Dishonorable Trial

Follow our step-by-step guide to complete the Genshin Impact Archon Quest 'Dishonorable Trial,' including tips for defeating the Abyss Herald and its Hydro shield.

Alright, let's get this Archon Quest done! This one's called "Dishonorable Trial" and it's part of Chapter I, Act IV: We Will Be Reunited. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the rewards to how to actually beat the quest.

Quest Rewards:

• Adventure EXP: 800
• Mora: 38,100
• Other Rewards: 47

Requirements: Adventure Rank 26, and you must have completed "The Meaning of Lupical." The next quest is "A Soul Set Apart."

Walkthrough:

Step 1: Go to the Favonius Cathedral

First things first, you need to head to the Favonius Cathedral in Mondstadt. Use the upper teleport waypoint and make your way north. As you get close to the stairs, a cutscene will trigger. Dainsleif will chime in, mentioning he's not exactly a fan of the Gods, and suggests you and Paimon handle the investigating.

Step 2: Talk to Barbara

After the scene, go inside the Cathedral. Barbara should be praying at the front. Talk to her, and another scene will play out. Paimon will ask if the Church has ever misplaced a Statue of the Seven. Barbara will be a bit surprised but will recall an old story from the Church's records about "The Lost Statue of the Seven." Paimon will then press for more weird stories related to that, and Barbara will mention "The Tyrant's Final Fury." She'll brush it off as ancient history but end up telling you anyway. Just then, Rosaria will interrupt, letting you know the Abyss Order has been spotted in Wolvendom, and that Jean and the Knights are already on their way. Paimon will convince Barbara that you'll help out, and the scene will wrap up.

Step 3: Talk to Dainsleif

Leave the Cathedral and head down the stairs. You'll find Dainsleif waiting for you on the right, just behind a pillar. Chat with him. You'll fill him in on what you've learned about the Abyss Order's new plan, and after some back-and-forth, he'll figure out it's likely connected to getting information from Boreas.

Step 4: Go to Wolvendom

Now, teleport to the eastern Wolvendom Waypoint. Follow the path heading southwest. You'll encounter a group of Abyss Order members – take them out, and another scene will trigger. Paimon will suggest rushing to Lupus Boreas, but Dainsleif decides he won't be joining you, stating he has no respect for an ancient god who willingly served The Seven. He'll offer some parting advice about the Gods and then leave. Right after he's gone, Jean will appear, notice you and Paimon, and ask what you're doing there. You'll explain you're there to help her, and she'll suggest checking if Boreas is in any danger.

Step 5: Look for the Great Wolf King of the North

Keep following the path southeast. You'll need to fight or avoid any enemies you come across. As you get closer to Boreas's location, you'll notice something's not right. You'll see Razor protecting the Great Wolf King.

Step 6: Talk to Razor

Head over to Razor. As you get close, a scene will start. The Abyss Herald is taunting Boreas, but Boreas is too powerful to be intimidated and won't spill any secrets. After some dialogue, a battle will begin.

Step 7: Defeat all opponents

This fight is pretty similar to your first encounter with an Abyss Herald, but this time, you'll have some Hilichurl Shooters joining the fray. Try to take them out quickly since they don't have much health. Then, focus on the Herald itself. It uses the same moves as before, but when its health gets low, it'll cast a Hydro shield. This shield acts like a second health bar, and you won't be able to damage the Herald directly until it's broken. Using Cryo attacks can freeze the Herald while it's shielded, making it easier to take down. Just be careful, because the Herald has a new move when its shield is up:

The Abyss Herald will channel its spell by slashing its swords around itself (left), then it’ll unleash a barrage of Hydro energy outwards in a circular pattern. (right)

The End is Nigh

When the Hydro shield is active, the Herald will perform a series of sword slashes before unleashing Hydro energy in a circular pattern around itself. It's a good idea to have a shield from characters like Zhongli or Noelle ready to negate the damage, or be prepared to dodge effectively. Once you defeat the Herald, it will warp away.

Razor will thank you for your help. Boreas will then share a story about fighting a human-made machine long ago – a mindless killing machine. After Boreas hit it, it fled the battlefield. After a few more questions, the scene will end, concluding the quest and unlocking the next one: "A Soul Set Apart."

Tips:

• When the Abyss Herald has its Hydro shield up, Cryo attacks are your best friend for freezing it and getting in extra damage.
• If you have characters like Zhongli or Noelle, their shields can be a lifesaver against the Herald's circular Hydro attack.
• Don't underestimate the Hilichurl Shooters; they can be annoying distractions, so deal with them quickly.