How do I unlock the hidden domain in the Tianqiu Valley in Genshin Impact?

To unlock the hidden domain in Tianqiu Valley in Genshin Impact, you need to complete a series of challenges tied to the "Tianqiu Treasure Trail" quest. This quest is not immediately visible and requires you to interact with a specific mechanism in the area. The domain is hidden beneath a large stone structure in Tianqiu Valley, and unlocking it involves solving puzzles and defeating enemies within a time limit. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, you need to locate the quest trigger. Head to Tianqiu Valley, which is located southeast of Liyue Harbor. Look for a stone structure with a glowing mechanism on the ground. Interacting with this mechanism will activate the "Tianqiu Treasure Trail" quest. Once activated, you will be tasked with completing three trials: a combat trial, a time trial, and a puzzle trial. Each trial must be completed within a specific time limit, and failing to do so will reset the challenge.

The combat trial requires you to defeat a group of enemies within a set time. The enemies include Hilichurls, Abyss Mages, and possibly a Ruin Guard, depending on your World Level. To prepare for this, bring a team with strong DPS characters and good elemental synergy. Characters like Diluc, Hu Tao, or Ganyu are excellent for dealing high damage quickly. Pair them with supports like Bennett for healing and attack buffs, or Xingqiu for Hydro application to trigger Vaporize reactions. Make sure your characters are well-leveled and equipped with appropriate artifacts and weapons. For example, a DPS character should have a 4-piece Crimson Witch of Flames set for Pyro users or a 4-piece Blizzard Strayer set for Cryo users. Weapons like the WolfÔÇÖs Gravestone or the Skyward Harp can significantly boost your damage output.

The time trial involves activating three pressure plates within a short time frame. These plates are spread out across the area, and you will need to use characters with fast movement or teleportation abilities to reach them quickly. Characters like Keqing, who can teleport with her Elemental Skill, or Mona, who can sprint faster with her alternate sprint, are ideal for this trial. You can also use Anemo characters like Venti or Kazuha to create wind currents for faster movement. Additionally, consuming stamina-reducing food like Northern Smoked Chicken can help you sprint longer without running out of stamina.

The puzzle trial requires you to light up a series of torches in the correct order. The torches are scattered around the area, and you need to use Pyro characters like Amber or Xiangling to light them. The correct order is usually indicated by the number of torches lit at each location. For example, if one location has three torches, light those first, then move to the next location with two torches, and so on. Pay close attention to the patterns and take your time to avoid mistakes. If you fail, the puzzle will reset, and youÔÇÖll need to start over.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the difficulty of the combat trial and not preparing your team adequately. Make sure to bring healing items and food buffs to increase your chances of success. Another mistake is rushing through the time trial without planning your route. Take a moment to scout the area and plan the most efficient path to the pressure plates. For the puzzle trial, avoid randomly lighting torches without paying attention to the order, as this will waste time and reset the puzzle.

Advanced techniques include using elemental reactions to maximize damage during the combat trial. For example, combining Hydro and Pyro for Vaporize or Cryo and Electro for Superconduct can significantly increase your damage output. Additionally, using characters with crowd control abilities like Sucrose or Venti can help manage large groups of enemies more effectively.

In terms of team composition, a balanced team with a strong DPS, a healer, and support characters is ideal. For example, a team of Diluc, Bennett, Xingqiu, and Sucrose can handle both the combat and puzzle trials effectively. Diluc provides high Pyro damage, Bennett offers healing and attack buffs, Xingqiu enables Vaporize reactions, and Sucrose provides crowd control and elemental mastery boosts.

For artifacts, prioritize sets that enhance your DPS characterÔÇÖs damage output. The Crimson Witch of Flames set is excellent for Pyro DPS characters, while the Blizzard Strayer set is ideal for Cryo DPS characters. Support characters should use artifacts that boost their utility, such as the Noblesse Oblige set for Bennett to increase his burst damage and healing.

In summary, unlocking the hidden domain in Tianqiu Valley requires careful preparation and execution. Focus on building a strong team, optimizing your artifacts and weapons, and understanding the mechanics of each trial. With the right strategy and preparation, you can successfully unlock the domain and reap the rewards it offers.