How do I solve the nine-pillar puzzle in Liyue in Genshin Impact?

The nine-pillar puzzle in Liyue, also known as the "Nine Pillars of Peace" quest, is one of the most intricate and rewarding exploration challenges in Genshin Impact. To solve this puzzle, you must first unlock the quest by collecting all 130 Geoculus scattered across Liyue. Once you have collected all the Geoculus and offered them to the Statues of the Seven in Liyue, you will receive the "Stone of Remembrance," which is the key to unlocking the nine pillars located in the Cuijue Slope area. Here is a detailed guide to help you solve this puzzle.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The nine pillars are spread across a large area in Cuijue Slope, and each pillar is sealed by a mechanism that requires the Stone of Remembrance to unlock. Once you unlock all nine pillars, a hidden domain called the "Domain of the Wayward Path" will open, containing valuable rewards, including a Luxurious Chest and a Precious Chest. The challenge lies in the fact that unlocking the pillars will spawn powerful enemies, including Ruin Guards and Ruin Hunters, which you must defeat to progress.

To begin, ensure you have the Stone of Remembrance in your inventory. Head to Cuijue Slope, located southeast of Qingce Village. You will notice nine stone pillars arranged in a circular pattern. Approach each pillar and interact with it using the Stone of Remembrance. As you unlock each pillar, enemies will spawn nearby. Be prepared for combat, as these enemies are strong and can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not careful.

A good strategy is to unlock one pillar at a time and deal with the enemies immediately. This prevents you from being surrounded by multiple waves of enemies. After unlocking a pillar, clear the area of enemies before moving to the next one. The enemies you encounter will vary, but Ruin Guards and Ruin Hunters are the most common. These enemies have high health and deal significant damage, so itÔÇÖs essential to have a well-prepared team.

For team composition, consider bringing characters with strong elemental synergy and high damage output. A team with a main DPS like Diluc, Keqing, or Ganyu, paired with a support character like Bennett or Xingqiu, works well. Additionally, having a shield character like Zhongli or Diona can help mitigate damage from the Ruin GuardsÔÇÖ powerful attacks. Anemo characters like Venti or Sucrose can also be useful for crowd control, grouping enemies together for easier elimination.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on your team composition. For DPS characters, prioritize artifacts that increase attack, critical rate, and critical damage, such as GladiatorÔÇÖs Finale or Crimson Witch of Flames. Weapons like the WolfÔÇÖs Gravestone, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, or AmosÔÇÖ Bow are excellent choices for maximizing damage. Support characters should focus on energy recharge and elemental mastery, using artifacts like Noblesse Oblige or Viridescent Venerer. Weapons like the Sacrificial Sword or Favonius Warbow are ideal for support roles.

One common mistake players make is unlocking multiple pillars in quick succession without dealing with the enemies first. This can lead to being overwhelmed by multiple waves of enemies, making the fight much harder. Always clear the area of enemies before moving to the next pillar. Another mistake is not bringing a healer or shield character, which can result in your team being wiped out quickly. Make sure your team has a balance of damage dealers, supports, and healers.

Advanced techniques include using elemental reactions to your advantage. For example, using Hydro and Electro characters to trigger Electro-Charged reactions can deal continuous damage to multiple enemies. Similarly, using Cryo and Pyro characters to trigger Melt reactions can significantly increase your damage output. Positioning is also crucial; try to fight near the pillars to avoid aggroing additional enemies from nearby areas.

In summary, the nine-pillar puzzle in Liyue is a challenging but rewarding quest that requires careful preparation and strategy. Collect all 130 Geoculus to obtain the Stone of Remembrance, unlock each pillar one at a time, and be ready to face strong enemies. Use a balanced team with strong elemental synergy, prioritize artifact and weapon optimization, and avoid common mistakes like rushing through the pillars. With these tips, youÔÇÖll be able to solve the puzzle and claim the valuable rewards waiting in the Domain of the Wayward Path.