How do I unlock the hidden island east of Mondstadt in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the hidden island east of Mondstadt in Genshin Impact, you need to complete a series of steps that involve exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. This island, known as the "Nameless Island," is located far to the east of Starsnatch Cliff and is not immediately accessible by normal means. The process to reach and unlock its secrets involves using the game's mechanics creatively and preparing your team for potential challenges.

First, you need to reach the island. The most common method is by using the Cryo character Kaeya to freeze the water and create an ice path. Start from the easternmost point of Starsnatch Cliff. Equip Kaeya and use his Elemental Skill repeatedly to freeze the water as you move forward. This method requires careful stamina management, as running out of stamina in the middle of the ocean will cause your character to drown. To optimize this, make sure your stamina bar is fully upgraded and consider using food items like Sticky Honey Roast or Northern Smoked Chicken to reduce stamina consumption.

Once you reach the island, you will find a sundial and several clusters of wind currents. Interact with the sundial to start the "Time and the Wind" quest. This quest involves using the Elemental Sight ability to locate and destroy four wind orbs scattered around the island. These orbs are invisible under normal conditions, so you must use Elemental Sight to reveal them. Each orb is protected by a group of enemies, including Eye of the Storm enemies, so be prepared for combat.

For team composition, it is recommended to have a balanced team that can handle both exploration and combat. A Cryo character like Kaeya is essential for creating the ice path. An Anemo character like Venti or Sucrose can help with crowd control and elemental reactions. A strong DPS character like Diluc or Keqing will be useful for dealing with the Eye of the Storm enemies. Finally, a healer like Barbara or Qiqi can provide sustain during combat.

Artifact and weapon recommendations depend on your team composition. For Kaeya, the Blizzard Strayer set is ideal for increasing Cryo damage. For your DPS character, the Gladiator's Finale set or the Crimson Witch of Flames set can boost their damage output. Weapons should be chosen based on the character's role and elemental affinity. For example, a sword like the Aquila Favonia is excellent for a DPS character, while a catalyst like the Thrilling Tales of Dragon Slayers can enhance a support character's abilities.

After destroying the four wind orbs, return to the sundial and interact with it again. This will summon a powerful Eye of the Storm boss. This boss has high mobility and can deal significant damage, so be prepared for a tough fight. Use your DPS character to focus on dealing damage while your support characters provide healing and crowd control. Elemental reactions like Superconduct and Swirl can be very effective in this fight.

Once you defeat the Eye of the Storm, the quest will be completed, and you will receive rewards, including Primogems and Adventure EXP. Additionally, the island will now be fully accessible, and you can explore it at your leisure. There are several chests and collectibles hidden around the island, so take your time to search every corner.

Common mistakes to avoid include not managing your stamina properly while crossing the ocean, which can lead to drowning. Another mistake is not using Elemental Sight to locate the wind orbs, which can make the quest much more difficult. Additionally, underestimating the Eye of the Storm boss can result in a quick defeat, so make sure your team is well-prepared for combat.

Advanced techniques include using food buffs and potions to enhance your team's performance. For example, using a Goulash can reduce stamina consumption in cold environments, while a Electro Potion can increase Electro damage. Additionally, using characters with high mobility like Xiao or Mona can make the journey to the island faster and more efficient.

In summary, unlocking the hidden island east of Mondstadt involves careful planning, stamina management, and combat readiness. By following the steps outlined above and preparing your team with the right artifacts and weapons, you can successfully complete the "Time and the Wind" quest and uncover the secrets of the Nameless Island.