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With the release ofGenshin Impact’s version 4.7 update, the developers have finally introduced a long-awaited addition to the permanent end-game content, supplementing the existing Spiral Abyss. While both modes focus on combat, they offer distinct experiences interms of team compositionsand progression through increasingly challenging stages.
The first season of Imaginarium Theater has been well-received by the community, as it brings a refreshing twist toGenshin Impact’s end-game content. Unlike Spiral Abyss, Imaginarium Theater encourages players to experiment with different characters and build diverse teams. This new mode promotes unique team compositions and strategic thinking, providing a fresh and engaging challenge for seasoned players. Here’s everything players need to know about Imaginarium Theater inGenshin Impact.
How To Unlock Imaginarium Theater
To unlock the Imaginarium Theater, players need to reach Adventure Rank 35 and complete the quest “Unbegun, Unending Story.” The theater is found within secret library in Mondstadt, accessible through Favonius Library. Once players gain access to the secret library, they simply need to interact with the Fantasia Tome, a special book located within the library, to initiate the challenge. Once players unlock the Imaginarium Theater, they will be able to directly teleport to this area for the gameplay.
How To Play Imaginarium Theater?
Once players interact with the Fantasia Tome on the dining table within the Imaginarium Theater, they will access a menu with several sections: Supporting Cast, Past Performances, Performance Prep, and Reward Preview.
Performance Prep Menu - Difficulty Selection
After clicking on Performance Prep, players will first select the Difficulty Level. Beginners might find lower difficulties sufficient, but to earn all rewards, players must complete Hard Mode. This is because Hard Mode encompasses all 8 Acts, while Normal Mode covers up to the 6th Act, and Easy Mode only includes up to the 3rd Act. Additionally, lower difficulties come with fewer limitations, such as the ability to select fewer characters for the Alternate Cast and allowing the use of lower-level characters.
Principal Cast
Once the difficulty is selected, players move to the Opening Characters Screen, which features certain set characters available for the First Act. Players can choose from their own characters, provided they have them geared, or opt to use trial versions if they prefer. These characters are set for each season and receive Fantastical Blessings when used in Imaginarium Theater. These blessings also apply in the outer world, aiding in exploration and other content. On this screen, players can also configure the Principal Cast’s gear in this screen.
Alternate Cast
In the next screen, players select Alternate Cast Members. These members can only be chosen from specific elements based on the season. For the first season, the requirements are Anemo, Pyro, and Electro characters. Additionally, certain characters outside these elements will be designated each season and can be used if players own them, despite not matching the elemental requirements. Unlike the Principal Cast, these characters won’t be available as trials but can be received as supporting cast from friends.
For Hard Mode, players must select at least 12 characters, (including one support character if desired), before starting the challenge. Given that most, if not all, of these characters will need to be utilized, it’s recommended to fill this roster with the strongest available characters. Players should also ensure a balanced distribution of DPS and Support roles to effectively tackle the challenges ahead.
Recommended Cast Members
While this is highly dependent on which characters players have on their roster, for the first season, these are some generally strong options to include for Alternate Cast. However, it is entirely possible to use less appreciated characters to tackle this content!
Healer:Bennett, Chevreuse, Jean
While players can freely select one of any of their friend’s supporting cast per challenge, players can only invite one cast member from the same friend once per season. This means, players should aim to choose the strongest and most needed character from their list (ideally a character they don’t own themselves or have not built well). This also prevents players from relying too much on their friend list with 5-star characters that have high constellations.
Imaginarium Theater Gameplay and Combat Mechanics
Players should pay attention to below mechanics and terms when completing the challenge:
Battles and Obtaining Fantasia Flowers
After setting their characters, players can begin the first Act. Each Act is completed by successfully finishing a Battle event. Prior to starting a battle, players can view detailed information about the enemies they will face and the elements that might be advantageous for that specific encounter. This allows players to strategically choose thebest team compositionfor each fight.
Once in battle, players can select from the available characters at that stage and have the option to retry if they fail. However, if they are unable to clear the stage after several attempts, they can also rewind (an option available once after Act 3 and Act 6 which are more difficult battles) or start over from the beginning. Successfully completing battles rewards players with Fantasia Flowers. Players will be able to receive additonal amount of this currency when completing Bonus Challenges. These flowers are crucial as they can be used between acts to gain various advantages. Additionally, players receive a random character from the Alternate Cast roster after completing each battle event, expanding their team options for future acts.
Players will also be able to receive Star Challenge Stellas for completing the Act with better performance—generally by defeating more opponents or defeating the opponent faster within the time limit. Completing the Star Challenge does not provide additional rewards such as Fantasia Flowers or Primogems, but players' progress in the Imaginarium Theater will be visible on their profile. As such, having more Stellas will simply be a good showcase of the player’s strength for this particular season.
Vigor System
The Vigor System is a key mechanic that necessitates a large roster of strong characters. Each character begins with 2 vigor points, with one point depleted after each battle event. This system effectively limits characters to two uses unless players can replenish their vigor through certain performance events or allow them to rejoin the cast. Given this limitation, it is vital to strategically manage character usage. Players are advised to deploy weaker characters in earlier, easier acts andreserve their well-geared DPSand support units for the more challenging, later acts. This approach ensures that their strongest characters are available when they are needed the most.
Performance Events
Between battles, players can engage in Performance Events, which include Companion Events, Battle Events, Wondrous Boons, and Mystery Caches. These events introduce an element of randomness,similar to Occurrences inHonkai: Star Rail’s Simulated Universe, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay. Most events require Fantasia Flowers, except for certain Mystery Caches, which are free.
Overall, players need to carefully manage their Fantasia Flowers and make strategic decisions about which Performance Events to participate in and when. By paying attention to these mechanics and optimizing their character usage and resources, players can maximize their performance in Imaginarium Theater and overcome its challenges.
All Imaginarium Theater Rewards
After players successfully complete the last Act, they will see a cutscene showcasing their cast list and MVPs. Completing all 8 Acts rewards players with a total of 620 Primogems per season, with each season lasting one month. Additionally, completing all acts for the first time grants players 1,100 Primogems under the Debut Performance Gifts.
Beyond Primogems, players will receive talent materials, sanctifying essences, and Mora. They will also earn a new Special Currency called Toy Medals. These medals can be exchanged for new poses, known as Thespian Tricks, for a set of characters pre-determined for each season. Players can select 3 out of 6 given characters for these poses, which can later be used in camera mode totake more unique pictureswith their characters.
Imaginarium Theater also introduces a new Achievement section, offering additional Primogems and a new namecard for completing all related achievements.
WHERE TO PLAY
Step into Teyvat, a vast world teeming with life and flowing with elemental energy.You and your sibling arrived here from another world. Separated by an unknown god, stripped of your powers, and cast into a deep slumber, you now awake to a world very different from when you first arrived.Thus begins your journey across Teyvat to seek answers from The Seven — the gods of each element. Along the way, prepare to explore every inch of this wondrous world, join forces with a diverse range of characters, and unravel the countless mysteries that Teyvat holds…
