Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Traveler (Genshin Impact)/archive1

Traveler (Genshin Impact)

Traveler (Genshin Impact) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)

As of 14 October 2026, 11:06 (UTC), this page is active and open for discussion. An FAC coordinator will be responsible for closing the nomination.

• Featured article candidates/Traveler (Genshin Impact)/archive1

Nominator(s): In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 17:25, 28 September 2026 (UTC)

This article is about the main protagonist of the video game Genshin Impact, developed by miHoYo. I created the article earlier this year and got it to GA as part of a WP:GARC in July. I submitted it to peer review for FAC in August and received some feedback. During that peer review, editors @TheBritinator, Oreun, and Vacant0 gave constructive feedback on the article that focused on source reliability and prose clarity, among other things. They raised additional concerns about the lack of some sources regarding the creation and design of the character, though I believe these are not necessary due to the Traveler being more of a "blank slate" character used as a vehicle for players to insert themselves into the story. I would not expect many secondary sources to offer character analysis for such a character. With regards to source reliability, all of the non-WP:PRIMARY sources in the article are either generally reliable, or they are being used to cite uncontroversial statements about the character (e.g. their birthday, for instance). One editor in the peer review questioned the use of The Nerd Stash, but I personally believe that isn't enough to warrant its removal (as it's not enough of a consensus) and I have had no other issues with this source at the GA level. As a courtesy, I am tagging the GA reviewer @Vestrian24Bio as well as @Pokelego999 and SuperGrey, both of whom have shown interest in the Genshin Impact topic and who may want to add their thoughts.

The Traveler is the main protagonist in the game, and in the story they wander the continent of Teyvat with their tour guide Paimon in search of their lost twin sibling. Along the way, they enter each of Teyvat's seven nations and solve problems afflicting them, making friends with Teyvat's people along the way. As some of you are no doubt aware, Genshin is one of my favorite video games and in all likelihood doesn't really need much of an introduction. I figured that the Traveler, as the main character, would make an ideal first character in that game to reach FAC (other than perhaps Paimon, who may have important information revealed about her in the next few updates, so I'm putting a potential FAC for her on hold for the moment). This would be my first WP:FOUR as well, as my only successful FAC was for an article I did not create myself. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 17:25, 28 September 2026 (UTC)

Looks like I forgot to tag a few more people who may want to comment here. First up on the list is @Jeffrey34555, who has shown interest in miHoYo character articles, especially the Genshin Impact character list. Also tagging Chinese Wikipedia editor @LimiEi, as I imagine she'd be interested in knowing this article is up for FAC here. She has been very helpful in writing and translating related articles between the Chinese and English Wikipedias. Finally tagging @Royal Sailor, another helpful Chinese Wikipedia editor. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 19:48, 28 September 2026 (UTC)

Maybe I try to review it at later? ˂̶͈́LimiΣi˃̶͈̀ 02:43, 29 September 2026 (UTC)

Sure! In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 11:36, 29 September 2026 (UTC)

Sorry I can't. I'm tired and can't review it at a short time. ˂̶͈́LimiΣi˃̶͈̀ 10:18, 30 September 2026 (UTC)

Not-cheesewhisk3rs

Will review this. --not-cheesewhisk3rs ≽^•⩊•^≼ ∫ (pester) 14:18, 30 September 2026 (UTC)

I have very little to say so I don't know if it would be appropriate to support, although overall I think the article is of high quality. Sorry.

• From reading the lead and background section, it seems a little awkward that the characters (plural) are called the Traveler (singular). I doubt this can be done differently, especially if this is what the sources use (haven't checked). If this is how it should be done, at least avoid saying "The two Travelers" when there's only one Traveler. Can be reworded as "Both characters", for example.

• "only Aether and Lumine themselves call each other by their real name" but isn't the Traveler a silent protagonist? according to the lead
  • Same with "including belittling Paimon's body size and abilities" in Reception

• "Unlike most characters in the game, the Traveler can use multiple elements." what does "use" mean here? conjure? manipulate? something else?

"The final scene in the trailer has a line in which the narrator asks if the Traveler would betray themselves for their sibling." is this relevant? does this happen? if yes, and if the source mentions it, what follows should be mentioned

• "However, the Traveler's degree of involvement in the main storylines of each nation has been criticized. Jessica said that the Traveler is drawn into the civil war in Inazuma but lacks an active motivation for participating in it, while in the Sumeru and Fontaine chapters they return to a role similar to that of a non-player character" I assume that Inazume and Sumeru and Fontaine are nations, although if this isn't the case you should consider rewording

--not-cheesewhisk3rs ≽^•⩊•^≼ ∫ (pester) 16:35, 30 September 2026 (UTC)

Most sources refer to the Traveler in the singular, even though Aether and Lumine are the same (for the most part) except for gender. I followed that as best as I could when editing. In cases where the differences between Aether and Lumine are discussed, or where they are specifically discussed together as siblings, I did make sure to change the wording accordingly. "The two Travelers" would, for example, imply that Aether and Lumine explore Teyvat together, which they do not.

The Traveler is largely a silent protagonist, which in this case means their dialogue in the quests is largely not voiced (for some reason). This is to the point where some fans actually take notice when the Traveler does have a speaking part that is actually voiced by a voice actor. There are dialogue options that the player can choose from in-game, mostly (in my opinion) to allow the player to feel like they are a part of the story. Some players, as the Traveler, choose to have them tease Paimon at various points in the story.

The word "use" likely means to manipulate, but I don't think it's significant enough to warrant much of a change.

As of writing this, there hasn't been anything in-game about the Traveler betraying themselves for their sibling. That line is at the very end of the trailer (it is the last line of dialogue), so nothing happens after it.

I can confirm that Inazuma, Sumeru and Fontaine are all nations (you can see them as well as the rest of Teyvat's nations at Locations of Genshin Impact). In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 20:25, 30 September 2026 (UTC)

Alright. Even though I didn't have anything much to comment on, I still support this nomination because it's a very well-written article overall. --not-cheesewhisk3rs ≽^•⩊•^≼ ∫ (pester) 18:02, 1 October 2026 (UTC)

Icepinner

Glad to see this up for FAC... this would be a useful experience for my plans with video game articles. Will provide a prose review (with the caveat that I have played Genshin up to Sumeru). Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:41, 5 October 2026 (UTC)

• Noting that "[the PR reviewers] raised additional concerns about the lack of some sources regarding the creation and design of the character, though I believe these are not necessary due to the Traveler being more of a "blank slate" character used as a vehicle for players to insert themselves into the story". I've never thought of it that way, but it makes sense, I suppose.
• "The Traveler has been playable since the game's September 2020 release. In it, they travel with their guide Paimon across the fantasy world of Teyvat in search of their lost sibling while becoming involved in local political conflicts and the conspiracies of the antagonistic Abyss Order." I'm not sure if I like "in it"... seems a bit clunky
  • Reworded.
• "with the ability to manipulate elemental magic without a Vision, which is an external magical device that is normally required for most characters to control the different elements." this isn't really covered in the body apart from "Unlike most characters in the game, the Traveler can use multiple elements" in the Background section. "As the story progresses, they unlock the ability to use each element" also doesn't appear in the body.
  • Added unlocking each element to the appearances section. Not sure where the part about lacking a Vision would best be added though; I have added it in the appearances section for the time being.
    • No issues with that. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:04, 8 October 2026 (UTC)
• "They appeared in the game's beta trailer in June 2019, and made their debut when the game launched in September 2020" link beta to Software release life cycle#Beta?
  • Done.
• "The two Travelers are identical in terms of gameplay and story" if my memory serves me correctly, Lumine is slightly stronger in combat. Wonder if any sources pointed that out... though I imagine this would be more suitable as a minor footnote.
  • I have not seen this in any sources; as a matter of fact, Inverse states "No matter which you choose, the other twin will appear in the story. But don't worry about losing out gameplay-wise. Soon after you start the game, you'll unlock far better characters than the twins to play as, so depending on how fond you are of your twin, your initial choice here will hardly even matter."
    • Yeah I wasn't really expecting any sources to say it since players only noticed it after the game was released. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:04, 8 October 2026 (UTC)
• "Unlike most characters in the game, the Traveler can use multiple elements" add footnote b here
  • Done.
• "He believed that the premise that there are still enemies they cannot defeat after years of traveling makes the protagonist more realistic and human" the "that the premise that there" part is a bit clunky imo – any way to rephrase it?
  • Changed to "the existence of enemies they still cannot defeat".
    • You forgot to add the "the", but I've done it anyways. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:04, 8 October 2026 (UTC)
• "He said that he did not think the Traveler's sibling was a bad person, and that the sibling's tenderness and care toward the Traveler have never changed; instead, those feelings are not understood" understood by whom? The audience? Paimon?
  • I'm assuming it means the Traveler misunderstanding their sibling, but out of an abundance of caution I have removed this.
• "Yanning said that at first, the director asked her not to make the performance resemble a little girl too much, but instead more neutral, distant and cool" this implies that the director changed their mind on what Lumine should sound like... so what did the director end up asking for?
  • I'm not entirely sure myself, especially since I don't play the game using the Chinese dub. I think it'd be best to just remove the "at first" part.
• Are there no sources on what the English VAs did for their rendition of the Traveler? Or the Korean and Chinese VAs?
  • I was only able to find one YouTube source for Lee Sae-ah, which I have added.
    • Ah well. I'm guessing the English actors haven't really said anything because of NDAs and stuff. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:04, 8 October 2026 (UTC)
• "and learn more about their sibling's mysterious device called the 'Loom of Fate'" when were they first aware of the "Loom of Fate"?
  • I believe this may have been the first time they learned about it; at any rate it is the first time it is mentioned in the article, so I removed the word "more".
• "to weave new Ley Lines for Khaenri'ah's restoration" Ley Lines in Genshin are different from the Ley line theory?
  • Removed link.
• I wonder if the Appearances section can explicately mention those Interlude Archon quests with Dainsleif; after all, the Traveler found out about their sibling and their association with the Abyss Order in those quests.
  • I don't think it's necessary to explicitly mention the interlude quests, but I did add in a brief mention of Dainsleif.
• "because of his midriff-baring outfit" link Midriff?
  • Done.
• "She said that the Gnostic text Hymn of the Pearl, which tells the story of a traveler who goes to a foreign land in search of a pearl symbolizing true knowledge but forgets their identity, echoes the Traveler's journey in Teyvat: searching for their sibling, losing their memories, and having to rediscover who they are" I think "echoes" is a bit too strong here: the boy in the story was seduced by Egyptians and subsequently lost his memories while trying to find the pearl, but the Traveler in Genshin Impact already lost their memory and had to rediscover their identity while searching for their lost sibiling. So something like "is similar to"?
  • Done.
• "two siblings can be understood as a divine pairing, or syzygy" you can link syzygy/divine pairing to Aeon (Gnosticism)
  • Done.
• "while the Traveler remains in the role of a silent protagonist for long stretches of time" link Silent protagonist
  • Done.

That's all I have based on a read-through. Ping me when you've addressed my comments, Gommeh. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 03:08, 6 October 2026 (UTC) @Icepinner: Pinging you as requested. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 15:05, 6 October 2026 (UTC)

Looking at it again:

• Is it necessary to have footnote a in the infobox? Or can't we outright say that they're from outside of Teyvat?
• Regarding Dainsleif: hm... the problem now is that readers won't understand Dainsleif's significance and his role in reuniting the Traveller with their sibling. Perhaps this should be expanded, or removed if no other options are available?
• "The Traveler can use several elemental powers, each of which changes their combat role. These different forms let the Traveler serve offensive, defensive, or support roles in combat" iirc, the Traveler can only use one element in combat?

Only three issues, Gommeh. Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 16:04, 8 October 2026 (UTC)

The Traveler can only use one element in gameplay combat, but in several cutscenes it is shown they can switch between elements rapidly if they want to (from a lore perspective), although this is not possible in gameplay.

I personally think having the footnote is not unhelpful, but I have removed it (at least for the time being). To me it indicates that Teyvat was not always their home.

There is a decent chance more information about Dainsleif could be revealed in future updates, so I don't think it's a good idea to get rid of it entirely. I've commented out the mention of him for now and may re-add it if needed later. @Icepinner courtesy ping. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 16:14, 8 October 2026 (UTC)

For clarification, The Traveler can only use one element means they can only use one element at a time. There are seven elements in the game to choose from, which are unlocked once a player reaches the nation with which the element is associated in the story. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 20:51, 9 October 2026 (UTC)

I don't have any other issues, so I will support this nomination on prose. Excellent work! Icepinner (Come to Hakurei Shrine!) 17:19, 8 October 2026 (UTC)

Generalissima

Recusing to perform a prose review. Generalissima (talk) (it/she) 19:19, 5 October 2026 (UTC)

@Generalissima courtesy ping since it has been a week. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 17:24, 12 October 2026 (UTC)

Oops, apologies for my tardiness. I know literally nothing about Genshin, so this is a fool's reading.

• Might be worth calling miHoYo "Chinese video game developer miHoYo" or something, since for all I know that's the pen name of an artist.
  • Done.
• The lede should explicitly state that the different names/appearances are due to gender selection in character creation, and that the other becomes the "sibling" they are looking for - this confused me on first read.
  • Done.
• Background section is very solid.
• are seven playable versions of the Traveler with different elemental this is a bit confusing, since you of course select from two different 'versions' of the traveler already. Maybe "seven forms the Traveler can take" or something to that effect?
  • Changed to seven forms the Traveler can take that have different elemental attributes.
• expressed their love seems a bit intense phrasing. Their appreciation for?
  • Changed wording.
• with some even climbing mountains dressed as Lumine This seems like its just one person doing it, no?
  • Changed wording.

That's all the issues I could find. Generalissima (talk) (it/she) 14:48, 13 October 2026 (UTC)

Responded. In solidarity, Gommeh ^{(talk 🎮 sign)} 14:56, 13 October 2026 (UTC)

Seems good to me, support on prose. Also, since there's been no image review thus far, I can say that the first image is an appropriate fair-use image, and the latter is correctly licensed. Thank you for using alt-text! Generalissima (talk) (it/she) 15:10, 13 October 2026 (UTC)

Comments from TechnoSquirrel69

Put me down for a source review, and probably some prose comments, in the next week or so. I'll try my best not to, but ping me with reckless abandon if I forget! —⁠TechnoSquirrel69 (talk) 05:26, 9 October 2026 (UTC)