Genshin Impact
Our age is 13. Caution because of gacha Wishes that cost real money.
Setup steps checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Caution
- Plays on
- iPhone, iPad, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
- Setup
- 5 stops, about 8 minutes
Do these three first
- Confirm age and set up parent consentUse your child’s real birth date and set up the HoYoverse Parental Control Portal (US).
- Block purchases on the deviceRequire your approval for every purchase in the app store or console.
- Control who can join their worldPaimon MenuCo-Op ModeKeep co-op on Join After Approval or set it to Reject Join Requests.
Understand Genshin Impact's gacha system, configure parental controls, manage spending, and navigate this popular free-to-play RPG safely.
Talk about it
- Which character are you hoping to get, and how many Wishes might that take?Working through the odds and the pity count together shows how fast real money adds up, without a lecture.
- How did it feel the last time a Wish didn't land?Naming the letdown helps your child notice the pull of one more try before money is involved.
- What would you do with a set amount each month, if we agreed on one?Turns spending into a budget they plan, rather than a series of yes or no requests.
- Who do you play co-op with, and how did you meet them?Keeps you in the loop on who can join their world, and makes it easy to talk about sharing a UID.
The full route: 5 stops, about 8 minutes
- Confirm age and set up parent consent
- Block purchases on the device
- Control who can join their world
- Talk through chat and friend requests
- Check that it works
Start the setupFree to follow. With Family, your progress is saved for each child.
The full guide
Genshin Impact is a massively popular free-to-play action RPG with beautiful visuals and engaging gameplay. However, its "gacha" (gambling-like) monetization system raises significant concerns for young players.
Genshin Impact uses a gambling-like "gacha" system where players spend real money on random chances to obtain characters. This can be addictive and expensive.
Understanding Genshin Impact
What It Is
- Free-to-play open-world RPG
- Beautiful anime-style visuals
- Collect characters ("wishes")
- Explore vast fantasy world
- Combat against monsters
- Story-driven with quests
Why Teens Love It
- Free to start
- High production quality
- Anime aesthetics
- Regular new content
- Popular characters
- Social/streaming presence
Primary Concerns
- Gacha system: Gambling mechanics
- Spending potential: Easy to spend hundreds
- FOMO: Limited-time characters/events
- Time investment: Designed to be played daily
- Online elements: Co-op with strangers
The Gacha Problem
How It Works
- Players earn or buy "Primogems" (premium currency)
- Primogems convert to "Wishes"
- Wishes are random draws for characters/weapons
- Top characters have ~0.6% drop rate
- "Pity" system guarantees drop after many pulls
Why It's Concerning
- Uses gambling psychology
- Variable rewards are addictive
- FOMO for limited characters
- Easy to rationalize "just one more"
- Can spend hundreds without desired result
Real Spending Examples
- 10 Wishes: about $25 at the largest bundle price
- "Guaranteed" 5-star character: Could cost $200+
- Some players report spending $500-1000+
Account Setup
HoYoverse Account
Create account at hoyoverse.com with your email to maintain oversight.
Age Verification
Since May 2025, US players have had to confirm their age, following HoYoverse's $20 million settlement with the FTC in January 2025. Players under 16 can't buy loot boxes (Wishes) without a parent's consent, so use your child's real birth date.
Spending Controls
Built-In Parental Controls (Added 2025)
Following its FTC settlement, HoYoverse added real parental controls for US players in 2025:
- Under-16 accounts cannot make loot box (Wish) purchases without a parent's consent
- Parents verify through Kids Web Services (KWS), then manage the child's access to the game, its community features and HoYoLAB through the Parental Control Portal
- The game now shows what Wishes cost in real money, and the FTC order requires HoYoverse to disclose the odds and exchange rates
These controls apply to US accounts. Device-level controls below are still recommended as a second layer.
Device-Level Controls
iOS:
Turn on "Require Purchase Approval" so every purchase comes to you for approval
Android:
Set to require for all purchases
PlayStation:
Set monthly limit
Xbox: Use Microsoft Family Safety to set spending limits and require purchase approval
PC: Don't store payment methods on the account
Device-level purchase blocking is critical. The game constantly promotes spending.
Budget Approach
If allowing any spending:
- Set clear monthly budget
- Use gift cards only
- Look over purchases together each month
- Discuss outcomes (often disappointing)
Free-to-Play Viability
Can You Play Without Paying?
Yes, but:
- Slower character collection
- May miss limited characters
- Requires patience
- Still enjoyable gameplay
Communicate Expectations
Discuss with your child:
- Free characters are viable
- Skill matters more than characters
- Missing a character isn't the end
- The game is designed to make you want to spend
Content Considerations
Why It's Rated T
- Fantasy violence
- Mild language
- Mild suggestive themes (some revealing outfits)
- Use of alcohol
Generally Appropriate
- No blood or gore
- No explicit content
- Story is engaging but serious at times
- Character designs vary in modesty
Time Management
Daily Login Rewards
The game encourages daily play through:
- Resin system (energy that regenerates)
- Daily commissions
- Limited-time events
- Login bonuses
Setting Limits
Use device parental controls for time limits. Recommended: 60-90 minutes daily max.
Healthy Approach
- Daily play not required
- Events repeat
- Progress at your own pace
- It's okay to take breaks
FOMO Management
Limited-Time Characters
New characters appear for ~3 weeks then may not return for months.
Healthy Perspective
Help your child understand:
- Characters always come back eventually
- Free characters are strong
- Meta doesn't matter for story content
- Community pressure isn't worth real money
Age-Based Recommendations
We suggest Genshin Impact for 13 and up. If your child already plays younger, these are the settings to tighten for their age.
Ages 10-12 (If Allowing)
- All purchases blocked at device level
- No payment methods stored
- Co-op disabled or friends only
- Strict time limits (30-60 min)
- Regular check-ins
- Discuss gacha psychology
Ages 13-15
- Purchases blocked or gift card only
- Small budget if any ($10-20/month max)
- Co-op with approval required
- 60-90 minute time limit
- Understand gacha mechanics
Ages 16-17
- Discuss responsible spending
- If spending allowed, set budget
- More trust, with regular check-ins
- Open communication about experiences
Quick Setup Checklist
Alternatives
Similar Games with Less Predatory Monetization
- Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom: Similar exploration, one-time purchase
- Xenoblade Chronicles: RPG with no gacha
- Immortals Fenyx Rising: Open-world action
Additional Resources
Genshin Impact is a well-made game with problematic monetization. If allowing play, block purchases at the device level and have ongoing conversations about gacha psychology.
Social Features›
Co-Op Mode
Players can team up for content. Available after reaching Adventure Rank 16.
Joining Others
On the Co-Op Mode screen, the world permission setting decides who can enter your child's world:
Leave it on "Join After Approval," or choose "Reject Join Requests" if your child doesn't play co-op.
Chat Features
In-game chat is with friends and co-op partners. Ask now and then who your child plays with.
UID Sharing
Players have unique IDs (UIDs). Advise against sharing publicly.