Quick Links
The Skyforest Nail is a huge part of the Dragonspine region in Genshin Impact. This is because it is found at the very top of the mountain and is guarding a domain called the Peak of Vindagnyr. It is also the only way for the player to collect all the Crimson Agate for the Frost Bearing Tree. The path to the nail is a bit complex, though, as it is a multipart quest with little to no direction from the game.
This leaves many players confused upon reaching the top of the mountain, as it is unmovable without finding the three crystals hidden around the region.
Updated July 28, 2023, by Sean Murray: If you're looking to solve the Skyfrost Nail puzzle in Genshin Impact, we've got you covered. This guide has been refreshed with improved formatting and breakout tips to make ascending Skyfrost Nail that much easier.
Unlocking The Nail (Cryo & Pyro Required)
Before you even try to make it to the top of the mountain, you will want to activate the three crystals. These crystals will be found at the following locations.
- Frost Bearing Tree
- Starglow Cavern
- Wyrmrest Valley
The first location a player will find is the Frost Bearing Tree. The crystal that initially keeps the player from using the tree is actually part of the puzzle. Simply use the Scarlet Quartz around the tree to break the crystal, and a cutscene will play showing it flying toward the summit of the mountain.
Next, the player should head towards Starglow Cavern; this is a cave that runs throughout the inside of the mountain. Until the player breaks the crystal, the cavern will have a single opening. To get there quickly, simply follow the trail past Albedo's camp. Once inside, proceed to the bottom of the cavern; this is where three Seelie's will be hiding.
The first Seelie is out in the open and can be grabbed on the way down. The other two are hidden on the ground floor behind the crystal. Look for a breakable rock to unlock the second one, and the third one is all the way down the path next to a broken ruin guard.
After leading the Seelie home, the shield around the crystal will drop, and the Scarlet Quartz around the cavern can be used to break it open.
For the next part, the player may want to have the following characters on their team as it makes fighting easier:
- Amber
- Fischl
- Diluc
- Bennett
- Tartaglia
- Xiangling
- Diona
- Ganyu
The final crystal is in Wyrmrest Valley and can be conveniently found at the giant ruin circle visible on the game's map. The ruins feature a simple puzzle. To begin, activate the cube and watch which cryo pillars the Seelie visits. Once he returns, hit the cryo pillars in the same order to activate two ruin guards.
Keep a close watch on the sheer cold meter; you will need to take turns running between the activated heat pillars during the fight. It's also recommended to consume Goulash before and during the fight.
Once the Ruin Guards are down, a Ruin Grader will attack. It's highly recommended to use a bow user to attack from afar during these battles. This ensures that the sheer cold meter stays low while damage is successfully being dealt with.
After the battle, you can drop down into a cavern with a crystal in the middle, lead the first Seelie to their pedestal, and then break the ice clumps behind the crystal to find the second Seelie.
After they are both on their pedestal, the gate in the cave will open, revealing the third piece of crimson Quartz needed to break the crystal.
Getting to The Nail
Getting to the nail is a process that seems to elude players due to the confusing nature of the mountain. Trying to climb the mountain will lead to Paimon teleporting the player back down before they even reach the top. The Starglow Cavern also won't reach the top of the mountain like some players are led to believe.
To get to the top of the mountain, simply enter the cavern directly behind the Dragonspine Statue of the Seven and follow the path up.
Activating The Nail (Anemo Required)
Activating the nail is another confusing process as the crystals that flew to the top of the mountain are now floating around on small islands. The player will need to grab the Scarlet Quartz located near the first set of floating islands at the bottom of the pillar and then safely jump over to the crystal to break it.
Afterward, follow the path all the way up the mountain until you find a Frost Lawachurl. Beating him will give you access to another scarlet quartz. The second crystal is located on a floating island right outside the bosses' area.
Be sure to stop at the heat pillars on the way to keep the sheer cold meter down.
The third crystal is the hardest as you will have to move to the other side of the mountain. To do this, follow the fire Seelie located near the second Scarlet Quartz; he will lead you to an anemo tower.
Activating the tower will unlock gliding rings to easily whisk you away to the other side of the mountain; once there, quickly take out the nearby hilichurls. You will need to break the nearby Scarlet Quartz and then glide down to the crystal located below you.
Once the final crystal departs its floating island; the Skyfrost Nail will float into the sky above the mountain, revealing the domain, a ton of treasure chests, and giving you a way to grab a Crimson Agate by scaling the floating nail.