Access to Fontaine in Genshin Impact 4.0 may be murky both for veteran players and new players alike. The new update will finally introduce players to the Nation of Hydro, also known as the Nation of Justice led by the Hydro Archon Focalors. This is the fifth major region that players will be visiting during their journeys in the world of Teyvat. Fontaine is expected to not only continue the main story arc of the Traveler, who is in search of their lost sibling but also introduce various gameplay mechanics.

The main new addition is underwater exploration in Genshin Impact 4.0, which will allow players to traverse extensive underwater areas with their characters. These portions of water will be treated much like the regular map itself but will have exclusive exploration features as well as puzzles and opponents. There is also an exclusive combat mechanic being added with Version 4.0, revolving around energies called Pneuma and Ousia. Before players experience those, however, they will have to unlock Fontaine.

Related: Genshin Impact 4.0 - Release Date, New Characters, Banners, & Fontaine Info

How To Unlock Fontaine As A New Genshin Impact Player

Even though Fontaine is the fifth major region in Genshin Impact’s Teyvat, following Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, and Sumeru, new players will be able to explore it without having to catch up with the entire story so far. As was announced by the developer during the version 4.0 livestream held on the official Genshin Impact channel on Twitch, new players need only conclude the Mondstadt arc to be able to access Fontaine.

By completing the Archon Quest Prologue: Act III “Song of the Dragon and Freedom”, players will automatically unlock a Teleport Waypoint at the edge of Realm of Farakhkert, in Sumeru, which borders Fontaine. For reference, this is the quest that showcases a large development involving Venti and La Signora. By teleporting to the new Waypoint and moving east, players will be able to reach Fontaine in Genshin Impact.

How To Unlock Fontaine As A Veteran Genshin Impact Player

Players who have already caught up with the story and completed the Archon Quest “Caribert” in Genshin Impact will be automatically directed toward the new Archon Quest that takes place in Fontaine. Even if these veteran players have not yet explored the Realm of Farakhkert in Sumeru, they will also have the new Teleport Waypoint unlocked. This will make it easier to reach the Nation of Hydro and swiftly initiate the storyline in the region.

Of course, players are not obligated to follow the quests immediately and, much like new players, they will be able to freely explore the region at their own pace. The advantage they have, however, is being able to begin the regional Archon Quests at any moment, considering “Caribert” has been concluded. Genshin Impact 4.0 and the Fontaine region arrive across all platforms on which the game is available on August 16.

Source: Twitch/Genshin Impact