But these miraculous artifacts have evil twins of sorts, known as Delusions. Though their use and history are developed in greater detail in the Genshin Impact manga and other extended media, astute players will notice repeated references to these dangerous and mysterious items throughout the game, in books, conversations, and occasional appearances in quests.
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Unlike a Vision, anyone can wield a Delusion—in theory. Furthermore, if an allogene gains a Delusion of a different element from their Vision, they will be able to wield both sets of elemental powers, as Childe viciously demonstrates during his boss fight.
Gifts from the Tsarita
Delusions are essentially artificial, man-made Visions. The exact means of their construction is yet unknown, but they are made in Snezhnaya. Even there, they are extremely rare, and only elite warriors like the 11 Fatui Harbingers possesses Delusions. Both Signora and Childe reference gifts from their Tsarita possibly referring to their Delusions, but it is unknown whether she crafts these objects herself, or if they are relics from an older time, or if there is another method of manufacture altogether.
Snezhnaya is one of the most advanced regions in all of Teyvat, as evidenced by the gun, shield, and shock-hammer wielding agents players encounter. Therefore, it is possible that the Delusions are an extremely advanced form of technology with no relation to the Archons.
Obscene Power, Grave Risk
While anybody can use a Delusion, they carry considerable risk, as there is a significant chance that the relic will backfire when the user attempts to channel the elements. This tragic fate befell Crepus, when he attempted to defeat Ursa the Drake to protect his son, Diluc, and his foster son, Kaeya. Crepus was not an allogene, or at the very least, he never possessed a Vision. Though Diluc, a Pyro-Vision bearer, was later able to wield his father’s Pyro Delusion himself without incident, and did so for a time following his father’s death. How Crepus obtained the Delusion is unknown, but again suspicious, as they are vanishingly rare, even in Snezhnaya.
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One could speculate that allogenes are more likely to be able to control Delusions without self-harm, as both Childe and Diluc manage to use them without issue. But players have noted that La Signora’s outfit does not display a visible Vision, yet she manages to freeze Venti with Cryo powers during their confrontation, which may mean that her black crown, or the black jewels lining her neck could be her Delusion.
Mysteries Abound
More will likely be revealed as the Fatui’s schemes are uncovered, but for now, the link between the Tsarita and Delusions is unclear. It is possible that the third means of elemental control, the Gnosis artifacts used by Archons, is related to the production of Delusions, which would explain why the Harbingers are so determined to acquire them. Other tantalizing details abound as well, like the fact that Delusions emit the smell of Mist Grass, a mythical plant of dubious origin that Fatui mages use to control Cicins.
Genshin Impact is available now for mobile devices, PC, and PlayStation 4, with a forthcoming release for PlayStation 5 and Switch.
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