@BlueDsc If you are considering trying the game, here's some information that maybe would be helpful? The Salt Factory has a Youtube video (Is Genshin Impact Worth Playing?) that I think does a pretty good job explaining some considerations about playing the game including touching upon the gacha aspect of it. IMO, I think probably two things to factor in whether you should avoid the game are: How well are you able to handle disappointment, and are you the type of person that cannot deter themselves from something you want when you see it. Disappointment in the game comes in multiple forms including the obvious not getting a specific character or weapon that you want through the gacha mechanic, but another occurrence is (and is apparently a big enough problem that it makes even dedicated players consider quitting) there is a pure random element to gear upgrades that often leaves players not getting the desired outcome and having to grind a lot with the added insult of the grind being time-gated. Showstoppers aside, I think an important question is how are you likely to have fun playing the game? Is character collection the goal? Do you just want a pretty game with nice music? Are you okay with battle and exploration focused game play? Are you okay with progression gating that incentivizes you to log in daily? Are you fine with repetitive grinding? Are you okay with what some hardcore gamers consider a relatively low amount of "end game" content? I think getting an overall idea of what the gameplay is like and what about it (if anything) appeals to you might give you an idea whether you would be fine approaching it as strictly a free-to-play game, or you think you'd feel compelled to break out the credit card. Addressing the monetization aspect of the game, without sugar-coating it, there are no doubt some aspects of the game design that are IMO predatory (such as showcasing characters that are only available for limited times), but it is also the case that the game could be completely enjoyable without paying at all it just depends on how you would enjoy playing the game.