Venturing into Windblume: Your Guide to Mondstadt and its Anemo Archon
So, you’ve chosen to enter Teyvat? Good choice. Your destination is the city of freedom, Mondstadt. Think of it as your breezy, beginner-friendly hub in Genshin Impact. But before you rush in, there are things to learn about this charming city and its unusual Archon.
Unlocking the Gates of Mondstadt (and its Archon Quest)
First, Mondstadt won’t just welcome you when you start the game. You must prove you’re not just another lost soul. It’s the game’s way of saying, “Hold on, newbie, tutorials first.”
Prerequisites: The Not-So-Optional Chores
To start the “Mondstadt and its Archon” questline, you need to complete a few tasks. They’re your pre-Mondstadt homework:
- Adventure Rank 23 is Your Magic Number: Level up that Adventure Rank! You can’t enter at level one. Adventure Rank 23 lets you start the main Mondstadt storyline.
- Prologue and Chapter I – Mandatory Viewing: Complete the Prologue, Act I “The Outlander Who Caught the Wind.” This quest familiarizes you with key characters. It’s like the opening credits you can’t skip. Finish Chapter I, Act II “Farewell, Archaic Lord” from Liyue too. A detour to Liyue is required before diving into Mondstadt.
Think of it as needing documents before exploring. Annoying? A bit. Necessary? Yes. These quests set the story’s foundation and keep you from getting lost when things get… Archon-related.
Location, Location, Location: Where’s Mondstadt Anyway?
Mondstadt is hard to overlook. It’s the starting city in Genshin Impact. Follow the main questline after completing the prologue. The game guides you there instinctively. It’s north-west of your starting point.
Triggering the Archon Quest: Patience, Young Traveler
When you hit Adventure Rank 23 and finish prerequisites, the “Mondstadt and its Archon” quest will pop into your Quest Log automatically. It’s like the game knows you’re ready for more. Sometimes, it might not show up right away; give it a moment. Completing daily commissions might help it appear. Generally, it should show up once you meet all requirements.
Becoming a Local: Mondstadt Reputation
Want to feel like a true Mondstadter? Boost your Reputation in the city. It’s like earning goodwill with locals and comes with rewards. Consider gliders, recipes, and satisfaction from being well-regarded.
Adventure Rank Gatekeeping (Again!)
Like unlocking the main quest, Mondstadt Reputation needs an Adventure Rank requirement. You must reach Adventure Rank 25 to access this system. Teyvat runs on a strict level-gated system. Adventure Rank 25 and completing the Archon Quest “The Outlander Who Caught the Wind” from Act I are your entry points.
Leveling Up Your Street Cred: Increasing Reputation
How do you earn respect in Mondstadt? Help out and get involved in daily life. Here’s how to boost that Reputation:
- World Quests in Mondstadt: Watch for blue exclamation marks around Mondstadt. These signify World Quests, and completing them earns Reputation points. You get to explore Mondstadt’s corners and meet interesting characters.
- Daily Commissions: The daily tasks from the Adventurers’ Guild? Completing them helps your Reputation. It’s like doing chores but with in-game rewards.
- Bounties: Want to feel like a monster hunter? Take on bounties in Mondstadt. These missions involve tougher enemies and reward you with Reputation.
- Exploration: Mondstadt is beautiful and encourages exploration. Find chests, activate waypoints, solve puzzles, and raise your exploration percentage for Reputation points. It’s like being rewarded for tourism in a world of swords.
Meet the Headliner: Mondstadt’s Anemo Archon (Barbatos, aka Venti)
Let’s discuss the highlight – Mondstadt’s Archon. Each region in Teyvat has an Archon, a god overseeing it. Mondstadt’s Archon is Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. You might know him as Venti.
The cheeky bard you meet early? He’s the embodiment of freedom, the Anemo Archon. Bit of a surprise, right? Venti isn’t your typical god; he enjoys wine and music and allows Mondstadters their freedom. He prefers strumming a lyre over giving orders.
The lore deepens. Venti wasn’t always Barbatos. He was a tiny wind spirit, a wisp of Anemo energy. He befriended a boy in Old Mondstadt during Decarabian’s reign. Sadly, this friend died in rebellion against Decarabian. Grieved yet empowered by Anemo energy, he transformed into Barbatos, taking on his friend’s form and ascending as Anemo Archon. Heavy stuff for a bard who mostly sings about wine.
Whispers of the Past: Mondstadt’s History and its Gods
Mondstadt’s history is layered beyond its breezy vibe. It’s a tale of tyranny, rebellion, and change in the winds. Before today’s Mondstadt, there was Old Mondstadt ruled by Decarabian, God of Storms. A place stuck in perpetual windstorm isn’t great for picnics.
Decarabian had poor popularity. He ruled from a high tower in a deep valley, keeping citizens confined. Then came the rebellion led by Vennessa and aided by Barbatos. This rebellion toppled Decarabian and birthed New Mondstadt, the free city we know.
Mondstadt’s past hints at four gods’ presence:
- The Goddess of Time (Istaroth or possibly Paimon?): Hints suggest a Goddess of Time influenced Mondstadt’s past. Some theories point to Paimon being the Archon of Time. Interesting thought!
- Decarabian (Storms): The cruel God of Storms ruling Old Mondstadt.
- Andrius (Wolves): Also called the Wolf of the North, Andrius is a spirit guardian symbolizing Mondstadt’s wild aspects.
- Barbatos (Freedom): The current Anemo Archon representing freedom and wind.
Leading the Charge (Sort Of): Mondstadt’s Leaders
While Venti is the Archon, he doesn’t run day-to-day affairs of Mondstadt. The city values freedom, which extends to governance. Historically, Mondstadt has seen various leadership styles. It shifted from Decarabian’s tyranny to roles of aristocratic families before Vennessa’s rebellion. The great clans like Gunnhildr, Lawrence, and Ragnvindr shaped the city significantly. Currently, the Knights of Favonius lead under Grand Master Varka (away on expedition) and Jean Gunnhildr as Acting Grand Master. They maintain order and embody independence.
Bits and Bobs: Extra Mondstadt Goodies
Before ending our Mondstadt tour, let’s cover some extra info that might catch your eye:
Wings of Azure Wind: Flying in Style
Want to glide around Mondstadt looking stylish? Get the Wings of Azure Wind, themed for Mondstadt, and you can…
Reach Reputation Level 8 in Mondstadt. Max out street cred. You get wings. It’s a good deal.
Reaching Reputation Nirvana (Again!)
To unlock Mondstadt Reputation, hit Adventure Rank 25. Complete “The Outlander Who Caught the Wind” quest. Adventure Rank is crucial. It can be your ally or your adversary, depending on patience.
The Four Winds: Mondstadt’s Protectors
Mondstadt has the Four Winds as protectors. They are not simply winds; they are guardians:
- Wolf of the North (Andrius): The wild spirit of the north.
- Dragon of the East (Dvalin): Known as Stormterror. A dragon tied to Mondstadt and Venti.
- Falcon of the West (Vennessa): The hero of rebellion against the aristocracy.
- Lion of the South (Knights of Favonius): They represent their role in Mondstadt’s defense.
You now have a quick guide on Mondstadt and its Anemo Archon. Use this knowledge to explore. Understand its history. Impress Venti with your knowledge or wine offerings. Go forth, Traveler! Let the winds guide you! If you ask, Celestia’s nap is a topic online. Find discussions about Celestia’s inactivity after Fontaine Archon Quest. Enjoy your adventures!
