Although Genshin Impact has been pretty slow at releasing skins, everything they’ve put out has been incredible so far! Here are our favorites!
10: Shenhe: Frostflower Dew
This all-black look for Shenhe really does bring out the more haunting elements of her design, matching her pretty dark backstory! This more ‘gothic’ look really suits her and we absolutely adore the more ornate details of this outfit. It’s a beautiful and iconic look for the Lantern Rite festival it was released for! We’re also very glad to see Shenhe get any attention at all, given that she feels like one of Genshin Impact’s forgotten 5-star characters - as of writing, Shenhe has not been on a banner in 15 months! We’re hopeful this changes soon, so that players can not only get this awesome character but also this absolutely gorgeous alternate outfit for her.
9: Diluc: Red Dead of Night
As Genshin’s only five-star skin, Diluc’s ‘Red Dead of Night’ is a little fancier than the other skins on this list, in that it changes some of the VFX attached to Diluc’s kit. These new effects are really cool, adding a darker, moodier aesthetic to Diluc’s attacks. As for the outfit itself, Diluc dons a bright red coat with strong black and grey accents, much livelier than his default outfit. Despite being an improvement on his original outfit, we expected a little more from Genshin Impact’s first five-star skin, and we hope that if they make another one it’ll be a little more exciting.
8: Kaeya: Sailwind Shadow
Kaeya’s ‘Sailwind Shadow’ outfit is an incredible choice based on his snarky and mischievous attitude - this swashbuckling, pirate-inspired skin is perfect for the Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius! The long, blue coat is adorned with lots of brilliant golden detailing, making Kaeya appear like a prestigious pirate captain with masses of treasure to boot! Kaeya’s hair is also braided in this skin, making a unique switch-up to his iconic hairstyle.
7: Ganyu: Twilight Blossom
Once the sole strongest character in the game, Ganyu has a lot of fans, and this Lantern Rite skin is sure to make them very happy! This outfit is short in front and long in the back, featuring lots of floral and ornamental detailing across the leotard-esque dress. Ganyu also has a Glaze Lily attached to her hip, adding a splash of light blue against the otherwise dark outfit. We adore this outfit, as it makes Liyue’s overworked secretary look confident and as beautiful as ever!
6: Klee: Blossoming Starlight
What is there to say about this skin other than just how adorable it is? This bright red, fun little witch outfit for Klee is perfect given her backstory, and makes Genshin Impact’s most adorable character even cuter! While we love Klee’s default poncho-dress, this outfit really bring out the witchy flair of her backstory and association with Alice, and we’re really glad they chose to give this character that level of attention! Now how about re-releasing Dodoco Tales, HoYoverse?
5: Ningguang: Orchid’s Evening Gown
As the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang is no stranger to dressing regally and looking like a million Mora. However, this Lantern Rite skin is just something else, with a long, flowy look featuring a butterfly wing motif. This gorgeous gown comes complete with new hair accessories for Ningguang, as well as some unique heels featuring their very own butterfly wings. If you won’t take our word for this skin being the best, Captain Beidou also seems to be a fan according to a cutscene in the Lantern Rite event the skin was released for. We agree - HoYoverse struck gold with this one!
4: Jean: Sea Breeze Dandelion
This bright and breezy outfit is the perfect alternative to Jean’s standard look, sacrificing all the trappings of Jean’s role as the Acting Grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius for a lighthearted day at the beach! The light blue and white of this outfit really suits Jean, and we adore all the little details here - the leg garter features a blue rose (possibly a reference to Lisa) and the hair bow is just adorable! This outfit really feels necessary for Jean, one of Genshin Impact’s most overworked characters, and we adore just how cute it is!
3: Keqing: Opulent Splendor
Keqing’s ‘Opulent Splendor’ is a masterclass in skin design: this absolutely gorgeous dress fits in perfectly with Ningguang’s regal gown for the same Lantern Rite event. The black and dark blue tones in this beautiful skin feel perfect for a night-time Lantern Rite celebration, while the dress’ flowy, almost butterfly-esque look gives Keqing a beautifully unique silhouette. This is by far our favorite of the Lantern Rite skins due to how much of a departure it is from Keqing’s normal look, yet being so iconic in its own right.
2: Barbara: Summertime Sparkle
Okay, listen. If we’re going to get a skin in a video game, we want them to be FUN! Barbara’s Summertime Sparkle is the epitome of this: like, seriously, she has a little duck bag! How cute is that? This sailor fuku inspired swimsuit outfit for Barbara fits her so incredibly well, with its flowy white and blue design being very reminiscent of Barbara’s in-game identity as a Hydro healer, as well as her in-world identity as a pop idol. This set of summer skins (Barbara’s and Jean’s) was a huge success, especially as Genshin Impact’s first set of skins, and we’d love to see them expand upon this theme for other characters!
1: Kirara: Phantom in Boots
In first place is one of Genshin Impact’s newest skins, and also its best: Kirara’s ‘Phantom in Boots’! This Puss in Boots-inspired outfit for Kirara is so much fun, giving her a super cool hat - complete with kitty ears, of course! We love the swashbuckling vibe of this skin, with Kirara’s new outfit featuring a blouse, corset and twin coattails: much like her very own twin tails! This cosmetic option for Kirara has so much character to it, which is absolutely what a good skin should offer. We love how much the Puss in Boots inspiration feels like it fits in with Kirara’s personality already, being a little cheeky and eccentric while still absolutely capable in combat. If this is the direction Genshin Impact’s skins are going in, we can’t wait to see more!
