The “Chronicler of the Crumbling City” mission serves as the second major quest in the Great Volcano of Tollan storyline introduced in Genshin Impact’s 5.5 update. This multi-stage mission consists of several sub-quests, each presenting unique challenges. Successfully completing this mission will unlock the Primeval Source Dragon Mech boss battle, which serves as the climax of the Saurian Companion questline. If you’re facing difficulties, this detailed guide will walk you through each part of the quest.
How to Unlock the Chronicler of the Crumbling City Quest
Before gaining access to this mission, you must first complete two prerequisite quests:
- The Way into the Mountain
- Path to the Flaming Peaks
Once these quests are completed, jump into the crater, leading to a darkened area where the “Chronicler of the Crumbling City” questline begins. The first sub-quest to tackle is The Frozen, Rekindling Land.
Part 1: The Frozen, Rekindling Land
This sub-quest is relatively straightforward but requires careful navigation. Follow these steps to progress:
- Jump onto the elevated platform and activate it to illuminate the path forward.
- Follow the glowing trail to the door and open it.
- Continue along the illuminated path until you encounter an automaton enemy. Defeat it and proceed to the next door.
- Keep following the path until you meet Ehecatl, a hidden source servant. Speak with him and activate the device to brighten the surroundings.
- Proceed to the next quest marker outside to meet another source servant.
- Speak with him and continue toward the next marker.
- Transform into a Yumkasaur and use grapple mechanics to traverse the islands.
- Upon reaching the Sea of Shifting Sentience, the next sub-quest, The Forsaken Sea of Wisdom, will commence.
Part 2: The Forsaken Sea of Wisdom
- Transform into a Koholasaur and swim to the quest marker.
- Utilize the Spirit Way to transport yourself to the objective and activate the Astral Assemblage.
- While in Koholasaur form, dive into pools of flowing flames as directed by the markers.
- If elevation is required, use circular stone pillars to ascend.
- After interacting with the flame pools, return to the Astral Assemblage activation area.
- Prepare for an Abyssal Corrosion attack and transform into Koholasaur to counter it.
- Activate the Iridescent Beams (hovering red spheres) scattered in the area.
- Use jumping zones within the lava to reach the elevated spheres.
- Defeat the Abyss forces, then return to the Astral Assemblage and activate it to complete the sub-quest.
Part 3: The Sealed Site of Sacrifice
- Use the Spirit Way at the Astral Assemblage activation site to quickly reach the next location.
- Transform into a Qucusaur and fly toward the next marker.
- At the Astral Assemblage seal, break it using a Tatankasaur.
- Charge at ramps in the correct sequence to adjust their positions and unlock new paths.
- Enter the passage created by breaking obstacles and navigate a moving floor sequence by sprinting and using Elemental Skills.
- Activate the lever at the end to stabilize the platform.
- Continue forward, making adjustments to walls and ramps as necessary.
- Charge up the final ramp and execute a jump attack to shatter the central seal.
- Activate the Astral Assemblage and proceed to speak with Amaru, a secret source servant.
- Activate the lift to descend into the depths of the ancient city.
Part 4: In Search of a Hidden Heart
- Speak with a new Secret Source Servant at the designated marker. Complete the following four quests to proceed:
- Once, the Sacred Seat of Judgement
- Where Once There Was a Calculation Array
- Where Once Force Was Reversed
- Where Once There Were Arms Aplenty
- Return to the Secret Source Servant after completing the first two missions to unlock the latter two.
- After completing all four tasks, submit three Phlogiston Units and one Permit to the Sacred Heart at the Secret Source Dragon idol.
- This action unlocks The End of the Road sub-quest, transporting you to the Heart of the Sacred Mountain.
Part 5: The End of the Road
- After activating the Secret Source Dragon idol, a cavern will open behind it.
- Jump into the cavern and descend.
- When prompted, transform into a Qucusaur to navigate further.
- Dive deeper into the cavern, following the same mechanics used in the Path to the Flaming Peaks quest.
- Enter the portal, which leads to the Heart of the Sacred Mountain, completing this sub-quest.
Part 6: As the Burning Sun Sears
- Upon arrival in the Heart of the Sacred Mountain, defeat the incoming Abyss Monsters.
- After clearing enemies, transform into a Tatankasaur and charge into moving Abyss beacons.
- Track their movement patterns carefully before striking.
- At a certain stage, use a flame gun to destroy airborne Abyss Beacons.
- Once the area is cleared, follow the ramp structure and launch a charge attack at the main Abyss Corruption in the sky.
- Destroying the corruption completes this final sub-quest.
Final Steps and Boss Fight Unlock
Upon completing “As the Burning Sun Sears,” you will have officially finished the “Chronicler of the Crumbling City” questline. This grants you two Golden Entreaties, which can be used to unlock the ultimate Primeval Source Dragon Mech boss battle.
If you encounter any challenges while completing this quest, feel free to ask for help in the comments!
