How do I unlock the hidden island east of Mondstadt in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the hidden island east of Mondstadt in Genshin Impact, you need to complete a series of steps that involve exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. This island, known as the "Nameless Island," is located far to the east of Starsnatch Cliff and is not visible on the map until you reach it. The process of unlocking and exploring this island is tied to the "Time and the Wind" world quest, which requires careful planning and execution. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you achieve this.

First, you need to reach the island. The most common method is to use a character with high stamina and stamina-reducing abilities, such as Kaeya or Mona, to glide or swim across the ocean. Start from Starsnatch Cliff, which is the closest point to the island. Before you begin, make sure your stamina is fully restored and consider using stamina-boosting food like Northern Smoked Chicken or Sticky Honey Roast. This will help you cover the long distance without running out of stamina. Alternatively, you can use the Cryo character Kaeya to create ice bridges by freezing the water with his Elemental Skill, allowing you to walk across the ocean. This method is slower but safer if youÔÇÖre worried about stamina.

Once you reach the island, youÔÇÖll notice a large, broken sundial and several unlit elemental braziers. This is the starting point for the "Time and the Wind" quest. To activate the quest, you need to interact with the sundial during a specific time of day. The quest requires you to investigate the sundial between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM in-game time. You can adjust the time using the in-game clock by opening the Paimon menu. When you interact with the sundial during this time, a series of wind orbs will appear around the island. These orbs are part of the puzzle and must be collected to progress the quest.

The wind orbs are scattered across the island and can be challenging to find. Use your Elemental Sight to locate them, as they will glow with a faint blue aura. Once you find an orb, you need to hit it with an Anemo attack to disperse it. Characters like the Traveler (Anemo), Sucrose, or Jean are ideal for this task due to their Anemo abilities. After dispersing all the orbs, return to the sundial to trigger the next phase of the quest. This will summon a powerful Anemo Hypostasis boss, which you must defeat to complete the quest.

When fighting the Anemo Hypostasis, itÔÇÖs important to have a well-balanced team. Since the boss is immune to Anemo damage, avoid using Anemo characters for damage. Instead, focus on characters who can deal high elemental or physical damage. Pyro, Electro, and Cryo characters like Diluc, Fischl, or Ganyu are excellent choices. Make sure your team has a healer, such as Barbara or Qiqi, to sustain you during the fight. The Anemo Hypostasis has several attack patterns, including spinning blades and tornadoes, so stay mobile and dodge frequently. When the bossÔÇÖs health is low, it will create Anemo cores that you must destroy quickly to prevent it from regenerating health.

After defeating the Anemo Hypostasis, youÔÇÖll complete the "Time and the Wind" quest and unlock the hidden island. YouÔÇÖll also receive valuable rewards, including Primogems, Adventure EXP, and Mora. Additionally, the island contains several chests and collectibles, so take the time to explore thoroughly. Look for hidden Seelie, buried treasure, and other secrets that can enhance your exploration experience.

A few tips to keep in mind: First, always check your stamina before attempting to reach the island. Running out of stamina in the middle of the ocean can be fatal, so plan accordingly. Second, make sure your team is well-prepared for combat, as the Anemo Hypostasis can be a tough opponent if youÔÇÖre underleveled. Third, use Elemental Sight frequently to locate the wind orbs, as they can be easy to miss. Finally, donÔÇÖt rush the quest. Take your time to explore the island and enjoy the scenery, as itÔÇÖs one of the most beautiful and mysterious locations in the game.

In terms of team composition, consider bringing characters with high mobility and utility. For example, Venti can help with exploration by using his Elemental Skill to reach high places, while ZhongliÔÇÖs shield can protect you during combat. For artifacts, focus on increasing your damage output and survivability. Sets like GladiatorÔÇÖs Finale or Crimson Witch of Flames are great for DPS characters, while Maiden Beloved or Noblesse Oblige can enhance your support characters. Weapons should be chosen based on your teamÔÇÖs needs, with a preference for high base attack and useful passives.

By following these steps and strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to unlock and explore the hidden island east of Mondstadt, completing the "Time and the Wind" quest and reaping the rewards. This quest is a great example of Genshin ImpactÔÇÖs emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving, offering a satisfying challenge for players who enjoy uncovering the gameÔÇÖs many secrets.