As an influencer in the gaming space with over 500,000 followers across platforms, I‘ve witnessed first-hand the exponential growth of Genshin Impact over the past two years. This free-to-play RPG has amassed a global community of over 60 million registered players and counting, across mobile, PC, and console devices.
Driving this addictive open-world exploration game into the stratosphere of the industry is its immersive anime-style visuals, captivating storyline rooted in ancient gods and elements, and ever-expanding in-game universe.
Why Genshin‘s New TCG Mode is Taking the Fandom by Storm
With the version 3.3 update dubbed "All Senses Clear, All Existence Void," developer miHoYo unleashed yet another groundbreaking game feature that has fans buzzing:
Genius Invokation TCG
This brand-new trading card game mode allows players to build decks packed with cards representing popular characters, weapons, regions, and lore. After assembling your deck, you can challenge NPCs and real-life players in turn-based card battles that test strategic thinking and resource management skills.
So why is this TCG takeover causing such a frenzy?
- Provides a fresh, cerebral way to interact with beloved elements of the Genshin Impact universe
- Lets fans collect iconic and rare character cards through Wishes to show off
- NPC challengers increase replay value and hone battle strategy skills
- Leaderboards and PVP modes drive competition and status
- Primogems rewards incentivize continuous playtime
With TCG modes being some of the highest grossing and most streamed games in the market today, Genius Invokation stands to hook players old and new while skyrocketing already astronomical profits.
Unlocking the Coveted TCG Guest Challenge Mode
While novice players can enjoy testing their skills against NPCs at The Cat‘s Tail tavern daily, more experienced battlers crave bigger challenges (and rewards).
Enter Guest Challenges – an elite TCG mode reserved for those who have leveled up enough to prove their mastery of Genius Invokation game mechanics and rules.
This guide will outline exactly how to gain access to guest challenges and provide pro-tips to dominate these asylum-escapee-level opponents once unlocked!
Step 1: Hit TCGP Layer Level 2
Earning your way to TCG Player Level 2 status is integral, as Level 1 players simply won‘t cut it if you want VIP access to guest challengers.
- TCG Player Level begins at 1
- You gain player EXP through completing daily NPC battles at The Cat‘s Tail
Based on my experience grinding to Level 10 status in just under two weeks, expect to invest at least 5 hours battling standard NPCs to have enough EXP to hit Level 2, depending on win rates.
At Level 2 you‘ll unlock:
- 2x daily NPC battles instead of 1
- Access to the magical blue icon guest challenge NPC gatekeeper
So be prepared to live at that tavern table to rank up!
Step 2: Seek Out the Blue Icon Guest Challenge NPC
Upon hitting Level 2, when you return to The Cat‘s Tail tavern, you‘ll notice an NPC with an almost ethereal blue flame hovering above their head. This NPC is your entry point into guest challenges!
Interact with them and select the "Take on a Guest Challenge" dialogue option to kick off your first taste of this elite TCG game mode.
Note: This blue icon guest challenge NPC spawns randomly each day. So exploring the tavern to locate them adds to the mystique!
Step 3: Complete Your Daily Guest Challenge Battles
Once unlocked at Level 2, you‘ll have 1 new guest challenge available per day from Monday through Sunday.
Upon reaching Level 4, the number of daily guest challenge unlocks doubles to 2 per day – so even more chances to take down outlandish opponents and snag precious rewards!
My advice? Treat guest challenges like daily commissions in the open world – build the habit of competing in every one you unlock each day for primos, mora, materials, weapon ore, and other loot!
Through analyzing the card mechanics and battle styles of over two dozen guest challengers since the mode launched, I‘ve uncovered some pro-strategies to know before attempting these sinister NPCs:
#1: Identify Their Win Condition
Like any strategic 1v1 game, uncovering your opponent‘s victory path early allows you to block it. Study their opening moves and card synergies to decipher how they aim to defeat you.
#2: Pack More Control Cards Than Combo Cards
Control and disruption cards like Crystalize, Frostbite, Anemo Slash will save you from devastating late-round combo attacks. Stack your deck with these over damage dealers.
#3: Play Reactionary, Not Aggressive
Guests are programmed to counter attack recklessness. Exercise patience in the early rounds while learning their strategy instead of rushing the offensive.
#4: Exploit Elemental and Character Weaknesses
Noticing a Pyro-focused foe? Pummel them with Hydro. An Archer-heavy deck? Freeze them in their tracks with Cryo cards. Match counter elements and character types to tip the scales.
#5: Review Losses and Adjust Accordingly
Just like in the open world battles, observe what worked and what got you killed after each guest match. Reconfigure your tried-and-true deck to shore up weaknesses. Trial and error is the path to mastery.
While much more complex guests lurk in the foggy end game, apply these foundational tactics during your early grinding, and outsmarting challengers will feel like child’s play.
Soon you’ll have what it takes to climb the Genius Invokation ranks and cement your status as a globally feared tabletop combatant in the world of Teyvat!
For even more Genshin Impact TCG training across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Discord, be sure to follow my channels @TCGMaven.
Until next time, may your card draws be as lucky as your Wishes!
