Just hit my 7-month anniversary with Genshin Impact, and honestly? It's been my digital therapy session. What started as a distraction from some personal drama in January has turned into a daily ritual that combines my love for adventure games with the peaceful vibes of cozy games I've adored since childhood.

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The numbers don't lie about my obsession: 42 characters collected, six maxed out at level 90, and a map that's practically drowning in my 210 custom stamps (out of 250 allowed). I've unlocked every region and hunted down nearly all Shrines of the Depths. Yet somehow, I'm still just scratching the surface of what Teyvat has to offer.

But here's my little secret - I'm completely ignoring the main storyline! 🤫

Despite having access to all six current regions, I'm technically still in Inazuma story-wise (the third region), and that's only because I had to progress that far to unlock the area. There are literally HUNDREDS of side quests waiting for my attention, with the main story offering at least 200% more content than I've experienced.

Finding Peace in Digital Flower Picking

Last month during a particularly rough mental health day, I found myself on the couch next to my partner while he worked. Instead of doom-scrolling social media, I loaded up Genshin and spent over three hours just... existing in Teyvat.

"Girl, you wouldn't believe how therapeutic it is to just sprint through Sumeru picking berries while the real world melts away."

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That day, I gathered the last Henna Berries I needed from the Sumeru desert to ascend both Candace and Faruzan to level 90. Then I added Mika to my party and had him guide me to every Valberry plant and Small Lamp Grass in Mondstadt. I hunted down ore veins, collected cooking ingredients, and even finally unlocked the fishing minigame.

Not a single hilichurl was harmed. Not one domain conquered. Just me, my characters, and the simple joy of gathering resources.

My Serenitea Sanctuary

The Serenitea Pot has become my latest obsession. Initially, I only started it because I needed extra Primogems (don't we all?), but now it's my daily ritual to chat with Tubby, browse new recipes, craft furniture, and collect that sweet realm currency.

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I've made it a personal challenge to avoid trading for wood and instead collect it all myself. There's something deeply satisfying about spinning Diluc in circles through forests, chopping away at different tree types. We've gathered SO. MUCH. WOOD. But my catalog is looking fantastic for it!

Stardew Valley in Teyvat?

As a lifelong Stardew Valley player (with an embarrassing number of saved farms), I can't help but notice how I've transformed Genshin into my own cozy farming sim:

  • Mining ores for upgrades ✓

  • Chopping wood from trees ✓

  • Harvesting plants ✓

  • Fishing in peaceful spots ✓

  • Building friendship with characters ✓

The only thing missing is the ability to marry Diluc. Mihoyo, if you're reading this... just saying! 😉

People Also Ask

Q: Isn't Genshin Impact supposed to be about combat and story progression?

A: Technically yes, but that's the beauty of open-world games! You can play however brings you joy. The combat is there when I want it, but nobody's forcing me to rush through the Archon Quests.

Q: Don't you get bored just gathering resources?

A: Honestly, no. There's something meditative about it, especially with the gorgeous landscapes and soothing soundtrack. It's like digital mindfulness.

Q: Will you ever finish the main story?

A: Eventually! But I'm savoring it like a fine wine. With how much content they keep adding in 2025, I'm in no rush to "complete" anything.

Looking Forward: My Teyvat Dreams

I sometimes wonder what my Genshin journey will look like by 2026. Will I still be picking flowers and chopping wood, or will I finally be caught up on the story? Maybe I'll even tackle the Spiral Abyss seriously instead of just dipping my toes in for the Primogems.

Whatever happens, I hope Genshin continues to be this beautiful escape where I can process real-life emotions through digital adventures. In a world that's constantly demanding productivity and progress, there's something rebellious and healing about spending an afternoon just... existing in a virtual world, with no objectives beyond what brings you peace.

So if you need me, I'll be in Fontaine, fishing for another three hours while ignoring the fact that I still haven't met the Hydro Archon. And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. ✨

Sometimes the greatest adventure is the one where you set your own pace and write your own story - even if that story is just about collecting enough Cor Lapis to finally level up Zhongli after he's been sitting at level 70 for months. (Sorry, Geo Daddy!)