How do I unlock the hidden domain in Sumeru in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the hidden domain in Sumeru, known as the "Tower of Abject Pride," you need to complete a series of tasks that involve solving puzzles and interacting with the environment. This domain is located in the Desert of Hadramaveth, a region in Sumeru that is filled with sandstorms and challenging terrain. The process to unlock it is not straightforward, so here is a detailed guide to help you through it.

First, you need to reach the Desert of Hadramaveth. This area is accessible after completing the Archon Quest "The Morn a Thousand Roses Brings" and the World Quest "Golden Slumber." Once you have access to the desert, head to the location marked by the domain icon on your map. The domain is situated near the ruins of a large structure surrounded by sand dunes. However, the entrance is blocked by a sandstorm, and you need to clear it to proceed.

To clear the sandstorm, you must activate three Primal Obelisks scattered around the area. These obelisks are ancient mechanisms that control the weather in the desert. Each obelisk is guarded by enemies and requires you to solve a puzzle to activate it. The puzzles involve using elemental abilities to interact with the environment, such as lighting torches, activating pressure plates, or defeating waves of enemies. Make sure to bring a team with a variety of elemental abilities to handle these challenges.

Once all three Primal Obelisks are activated, the sandstorm will dissipate, revealing the entrance to the domain. However, before you can enter, you need to complete a final puzzle. This puzzle involves aligning three large stone tablets with specific symbols. The symbols are hidden in the surrounding area, and you need to find them by exploring the ruins. Use your Elemental Sight to highlight interactive objects and follow the clues to locate the symbols. Once you have found all three symbols, return to the stone tablets and align them correctly to unlock the domain.

When entering the domain, it is recommended to bring a team that can handle both combat and exploration. A balanced team composition might include a main DPS character like Hu Tao or Ayaka, a support character like Bennett or Xingqiu, a healer like Jean or Kokomi, and a utility character like Zhongli or Kazuha. This setup ensures you have the damage output to defeat enemies, the healing to sustain your team, and the utility to navigate the domain's challenges.

For artifacts and weapons, focus on optimizing your main DPS character. For example, if you are using Hu Tao, equip her with the Crimson Witch of Flames artifact set and the Staff of Homa weapon. This combination maximizes her Pyro damage and overall effectiveness in combat. For support characters, prioritize artifacts that enhance their abilities, such as the Noblesse Oblige set for Bennett to boost his attack buff.

During the domain, you will encounter various enemies, including Ruin Guards, Fatui Skirmishers, and Specters. Use elemental reactions to your advantage, such as Vaporize or Melt, to deal significant damage. Pay attention to enemy patterns and dodge their attacks to avoid unnecessary damage. Additionally, keep an eye out for hidden chests and collectibles within the domain, as they often contain valuable resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the puzzles without understanding the mechanics, which can lead to frustration and wasted time. Take your time to explore and interact with the environment to find all the necessary clues. Another mistake is neglecting to bring a balanced team, which can make combat encounters more difficult than they need to be. Ensure your team is well-prepared with the right characters, artifacts, and weapons.

Advanced techniques include using characters with crowd control abilities, such as Venti or Sucrose, to group enemies together and make them easier to defeat. Additionally, using characters with high mobility, like Xiao or Keqing, can help you navigate the domain more efficiently and avoid environmental hazards.

In summary, unlocking the hidden domain in Sumeru requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat readiness. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully unlock the Tower of Abject Pride and reap the rewards it offers. Remember to take your time, prepare your team, and use the environment to your advantage. Happy exploring!