Genshin Impact ‘Thus Was the Work Done in Vain’ world quest walkthrough

On Minacious Isle in Genshin Impact, you’ll come across a notebook with a dying message. It’s your job to travel back in time and prevent Wolfgang from getting trapped. However, the only way to help him is to get trapped yourself. Solve a few torch Minacious Isle puzzles, find a couple switches, and leave clues for Wolfgang using our “Thus Was the Work Done in Vain” walkthrough.

For the “Thus Was the Work Done in Vain” world quest, you must complete “Ancient Azure Stars.” You’ll also need a Sweet Madame and three Starlight Coalescences, or you must’ve completed the constellation on top of Minacious Isle.

“Thus Was the Work Done in Vain” world quest location

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Teleport to the waypoint on the original form of Minacious Isle. If the island is in Mona’s form, interact with a blue platform to switch between island forms. While inside the island, activate the Anemo Pillar to summon a wind current, and ascend to the ledge with the Old Notes. Grab the notes to start “Thus Was the Work Done in Vain” and return to the blue platform to switch the island’s form.

Light torches to open the Secret Chamber

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As you move into the designated quest location, a gate will close behind you. Use elemental sight to see the torch order or follow the image above. Leave a clue on the wall for Wolfgang, and return to Wolfgang’s notes.

Acquire the Sea Salt-Crusted Key

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Interact with the blue platform near the top of the island to teleport to the quest location. Jump into the opening, and climb into the hole on the wall. Break the rock with the Hilichurl beside it, and walk through the opening. Investigate the broken vase for the Sea Salt-Crusted Key, and head to the designated quest area. After reading the Old Notes, move to the blue platform on top of the ruins, and interact with it.

Flip switches and light torches

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After entering the ruins, quickly flip the two switches inside, and climb through the ceiling gate. Open the next gate using the Sea Salt-Crusted Key, and investigate the vase to receive another Sea Salt-Crusted Key. Quickly destroy all seven vases inside the room to unlock the nearby gate.

Graphic: Johnny Yu for Polygon | Source images: Hoyoverse

Inside the next room, there is a Starlight Coalescence puzzle and a torch puzzle. Make your way into the room with the torches. Destroy the rock in the corner of the room to reveal the fourth torch, and clear the electro fog with Anemo. Use elemental sight to see the torch order or follow the image above. After lighting the torches, leave a message for Wolfgang on the wall just before the entrance of the torch puzzle room.

Create a bridge using Starlight Coalescences

Graphic: Johnny Yu for Polygon | Source images: Hoyoverse

If you’ve already completed the constellation on top of Mona’s Minacious Isle, skip ahead to the next step. Climb to the top of the island where the constellation is. Place three Starlight Coalescences into the constellation to create a bridge that you’ll need later.

Leave Wolfgang a Sweet Madame

Interact with the blue platform, and check Wolfgang’s notes. Ride a waverider to the now-sunken highland ruins, and read Wolfgang’s message. Interact with the blue platform, and follow the bridge to the quest location. Leave a message and a Sweet Madame for Wolfgang at the top. Teleport back to the ruins and check Wolfgang’s message to complete the quest.