Unraveling the Enigmatic Fontaine Puzzles: Genshin Impact's Most Breathtaking Update Yet

Highlights

The new mechanics introduced in Genshin Impact's 4.0 update, particularly in the Fontaine region, add difficulty to underwater exploration and puzzles.

Fontaine's puzzles pose a greater challenge compared to previous regions due to the incorporation of fresh mechanics, including underwater combat encounters and the Arkhe system.

Getting characters infused with the new Arkhe energy types (Ousia and Pneuma) can prove to be a demanding task and restricts players' choices in solving specific puzzles within the Fontaine region. Nevertheless, the rewards for successfully completing these puzzles, such as Mora containers, surpass those found in other regions.

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With the introduction of new mechanics in Genshin Impact's initial 4.0 update, exploring underwater has become a refreshing twist. However, it's important to note that the Fontaine region offers more than just submerged sections to explore. While moving through the underwater areas allows players to easily spot puzzles and secrets, the 4.0 update in Genshin Impact has also added additional challenges to these open-world tasks.

Compared to previous regions in Genshin Impact, the puzzles in Fontaine are generally considered to be more difficult. This is mainly due to the reliance on completely new mechanics for most of these puzzles. Notably, the puzzles involving underwater combat encounters and the new Arkhe system are exclusive to Fontaine. Additionally, the returning puzzles from other regions that are present in Fontaine now offer better rewards.

Genshin Impact’s Fontaine Region Mechanics Make Exploration More Complex

The Genshin Impact 4.0 update brings a notable addition to the game known as the Arkhe mechanic. This mechanic introduces two new energy types exclusively for the characters, enemies, and puzzles found in the Fontaine region. Each of the new characters from this region possesses either Ousia or Pneuma energy alignment, alongside their primary Element type. When these Arkhe energy types interact with creatures or objects aligned with the opposite Arkhe energy, it triggers the Annihilation reaction. This reaction can stun enemies or advance certain puzzles. While some puzzles may have temporary Arkhe energy infusion stations nearby, the majority of these challenges require players to possess characters permanently infused with these energy types.

Initially, players only have two options to obtain a character with Pneuma energy: use the Traveler or acquire Lyney, a five-star Pyro bow user from Event Wish Banners. Although Lynette, a four-star Anemo sword user, is currently obtainable for free during phase 1 of the 4.0 update and already possesses Ousia energy, acquiring a character with this energy type may become more difficult in the future. Once Lynette is no longer available for free, players may struggle to obtain an Ousia-infused character, and as a result, they may be unable to solve certain puzzles in Fontaine.

Obtaining characters aligned with the new energy types specific to the Fontaine region can pose a significant challenge for players attempting to solve puzzles. Prior to the 4.0 update, none of the previously released characters are aligned with an Arkhe energy type, except for the Traveler. However, as more characters from the Fontaine region become available, overcoming the obstacle of Ousia and Pneuma energy will likely become easier. Currently, players have very limited options to address these particular puzzles.

Combat in Fontaine's underwater sections levels the playing field by requiring players to use specific weapons and abilities. These encounters are frequent and often intertwined with puzzle mechanics. It is advisable for players to choose high HP and defense characters with Pneuma or Ousia energy for underwater exploration teams.

Additionally, the puzzles in the Fontaine region are generally more challenging but offer greater rewards compared to other regions in Genshin Impact. Mora containers found in Fontaine contain significantly larger quantities of Mora, making it highly satisfying for both new and experienced players to discover Fontaine's secrets.

Genshin Impact is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, and mobile devices. A Switch version is in development.