How do I solve the hydro totem puzzles in Fontaine in Genshin Impact?

Hydro totem puzzles in Fontaine, like many environmental puzzles in Genshin Impact, require players to interact with elemental mechanisms to unlock hidden treasures, progress through quests, or reveal new areas. These puzzles typically involve activating hydro totems, which are structures that respond to Hydro-based abilities. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to solve these puzzles effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Hydro totems are usually found near bodies of water or in areas with a strong Hydro theme. They are activated by applying Hydro damage to them. Once activated, they may trigger a sequence of events, such as opening gates, revealing chests, or spawning enemies. Some puzzles require multiple totems to be activated in a specific order or within a short time frame, adding a layer of complexity.

To solve these puzzles, youÔÇÖll need a character with Hydro abilities. Characters like Barbara, Mona, Kokomi, or Ayato are ideal for this task. BarbaraÔÇÖs Elemental Skill and Burst can apply Hydro to the totems, while MonaÔÇÖs Elemental Skill and Burst are also effective. KokomiÔÇÖs Elemental Skill creates a Hydro field that can continuously apply Hydro, making her particularly useful for puzzles requiring sustained Hydro application. AyatoÔÇÖs Elemental Skill allows him to deal Hydro damage in a wide area, which can be helpful for puzzles with multiple totems.

Step-by-step, hereÔÇÖs how to approach a typical hydro totem puzzle. First, survey the area to identify all the totems. Sometimes, they are hidden or require you to solve a smaller puzzle to reveal them. Once youÔÇÖve located all the totems, position your Hydro character near the first totem and use their Hydro ability to activate it. If the puzzle requires multiple totems to be activated in sequence, move quickly to the next totem and repeat the process. Timing is crucial in these puzzles, so practice your movements to ensure you can activate all totems within the required time frame.

Important tips and considerations include ensuring your Hydro character is adequately leveled and equipped. While you donÔÇÖt need to focus on damage output for these puzzles, having a character with a low cooldown on their Hydro abilities can make the process smoother. Additionally, some puzzles may require you to defeat enemies that spawn after activating the totems, so having a balanced team is essential.

Common mistakes to avoid include not checking the surroundings thoroughly. Some totems may be hidden behind obstacles or require you to interact with other environmental elements first. Another mistake is not having a Hydro character in your party, which can halt your progress entirely. Always ensure you have at least one Hydro character when exploring Fontaine.

Advanced techniques involve using characters with crowd control abilities to manage enemies that spawn during or after the puzzle. Characters like Venti or Kazuha can group enemies together, making it easier to defeat them quickly. Additionally, using characters with movement abilities, like MonaÔÇÖs alternate sprint or SayuÔÇÖs Elemental Skill, can help you navigate the area more efficiently.

For team composition, a balanced team with a Hydro character, a DPS character, a healer, and a support character is ideal. For example, you could use Barbara as your Hydro character, Diluc as your DPS, Bennett as your healer, and Sucrose as your support. This setup ensures you can handle both the puzzle mechanics and any combat that may arise.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for your Hydro character should focus on energy recharge and elemental mastery. For Barbara, the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers is an excellent weapon choice, as it provides a significant boost to the next characterÔÇÖs attack after switching. For artifacts, the Maiden Beloved set enhances her healing capabilities, which can be useful if enemies spawn during the puzzle.

Specific examples include the hydro totem puzzle near the Fontaine Research Institute. This puzzle requires you to activate three totems in quick succession. Using KokomiÔÇÖs Elemental Skill to create a Hydro field can help you activate all three totems without needing to move much. Another example is the puzzle in the Fontaine Underground, where you need to activate totems while avoiding environmental hazards like falling rocks. In this case, using a character with a shield, like Zhongli, can provide additional protection.

In conclusion, solving hydro totem puzzles in Fontaine requires a combination of careful observation, quick reflexes, and the right team composition. By understanding the mechanics, preparing your characters, and practicing your movements, you can efficiently solve these puzzles and unlock the rewards they offer.