Breezing Through Barriers: A (Slightly Cynical) Guide to Stormterror’s Lair in Genshin Impact
So, you want to explore Stormterror’s Lair in Genshin Impact? You’ve heard about loot, adventure, or maybe a dragon fight? You’re in the right place. Accessing this spot takes some effort. Think of it like a scavenger hunt. We’ll cover how to enter, barriers to watch for, and how to navigate this windy chaos.
1. Accessing Stormterror Lair & Wind Barrier: Story Time First, Exploration Later
Listen up. Genshin doesn’t just let you roam around freely. Stormterror’s Lair is no different. You cannot just walk in. You’ll need to follow the storyline first.
Story Progression: Patience, Young Padawan
Hold onto your curiosity. That wind barrier at the entrance won’t vanish until the game says it can. You must complete Venti’s quests first. Get through Prologue: Act 3. Finish the quest “A Long Shot,” and you’re in. If Prologue: Act 3 isn’t done, don’t attempt entry yet. It won’t work.
Initial Entry: Quest Granted, Lair Entered
Once “A Long Shot” appears in your quest log, hooray! You’re allowed entry. Follow the quest markers, and the game will guide you. It’s straightforward. Even Paimon might get it.
Re-entry After Dvalin’s Defeat: The Wind Barrier Returns (For Reasons…)
You’ve defeated Dvalin. You’ve saved Mondstadt. Now, you want to revisit your success. But that wind barrier is back? Yes, it’s Genshin’s way of keeping things interesting. Don’t panic, it’s not a bug. Use a strategic teleportation.
Skip the Statue of the Seven for now. Instead, teleport to the Stormterror Entrance waypoint. This is where you first faced Dvalin. It’s the VIP entrance afterward. Find the gate-like structure north of the central statue, and teleport there. You can bypass that wind barrier easily.
2. Breaking Seals and Barriers: Because Genshin Hates Easy Paths
Okay, you’re in Stormterror’s Lair. Your journey isn’t over yet. Expect seals, barriers, and some hilichurls for fun. Let’s examine these obstacles.
Breaking the Initial Seals: Light Actuator Scavenger Hunt
Before approaching the dragon’s lair, you’ll face three seals. To break these, become a constellation hunter. Each seal needs you to locate “Light Actuators,” or glowing fragments. One seal is east, one north, and one west. It’s a mini-puzzle before the main event. Find those glowing bits.
Breaking Wind Barriers: Anemo is Your Friend (and Pyro Can Help Too)
Wind barriers are common here, blocking paths and being annoying. But you have wind powers on your side.
The easiest way? Use Anemo abilities. Switch to an Anemo character (like Traveler or Venti), approach the barrier, and unleash a skill. Barrier gone. If Anemo powers fail, Pyro can help too. Some barriers are made of thorny vines, and a Pyro attack can deal with those instantly.
Sometimes, wind barriers guard treasures like prisms. If they are out of reach, look high. Find a cliff or ruin and glide over it. Once above, plunge attack down for the prism below. Problem solved.
Breaking the Tri-Seal: Hilichurl Encampment Extermination Time
The Tri-Seal sounds menacing, right? In reality, you visit three hilichurl camps. They won’t be enjoying tea after your visit. Defeat them and their camps to break the magic barrier of the Tri-Seal. Just standard Genshin missions.
Breaking The Seal in Stormterror’s Lair: Southwest Actuator Shenanigans
One seal requires more effort. It’s the southwest Light Actuator seal with three parts. Expect a bit more work—each glowing piece is around the central pillar in the area. Search near that pillar for the pieces, and you’ll break this seal too.
3. Navigating Stormterror Lair: Upwards and Northwards, Mostly
You smashed seals and bypassed barriers; now it’s time to explore Stormterror’s Lair properly. Good luck not getting lost in this maze of wind. Here are a few handy tips.
Reaching the Top: Tower Ascending
You’ll want to ascend eventually. Stormterror’s Lair has a big tower where important things usually hide. How do you reach it? Enter the tower first—seems obvious, right? Inside, look for upcurrents—those swirling air columns lifting you up. Use them to reach higher ground.
Statue of the Seven: Your Windy Landmark
Lost? Need a point of reference? The Statue of the Seven is located centrally here, and it’s your friend! From there, orient yourself. Want to head north? Just go north from the statue; simple enough! Following the quests will lead you here, unlocking it as a Travel Waypoint for your future trips.
Anemoculus Location: High and Chest-Adjacent
If you’re hunting Anemoculus (who isn’t?), one can be found here. Head to the Stormterror Domain entrance and find cracks in nearby ruins. Climb to the highest point using those cracks. Surprise! The Anemoculus hovers above a chest. Two in one climb—how efficient!
4. Fighting Stormterror (Dvalin): Dragon Takedown 101
This is it: the Stormterror boss fight! Prepare for Dvalin at level 26, with two phases ahead—stay alert!
Level Suggestion: 26 is the Magic Number
The game suggests at least level 26 before facing Stormterror. It’s not strict but good advice to follow. When starting the fight, check for a warning about that level—just in case you didn’t notice earlier!
Two Phases: Double the Dragon, Double the Fun (Maybe)
The fight has two phases because one isn’t enough excitement. Expect changes in tactics and attacks during this battle.
dragon-y mayhem between phases.
Attacking Stormterror: Aim for the Tainted Bits
How do you hurt this massive dragon? Use Venti’s help to chip away at Stormterror’s shield. Aim for Dvalin’s head and claws with arrows. It feels like dragon acupuncture, with pointy projectiles. When you first confront Stormterror, fire at “tainted clots.” This breaks down Anemo energy. Use that energy to keep up with Dvalin as he flies. Keep your cursor on the crosshair. Follow Dvalin’s movements. Unleash your attacks. It is a target-shooting exercise with a large, angry dragon.
Stormterror’s Weakness & Immunity: Elementally Neutral
Good news: Stormterror has no elemental weakness. Bad news: Stormterror has no elemental weakness. He is elementally neutral. Bring your strongest damage dealers and focus on raw power. Dvalin is also immune to Arlecchino’s kit. If you planned to use her, reconsider. Or don’t, and enjoy the challenge.
5. Other Barrier Types: A Quick Barrier Compendium
While discussing barriers, let’s cover some other types in your Genshin adventures. Variety is essential, and Genshin barriers reflect this.
Dendro Barriers: Burn, Baby, Burn!
Dendro barriers are around Stone Pillars. They are susceptible to Pyro. Hit Dendro rocks with fire, and watch them crumble. Sometimes, hitting Dendro rocks releases crystals. Bonus loot! If Dendro barriers need finesse, bring a Dendro bow user like Tighnari or Collei.
Thunder Barriers: Electrogranum to the Rescue
Thunder barriers are purple-hued. To penetrate these zappy walls, you’ll need an Electrogranum. These wisps of Electro energy grant safe passage through the thunderous defenses.
Legendary Color Barrier: Iktomisaurus Says…
Legendary Color Barriers are whimsical. Activate your Elemental Sight on the wall in front of the barrier. Graffiti appears. Use the Iktomisaurus skill to dispel the barrier. Genshin’s quirky puzzle solutions are fun.
General Wind Barrier (Revisited): Anemo Still Works
For standard wind barriers, Anemo abilities are your best friend. Approach, use wind skill, barrier gone. Simple and effective.
6. Related Concepts: Just a Few Extra Tidbits
Let’s touch on a few related concepts in your Genshin-addled brain.
Anemo Sigils: Chest Loot and Quest Rewards
Anemo Sigils are little wind-themed tokens you collect. Wondering where to get them? Chests in Mondstadt are a good source. Completing World Quests in Mondstadt will also give you some Anemo Sigils. Explore Mondstadt and do quests to collect Anemo Sigils.
Dvalin’s Relationship to Venti: Best Buds Forever?
Dvalin and Venti have history. Venti, the Anemo Archon, was pals with Dvalin long ago. Dvalin was Venti’s “first friend.” Friendship goals. Their relationship became rocky due to Abyss Order meddling, hence Stormterror. They (mostly) patch things up in the end.
Level for Stormterror Lair (Again): Level 26, Still Relevant
The recommended level for the Stormterror Lair and the Dvalin fight is level 26. The game will remind you again. We’ve reminded you too. Consider yourself reminded.
Now you have it! Your guide to navigating and conquering Stormterror’s Lair. Go forth, brave traveler. Break those barriers, defeat that dragon, and loot those chests. Just avoid being blown away by the wind or the barriers.