Genshin Impact 2.0 is finally live today, and it is arguably the most exciting update to date. Touted by Mihoyo to be the biggest expansion yet, the Version 2.0 update is packed to the brim with content – there’s so much to do in the newly introduced Inazuma region.

This is the first time a major city (Inazuma) is introduced in Genshin Impact post-launch, and it revitalises the live service game, especially for long-time players. Version 2.0 awards both endgame and new players alike with a ton of new content, and if you haven’t played Genshin Impact yet, you should – it really does get better with every update.

I have been playing Genshin Impact since it was launched backed in September 2020, and I’ve logged into the game every day since then. But to be honest, I was feeling a little…well, bored with the game for quite some time now.

It’s the same cycle every day: login, do some daily tasks, clear some domains to finish up my resin, and get to floor 12 of the Spiral Abyss – the hardest content in the game. It does get exciting when new character event wishes are released, but after spending over 20,000 Primogems to get one character, the excitement doesn’t last very long.

This is the typical experience of an “endgame player” in Genshin Impact. Personally, the best time I had in the game was when I was still new to it. Exploring new areas, engrossing myself in the compelling storyline, and reading up on the rich lore of the game.

As I finish up every content Genshin Impact had to offer with every new update, these moments are few and far between. That’s exactly why the Version 2.0 update is so interesting: I can finally relive the experiences that made the game so, so good.

More specifically, I’m looking forward to the story that revolves around Inazuma. The Version 2.0 trailer gives us a glimpse of this and characters that will be making an appearance in the story, and suffice to say I cannot wait to be caught up in the narrative again.

After all, Genshin Impact tells some of the most engrossing storylines I’ve ever come across. Not even by the standards of a gacha/live service game; it is easily on par with the majority of other proper AAA titles on PC or console. That’s how engaging the story of Genshin Impact is.

Speaking of which, there’s no doubt that the gacha aspect of Genshin Impact is one of the biggest draws of the game, but that’s because the characterisation of these characters are done so well. In fact, assuming they will be playable in the future, I look forward to pulling for the Raiden Shogun and Yae Miko.

Anyway, I’ve spent some time in Genshin Impact 2.0 exploring Inazuma, and I am absolutely loving it. The city itself – which is based on Japan – looks fantastic, the new enemies can prove to be quite challenging, and I’m a fan of the new traversal mechanic in the game.

This revolves back to why Genshin Impact is such a good game in my book: it’s been so long since I’ve explored a brand new area. Granted, Version 1.6 introduced a new area as well (Golden Apple Archipelago), but that doesn’t really compare to the sheer size of Inazuma and its unique landscapes.

That reminds me: only half of Inazuma is actually accessible in Genshin Impact 2.0. Inazuma is made up of six main islands, but at the moment, only three islands are available. Of course, there’s still a pretty big area to explore, as you can see in the map below.

Yes, I haven’t unlocked all available areas yet – I’m taking it slow so I wouldn’t run out of things to do so quickly!

While I’m loving Version 2.0 of Genshin Impact, it is by no means perfect. The NPCs in the current Inazuma storyline, for one, are recycled assets with small changes here and there. Only their clothes and facial hair were changed. It’s evident that these are the same character models, which detracts a little bit from the overall polish of the narrative.

Nonetheless, I’m still thoroughly enjoying the Version 2.0 update, and I cannot wait to go through the new story quests and meet all of the new characters. So far, it’s confirmed that Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya will make an appearance in the current arc, and each of them will get their own story quests as well.

Mihoyo continues to improve Genshin Impact with every new update, and this Version 2.0 update is by far the most significant one to date. The fact that I can also continue my progress on the PS5 now (and vice versa) makes it even better, even if there are some limitations in place.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to Inazuma – I’m hoping to meet the Raiden Shogun soon.