Should You Play as Aether or Lumine in Genshin Impact?
Choosing between Aether and Lumine, the twin protagonists of Genshin Impact, is one of the first, and perhaps most consequential decisions players make. While both twins are fundamentally the same in terms of gameplay, the choice does impact the story and character perception. The short answer is: It doesn’t matter gameplay-wise, the choice is purely aesthetic and story preference. However, let’s dive deeper into the nuances to help you make a well-informed decision.
Gameplay Similarities
Identical Stats and Abilities
Let’s get one thing clear right away: Aether and Lumine have identical stats, skills, and elemental abilities. Their base attack, health, defense, and elemental powers are exactly the same. Whether you pick Aether or Lumine, you won’t find yourself at a disadvantage in combat. Both can use the same weapons, artifacts, and elemental powers, making them equally capable in any combat situation. This also means that when considering team composition and elemental reactions, neither twin has a mechanical edge. They both function the same way, eliminating any concerns about min-maxing based on character selection.
No Difference in Progression
The path you take in Genshin Impact’s vast world will be identical regardless of whether you pick Aether or Lumine. The story unfolds the same way for both twins, with quests and locations becoming available simultaneously. Both twins encounter the same enemies, complete the same domains, and unlock the same regions. There is no separate or branching storyline based on which character you pick. Your progression will remain consistent across both, meaning you can switch to the other character only for aesthetics and not any other reason.
Aesthetic and Story Differences
Character Design
The most noticeable difference is their appearance. Lumine is often described as having a more graceful and elegant aesthetic, while Aether has a more rugged and adventurous look. This is purely subjective, but for many players, their personal aesthetic preferences heavily influence their choice. Aether’s design is sometimes critiqued as less visually appealing, while Lumine’s design tends to be favored more by the community.
Story Impact
The twin you don’t select becomes the leader of the Abyss Order, a crucial antagonistic force in Genshin Impact. This is a pivotal plot point that is consistent regardless of which twin you play as. If you pick Aether, Lumine becomes your enemy, and vice versa. This narrative dynamic is one of the few real differences, and players may gravitate towards a certain twin based on their preference for the hero or the “villain” role. For instance, some may prefer playing as the seemingly heroic Aether, while others might like the idea of the character being the “evil” counterpart of the story. This choice significantly shapes how your character interacts with the unfolding narrative and world.
Cutscenes and Dialogues
While the twins’ abilities and stats are the same, their appearance in cutscenes differs, and so does some of the dialogue. In cutscenes and story quests, the twin you select is the one visible on screen, while the other twin is part of the story, as the leader of the Abyss Order. Some players might prefer to see Lumine in cutscenes due to the character’s design. Some of the dialogues may also feel a little different based on which character is being spoken to or about. The impact, though, is minimal. Overall, this means the choice comes down to personal preference of character design and which twin you wish to see on the screen while engaging with the story.
Summary: Personal Choice Rules
Ultimately, choosing Aether or Lumine is a matter of personal preference. There is no “better” choice from a gameplay perspective. You are not going to have a better experience with one over the other because of gameplay features. Both have the same capabilities. Instead, the decision relies on the character you find more visually appealing and the type of narrative dynamic you want for your adventure in Teyvat. So, consider the visual design, which twin you wish to see in the screen, and the narrative impact on their relationship and make a decision. No matter what you pick, the other twin’s presence will be a significant part of your journey. The core experience remains consistent, and you are free to make the decision on personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the differences between Aether and Lumine, and their impact on the game:
1. Do Aether and Lumine have different combat styles?
No, both Aether and Lumine use the same sword-based combat style. Their normal attacks, charged attacks, elemental skills, and elemental bursts are identical. There is no difference in combat based on the twin you play as.
2. Does one twin have better stats than the other?
No. Both twins have the same stats. There’s no hidden advantage for choosing either Aether or Lumine. This means you won’t find that one twin has a higher damage or defense stat.
3. Does choosing one twin lock you out of content?
No, choosing one twin does not lock you out of any content. The main storyline and all side quests are the same for both characters.
4. Can you switch between Aether and Lumine after making your choice?
No, you cannot switch. Once you choose a twin at the beginning of the game, that is your main character for that save file. If you wish to play as the other twin, you’ll need to create a new account.
5. Is one twin more “canon” than the other?
This is a topic of debate, but neither is confirmed as being more canon. The developers have indicated both are equally canon protagonists. However, some might argue that the plot points lean to Lumine being more important due to the story’s progression.
6. Does the other twin’s alignment affect gameplay?
No. While the other twin (the one you didn’t pick) becomes the leader of the Abyss Order, this doesn’t affect your gameplay. They remain an antagonist, while your character has their own storyline and allies.
7. Does your choice affect future character interactions?
Not substantially. Character interactions remain consistent regardless of which twin you select. Some dialogues are slightly different, but they do not lead to different outcomes or story arcs.
8. Is one twin better for elemental reactions?
No. Since both twins have the same elemental powers and stats, they are equally capable of triggering elemental reactions. There is no difference in elemental proficiency.
9. Can the twins have relationships with other characters?
The Traveler can develop friendships and bonds with other characters, but romance is not a major focus of the game. While some relationships may have romantic undertones, they are not explicitly defined as romantic.
10. Does one twin sprint faster than the other?
Although there are some fan theories, both twins have the same sprinting speed. There are no hidden advantages based on size. All the information provided so far indicates that the twins have the same sprinting speeds.
11. Do the twins have different voices?
Yes, Aether and Lumine have distinct voice actors and voice acting styles. You may prefer one voice over the other, and this should be considered when selecting which twin to play as.
12. Is one twin considered more popular by fans?
Yes, Lumine is often considered more popular by fans due to her character design. However, popularity does not affect gameplay. Both have similar fanbase.
13. Are there any story differences based on the twin selected?
There are no significant story differences. The primary difference is whether you play as the main protagonist or their evil counterpart from the Abyss Order. The overall storyline remains consistent between both.
14. Does the game use ungendered language regardless of your choice?
Yes. The game primarily uses ungendered language, referring to the Traveler simply as “Traveler”, regardless of whether you choose Aether or Lumine. The core storyline uses similar pronouns.
15. Does this choice matter in the long term of the game?
The choice matters only in the aesthetic you prefer, and the narrative alignment of the twin characters. Apart from this there are no long-term impacts. Gameplay remains consistent regardless of the choice. You’ll experience the same game whether you play as Aether or Lumine.