How do I unlock the secret room in the Thousand Winds Temple in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the secret room in the Thousand Winds Temple in Genshin Impact, you need to complete a specific puzzle involving the activation of several Anemo monuments scattered around the area. This puzzle is part of the "Time and the Wind" world quest, which is one of the hidden quests in the game. The quest is not immediately obvious, and it requires careful observation and interaction with the environment. Below is a detailed guide on how to unlock the secret room and complete the quest.

First, you need to locate the starting point for the quest. Head to the small island northeast of Mondstadt, which is accessible by gliding from Starsnatch Cliff or by using Kaeya's ice bridge ability to cross the water. Once you arrive on the island, you will find a broken sundial and a few scattered notes. Interact with the sundial to begin the quest. The quest will prompt you to investigate the area and find clues related to the sundial and the wind.

The next step involves activating four Anemo monuments around the island. These monuments are hidden and require you to use elemental sight to locate them. Activate elemental sight by holding the middle mouse button or the designated key on your device. Look for glowing blue orbs that indicate the presence of the monuments. The first monument is near the sundial, while the others are scattered around the island. Use an Anemo character like the Traveler (Anemo), Sucrose, or Jean to activate these monuments. Once all four monuments are activated, a wind current will appear, allowing you to glide up and investigate further.

After activating the monuments, you will need to defeat a group of enemies that spawn near the sundial. These enemies include a few Hilichurls and an Eye of the Storm. The Eye of the Storm is a flying enemy that can be challenging to hit with melee characters, so it is recommended to use ranged characters like Fischl, Amber, or Ganyu to deal with it efficiently. Make sure to dodge its attacks and focus on dealing consistent damage.

Once the enemies are defeated, you will need to return to the sundial and interact with it again. This will trigger a cutscene and reveal a hidden mechanism that opens the secret room. The secret room is located beneath the sundial, and it contains a chest with valuable rewards, including Primogems, Mora, and other resources. Additionally, completing the quest will grant you access to a hidden achievement, "Time and the Wind," which contributes to your overall progress in the game.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while attempting this quest. First, make sure to bring a well-rounded team that includes at least one Anemo character for activating the monuments and one ranged character for dealing with the Eye of the Storm. It is also helpful to have a healer like Barbara or Qiqi to sustain your team during combat. Second, pay close attention to the environment and use elemental sight frequently to locate the monuments and other interactive elements. Third, be prepared for a fight, as the Eye of the Storm can be a tough opponent if you are not properly equipped.

Common mistakes to avoid include not using elemental sight to locate the monuments, which can make the quest much more difficult and time-consuming. Another mistake is not bringing a ranged character to deal with the Eye of the Storm, as melee characters may struggle to hit it consistently. Additionally, make sure to fully explore the island and interact with all the clues and notes, as they provide important hints for completing the quest.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using food buffs and potions to enhance your characters' abilities before engaging in combat. For example, using a defense-boosting food item can help your team survive longer during the fight with the Eye of the Storm. Additionally, using characters with crowd control abilities like Venti or Sucrose can make the combat phase easier by grouping the enemies together and allowing you to deal damage more efficiently.

In terms of team composition, a balanced team with an Anemo character, a ranged DPS, a healer, and a support character is ideal. For example, you could use the Traveler (Anemo) for monument activation, Fischl for ranged damage, Barbara for healing, and Xiangling for additional DPS and elemental reactions. This setup ensures that you have the necessary tools to complete the quest without too much difficulty.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on the characters you are using. For Anemo characters, the Viridescent Venerer artifact set is highly recommended, as it increases Anemo damage and reduces enemy resistance to Swirl reactions. For ranged DPS characters like Fischl, the Thundering Fury set is a good choice, as it boosts Electro damage and reduces skill cooldowns. For healers like Barbara, the Maiden Beloved set is ideal, as it increases healing effectiveness. As for weapons, use the best options available to you, such as the Favonius Warbow for Fischl or the Prototype Amber for Barbara.

In conclusion, unlocking the secret room in the Thousand Winds Temple involves completing the "Time and the Wind" quest by activating Anemo monuments, defeating enemies, and interacting with the sundial. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and recommendations provided, you can successfully complete the quest and unlock the secret room, earning valuable rewards and achievements in the process.