Genshin Impact Project Moongazer - So that's how the story of the game started...

Project Moongazer is the new world quest released alongside Luna VIII in Genshin Impact, and it is, by far, the most advanced quest the game has featured in its long history. Honestly, if this is the level of quality we are going to get from Snezhnaya, then we're in for a treat.

The story follows Lumine and Paimon as they tail a fake Columbina and end up on a spaceship directed toward the Frost Moon. There, together with a mysterious black moon spirit named Ninnin, they begin to explore the surface to find Columbina and learn more about the Project Moongazer that the dragons tried to achieve on the moon.

Honestly I spent more time doing pictures of the various locations than actually exploring so much this new area was stunning.

I died a few times because didn't realize the 'floor was lava' kind of mechanic, but my fault there, I forgot completely.

It's a complete scenic tour, with the moon showing amazing vistas at every single dome change, honestly, to the point that I was wondering if this was a main quest because of how much effort was put into it. Rewards are also plentiful; almost every turn provides you with multiple chests and Lunoculus.

Ninnin and Paimon have a nice dynamic of teasing and being teased, switching roles as we go through the adventure. I became quite attached to Ninnin, and it was hard to let go at the end of the quest to activate the device. Another cycle will come, for sure, but still...

Columbina is back home, but she doesn't know much about her home to be honest. She's winging it mostly, like us.

I'm really curious to know who the Heavenly Principles is, they are mentioned so often. I heard the various theories, but...

And then, right at the end, comes the bombshell revelation that sets up the entire story of Genshin Impact. Apparently, the message sent by Ninnin is the message that caused the siblings to decide to travel toward Teyvat. I'm not sure what time shenanigans are involved here, but we clearly hear their voices in the transmission.

The quest also gives lots of insight into the life of the dragons before the return of Nibelung, their king. Honestly, they weren't much different from humans; they had researchers, lovers, children, and a normal civilization. It kind of gives you the creeps when you think the Sauri in Natlan are technically their "descendants."

I wonder why the dragon king was so much different than the other dragons. So far most of them haven't been that evil...

There's life on the moon! Hidden, but there's life even now that the rest is deserted! Thanks to the dragon researchers!

Now the wait is upon us for the release of Genshin Impact Patch 7.0 with the first arrival at Snezhnaya. The patch is scheduled to release August 12, 2026, and apparently, Sandrone will be our guide to reaching the icy country. I wonder what the welcoming party will be like? We've been enemies and allies of the Fatui at different turns...