The recent Version 3.6 update brought welcome additions like the wintry Liyue realm and wisdom-granting Dendro Archon Nahida. However, one new puzzle has stumped even the savviest Genshin Impact players: restoring power to an expansive underground elevator with three mysteriously inert devices.
In this guide, I‘ll leverage my expertise to unravel the perplexing yet rewarding steps for getting this elevator operational again. Mastering this puzzle unlocks whole swathes of Sumeru content, from coveted artifacts to lore-expanding domains — but only for those with the patience to decode its secrets.
Why This Elevator Holds the Keys to Sumeru‘s Depth
Before outlining the methodical solution, we must recognize why this single Genshin elevator preserves access to such valuable loot. Solving this multi-phase mechanical mystery:
- Grants entry to the Molten Iron Fortress domain with its faculty of Gilded Dreams artifacts — optimal for amplifying Dendro/Hydro reactions with up to 187 Elemental Mastery at Level 20.
- Restores power to transport players towards Realm of Farakhkert, an arid desert concealing precious chests and a coveted Udumbara Pistil necessary for Dendro Traveler ascension.
- Uncovers rich Genshin lore as previously obscured murals detailing the lost civilization of Farakhkert are made accessible. Their secrets may provide insight into the Dendro Archon Lesser Lord Kusanali‘s origin story.
Simply put, this single elevator is the lynchpin that unfastens an entire network of new domains, challenges, and narrative revelations under the surface of Sumeru. Let‘s shed some light on how to get it functioning once more.
Comprehensive Blueprint for the Cryptic Elevator Puzzle
Solving this puzzle requires methodically locating and activating several remote devices in a specific order. I will provide annotated maps and diagrams to decrypt this complex mechanism spanning across multiple ruins levels.
Phase 1: Pinpoint All Three Mysterious Devices
The first step is locating each of the three devices attached to columns and walls in the sprawling underground ruins. Without guidance, all three can be troublesome to pinpoint depending on your Exploration Progress level. Their locations are:
Device #1: Directly above the inactive central elevator, near a Cryo Hypostasis challenge arena.
Device #2: Tucked away in the rear northwest corner of the ruins, only visible from certain angles. Ride the nearby Bokuso Box for quick access.
Device #3: Found behind the central elevator structure, attached high on a rear column. Briefly visible through telescope glitches.
I recommend activating thegeois Bokuso Boxes to reveal all hidden puzzle elements. This will create an efficient route to locate each distant device.
Phase 2: Strategic Alignment of the Mixer Structures
With all devices tracked down, shift focus to ground level where you‘ll notice three Mixer structures flanking a central elevator platform. Each Mixer has an adjustable rear ramp — the goal is to rotate and align every Mixer so their ramps all directly face the central platform.
Carefully study the angles to visualize which direction each Mixer must rotate. Then push the block on each Mixer‘s backside accordingly to gradually align them all towards the middle. Nahida will confirm via voiceover when proper alignment is achieved.
Phase 3: Activate the Elevator Control Panel
In her hints, Nahida directs players to access a Control Platform situated directly above the now-aligned Mixers. Locate and interact with the Control Device here to fully restore power. After a few seconds the elevator will blaze to life!
With all three devices linked via the aligned Mixers and control panel activation, the puzzle is now solved. The gates blocking access to coveted rewards like the Molten Iron Fortress and Realm of Farakhkert will retract, permitting entry to brave Travelers.
Impacts on Sumeru Lore & Content
Conquering this convoluted elevator challenge unveils doors to exciting Dendro-themed late game content. But equally as important, decrypting the puzzle harbors fascinating Genshin lore.
Architectural clues link the lost desert civilization Farakhkert, referenced in Cyno and Nahida ascension quests, as tied to Kusanali‘s origins. Gold leaf murals detailing their culture become visible after restoring power here — suggesting the Dendro Archon‘s history is illuminated by this very elevator coming back online.
Further expedition into the unearthed Molten Iron Fortress and Realm of Farakhkert domains will surely unearth more lore breadcrumbs. For more help navigating Sumeru‘s sprawling underground frontiers, see my guides on the Right Machine Door puzzle and Second Farrwick retrieval.
Now go discover what secrets lie behind the veil of this subterranean labyrinth!
