The world of Xenoblade Genesis is presented through the reveal as a high-fantasy setting, a shift from the more science-fiction-leaning tone of earlier entries in the series. The details below come from the reveal trailer and surrounding coverage rather than Nintendo's official page, so they should be read as early information.
The Land of Anshar
Early coverage of the reveal describes the story taking place in a land referred to as Anshar, an annular (ring-shaped) world said to be illuminated by the light of six suns. The name "Anshar" and the six suns are reported by multiple outlets but do not appear on Nintendo's official page, so they are noted here with caution. The precise interpretation of how a "ring-shaped world" looks or functions in-lore has not been clarified.
A World Shaped by Anima
According to the reveal, a special power called Anima flows through the land and its forces. This power is central to the setting: warriors known as Vesselai can wield it, and the early material frames the world's conflicts around it. For more on the power itself, see the Anima page.
Aesthetic and Inhabitants
The reveal leans firmly into a high-fantasy aesthetic. Early material shows characters with elf-like ears, reinforcing the fantasy direction. This visual identity is one of the clearest ways the reveal sets Genesis apart from prior entries.
Known Locations
So far, only one location has been named: the academy Leukos, where students train to become Vesselai. No world map, regions, or towns beyond this have been confirmed.
Exploration
The reveal shows mounts used to travel the world, which suggests a setting of some scale. The specifics of traversal and exploration are covered, with hedging, on the Mounts and Exploration page.
What Is Not Yet Known
The world map, its regions and towns, and the full nature of the setting are deferred until Nintendo reveals more. For how the early premise ties these elements together, see Story and Premise.