The acclaimed game Genshin Impact has captivated players with its compelling narratives and memorable characters since its launch. Each new region introduces intricate stories that expand on the lore, and Natlan is no different. While the main storyline is engaging, world quests usually provide extra lore worth exploring.
One such quest, "Shadows of the Mountains," reveals fascinating background information as you progress through its tasks. Completing this quest not only enhances your understanding of the game’s world but also rewards you with valuable items like Primogems, which are always a bonus. Although this quest can take some time, it’s manageable to finish during your leisure hours.
How to Start the Shadows of the Mountains World Quest
Locating this quest can be a bit tricky. While the familiar blue exclamation mark will appear on your in-game map, Natlan’s layered landscape makes it more complicated than other regions. If you activate one of the Sulfurous Veins waypoints, it can lead you relatively close to the quest’s starting point.
You can find the quest at the marked location on the map, situated beneath a large rock formation. There, you’ll find an NPC with a "???" overhead. This character may wander about, and occasionally you’ll see them with a speech bubble saying "Shadow Pin."
Initiating the Quest
Engage with the NPC and offer your assistance to kick off the quest. There’s a waypoint nearby, so make sure to activate it if you haven’t done so already.
The quest unfolds in two phases. The first phase is called "Beneath The Crystal Rock." You will earn rewards after completing each part of the quest.
Phase 1: Beneath The Crystal Rock Instructions
After speaking with the NPC, Titu, your map will update with a new location. Head there to discover the first Shadow Pin. Follow the path along with Titu to reach your destination. Interact with the Tepetlisaurus icon, then the golden inscription.
Smash all the large crystals along the way but steer clear of the smaller red-outlined crystals, as they will explode upon approach. Once all large crystals are shattered, eliminate the enemies that spawn.
Note that after you interact with the golden inscription, you won’t be able to swap out your characters. Make sure you’re satisfied with your current team before engaging with the inscription.
During this segment, anticipate facing Thundercraven Rifthound Whelps (electro) and a Rockfond Rifthound Whelp (geo).
After you’ve tackled everything at the first Shadow Pin, exit the area via the new path and remember to loot the treasure chest nearby, which includes a special Tepetlisaurus companion waiting next to it. Don’t forget to gather any Pyroculi in the vicinity if it’s your first time exploring this area.
The Second Lesser Shadow Pin
To find the second Lesser Shadow Pin, follow the path from the first one. It’s straightforward to navigate. You can use the Tepetlisaurus icon to expedite your journey, but you can also travel the path manually, keeping an eye out for the usual foes of Natlan.
You’ll reach a dead end guarded by some enemies. Defeat them to clear the rock blockade. If you have an archer, you can shoot the barrels of Phlogiston Crystals to clear the path without being injured.
Afterward, continue down the path until you arrive at the second Lesser Shadow Pin. You’ll need to interact with the inscription and defeat an Anemo Hilichurl Rogue.
Once you interact with the inscription, you’ll have some dialogue followed by an encounter with the Shadow Pin. Proceed to the Tepetlisaurus icon, then break the cluster of rocks to uncover a Molten Fissure. Use the fissure to search for scattered inscriptions and defeat minor enemies.
Digging at the bottom of the marked search area will reveal special locations that should be easily noticeable and relatively close to each other.
Keep advancing along the path, making sure to unearth all the marked spots with geo-ripples until you arrive at a waterway. Transform into a Koholasaurus and follow the water path. Look for a small cave to your right that has a lever. Defeat the enemies there and use the lever to lower the water level.
Lowering the water will unveil a new cave where you can destroy the embedded crystals on the ground to set off a chain reaction that further reduces the water. After that, drop down and follow the watery path to another blocked area. Break the crystals embedded in the wall to remove the rubble, then collect the loot from the chest in your path.
Transform back into a Koholasaurus and find the nearby interactive icon. Once you can access the inscription, the spiritway will guide you to your next location, which will have another treasure chest and a spot to investigate.
Investigate the marked area to receive a key that you can use later to unlock a treasure room in your future explorations. Then, go through the door with the inscription symbol and interact with the inscription to return to the second Lesser Shadow Pin.
Engage with the Lesser Shadow Pin again. After more dialogue, you can drop down to the lower level. Use the nearby indwell icon to become a Tepetlisaurus. Interact with the Shadow Pin to fix it and start a new challenge.
Just like the previous Lesser Shadow Pin, you’ll need to destroy large crystals and avoid small red-outlined ones, taking care to defeat any enemies that appear. The Tepetlisaurus form also provides a simple way to exit the area or to transition to the next location, which is nearby.
Phase 2: Peace to the Slumbering Instructions
After repairing the second Lesser Shadow Pin, expect some dialogue and a scene that will set you up for the next part of the quest. Your primary objective now is to explore the newly found crater.
Using your glider is recommended to avoid falling into the many outcroppings, which may unceremoniously eject you from your Tepetlisaurus form.
Once at the bottom, interact with the inscription piece and follow it to the stone tablet. There should also be a waypoint nearby. The tablet’s contents will be summarized in dialogue, but you can read the full inscription if you wish.
Continue to follow the golden inscription rune, navigating through shifting crystals until you reach your destination.
Investigate the First Set of Crystals
After following the inscription rune, you’ll find a completely new area where you must investigate a peculiar arrangement of crystal blocks corrupted by a purple abyssal energy. Defeat any enemies around and break the blocks to uncover an inscription rune. Pay close attention to how the camera shifts as it may help reveal the best path in the vicinity.
Once you investigate the blocks, you won’t be able to change your team, so ensure you have your desired characters ready before proceeding.
During this encounter, expect to face additional Thundercraven Rifthound Whelps (electro).
To reach the second odd crystal block set, follow the path to your right when facing the blocks.
Investigate the Second Set of Strange Crystal Blocks
The second set is simpler to handle. Break the blocks and then interact with the inscription rune without needing to battle any foes.
To reach the third set of blocks, take a parallel route until you discover an intermittently rising crystal pillar, much like an elevator, that you can ride up to the proper level.
Investigate the Third Set of Strange Crystal Blocks
This third group follows the same process as the prior ones. Break the blocks to find the inscription and then interact with it. This time, the inscription will lead you back to the center of the room where you’ll face enemies.
Once there, you won’t have time to adjust your team, so make sure you’re prepared before you leave. Consider consuming food items for attack and defense buffs if you had any trouble earlier.
You’ll face multiple Thundercraven Rifthound Whelps (electro) and a larger Rockfond Rifthound (geo).
After defeating the enemies, interact with the golden inscription in the center of the room. Remain on the block, as the ground will transform right after you engage. Follow your trusty Tepetlisaurus as it begins to tunnel quickly. You will eventually reach what looks like a dead end, but a hole will be present in the floor that you can glide into.
Investigate the Fourth Strange Crystal Blocks
Upon gliding down, you’ll meet the last set of strange crystal blocks. It’s time to break them once more. Interact with the golden inscription, and follow it back to the middle of the room where the Greater Shadow Pin is located.
You’ll undergo some dialogue scenes where you’ll need to rewrite the heroes’ stories. When you’re ready, speak with Titu to prepare for battle. Defeat all foes, talk to the mysterious figure, and then speak to Titu again. After you reach your target location, a small cutscene will play.
The enemies you will confront at this point will be stronger than before. To keep the surprise intact, details about their nature won’t be shared here, but their elemental types are Anemo and Geo, which you should be able to anticipate.
Rewards After Completing the Quest
Completing both phases of "Shadows of the Mountains" grants you a Luxurious Chest, contributing to your reputation growth in Natlan.
Rewards for Beneath The Crystal Rock
- 400 Adventure Experience
- 50 Primogems
- 30,000 Mora
- 5 Hero’s Wit
- 4 Mystic Enhancement Ore
Rewards for Peace To The Slumbering
- 350 Adventure Experience
- 40 Primogems
- 20,000 Mora
- 2 Hero’s Wit
- 2 Mystic Enhancement Ore
Unlocking the Hidden Treasure Room
Remember the key you discovered during the first phase? Now is the time to use it. Go to a waypoint labeled "Basin of Unnumbered Flames," which is just north of the lava square on your minimap. This area is right near where you repaired the second Lesser Shadow Pin.
You can either glide down to the lower level to switch into a Tepetlisaurus form or climb the wall if you prefer to stay in regular form. Ascend the wall with a sun graffiti marking. At the top, you’ll find a small alcove containing the locked treasure room. If you picked up the key as instructed, you can access three treasure chests inside.