Based on an analysis of characters renowned for their profound and often heart-wrenching backstories, Collei is widely considered to have one of the saddest lore narratives in Genshin Impact. Her story, along with those of other tragic figures, delves into haunting pasts, immense sacrifices, and deep emotional turmoil that evoke strong empathy from players.
Genshin Impact is rich with characters whose personal histories are fraught with adversity, from abandonment and loss to enduring curses and existential crises. These narratives are central to building a deep connection between players and the game's world.
Collei's Heart-Wrenching Journey
Collei's lore stands out for its particularly tragic beginnings. Born sickly, she was plagued by a mysterious illness from a young age. In a desperate attempt to find a cure, her parents sought treatment from a seer. Unfortunately, this led to a far more sinister outcome, as she was subjected to cruel experiments by the Fatui Harbinger Dottore, who infused her with Archon Residue, turning her into a living test subject for their dreadful plans. This left her with a debilitating condition known as Eleazar and immense internal suffering, making her early life a relentless struggle against both her illness and the trauma inflicted upon her. Her journey is one of profound pain, survival, and the slow, arduous path toward healing and trust.
Other Characters with Tragic Backstories
While Collei often tops discussions for her deeply sorrowful past, many other characters in Genshin Impact also possess incredibly tragic lore that resonates deeply with players. Their stories often involve significant losses, betrayals, or burdens that shape their identities and motivations.
Here's a look at some of the most notable characters recognized for their poignant backstories:
| Rank | Character | Key Aspects of Their Tragic Lore |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collei | Born sickly, subjected to cruel experiments with Archon Residue, enduring Eleazar and profound trauma. |
| 2 | Diluc | Suffered the sudden loss of his father and a deep rift with the Knights of Favonius, leading to a solitary quest for justice. |
| 3 | Kazuha | Witnessed the death of his close friend in front of the Raiden Shogun and carries the weight of a lost dream. |
| 4 | Scaramouche | A rejected puppet, betrayed multiple times, leading to a complex identity crisis and a search for purpose. |
| 5 | Qiqi | Died tragically and was revived as a zombie, losing her memories and experiencing a fragmented existence. |
| 6 | Xiao | Bears the immense karmic debt from countless battles and the suffering of fallen comrades as an Adeptus. |
| 7 | Venti | Lost his closest friend during the rebellion against Decarabian and carries the burden of his past failures. |
| 8 | Raiden Ei | Faced the loss of her beloved sister, Makoto, and many friends, leading her to pursue eternal isolation for Inazuma. |
These characters' experiences, whether through haunting pasts, heart-wrenching sacrifices, or emotional turmoil, are meticulously woven into the fabric of Genshin Impact, making their stories exceptionally moving and impactful. Their lore highlights themes of:
- Loss and Grief: Many characters grapple with the death of loved ones, friends, or even entire civilizations.
- Betrayal and Abandonment: The pain of being cast aside or deceived by those they trusted is a common thread.
- Burden and Responsibility: Some characters carry immense responsibilities or curses that weigh heavily on their souls.
- Existential Suffering: Questioning their own existence, purpose, or identity after traumatic events.
Ultimately, while many characters carry profound burdens, Collei's early life of suffering and experimentation makes her story uniquely distressing, placing her at the forefront of Genshin Impact's most tragic figures. For more detailed insights into these characters' background stories, you can explore resources like Game Rant's list of most tragic characters.
