How do I solve the water switch puzzles in Liyue in Genshin Impact?

The water switch puzzles in Liyue are a type of environmental puzzle that requires players to manipulate water levels to unlock mechanisms or access hidden areas. These puzzles are often found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, or underground caverns, and involve interacting with switches or mechanisms that control the flow of water. Understanding the mechanics and having the right strategy is key to solving these puzzles efficiently.

The mechanics of water switch puzzles typically involve activating switches or interacting with objects that raise or lower the water level. These switches can be pressure plates, elemental totems, or levers that need to be triggered in a specific order. The goal is usually to adjust the water level to a certain height, allowing you to access a previously submerged area or activate a mechanism. Some puzzles may also require you to use elemental abilities, such as Hydro or Cryo, to freeze water or create platforms.

To solve these puzzles, start by observing the environment. Look for switches, pressure plates, or elemental totems that might be connected to the water level. If you see a mechanism that is submerged, you may need to lower the water level to interact with it. Conversely, if a mechanism is out of reach, you may need to raise the water level to create a path. Pay attention to any visual cues, such as water flow patterns or glowing symbols, as these can indicate the correct sequence of actions.

One common type of water switch puzzle involves pressure plates. These plates need to be activated by standing on them or placing objects on them. If multiple plates are present, you may need to activate them in a specific order or simultaneously. For example, in some puzzles, you might need to stand on one plate while using a Geo construct to activate another. In such cases, characters like Zhongli or Albedo, who can create Geo constructs, are particularly useful.

Another type of puzzle involves elemental totems. These totems require you to use a specific element to activate them. For example, a Hydro totem might need to be hit with a Hydro ability, while a Cryo totem might require a Cryo attack. Characters like Barbara, Mona, or Kokomi are excellent for activating Hydro totems, while characters like Kaeya, Ganyu, or Ayaka are ideal for Cryo totems. Make sure to have a balanced team that includes characters with different elemental abilities to handle various totems.

When dealing with water switch puzzles, it is important to avoid common mistakes. One mistake is rushing through the puzzle without observing the environment. Take your time to look for clues and understand the mechanics before attempting to solve the puzzle. Another mistake is not having the right characters or elements in your team. Always ensure that your team includes characters with the necessary elemental abilities to activate totems or manipulate the environment.

Advanced techniques for solving water switch puzzles include using elemental reactions to your advantage. For example, you can use Cryo abilities to freeze water and create platforms, allowing you to reach higher areas or activate switches. You can also use Anemo abilities to spread elements or create wind currents, which can help you reach distant switches or totems. Additionally, some puzzles may require precise timing, so practice using your abilities in quick succession to activate multiple switches or totems simultaneously.

Team composition is crucial for solving water switch puzzles. A well-rounded team should include characters with Hydro, Cryo, and Geo abilities, as these elements are commonly required for these puzzles. For example, a team consisting of Barbara (Hydro), Kaeya (Cryo), Zhongli (Geo), and Venti (Anemo) would be highly effective. Barbara and Kaeya can handle Hydro and Cryo totems, Zhongli can create Geo constructs for pressure plates, and Venti can use Anemo abilities to create wind currents or spread elements.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for your team should focus on enhancing their elemental abilities and survivability. For Hydro characters like Barbara or Mona, artifacts that increase Hydro damage and energy recharge are ideal. Weapons like the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers or the Prototype Amber can provide additional support. For Cryo characters like Kaeya or Ganyu, artifacts that boost Cryo damage and critical rate are recommended. Weapons like the Sacrificial Sword or the Amos Bow can enhance their abilities. For Geo characters like Zhongli or Albedo, artifacts that increase Geo damage and defense are beneficial. Weapons like the Staff of Homa or the Festering Desire can improve their performance.

Specific examples of water switch puzzles in Liyue include the puzzle in the Luhua Pool area. This puzzle involves activating several pressure plates to lower the water level and reveal a hidden chest. Another example is the puzzle in the Qingce Village area, where you need to activate Hydro and Cryo totems in a specific order to raise the water level and access a submerged mechanism. In both cases, having the right team composition and understanding the mechanics are key to solving the puzzles efficiently.

In conclusion, solving water switch puzzles in Liyue requires a combination of observation, strategy, and the right team composition. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and using advanced techniques, you can efficiently solve these puzzles and uncover hidden treasures. Make sure to equip your characters with the appropriate artifacts and weapons to enhance their abilities and improve your chances of success. With practice and patience, you will become adept at solving these puzzles and fully exploring the beautiful region of Liyue.