How Old Is Scaramouche in Genshin Impact? Unraveling the Balladeer's Centuries-Old Existence

Within the vast, ever-expanding universe of Genshin Impact, few characters possess a history as convoluted and temporally ambiguous as Scaramouche, also known as The Balladeer, Kunikuzushi, and ultimately, The Wanderer. The question of his true age is not merely a matter of counting years; it's a deep dive into Teyvat's historical fabric, the nature of artificial life, and the profound legacy of the Raiden Shogun. This definitive analysis, compiled from exclusive lore data, developer insights, and cross-referenced historical timelines, aims to settle the debate once and for all. Prepare to journey through centuries of hidden history.

Scaramouche, The Wanderer – His appearance belies an existence spanning several human lifetimes.

The Core Answer: A Chronological Breakdown

Based on meticulous analysis of in-game artifacts (most notably the Husk of Opulent Dreams set), character stories, and major historical events, we can establish a concrete timeline for Scaramouche's age:

• Creation Date: Approximately 400-500 years ago, shortly after the Cataclysm (the great disaster that occurred 500 years prior to the game's current timeline).
• Physical & Apparent Age: Late teens to early twenties. As a prototype puppet, his body does not age.
• Conscious Existence (True Age): Therefore, Scaramouche is chronologically between 400 to 500 years old.

Chapter 1: Origins – Ei's "Failed" Prototype

To understand Scaramouche's age, one must start at his genesis. Following the devastation of the Cataclysm and the fall of Durin, the Electro Archon, Raiden Ei, sought a path to eternity to prevent further loss. Her first attempt involved creating a perfect, emotionless puppet to house the Electro Gnosis and rule Inazuma in her stead—the prototype that would become Scaramouche.

This creation process is detailed in the "Husk of Opulent Dreams" artifact lore: "In the faint light, the puppet saw a beautiful, fair face. She was a god, and her smile was sweet yet distant." Ei, however, found her creation to be "too gentle" and prone to weeping. He displayed a heart and consciousness she did not intend. Deeming him a "failure" for this emotional capacity, she could not bring herself to destroy him. Instead, she placed him in a deep slumber within the Shakkei Pavilion, sealing his powers.

This event is the "Year Zero" for Scaramouche. Historical alignment places this shortly after the Cataclysm (500 years ago), likely within a few decades, hence the 400-500 year range.

Awakening and Early Wanderings

Scaramouche did not sleep forever. He eventually awakened to an empty world, with no purpose or guidance. This period of wandering as "Kunikuzushi" (Country Destroyer) forms the bedrock of his centuries of lived experience. He traveled across Inazuma and likely beyond, witnessing the changing of eras, the rise and fall of human endeavors, and accumulating the profound loneliness and bitterness that would define him. Each decade added to his true age, a history written in solitude.

Chapter 2: Timeline Correlation – Major Teyvat Events

To solidify his age, we cross-reference his existence with known historical events:

1. The Cataclysm (~500 years ago): The backdrop of his creation. Ei's sister, Makoto, perishes here, directly motivating Ei's pursuit of eternity and the puppet project.
2. Founding of the Fatui (~500 years ago): The Tsaritsa establishes the Fatui. By the time Scaramouche is active and wandering, the Fatui as an organization is already taking shape.
3. The Fall of the Katsuragi Clan & the Mikage Furnace: In-game evidence suggests Scaramouche was present and involved in the tragedy at Tatarasuna several centuries ago, where he formed bonds with humans like the blacksmith Miyazaki and the child Katsuragi. This event is confirmed to be centuries in the past, aligning with his active lifespan.
4. Joining the Fatui as the 6th Harbinger: This occurred well over a century before the current game timeline. He earned the title "Balladeer" and the rank, meaning he has served the Tsaritsa's agenda for at least 100+ years, further cementing his centuries-old status.

Chapter 3: The Nature of Age – Puppet vs. Human Perception

This is where the question gets philosophically rich. Scaramouche's body is ageless, a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship that will never wither. But his mind, consciousness, and memories have accumulated over four centuries. He has experienced more history than nearly any human in Teyvat. This dichotomy is central to his character: an eternally youthful exterior housing an ancient, weary, and deeply scarred psyche.

Comparatively, true immortals like the Archons or adepti measure time in millennia. Scaramouche's five centuries place him in a unique middle ground—far older than any mortal, yet a relative "newborn" compared to beings like Zhongli or Venti. This intermediate perspective fuels his existential crisis and drive for godhood.

The fateful moment of creation, where Ei's pursuit of eternity gave birth to a being with a will of its own.

Chapter 4: The Ascension to Godhood & "Rebirth"

The events of the Sumeru Archon Quest represent a pivotal moment. Using the Electro Gnosis, the knowledge of the Akademiya, and the power of the Divine Capsule, Scaramouche attempted to transcend his existence and become a new artificial god—Shouki no Kami, the Prodigal. While ultimately defeated by the Traveler and Nahida, this process complicates his age.

One could argue that his "consciousness" was rebooted or expanded during this process. However, his core memories and identity remained intact, suggesting continuity. His subsequent "rebirth" as The Wanderer, with the ability to erase himself from Irminsul (though the Traveler retains the memory), adds another layer. Did this reset his "age"? Metaphysically, perhaps. Chronologically, the 400-500 years of events still occurred in the fabric of reality, even if records were altered.

Facing his past is a core theme of his Story Quest. Players who have completed it and challenged the formidable Scaramouche weekly boss understand the weight of those centuries manifested in his combat style and narrative.

Chapter 5: Exclusive Data & Community Insights

Our analysis team conducted a deep data mine of version updates and interviewed veteran lore theorists. Cross-referencing the Prayers to the Spring Winds artifact set (which mentions a "wandering eccentric") and the timeline of the Fatui's global operations provides further proof. The Fatui's infiltration of Inazuma, led by Scaramouche to secure the Gnosis, was a plan decades in the making, requiring a leader with immense patience and long-term perspective—traits born from centuries of life.

Furthermore, his deep understanding of ancient Inazuman forging techniques (referenced in the "A Thousand Floating Dreams" weapon lore) isn't book-learned; it's knowledge gained from living through that era and knowing the artisans personally.

Conclusion: An Ancient Soul in a Perennial Vessel

So, how old is Scaramouche in Genshin Impact? The definitive answer is 400 to 500 years old. He is a living relic of the post-Cataclysm era, a direct creation of a grieving Archon, and a witness to the turning of ages. His age is not just a number; it's the root of his profound alienation, his mastery over elements and combat, and his tragic, complex persona.

Understanding this temporal scale enriches every interaction with him. When he speaks with cynicism, it is the cynicism of centuries. When he seeks power, it is to fill a void shaped by lifetimes of rejection. He stands as one of Genshin Impact's most brilliantly written characters, whose true depth is unlocked only when we appreciate the immense weight of the years he carries.