Genshin Impact: How To Activate Quests & Features

Hey there, fellow adventurers! So, you've dived headfirst into the stunning world of Teyvat in Genshin Impact, and now you're wondering, "How do I actually activate things?" It's a super common question, guys, because this game throws a lot at you right from the get-go. From unlocking new quests that drive the story forward to figuring out how to get those sweet, sweet new features to pop up, there's a bit of a learning curve. Don't sweat it, though! This guide is here to break down all the essentials of activating stuff in Genshin Impact, making your journey through Teyvat smoother and way more exciting. We'll cover everything from the very first steps you'll take to more advanced activation techniques, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the awesome content this game has to offer. Get ready to level up your Genshin Impact experience, because once you know how to activate the good stuff, the real adventure begins!

Unlocking Your First Quests: The Adventure Rank Essentials

Alright, let's talk about the absolute first thing you need to activate to get the ball rolling in Genshin Impact: your Adventure Rank (AR). Think of your Adventure Rank as your overall player level. Many quests, including crucial story quests and later game content, are locked behind specific AR requirements. So, how do you actually increase your AR? It's pretty straightforward, but it requires consistent play. The primary way to gain Adventure EXP is by completing quests. This includes the main Archon Quests (the ones that drive the overarching story), Story Quests (which delve deeper into specific characters' lore), and World Quests (which offer smaller, often localized narratives and rewards). As you complete these, you'll rack up Adventure EXP. But that's not all! Bounties and Requests from the Adventurers' Guild are another fantastic source of AR EXP. You can complete a set number of these daily, and they're usually pretty quick tasks. Don't forget about exploring the world! Opening chests, discovering Statues of the Seven, completing Domains, and even using Resin (the game's stamina system) all grant small amounts of Adventure EXP. For beginners, focusing on the Archon Quests will naturally guide you through the early AR levels. As you progress, you'll start unlocking more Story Quests and World Quests, giving you even more avenues to increase your AR and, consequently, activate more content. It’s a cycle: play, gain AR, unlock more, play more! So, keep an eye on that AR progress bar in the top left of your screen – it’s your key to unlocking the vastness of Teyvat.

Activating Story Quests and Character Hangouts

Once you've gotten a handle on the basics and your Adventure Rank is climbing, you'll start noticing new types of quests becoming available. Story Quests, often marked with a distinctive purple icon on your map, are your gateway to understanding the deeper lore and character backstories within Genshin Impact. To activate these, you generally need to meet two conditions: a specific Adventure Rank requirement and sometimes completing certain Archon Quests that precede them. For example, you can't jump into the story quest for a character tied to a later region until you've progressed through the Archon Quests that unlock that region. The game is smart about this; it won't let you access content that would spoil major plot points or require knowledge you haven't gained yet. Once you meet the AR and prerequisite quest conditions, the Story Quest will simply appear on your map and in your quest log. Just head to the indicated location, and you'll trigger the activation, usually with a cutscene.

Then there are the Hangout Events! These are super fun, interactive quests that let you spend time with specific characters, making choices that lead to different endings and unlocking unique character stories and even special achievement art. To activate Hangout Events, you’ll need a certain Adventure Rank (usually AR 26 or higher for most) and importantly, Story Keys. Story Keys are a special currency you earn by completing eight Daily Commissions. So, yes, doing your daily tasks diligently is crucial not just for AR EXP but also for unlocking these engaging character-focused events. Once you have a Story Key and meet the AR requirement, the Hangout Event will become available under the 'Quests' tab in your menu. You can then select the character you want to embark on a Hangout with and start the activation process. These are a great way to get to know your favorite characters better and earn some sweet rewards along the way!

Activating Domains: Challenges and Rewards

Domains are another core pillar of Genshin Impact, serving as instanced challenges that offer valuable rewards like Artifacts, Talent Level-Up Materials, Weapon Ascension Materials, and Mora. Activating a Domain usually means discovering its physical location in the world and then interacting with its entrance. Most Domains are available from early on, but some are gated by Adventure Rank or require specific quests to be completed first. For instance, the powerful Artifact Domains that drop the best gear often have higher AR requirements (like AR 25 or AR 30 for the more lucrative ones). You'll find Domains scattered all across Teyvat, often marked by a distinctive glowing pillar of light when you're nearby. Simply approach the shimmering gateway and interact with it to open the Domain menu. Here, you can select your team, choose the difficulty (if applicable), and then begin the challenge.

Some special Domains, like the Weekly Boss Domains (e.g., Andrius, Stormterror), function a bit differently. You don't necessarily need to