Ah, chests. Those gleaming treasure troves in Genshin Impact. They promise loot. You might find Primogems, shiny new weapons, or Mora to fill your empty wallet. But, good things in Teyvat don’t come easy. These chests are often guarded or cleverly hidden, presenting puzzles that vary in difficulty.
Cracking the Code: Genshin Chest Unlocking 101
Before tackling every glowing object, let’s clarify: Genshin chests aren’t simple. You can’t smash them with your Traveler’s dull blade (though, sometimes, that would feel good). miHoYo has added locking mechanisms that challenge your wits, combat skills, and patience. Let’s discuss the common types.
Sword Chests: A Test of Might (and Sword Counting?)
First are the “Chests with Swords.” The name sounds grand. Like a vault with spectral blades. In truth, it requires some combat. You may wonder, “How do I unlock a chest with 5 swords?” The answer isn’t about finding five swords to unlock it. No chaos here. These chests require you to complete a combat challenge. You will see a chest with a glowing aura, and enemies will attack.
It’s like a bouncer at a club. Instead of checking IDs, they want you to defeat foes. Defeat them all, and the chest unlocks, impressed by your skills. The swords may indicate the encounter’s difficulty. Either way, get ready to fight!
Treasure Seals: Crystal Clear Obstacles
Next are Treasure Seals, often seen with crystalline structures. These seals are magical barriers around the chest. In Genshin, you can’t just stroll in to grab your reward. Usually, there are two steps to break these seals:
Phase 1: Enemy Elimination – The Crystal’s Defenders
Approach the Crystal, and BAM! A seal appears, and enemies spawn to protect it. These are not regular Hilichurls; expect tougher foes, like Mitachurls or a Ruin Guard if you’re unlucky. The game challenges you: “Want this loot? Prove you’re worthy!” So, prepare to fight and unleash your best abilities.
Phase 2: Crystal Assault – The Final Blow
Once you defeat the enemies, you’re not done yet. You must attack the Crystal itself. Strike it with everything you’ve got (elemental skills help). Keep hitting it until it shatters, the seal fades, and the chest is yours. It’s a straightforward approach—a change from Teyvat’s more complex puzzles.
Sword Seals: Hilichurl Hunting Expedition
Sword Seals, unlike “Chests with Swords,” require more exploration. These seals often appear near Hilichurl camps. You guessed it, defeating Hilichurls is essential to break them.
Hilichurl Tribe Takedown – A Three-Camp Cleanup
You can’t break Sword Seals by defeating just any Hilichurl. No, this requires a targeted mission. You must locate and defeat *three* distinct Hilichurl tribes nearby. Each camp has a mechanism that you must activate after clearing out the Hilichurls. It’s like cleaning their house with more explosions (presumably). After handling all three camps, the Sword Seal crumbles, revealing the chest.
Tri-Seals: Elemental Gymnastics
Tri-Seals bring a mix of combat and elemental interaction. They generally involve three elements or the concept of three.
Step 1: Triple Threat Takedown – Enemy Extermination, Times Three
Expect a fight. Tri-Seals usually guard three enemies. These can be various types, so be ready for a varied battle. Defeat all three guardians. Consider this your test for the Tri-Seal gods.
Step 2: Elemental Pedestal Puzzle – Fire It Up!
After vanquishing the foes, a pedestal is usually nearby. It requires elemental interaction. You need a Pyro character to interact with it. Use their skills to ignite the pedestal or light a nearby torch. How you interact may vary by location, but fire solves problems in Teyvat. Successfully interacting with the pedestal will break the Tri-Seal and grant access to the chest.
Evernight Essence: Enkanomiya’s Light and Shadow Dance
Enkanomiya is that twilight realm beneath Watatsumi Island. Here, chests aren’t unlocked easily. Introduce Evernight Essence—a mechanic tied to the area’s day-night cycle, or rather, Evernight and Whitenight cycle. Unlocking chests involves manipulating this cycle and using mechanisms.
Phase 1: Essence Infusion – Charge Up the Triangle
You will encounter triangular mechanisms key to these chests. Fill the triangular mechanism with Evernight Essence by switching to Evernight if needed. Interact with it while in Evernight—possibly using an item or ability. Once filled, hit the mechanism again to lower a barrier or open a path.
Phase 2: Cycle Switcheroo – Back to Evernight (Maybe)
After activating the first mechanism, you still might not be done. You may need to switch the cycle back to Evernight (or Whitenight). Look for a switch or lever near the chest location that controls the cycle. Flipping this switch is essential.
Phase 3: Mechanism Finale – Gate Breaching and Loot Grab
With the cycle switched back to Evernight, return to the triangular mechanism. Hit it to unlock gates and get the chest. Chests in Enkanomiya often involve a multi-step process of manipulating cycles and using mechanisms, so pay attention.
Dragonspine Locked Chests: Ice, Ice, Baby (and Mechanisms)
Dragonspine is a frozen mountain, and it has its own chest-locking tricks. Ice plays a significant role.
here, along with some mechanisms.
Ice Breaker – Crimson Agate
Dragonspine chests sit behind thick ice. Standard Pyro attacks can take too long. Use Crimson Agate to melt it. These red crystals are scattered around Dragonspine. Collect them and use them on the ice. Throw the Agate or combine it with a mechanism. Crimson Agate is essential for breaking ice.
Double Mechanism Activation – Cage Uncaging
Melting the ice is just the start. Often, the chest is caged. “Activate two mechanisms to unlock the cage.” You need to find two mechanisms nearby. These could be levers or pressure plates. Activate both to unlock the cage and access the chest. It tests exploration skills and regional mechanics.
Heart Seal: Fishy Business
Heart Seals are whimsical and less combat-focused. They involve fish statues. Yes, fish statues unlock these chests. Their orientation is the key.
Fish Statue Frenzy – Center-Facing Fins
“Rotate fish statues to face the center of their platform.” This is straightforward, but it can take time with many statues. Find a circular platform with fish statues arranged randomly. Interact with each and rotate it towards the center. Once all face inward, the Heart Seal breaks and you get the chest.
Chest Hotspots: Location, Location, Location
We covered unlocking mechanisms; now let’s discuss chest locations and quirks.
Yashiori Island: Thunderous Treasures
Yashiori Island has constant thunderstorms and Tatarigami. It’s a prime chest hunting spot. The brief asks, “How to unlock the chest?” There’s no single method here. The island contains various chest types using our discussed mechanisms. Expect Treasure Seals, Sword Seals, and Tri-Seals as you explore. Look for glowing objects and suspicious enemy camps.
The Chasm: Depths of Riches
The Chasm offers chests above ground and underground. “How to unlock chest in Chasm?” isn’t a simple answer. The Chasm has a mix of chest types. Some have environmental puzzles and combat challenges. Treasure Seals guard valuable chests. Check cliffs and hidden ledges for chests.
Enkanomiya: Underwater Wonders (and Chests)
Enkanomiya has unique unlocking mechanics. “How do you unlock chests in Enkanomiya?” Answer by recalling Evernight Essence. Fill the triangular mechanism, switch the cycle, and trigger it again. Manipulating the Evernight/Whitenight cycle is essential for looting.
Mondstadt & Fontaine: Chest Count Bragging Rights
The brief provides chest count stats. Mondstadt has 518 chests; Fontaine has 344. These numbers highlight chest volumes across Teyvat. Unlocking methods in Mondstadt and Fontaine vary but generally use discussed mechanisms. These regions reward thorough explorers.
Dungeons & Crimson Chests: Terraria Crossover?
The brief mentions “Dungeon” and “Crimson Chest.” This might confuse players with Terraria references. The Crimson Chest refers to Terraria’s dungeon item needing a Crimson Key to unlock post-Plantera defeat. This isn’t relevant to Genshin chests, adding interest but unrelated context.
Liyue & Weapon Rewards: Polearm Paradise
Liyue, land of contracts, is also polearm-central. The White Tassel can be found in Liyue chests of Exquisite or higher quality in The Chasm and Chenyu Vale. If hunting for the White Tassel, explore Liyue and focus on Exquisite, Precious, and Luxurious chests to maximize chances.
Quest for Chests: Missions and Mysteries
Chests aren’t always visible; they often tie into quests or puzzles.
Orobashi’s Legacy: Weathering the Storm
Orobashi’s Legacy on Yashiori Island aims to stop perpetual rain. “To stop the rain in Inazuma, complete ‘Orobashi’s Legacy.’ ” Interact with various shrines around the island to complete the quest. This action clears up weather and unlocks chests as rewards.
Formation Estate Domain: Torch Trouble
The Formation Estate domain features a torch puzzle at its entrance. “Genshin guide: Unlocking Formation Estate domain.” Solve this torch puzzle, often indicated by Seelie or hints around you. Light torches in a specific order to unlock the domain and hidden chests inside.
Share Not Your Treasure Quest: A Pirate’s (Chest) Life
“Share Not Your Treasure” is a hidden world quest combining treasure hunter tropes: ruins and a chest. Steps include:
- Read Worn Letter: Find the letter in ruins to start the quest.
- Defeat Ruin Guard: A Ruin Guard blocks entrance in Guili Plains.
- Light Bonfire: Use Pyro to set a bonfire ablaze.
- Defeat Treasure Hoarders: Face these foes guarding the treasure.
- Read Scribbled Notes: Finish reading notes to end quest and claim your chest reward.
This adventure culminates in a chest reward for your actions.
Ann’s Story &
Lotus Eater Quest: Enkanomiya Epics
Ann’s Story and the Lotus Eater Quest are extensive. Ann’s Story links to the Fontaine region. The Lotus Eater Quest occurs in Enkanomiya. The brief outlines fragments for “Ann’s Story,” mentioning items like “Bubbler Seahorse” and “Holy Blade of Narzissenkreuz.” Basic steps for “Lotus Eater Quest” are set in Enkanomiya, yet neither indicates that chests are the *direct* reward. Lengthy quests often reward players with chests as part of their structure. Completing these quests benefits exploration and story while giving valuable chests.
Weaponry from Wood (and Metal): Arming Yourself with Chest Loot
Chests provide Primogems and Mora. They can also grant weapons, though not always guaranteed.
Sword of Descension: PlayStation Exclusive Steel
The Sword of Descension stands out. “How do you unlock the sword of Descension?” It is a 4-Star sword from the Outlander Series. Only PS4 and PS5 users can obtain it via the Mail system at the start. This sword is not found in traditional chests. If you’re on PlayStation, check your mail for this free sword. If not, admire it from afar.
White Tassel: Liyue’s Chest-Bound Polearm
The White Tassel has been noted. “You can obtain this polearm by opening Exquisite chests or higher in Liyue.” It appears randomly in Exquisite, Precious, and Luxurious chests in Liyue, covering The Chasm and Chenyu Vale. It’s a non-guaranteed drop, but hunting chests in Liyue is essential for adding this polearm.
Beyond the Box: Chest-Adjacent Items and Mechanics
Chests act as isolated loot boxes. They connect to mechanics and items that enhance treasure-hunting.
Geo Treasure Compass: Liyue’s Guiding Hand
The Geo Treasure Compass aids hunters in Liyue. “To get it, you need Reputation Level 6 in Liyue, then craft it at a Blacksmith.” Reach Level 6 by completing bounties, requests, and exploration tasks. Once you hit Level 6, obtain the recipe to craft it using Golden Raven Insignia, Cor Lapis, and Crystal Chunks. The compass points to the nearest chest in Liyue, enhancing efficiency in finding chests.
Primogem Payout: Chest Rarity Rewards
Primogems serve as Genshin Impact’s premium currency. Chests consistently provide Primogems, with amounts varying by rarity:
- Common Chests: 2 Primogems
- Exquisite Chests: 5 Primogems
- Precious Chests: 10 Primogems
- Luxurious Chests: 10-40 Primogems (variable)
Luxurious chests yield the most Primogems. However, even Common chests boost overall Primogem earnings. Focus on higher-rarity chests for effective Primogem accumulation.
Dark Moon Ring Chest: Elden Ring Easter Egg?
The “Dark Moon Ring Chest” seems to reference Elden Ring. Unlocking involves dodging attacks and the Discarded Palace Key. “Dodge to one side or forward as an attack approaches.” After defeating the Baleful Shadow, return to unlock the chest with the Discarded Palace Key. This puzzle points to Elden Ring rather than Genshin Impact.
Exploration’s Embrace: 100% Completion and Chest Obsession
Completionists seek 100% exploration as the ultimate goal. Chests are essential for this endeavor.
100% Exploration: Chests, Puzzles, Interactive Wonders
“Achieve 100% exploration by finding all chests and interacting with regional puzzles.” It takes thorough exploration beyond defeating enemies. Find every chest, solve puzzles, activate mechanisms, and interact with all interactive elements. Chests contribute significantly to exploration goals, making them vital for full map completion.
Interactive Maps & Treasure Compasses: Your Exploration Arsenal
“Using an interactive map and treasure compass” aids in achieving 100% completion. Online, community-created maps pinpoint locations for chests, Oculi, puzzles, and collectibles. Combined with regional Treasure Compasses, these tools simplify achieving 100% exploration.
This detailed exploration of Genshin Impact chests highlights their importance. From loot boxes to puzzles and mechanisms, chests enhance exploration and rewards. Now, brave adventurer, may your chest hunts flourish, and your Primogem count grow!
