How do I solve the windmill puzzles in Mondstadt in Genshin Impact?

The windmill puzzles in Mondstadt are a unique and engaging part of Genshin Impact's world exploration. These puzzles are scattered throughout the region and often require players to interact with the environment using specific elemental abilities. Understanding the mechanics and having the right team composition can make solving these puzzles much easier.

The primary mechanic involved in solving windmill puzzles is the use of Anemo (wind) abilities. Windmills in Mondstadt are typically activated by applying Anemo energy to them. This can be done using characters like the Traveler (Anemo), Sucrose, Jean, or Venti. Once activated, the windmill will start spinning, and this usually triggers a series of events such as revealing hidden chests, opening pathways, or activating other environmental mechanisms.

To solve a windmill puzzle, start by locating the windmill. These are often found in open areas or near significant landmarks. Once you find the windmill, approach it and use an Anemo ability on it. For example, if you are using the Traveler, you can use their Elemental Skill, Palm Vortex, to apply Anemo energy to the windmill. If you are using Venti, his Elemental Burst, Wind's Grand Ode, can also activate the windmill. After the windmill starts spinning, observe the changes in the environment. This could include the appearance of a chest, the opening of a gate, or the activation of a nearby mechanism.

One important tip is to ensure that your character's Anemo abilities are ready before approaching the windmill. This means having enough Elemental Energy to use the ability immediately. If your abilities are on cooldown, you may need to wait or use other characters to generate Elemental Particles to recharge your Anemo character's energy.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong elemental ability. For example, using a Pyro or Electro ability on the windmill will not activate it. Additionally, some windmills may require multiple activations or may be part of a larger puzzle that involves interacting with other elements in the environment. Always take the time to observe your surroundings and look for clues that might indicate additional steps needed to solve the puzzle.

Advanced techniques involve using characters with crowd control abilities to manage enemies that may be guarding the windmill. For example, Venti's Elemental Burst can group enemies together, making it easier to defeat them before focusing on the puzzle. Additionally, using characters with high mobility, like Keqing or Xiao, can help you quickly navigate the environment and reach windmills that are located in hard-to-reach places.

Team composition suggestions for solving windmill puzzles include having at least one Anemo character to activate the windmills. Characters like Venti, Sucrose, Jean, or the Traveler (Anemo) are ideal. Additionally, having a healer like Barbara or Qiqi can be beneficial if you encounter enemies while solving the puzzle. A DPS character like Diluc or Ganyu can help clear any enemies quickly, and a support character like Fischl or Bennett can provide additional elemental reactions and buffs.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for your Anemo character should focus on increasing their Elemental Mastery and Energy Recharge. Artifacts like the Viridescent Venerer set can enhance Anemo damage and increase Swirl reaction damage. Weapons like the Favonius Warbow or Sacrificial Sword can help with energy regeneration, ensuring that your Anemo abilities are always ready.

Specific examples of windmill puzzles include the one near the Statue of The Seven in Windrise. Here, activating the windmill will reveal a chest and open a pathway to a hidden area. Another example is the windmill puzzle in Stormterror's Lair, where activating the windmill is part of a larger puzzle that involves interacting with multiple wind currents and mechanisms.

In conclusion, solving windmill puzzles in Mondstadt requires a good understanding of Anemo mechanics, the right team composition, and careful observation of the environment. By following these steps and tips, you can efficiently solve these puzzles and uncover the hidden treasures and secrets they guard.