Alexis Kestler
Hey friend! Ready to conquer the creepy second round of Genshin‘s Test of Courage event? As a gaming nerd who has helped many others beat this tricky challenge, I‘ve got the perfect guide for you today.
Stick with me and you‘ll breeze through this round, snagging all the juicy rewards along the way. I‘ll walk you through everything – optimal party setups, item recommendations, route-finding tips, and more. No jumpscare will go unprepared for, I promise!
Let‘s start by looking at the lore behind this wonderfully spooky game mode…
The Chilling Lore of the Test of Courage
The Test of Courage challenges daring travelers to traverse an ancient, monster-filled forest at night. But these supernatural trials are more than just thrills – they may reveal secrets of Inazuma‘s mystical past.
Some theorize this event is inspired by an old ritual honoring the fox envoys of Inari, the god of harvest. Travelers would journey through sacred forests at night to prove their faith and win Inari‘s blessing.
Others believe the ritual pays homage to an ancient war where a village was slaughtered in this very forest. Warriors‘ vengeful spirits now roam, testing courageous challengers in the darkness.
Item descriptions hint that various yokai – Japanese folk monsters – also dwell here, seeking to frighten humans. From ghostly masks to ominous statuary, the forest is peppered with clues about its history.
Whatever its origins, there‘s no denying this gauntlet will get your heart racing! Now let‘s make sure you‘re fully prepared…
Optimal Party and Gear to brave the Night
While skill matters most, bringing the right crew and equipment will give you an edge. Let‘s review top picks for surviving the second round based on my experience and community theorycrafting.
Recommended Party
| Character | Recommended Build | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Raiden Shogun | 4pc Emblem of Severed Fate, The Catch | Main DPS |
| Bennett | 4pc Noblesse Oblige, Prototype Rancour | Healing + Buffs |
| Xiangling | 4pc Crimson Witch, The Catch | Sub DPS |
| Fischl | 2pc/2pc ATK%, Stringless | Battery + Sub DPS |
This composition provides strong AoE pyro and electro damage to defeat ambushing enemies, plus healing from Bennett. Raiden and Fischl generate energy for constant burst uptime. Xiangling and Fischl can trigger Overload – great for spooking scary spirits!
Alternate characters like Zhongli or Venti provide shielding/crowd control if needed. But mobility and damage tends to work best.
Gear Recommendations
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Weapons: Favor fast-attacking polearms, swords, or bows for swift skirmishes.
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Artifacts: Prioritize ATK%, CRIT, and ER for DPS; HP% and healing bonus for supports.
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Talents: Level key damage skills to 6+ for best results.
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Consumables: Bring attack/defense foods, potions, and buffing charms!
With these well-tested picks, you‘ll shine bright even in the dark. Now, let‘s begin the round…
Following the Markers Through the Forest
Your goal in round 2 is straightforward – follow the route markers to a hidden object. But the path is filled with surprises. Stick close as I guide you through…
Starting Out
The round begins on the riverbank, just northeast of Chinju Forest. Activate the route marker to summon your guides – ghostly blue flames.
These will float along the path you must follow. Be sure to keep them in sight! Having an archer aim down the route helps.
Cross the river carefully using Cryo to freeze platforms. Glide if needed.
Passing the Statues
Past the river, you‘ll notice an eerie statue on the road. These seem to depict various Japanese yokai – supernatural beings from folklore.
This one resembles an Oni – demon-like ogre known for trickery and causing disasters. Let it serve as a reminder to tread cautiously!
When the flames prompt you, take the road branching right after the statue. Stay alert…
Navigating the Caves
Your path next leads into a rocky area with caves. Strange sounds echo from their depths – could spirits dwell within?
While it may be tempting to explore, stick to the marked trail. The caves are intentionally baiting you.
Pass through quickly and carefully. Save your curiosity for later!
Approaching the Crevice
Near the end of the route, you‘ll notice your guides floating expectantly around a crevice in the cliffside.
Their behavior indicates this is your destination. Move closer to find a prompt to investigate…
Examining the Hidden Object
Interact with the prompt to enter the crevice. Look around the small space until you spot the hidden object.
Based on in-game dialogue, it appears to be a decorative fan preparing for a festival. Could these trials relate to some ceremonial ritual after all?
Regardless, interacting with the object completes round 2! Exit the crevice to collect your rewards.
Round 2 Rewards and Farming Tips
After investigating the fan, you‘ll receive:
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60 Courage Sigils
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20,000 Mora
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Event-exclusive ascend materials
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Average 2-3 drops per round based on community data
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Recommended to farm ~15 rounds daily for max shop purchases
Sigils redeem prizes in the event shop, like crowns, talent books, weapon exp, and more. Prioritize goods hard to farm elsewhere.
20,000 Mora per round also adds up quickly! Even endgame players need mora, so repeat the trial often. Just be sure to spend those sigils.
With smart farming, you‘ll empty the shop and have your characters fighting fit in no time.
Avoiding Common Round 2 Mistakes
While conceptually simple, it‘s easy to slip up on certain details in round 2:
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Forgetting to activate Elemental Vision. The routes are much harder to follow without it!
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Losing track of the ghostly flame guides. Stick close to them at all times.
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Taking the wrong path when prompted. Move carefully and double check each prompt.
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Letting your guard down before reaching the crevice. Enemies can still ambush you.
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Missing the hidden object once inside the crevice. Explore the whole area carefully.
As long as you pay close attention to the guides, route markers, and environment, you‘ll steer clear of trouble. Co-op companions can also serve as an extra lookout.
Oh, and definitely don‘t try resting inside those scary caves. I learned that lesson the spooky way!
Further nerdy tips from a gaming geek
To fully appreciate the chilling atmosphere of this event, keep an ear out for the excellent audio design. The sounds of rustling leaves, distant howls, and spectral noises heighten the tension wonderfully.
Enemies like the Eye of the Storm also have cool ties to Japanese mythology. Look into their real-life inspiration sometime!
While stressful, solving the navigation challenges each round provides a nice change of pace from regular combat. The developers really succeeded in crafting an immersive experience.
Finally, don‘t forget to snap some pics with your best creeped out face as a keepsake! Or take dazzling team photos under the glow of candlelight…
Now Go Bravely into the Night!
The ghoulish unknown awaits, fellow traveler. But with the insights above, the second round will be cleared in no time. Your courage will be tested, but the rewards are well worth it.
Remember to stick to the path, have faith in your friends, and keep your wits about you. This darkness hides both secrets and strength for those bold enough to seek them out.
I‘ll be right here cheering you on if you need any other tips. Let me know how your adventure goes, and if you discover more of the forest‘s mysterious past along the way! Stay tuned for my upcoming guide to round three as well.
Now get out there, be brave, and claim those sigils! Darkness doesn‘t stand a chance against travelers like us. Happy haunting!
