Sumeru (Genshin Impact)

Sumeru (/ˌsuːˈmæˌruː/, Chinese: 须弥; pinyin: Xūmí) is a fictional nation in the video game Genshin Impact, developed by miHoYo. The region officially opened to players with the release of version 3.0 on August 24, 2022. Located in the central and west portions of the continent of Teyvat, Sumeru consists of rainforest and desert areas. Its Archon is Buer, also known as Lesser Lord Kusanali. It also serves as the primary setting for chapter 3 of the game's storyline.

Sumeru is based on ancient India, ancient Egypt, and ancient Persia. Its cultural designs are inspired by Egyptian and Persian mythologies, as well as Indian epic poetry. Its music features Middle Eastern and South Asian instruments. The region's unique stage design, new gameplay, and storyline have garnered considerable attention and critical analysis. Some consider Sumeru to be miHoYo's best-designed location to date, and its gameplay and exploration mechanics have also received positive reviews. However, critics have also criticized Sumeru's design for cultural appropriation and stereotyping.