In the vibrant cosmos of Genshin Impact merchandise, the journey from anticipation to shelf-display has transformed dramatically since the early days when securing a coveted figure felt like pulling a five-star character from a limited banner. For many collectors, the moment that crystallized this obsession was the announcement of the Ganyu 1/7 scale figure, a piece that promised to bring the diligent Liyue Qixing secretary into the physical world without the agonizing RNG of in-game wishes. How did this single release ripple into a global phenomenon, and what does the landscape look like now, in 2026?
Five years ago, the Ganyu figure from Apex was more than just a collectible—it was a statement. Scheduled for a November 2021 Tmall pre-order in China, it offered fans a direct route to ownership, free from gacha mechanics. Yet, at that time, miHoYo lacked a dedicated official storefront for international audiences, leaving many to scour retailers like AmiAmi and Big Bad Toy Store, often facing markups on the base price of approximately $115. Would-be buyers wondered: would the Cryo archer ever grace their shelves without a third-party premium? The answer arrived sooner than expected, as the figure shipped in January 2023 and ignited a sustained appetite for high-quality PVC tributes.
Fast forward to 2026, and the ecosystem has undergone a tectonic shift. miHoYo has since established region-specific online stores, eliminating the uncertainty that once plagued international collectors. The Ganyu figure now stands as a beloved centerpiece in countless displays, often flanked by companions like the flashy Mona from Wonderful Works and the commanding Ningguang—whose resale price famously soared past $400. The expansion didn’t stop there. Apex continued to deliver consistent 1/7 scale releases, with characters such as Keqing and Klee cementing their roles as staples, while newer additions like Raiden Shogun and Nahida joined the lineup with even more intricate bases and dynamic poses.
What drives a fan to invest in these meticulously crafted statues? Is it simply the joy of owning a tangible piece of Teyvat, or is there a deeper narrative unfolding? For many, the answer lies in the storytelling embedded in each figure. The Ganyu statue, for instance, captures her serene work ethic and otherworldly grace, mirroring the depth of her Story Quest—often cited as some of Genshin Impact’s finest writing. This marriage of design and lore transforms a mere PVC object into a slice of game history, making each release feel like a mini-celebration of an adventure.
The market’s appetite has only grown, fueled by miHoYo’s multimedia expansions. After the 2021 anniversary concert spawned a line of real-life artifacts, the company doubled down on cross-promotional merchandise. By 2024, limited-run figures tied to in-game events became the norm, turning pre-order windows into frantic sprints reminiscent of banner reruns. Childe, Hu Tao, and Thoma may have cycled through wish rotations back in version 2.2, but their physical counterparts now grace collector cabinets years later, often with updated sculpts that reflect their character development.
Outside Genshin, the influence of these figures reverberates. When Honkai Impact 3rd made its Steam debut—complete with a limited event and the free-to-play model that Genshin fans knew intimately—it introduced a fresh wave of collectors eager for mecha-inspired statues. Yet, Genshin’s line remains the crown jewel, its evolution marked by an ever-increasing quality bar. Early figures from 2021 now feel like antique relics compared to the hyper-detailed, LED-lit creations that launch in 2026, some of which incorporate sound chips that play iconic voice lines from the game. Have we reached peak collectible? Or is this merely a waypoint on a longer road?
The answer may lie in the community itself. Collector forums buzz with displays of entire Liyue ensembles, custom lighting setups, and DIY modifications that push the boundaries of what a statue can be. The once-standard 1/7 scale now shares shelf space with massive 1/4 dioramas and tiny, whimsical Nendoroid-style figures. The Ganyu that started it all remains a touchstone—a reminder of a time when acquiring a figure felt like a personal victory against the gacha gods. As miHoYo continues to weave new characters into the Teyvat tapestry, one thing is certain: the physical embodiments of these heroes will follow, turning player homes into personal shrines to the world of Teyvat. In 2026, collecting is no longer a side hobby; it’s an integral part of the Genshin Impact experience, where every new announcement sends ripples of excitement through a community that never truly logs off.
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