Quick Links
The region of Fontaine was added in the 4.0 version update ofGenshin Impact. This region is as beautiful as it is unique, and for all matters of exploration and combat, we will be relying on a mechanic that is exclusive to it. The system is known as Arkhe, a source of renewable energy that is used to fuel all sorts of mechanisms big and small by the residents of the Hydro nation.
RELATED:Genshin Impact: Complete Elemental Weakness Guide
The system is a crucial part of getting around and through Fontaine, so understanding its uses will be necessary to have the smoothest experience possible while seeing all the wonderful sights of this technological hub. Like two halves of a chaotic whole, Ousia and Pneuma will create a unique reaction when they interact with each other.
What Is The Arkhe System?
Arkhe is the name given to anenergy system that is native and exclusive to the Fontaine region. It is composed of two parts;OusiaandPneuma. All creatures and mechanical constructs in Fontaine utilize Arkhe energy to some extent and most things in Fontaine are said torely on this kind of energy to function.
Beyond this, though,people themselves have innate Arkhe energy. As seen in Fontaine’s vision bearers, natives to this region are eitherOusia or Pneuma aligned, and when someone gets their vision, their alignment is reflected in its design.
These two energies areopposites of each other, and they react to one another when they come into contact. Ousia isdark blue in colour, while Pneumashines almost golden. Darkness and light, antimatter and matter - these are just some of the ways Ousia and Pneuma can be understood.
When brought together, they causea reaction known as mutual annihilation, which generates massive amounts of energy.
Are Ousia And Pneuma New Elements?
The short answer isno, they are not.
Ousia and Pneuma are energies. They arenot at all related to elemental reactions.Instead, they are the only two parts of anew systemaltogether. Therefore, they arenot a replacement for elemental energy, nor are they a defining aspect of a character’s overallcombat capabilities.
You may consider Ousia and Pneuma an extra ability, almost as if a character was able to summon Geograna, Electrograna or Dendrograna throughtheir elemental attacks. It wouldn’t be game-breaking, but it would helpget through some areas or neutralize some mobs faster.
Ousia And Pneuma In Exploration
Since these energies are such a fundamental part of Fontaine’s overall infrastructure, it is no surprise thatpuzzles and mechanismsfound throughout this nation make use of the system. Activating something willusually require using Ousia or Pneuma,depending on the item’s alignment, which isexpressed by its glow’s color.
The main thing to remember here is thatyou will need to use the opposite type of energy to activate mechanisms. So, if you encounter a constructglowing blue with Ousia energy, you will need to use Pneuma to activate it, and vice versa.
Fortunately, thisdoes not mean that you will absolutely need Fontaine characters to explore the region. They can be big time-savers since theirelemental attacks will have this mechanic embedded in them, but you will not be restricted to having to use them if you don’t want to.
You will be able to findOusia and Pneuma energy out in the overworldas you explore, and itworks no differentlyfrom things like theCrimson Agatefound in Dragonspine, which have long defined how we explore the different environments in Teyvat.
These energy condensations look likesmall, floating orbs. Characters can pick them up totemporarily be imbued with the corresponding energy, allowing them touse it once.
RELATED:Every Hydro Character In Genshin Impact, Ranked
Ousia And Pneuma In Battle
These energies are also a part of the makeup of enemies all over Fontaine. You will be able to identify an enemy’s alignment by thecolor that emanates from some parts of them. Pneuma can be a little difficult to see at times, sokeep your eyes peeled for a yellowish glow.
As with exploration,you will need to attack mobs with the energy that is opposite their alignment. So, Pneuma mobs will react to Ousia energy. The reverse is true for Ousia-aligned mobs.
When it comes to battle, this energy can servea couple of different purposes. For some mobs, itacts as a shield of sorts, which can beinstantly brokenwhen it comes in contact with theopposite energy, effectively neutralizing the enemy for a certain duration. This makes Ousia and Pneuma extremelyvaluable assets in time-based challenges.
Some mobs will react a little differently when attacked with their opposing energy,instantly switching their combat mechanicsafter the Arkhe reaction is triggered.
In both cases, Ousia and Pneumado not lock enemies from being affected by the elements. The same elemental rules for combat apply, and the usualstrengths and vulnerabilities still affect enemies equally. In other words,Arkhe can be optional for most things combat, and won’t render your main DPS unit unusable in Fontaine if they are from another nation.
What Happens If You Use The Same Type Of Arkhe Energy On A Mob?
It is possible that you’ve chosen to add one of the Fontaine natives to your exploration team, and as such, you are concerned about whetherattacking a mob of the same Arkhe alignment as your charactermight cause any issues.
If that is the case, then you don’t need to worry. Attacking a mob with the same Arkhe energy type as your characterwill not have any reaction. It will not strengthen or supercharge mobs.It simply has no effect. This is true even after you have already broken the mob’s Arkhe energy flow.
To illustrate, say you’rechallenging an Ousia Clockwork Meka. You have already usedLyney, a Pneuma-aligned unit, and broke down its Ousia state. In that case,switching toLynetteand using her elemental skill will not cause the enemy to reinstate their Ousia energy flow. It will remain disabled forthe entire duration of the break(normally a couple of seconds).
Are Ousia And Pneuma Necessary For Spiral Abyss?
WhileSpiral Abyss is constantly subject to changes in rotation, it is likely enemies with Ousia and Pneuma alignment will getadded to the upper floors, as the game will need to push for itsFontaine units to become popular among players.
However, considering there is along list of characters that will not be modified to fit into the Arkhe system, it is unlikely that theaddition of Ousia and Pneuma will drastically change the way Spiral Abyss has worked since its launch.
This game mechanic shouldwork pretty much the same way it does in Overworld combat. That is to say, as some enemies will have it, the party will benefit from having units to counter it. With that said, it should not be impossible to challenge Spiral Abyss with your existing teams.
