Genshin Impact is a vast open-world action RPG where early decisions can significantly influence your long-term experience. The first 20 Adventure Ranks are crucial, as they determine how quickly you unlock core features, build your characters, and gather resources. Many beginners make mistakes during this period, wasting valuable materials or progressing inefficiently. This guide provides clear, practical advice on what to prioritise and what to avoid to ensure steady and effective growth.

Understanding Adventure Rank Progression

Your Adventure Rank (AR) is not just a level indicator — it controls access to new quests, domains, and events. Early on, it’s tempting to rush through story missions, but a balanced approach is key. Completing daily commissions, opening chests, and exploring different regions provides steady AR experience while giving you the opportunity to collect essential resources.

One common mistake is ignoring side quests and exploration rewards. These activities not only contribute to your AR but also offer materials that will become scarce later in the game. Taking time to explore each area before moving on ensures you’re better prepared for higher-level challenges.

It’s also important to keep an eye on your World Level progression. At AR 20, your first ascension test will appear, increasing enemy difficulty but also improving loot drops. Being unprepared for this shift can slow down your progress significantly, so plan ahead.

Balancing Story and Exploration

While it’s tempting to focus entirely on the Archon Quests to unlock new areas, spreading your attention between main missions, exploration, and daily activities creates a healthier progression. This balance ensures you have stronger characters and more diverse resources when the difficulty rises.

Try to complete at least some daily commissions every day, as they provide a reliable source of Adventure EXP, Mora, and Primogems. This habit builds a foundation for long-term success without burning through content too quickly.

Exploring each region thoroughly before moving on allows you to gather Anemoculi and Geoculi, which permanently increase your stamina. Stamina boosts are essential for climbing, swimming, and gliding, making your exploration and combat far smoother in the future.

Efficient Resource Management

Beginners often make the error of upgrading every weapon and character they encounter. This leads to wasted resources that could be better spent on your core team. Focus on levelling up a small group of characters you enjoy and that have synergy in combat.

Similarly, avoid over-investing in low-rarity weapons. Three-star weapons can serve you well in the beginning, but your materials are better saved for four-star and five-star options once you obtain them. Holding back on unnecessary upgrades now will pay off later when you have access to stronger gear.

Do not use rare ascension materials too early. Some items, such as boss drops and regional specialties, have limited availability in the early game. Save these for key characters you intend to keep in your main lineup.

Choosing the Right Team Early

Forming a balanced team from the start helps you handle various combat situations. Ideally, aim for a combination of at least one main damage dealer, one support who can apply elemental reactions, one healer or shielder, and one flexible utility character.

Pay attention to elemental synergy. Combining elements like Hydro and Electro or Pyro and Cryo can trigger powerful reactions that make combat easier. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.

Remember that some free characters obtained through quests, such as Xiangling and Barbara, are strong enough to remain useful well beyond AR 20 if built properly. Don’t overlook them in favour of untested new additions.

Preparing for the First Ascension

At AR 20, you’ll face your first ascension challenge, which raises your World Level and enemy difficulty. Many new players rush to this point without preparing their characters, making the next stages much harder than necessary.

Before attempting the ascension, ensure that your main characters are fully levelled to their current cap, their weapons are upgraded, and they have decent artefacts equipped. This preparation will make the transition smoother and less punishing.

It’s also wise to stockpile some healing items, food buffs, and elemental resistance potions. These can make a big difference in tougher encounters immediately after your World Level increases.

Maintaining Steady Growth Beyond AR 20

Once you’ve completed your first ascension, the pace of the game shifts. Enemies will drop better loot, but battles will be tougher. Continue upgrading your main team gradually, keeping resources in reserve for future characters and weapons.

Engage with weekly bosses and higher-level domains to secure better artefacts and rare ascension materials. Prioritise activities that offer the best rewards for your current needs, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Finally, maintain your daily habits — commissions, resin use, and exploration. Consistency is key in Genshin Impact, and small, steady gains will keep your account growing efficiently without unnecessary setbacks.