How do I solve the ice pillar puzzles in Dragonspine in Genshin Impact?

The ice pillar puzzles in Dragonspine are a unique and challenging aspect of Genshin Impact's world exploration. These puzzles require players to interact with specific mechanisms to melt or activate ice pillars, often leading to hidden treasures, chests, or progression in the area. Understanding the mechanics and having the right strategy is key to solving these puzzles efficiently.

The primary mechanic involved in these puzzles is the use of Scarlet Quartz. Scarlet Quartz is a red crystal found scattered around Dragonspine. When you pick up a Scarlet Quartz, your character gains a temporary buff that allows their attacks to melt ice or activate mechanisms that are otherwise unresponsive. This buff lasts for a short duration, so timing and positioning are crucial.

To solve an ice pillar puzzle, you first need to locate the Scarlet Quartz nearby. These crystals are usually found within a short distance of the puzzle, often hidden behind ice walls or in hard-to-reach places. Once you find a Scarlet Quartz, break it with a melee attack or a ranged attack to collect it. After picking it up, you will see a red aura around your character, indicating that you have the buff.

Next, approach the ice pillar or mechanism you need to activate. Use your normal attack or elemental skill to hit the ice pillar while the Scarlet Quartz buff is active. This will melt the ice or activate the mechanism, often revealing a chest or unlocking a path. Some puzzles require you to activate multiple pillars in a specific order or within a short time frame, so be prepared to move quickly.

One important tip is to plan your route before picking up the Scarlet Quartz. Since the buff lasts only a short time, you need to ensure that you can reach all the necessary pillars or mechanisms within that window. If the puzzle requires multiple activations, consider the order in which you will hit the pillars to minimize backtracking.

Common mistakes include not locating all the Scarlet Quartz before starting the puzzle, which can lead to running out of time before completing the puzzle. Another mistake is not paying attention to the order of activation, especially in puzzles that require a specific sequence. Always take a moment to observe the puzzle and plan your actions accordingly.

Advanced techniques involve using characters with high mobility or ranged attacks to maximize the efficiency of the Scarlet Quartz buff. Characters like Keqing, who can teleport, or archers like Ganyu or Fischl, who can attack from a distance, can be very useful in these puzzles. Additionally, using characters with abilities that can hit multiple targets, like Diluc's elemental skill, can help in puzzles that require activating multiple pillars quickly.

Team composition for these puzzles should focus on characters that can handle the cold environment of Dragonspine and provide utility in solving the puzzles. A Pyro character like Bennett or Diluc is essential for melting ice and dealing with Cryo enemies. A healer like Barbara or Qiqi can help manage the Sheer Cold mechanic, which builds up over time and damages your characters if not managed properly. A ranged character like Fischl or Ganyu can help with precision attacks on distant mechanisms.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for these puzzles are less about combat and more about utility. Focus on artifacts that increase stamina or reduce stamina consumption, such as the Wanderer's Troupe set, to help with climbing and running between pillars. Weapons that increase attack speed or provide energy regeneration can also be beneficial for quickly activating mechanisms.

Specific examples of ice pillar puzzles can be found in the Starglow Cavern and the Entombed City areas of Dragonspine. In Starglow Cavern, you will encounter a puzzle that requires you to activate four ice pillars in a specific order to unlock a chest. The Scarlet Quartz for this puzzle are located on higher platforms, so using a character with high mobility or a ranged attack is recommended. In the Entombed City, there is a puzzle that requires you to activate three ice pillars within a short time frame. The Scarlet Quartz for this puzzle are spread out, so planning your route and using a character with high mobility is crucial.

In conclusion, solving ice pillar puzzles in Dragonspine requires a combination of careful planning, quick execution, and the right team composition. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can efficiently solve these puzzles and uncover the hidden treasures of Dragonspine.