Genshin Impact: How To Defeat The Abyss Herald

This article is part of a directory: Genshin Impact: Complete Guide

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With Genshin Impact's version 1.4 brought the story quest 'We Will Be Reunited.' This quest features one of the most heart-rending moments in the game so far, but it also increased combat intensity by introducing a new enemy called an Abyss Herald. Players must face this hydro elemental enemy on three separate occasions throughout the quest, so you'd best be prepared.

While The Abyss Herald is more fierce than Abyss Mages, he can be easily taken down with the right tactics. He gets a bit tougher with each fight and summons other enemies to help him during battle. We'll go over what to expect, but first, please note this quest is not open to travelers just spreading their wings in Teyvat. In order to gain access to the quest and the new Abyss Herald, players must be Adventure Rank 36, along with having completed Bough Keeper: Dainsleif and Razor's first story chapter. If you've met all of the prerequisites, here's what to expect in the adventure that lies ahead.

Updated by Kim Dailey on December 15, 2021: Fighting the Abyss Herald is the key to seeing one of the tensest moments currently available in Genshin Impact. The Herald can be a difficult opponent due to his powerful attacks. He has three different fight stages, with each proving more challenging than the last. There's also the Abyss Herald's shield, which is causing frustration among the community. The guide below gives you the tools you need to beat the Hydro Abyss Herald, including clear instructions on how to break the Abyss Herald's shield swiftly.

Where To Find The Abyss Herald

The Abyss Herald will challenge you three times throughout We Will Be Reunited. Here is where he will appear:

The second entry of Call of the Abyss Domain
End of Call of the Abyss Domain
Wolvendom, in Boreas Arena

Be sure to stock up on food before entering the domains and going to Wolvendom.

The Abyss Herald's Abilities

The Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents (the only variation currently in the game) will mainly use the same abilities throughout each fight. However, he will summon other enemies to join the battle during the second and third encounters. The Abyss Herald will also use a hydro shield. Below is the Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents' move set:

3-Sweep Combo	A series of three hydro blade slashes.
Annihilation	A hydro attack in the formation of a cross.
Decimate	Summons a hydro blade to send flying towards the player.
Hydro Shield	Creates a hydro shield to help absorb damage.
Abyssal Roar	Consecutive spinning attacks that hit up to four times back-to-back. During this period, he will dash through the air towards you.
The End is Nigh	Summons hydro blades, sends them out in eight different directions. When charging, performs close-ranged slashes in all directions.

How to Break the Abyss Herald's Shield

Once the Abyss Herald has his shield up, the battle will change a bit. Like most enemies who can summon shields, the Abyss Hearld will start acting as a damage sponge. Luckily, hydro shields are weak to cryo attacks. Here are a few suggestions on how to break the hydro shield.

Blasting the shield with charged cryo arrows from Diona and Ganyu can make quick work of it.
Use Kaeya's elemental skill and burst to break down the shield quickly; just be mindful of the Abyss Herald's attacks.
Using Cryo in general will break the Abyss Herald shield down within a couple of seconds.
- Remember to use elemental reactions to make the shield breakdown go a bit faster.
- Be sure to switch to your cryo character the moment the Abyss Herald summons his hydro shield as not to waste a single second of your opening.

If you go into the fight without a cryo character, it will take longer to break down the shield. Just avoid using hydro attacks on it, as it can make the process much slower.

Abyss Herald Encounter Variations

There are three fights with the Abyss Herald, and here is what to expect from each one.

1st Encounter — The first is a cut-and-dry fight. There are no extra enemies, and you only need to deplete 75% of the Abyss Herald's health bar.
2nd Encounter — The Abyss Herald will summon two Hilichurl archers (a Cryo and an Electro) to assist him. This is the first time he will use his hydro shield, which you'll need to break in order to win the battle.
3rd Encounter — This time, the Abyss Herald will summon two Abyss Mages to help him; a Pyro and Hydro. You must again destroy the hydro shield then completely deplete the Abyss Herald's health to win.

In general, it's relatively easy to learn the Abyss Hearld's attack pattern as he always moves his arms right before performing a move. He also tends to loudly call out what attack he is using, which makes matters rather simple. Be sure to listen for these battle cries for your cue to dodge. In the second and third fights, be sure to take out his helpers as quickly as possible to avoid any additional damage.

Abyss Herald Combat Tips

The Abyss Herald can be a tough fight for those who don't come prepared, but every enemy has its weaknesses. The Abyss Herald: Wicked Torrents is a Hydro enemy, making him extremely susceptible to cryo damage. If possible, it is best to keep your distance and use a cryo bow-user to take him on.

Team Suggestions

Ganyu is best equipped to take on the Abyss Herald.
Diona can also work wonders if built for high damage output.
Kaeya, Chongyun, or Rosaria are good choices if you need to use a close-range cryo character, as the Abyss Herald can be frozen, and this is a great way to keep him from causing massive damage.
Qiqi is also a great choice since her elemental skill can freeze the Abyss Herald while providing healing.
Above all, always be sure to place characters on your team that can work together to cause elemental reactions.