, there is much more to discover. Utilizing Electro, Hydro, and Pyro to go through the various puzzles on offer is also fascinating. I do hope this level of creative design continues for when Sumeru’s Desert comes out in a future patch.
Genshin Impact 3.0 New Archon Story
Note: Spoilers for the Archon Quest ahead.
Within Genshin Impact, your goal as the Traveler is to find a way to meet up with your twin again. This usually results in the Traveler unwittingly being involved in handling each region’s issues. This time around, we have two entries to the chapter of the Archon Quest, within Sumeru. These two acts are a whirlwind of lore and intrigue for the community.
Through Mists of Smoke and Forests Dark
In the first act, we first enter the region from an old trade tunnel connected to the Chasm. After trying to ask a woman for directions, the Traveler has an out-of-body experience. During this experience, they have an early encounter with the Irmensul tree, with the words, ‘World, Forget Me’ being spoken.
As you progress you will come to your first village in the region and meet Tighnari and Collei, two forest rangers protecting the jungle. They strive to prevent a plague known as the wilting from spreading. While with them, we learn about Collei’s condition and get an update on what she’s done since her webtoon debut.
Later, you will arrive at the main Sumeru City, where you gain the Akasha terminal, an important tool for gathering knowledge. The Traveler in their vain attempt to find Lesser Lord Kusanali instead runs into a lovely NPC named Dunyarzad.
Through Dunyarzard, you meet with Dehya and Nilou, two more future characters. Dehya serves as Dunyarzard’s bodyguard, while Nilou, with Dunyarzad’s help, is preparing a festival in Kusanali’s honor.
Lastly, following a lead given by Dehya’s mercenary contacts, the Traveler heads to Port Ormos. At this prolific port of trade, you join forces with Alhaithem in finding a particular Knowledge Capsule. With Alhaithem, you gain interactions with Dori, a lot more lore into how the Akasha terminal works, and see the repercussions of one faction’s obsession with a dead god.
Act 1 of the Sumeru quest is a fantastic start, and I think compared to the first act of Inazuma, it is a giant leap up in quality. With Inazuma, the majority of the plot revolved around Thoma and Ayaka convincing the Traveler to help their cause.
In contrast, Sumeru took its time with world-building, introducing almost all the characters of the region, and important information for later. This is also a great way in marketing to organically tease future characters that players will want to save and spend on.
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The Mourn a Thousand Roses Bring
Where the first act is a Grad A example of how to world build and introduce important elements to the overarching story, Act two is a whole different animal. I won’t go into too many heavy spoilers for it, as this is a story that is better experienced than read about.
What I can say, is the mechanical use of a deductive system in the story. This not only allowed the underutilized Traveller voice actors the opportunity for more lines, but it created more interactive gameplay. Too often, the story tends to handhold the Traveler from one decision to the next. Therefore, giving some form of autonomy, if still linear, is a great start.
This act is full of mystery, tragedy, tears, and a whole load of knowledge. Indeed, it is equally mindblowing and informative when one figures out the entirety of what is going on.
For more about the story, tune in soon to an article on Tighnari our newest DPS/Sub-DPS Fox Boy, who has his own story quest, and a fascinating personality.
Genshin Impact 3.0 Events
As with all major updates, Genshin impact 3.0 does not disappoint by adding even more into the game. Keep reading below for a summary of some of those available and what we can expect to come next.
Genshin Impact 3.0 Event Wishes
Starting off with a brief discussion on the wish banners, as of writing this section the second phase starts in NA in a few hours. The quality of both phases in character banners is actually quite great, and the next weapon banner is actually somewhat interesting.
The first phase featured a double banner with our newest 5-star Tighnari on one, and the best Genshin Impact Shield Character, Zhongli, on the other. With the added bonus of a new 4-star Collei, and known all-stars Fischl and Diona, this banner was great.
The weapons of the first phase were not as lucrative, the new bow for Tighnari is great but not necessary, but the Stone Shaper is not worth the pull. The Stringless is probably the best 4-star weapon choice on the banner, the rest are usable but not worth striving to get.
Phase two for the characters and weapons are both looking fantastic. Another double feature for the characters, but featuring returning all-star DPS Ganyu, and a steadily growing favorite Healer, Kokomi. In addition, the new 4-star Dori is featured, along with two other fantastic characters, Xingqiu and Sucrose.
The weapon banner is also fairly good, even though my thoughts on weapon banners, in general, are not great. Amos’ Bow is a great weapon for a DPS, the Everlasting Moonglow is a perfect weapon for Kokomi if you need it, and for the most part, all the 4-star weapons are excellent gets.
Overall, if you missed out on the first phase, don’t worry as Zhongli will return and Tighnari is going to be put on the Standard Banner next patch so more chances for the fox boy. For phase 2, unless you’re saving for a future character, Ganyu, Kokomi, or even the weapons are great grabs if you want to pull.
Current Genshin Impact 3.0 Events
As of writing, there are three events that you can take part in, and for all but one, you don’t even need to have progressed in the Sumeru quest to get to them. All of them are great for different reasons, though the quests, in general, are a bit simple to start in the Sumeru region.
Firstly the Graven Innocence quest is the one you need to be involved in to access the Sumer Archon Quests. I’d also say it is the most valuable quest to be part of. It basically allows players to naturally travel and explore Sumeru while gathering photos, fighting enemies, and get Collei for free as a reward. This event lasts till the end of the patch, so there is plenty of time to complete it.
Fayz Trials is another event active right now, only requiring the completion of Mondstadt’s Archon Quest to take part. This event is combat-heavy, testing your skills while also using a sort of ‘time freeze’ mechanic on enemies. While the rewards are basic, getting primogems and character ascension materials, you get the chance to use Kokomi and Yelan on trial. This event also lasts pretty much for the entire patch.
The last event active right now is the Lost Riches, a returning event that has the player help in treasure hunting. This is an event that is a bit basic, but fun to take part in, you have a Seelie at your side helping to gather treasure and by the end, your treasure can be spent on your very own Seelie. This event ends on Sept 19th, so if you want more primos, materials, and maybe a little sidekick, it is worth the effort.
The last new event is called Tablet Analytics. This is also an event that has a unique teapot item attached to it, so if you enjoy collecting teapot items, this quest is for you.
There is also a returning quest as part of the Genshin Impact 3.0 update called Ley Line Overflow. With a new region unlocked, this will be the perfect opportunity to use the Ley Lines and collect material from enemies and also gain companionship, level up materials, and/or gold.
Overall, the events in the Genshin Impact 3.0 update are simple and reward exploration and combat. However, this is a great start to a new region with lots of incentive to explore, while gathering materials for all the new characters. In future patches, we’ll likely get back to the big overarching event quests.
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Genshin Impact 3.0 Final Thoughts
Any review of 3.0 at this point will be incomplete, and mine is no different. With a large number of World Quests just added, new biomes to fully explore, and new characters to build, there is still a lot to talk about.
Nevertheless, looking at the story, the region, and the events, it is clear that the developers crafted a rich experience. It also allows most events to be played no matter what part of the story someone is at, features a gripping first couple of acts in the main story, and introduces us to a beautiful new region.
Sumeru is now one of my favorite regions, not just because the region and plot points fit with my personal aesthetic, but also because of how rich and lived everything feels. I personally give this patch a high rating, a good launch indeed.
Author Bio
HattyDrago is an avid gamer with years of experience, and a masters in game design to back it up. You can catch HattyDrago streaming as a Vtuber on their Twitch HattyDrago Channel playing Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy 14, and more.
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