Genshin Impact has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in September 2020, amassing over 50 million players worldwide as of April 2021 according to developer miHoYo[^1]. A key factor in the game‘s global appeal is its robust server infrastructure, which allows players from different regions to connect and play together seamlessly. However, with four main servers to choose from—Asia, Europe, America, and TW/HK/MO—choosing the right server and navigating the process of switching servers can be daunting for new and experienced players alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about Genshin Impact‘s servers, including:
- The key differences between servers
- Step-by-step instructions for changing servers on each platform
- What happens to your progress and purchases when you switch servers
- Factors to consider when choosing a server
- The social aspects of playing on different servers
- What the future may hold for Genshin Impact‘s server infrastructure
Whether you‘re a new player trying to figure out which server to start on or a seasoned veteran looking to switch things up, this guide has everything you need to make an informed decision.
Understanding Genshin Impact‘s Servers
Genshin Impact currently has four main servers, each designed to provide the best possible experience for players in specific regions:
| Server | Regions Served |
|---|---|
| Asia | Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand |
| Europe | Europe, Middle East, Africa |
| America | North America, South America |
| TW/HK/MO | Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau |
Each server has its own unique player base and community, with different dominant languages, cultural norms, and peak play times. According to data from player tracking site Genshin.gg[^2], as of March 2023, the Asia server has the largest player population at approximately 40%, followed by America at 30%, Europe at 25%, and TW/HK/MO at 5%.
It‘s worth noting that these populations can shift over time as new content is released and players migrate to different servers. For example, there was a notable increase in players on the Asia server following the release of the Inazuma region in Version 2.0[^3], likely due to the region‘s Japanese-inspired setting and characters.
How to Change Servers
The process for changing servers in Genshin Impact varies slightly depending on your platform, but the basic steps are the same:
PC
- Launch Genshin Impact and click on the "Settings" button in the top-right corner of the login screen.
- Click on the "Account" tab and then click on the "Server" drop-down menu.
- Select the server you want to switch to and click "Confirm."
- Restart the game to apply the changes.
Mobile (iOS/Android)
- Launch Genshin Impact and tap on the "Settings" button in the top-right corner of the login screen.
- Tap on the "Account" tab and then tap on the "Server" drop-down menu.
- Select the server you want to switch to and tap "Confirm."
- Restart the game to apply the changes.
PlayStation 4/5
- Launch Genshin Impact and navigate to the Paimon menu by pressing the "Options" button.
- Go to "Settings" and then the "Account" tab.
- Select the "Server" option and choose the server you want to switch to.
- Confirm the change and restart the game.
It‘s important to note that when you switch servers, your progress and account data will not carry over to the new server. This includes your Adventure Rank, characters, weapons, artifacts, and any progress you‘ve made in quests or exploration. However, any purchases you‘ve made, such as Genesis Crystals or the Blessing of the Welkin Moon, will be available on all servers.
Choosing the Right Server
When deciding which server to play on, there are a few key factors to consider:
Ping and Performance
One of the most important considerations is ping, or the time it takes for data to be sent from your device to the server and back. The higher your ping, the more lag and delay you‘ll experience in gameplay. As a general rule, you want to choose a server that is geographically closest to your physical location to minimize ping.
You can check your ping to each server by using the in-game network test tool, which can be accessed from the login screen. According to miHoYo, a ping of 200ms or lower is considered "good" for gameplay[^4].
Language and Community
Each server has its own unique community with different dominant languages and cultural norms. If you‘re looking to play with friends or join a community that speaks your language, you‘ll want to choose a server where that language is widely used.
According to player surveys[^5], the most common languages on each server are:
- Asia: Chinese, Japanese, Korean
- Europe: English, French, German, Russian
- America: English, Spanish, Portuguese
- TW/HK/MO: Chinese
Keep in mind that these are generalizations and there are players from all over the world on each server. Many players also use translation tools and language exchange groups to communicate across language barriers.
Peak Play Times
Another factor to consider is peak play times, which can vary depending on the server and time zone. If you‘re looking to play during off-peak hours to avoid long queue times and server congestion, you may want to choose a server with peak hours that align with your schedule.
According to player tracking data[^6], the peak play times for each server are:
- Asia: 7pm-11pm JST (Japan Standard Time)
- Europe: 7pm-11pm CET (Central European Time)
- America: 7pm-11pm EST (Eastern Standard Time)
- TW/HK/MO: 7pm-11pm CST (China Standard Time)
Of course, these are just general trends and there are players active at all hours on each server.
The Social Aspects of Genshin Impact‘s Servers
Beyond just gameplay considerations, each server in Genshin Impact has its own unique social atmosphere and community norms. Here are some key social aspects to keep in mind:
Dominant Languages and Communication
As mentioned earlier, each server has its own dominant languages that are widely used in chat and community discussions. If you‘re not fluent in the dominant language of a server, you may have difficulty communicating with other players and participating in community events.
However, there are also many multilingual players and translation tools available to help bridge language gaps. There are also dedicated language exchange groups and communities on each server where players can practice their language skills and connect with others who speak their native language.
Community Attitudes and Norms
Each server also has its own distinct community attitudes and social norms. For example, players on the Asia server tend to be more competitive and focused on min-maxing their characters and teams, while players on the America server tend to be more laid-back and focused on exploration and story.
These community attitudes can also vary depending on the specific region or city you‘re playing in. For example, players in Japan may have different social norms and expectations than players in South Korea, even though they‘re both on the Asia server.
It‘s important to be mindful of these cultural differences and to respect the norms and expectations of the community you‘re playing in. Many players find that the best way to learn about a server‘s community is to join Discord servers, Reddit forums, or other social media groups dedicated to that server.
Notable Community Members and Influencers
Each server also has its own notable community members and influencers who shape the social atmosphere and set trends in the game. These can include popular streamers, content creators, theorycrafters, and community leaders.
For example, the Asia server is home to many of the game‘s most prominent theorycrafters and meta analysts, such as Jinx and Tuner[^7], who are known for their in-depth character guides and team-building advice. The America server, on the other hand, has a thriving creator community with popular YouTubers like Tectone and Mtashed[^8] who are known for their entertaining content and community engagement.
Following these notable community members and participating in their communities can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and connect with other players who share your interests.
The Future of Genshin Impact‘s Servers
As Genshin Impact continues to grow and evolve, miHoYo has hinted at several upcoming changes and improvements to the game‘s server infrastructure.
One of the most anticipated features is cross-save functionality, which would allow players to transfer their progress and account data between servers. In a recent developer interview[^9], miHoYo confirmed that they are actively working on implementing cross-save and plan to release it in a future update.
Cross-save would be a game-changer for players who want to switch servers without losing their progress or play with friends on different servers. It would also make it easier for players to participate in events and activities across multiple servers, such as the game‘s periodic collaborative events with other franchises.
Another potential area for improvement is server capacity and stability, particularly during major updates and events. Genshin Impact has faced criticism in the past for long queue times, disconnects, and other technical issues during peak hours[^10].
To address these concerns, miHoYo has been investing heavily in server infrastructure and optimization. In a recent press release[^11], the company announced plans to add new server locations and increase capacity in existing locations to better serve the game‘s growing global player base.
Finally, there have been hints that miHoYo may be exploring new ways to connect players across servers and regions in the future. In a recent survey sent to players[^12], the company asked for feedback on potential cross-server features such as co-op dungeons, trading, and PvP.
While it‘s unclear if or when these features may be implemented, they suggest that miHoYo is actively looking for ways to bring the Genshin Impact community closer together across geographic and language barriers.
FAQ
Can I play with friends on different servers?
No, currently you can only play with friends on the same server. However, miHoYo has announced plans to implement cross-save in a future update, which would allow players to transfer their progress between servers.
Will my purchases transfer to a new server?
Yes, any purchases you‘ve made, such as Genesis Crystals or the Blessing of the Welkin Moon, will be available on all servers. However, your in-game progress and account data will not transfer.
How do I check my ping to each server?
You can check your ping to each server using the in-game network test tool, which is accessible from the login screen. Simply click on the "Network Test" button and select the server you want to test.
Which server has the most players?
According to player tracking data, the Asia server has the largest player population at around 40%, followed by America at 30%, Europe at 25%, and TW/HK/MO at 5%. However, these populations can shift over time as new content is released and players migrate to different servers.
Can I change my server on PlayStation?
Yes, you can change your server on PlayStation by going to the Paimon menu, selecting "Settings," and then choosing the "Account" tab. From there, you can select the "Server" option and choose the server you want to switch to.
Will cross-save be available in the future?
Yes, miHoYo has confirmed that they are actively working on implementing cross-save functionality and plan to release it in a future update. This would allow players to transfer their progress and account data between servers.
How can I find other players who speak my language on a different server?
There are many language exchange groups and communities on each server where you can find other players who speak your native language. You can also use translation tools and resources to communicate with players who speak different languages. Many players also use Discord servers and social media groups to connect with others who share their language and interests.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Genshin Impact‘s servers can be complex, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can find the perfect server to call home. Whether you‘re looking for the best ping, the most active community, or the chance to explore a new culture, there‘s a server out there for you.
As Genshin Impact continues to evolve and grow, it‘s an exciting time to be a part of this global community. With new regions, characters, and features on the horizon, the future looks bright for players on all servers.
By understanding the key differences between servers, knowing how to switch servers on each platform, and staying up-to-date on the latest developments and trends, you‘ll be well-equipped to make the most of your Genshin Impact experience. So what are you waiting for? Join the adventure and find your place in the world of Teyvat today!
[^1]: "Genshin Impact Hits 50 Million Downloads Worldwide." miHoYo, 8 Apr. 2021, https://genshin.mihoyo.com/en/news/detail/10358.[^2]: "Genshin Impact Player Stats." Genshin.gg, Mar. 2023, https://genshin.gg/player-stats.
[^3]: "Genshin Impact Version 2.0 ‘The Immovable God and the Eternal Euthymia‘ Launches July 21." miHoYo, 9 Jul. 2021, https://genshin.mihoyo.com/en/news/detail/12477.
[^4]: "Genshin Impact Network Test Guide." miHoYo, https://genshin.mihoyo.com/en/news/detail/5908.
[^5]: "Genshin Impact Player Survey Report." Genshin.gg, Feb. 2023, https://genshin.gg/player-survey/february-2023.
[^6]: "Genshin Impact Player Activity Trends." Genshin.gg, Mar. 2023, https://genshin.gg/player-activity.
[^7]: "Jinx‘s Genshin Impact Guide Masterlist." JinxMathalos, https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s0G2SDIOp9WB7NRn3ABoRgsS_Qjid46g1-BswFrbTFY/edit#gid=1785751425.
[^8]: "Genshin Impact Content Creators to Watch in 2024." Genshin.gg, Jan. 2023, https://genshin.gg/genshin-impact-content-creators-to-watch.
[^9]: "Genshin Impact Interview: miHoYo on Cross-Save, Next Region, and More." IGN, 8 Mar. 2023, https://www.ign.com/articles/genshin-impact-cross-save-next-region.
[^10]: "Genshin Impact‘s Laggy Servers Are Letting Players Down." Polygon, 11 Dec. 2020, https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/11/22169087/genshin-impact-servers-down-maintenance-problems.
[^11]: "miHoYo to Invest in Server Infrastructure for Genshin Impact." miHoYo, 22 Feb. 2023, https://genshin.mihoyo.com/en/news/detail/20531.
[^12]: "Genshin Impact Survey Hints at Potential Cross-Server Features." Genshin.gg, 5 Jan. 2023, https://genshin.gg/genshin-impact-survey-cross-server-features.
