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

The nine-pillar puzzle in Liyue, also known as the "Chi of Guyun" quest, is one of the more challenging exploration tasks in Genshin Impact. It requires players to interact with nine stone pillars scattered across the Guyun Stone Forest area. To solve this puzzle, you must first unlock the pillars by collecting Geoculus and upgrading the Statues of the Seven in Liyue to level 10. Each level-up rewards you with a Geoculus Resonance Stone, which is essential for locating all Geoculi. Once you have collected enough Geoculi and upgraded the statue, you will receive the "Stone of Remembrance," a key item needed to unlock the pillars.

The mechanics of the puzzle involve activating each of the nine pillars by using the Stone of Remembrance. Each pillar is guarded by a series of enemies, including Ruin Guards, Ruin Hunters, and other powerful foes. After activating all nine pillars, a hidden domain will unlock, containing a boss fight against a Ruin Hunter and a Ruin Guard. Defeating these enemies will reward you with valuable loot, including a Luxurious Chest and a Precious Chest.

To begin, head to the Guyun Stone Forest area in Liyue. The pillars are spread across the islands, so you will need to use a combination of gliding, swimming, and climbing to reach them. Make sure your team has a character with high stamina, such as Kaeya or Razor, to help with traversal. Once you locate a pillar, interact with it using the Stone of Remembrance. This will spawn a group of enemies that you must defeat to fully activate the pillar. Repeat this process for all nine pillars.

One important tip is to prepare your team for combat before starting the puzzle. The enemies guarding the pillars are strong, so having a well-balanced team is crucial. A recommended team composition includes a main DPS character like Diluc or Keqing, a support character like Bennett or Xingqiu, a healer like Barbara or Qiqi, and a shield character like Zhongli or Noelle. This setup ensures you have enough damage output, healing, and survivability to handle the enemies.

Artifact and weapon choices are also important. For your main DPS, equip artifacts that boost attack and critical damage, such as Gladiator's Finale or Crimson Witch of Flames. Weapons like the Wolf's Gravestone or the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear are excellent choices. For support characters, focus on energy recharge and elemental mastery to maximize their utility. Weapons like the Sacrificial Sword or Favonius Warbow work well for these roles.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the enemies and not preparing your team properly. The Ruin Guards and Ruin Hunters can deal significant damage, so make sure your characters are adequately leveled and equipped. Additionally, avoid activating multiple pillars at once, as this can lead to being overwhelmed by enemies. Take your time and focus on one pillar at a time.

Advanced techniques include using elemental reactions to your advantage. For example, pairing a Hydro character like Xingqiu with a Pyro character like Diluc can trigger Vaporize reactions, dealing massive damage. Similarly, using a Cryo character like Kaeya with an Electro character like Fischl can trigger Superconduct, reducing enemy defense. These reactions can make the fights much easier.

In summary, solving the nine-pillar puzzle in Liyue requires careful preparation, a strong team, and strategic use of elemental reactions. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully complete the puzzle and claim the valuable rewards hidden within the domain.