The sprawling open world of Teyvat holds ancient secrets and mystic ruins for Travelers to uncover in Genshin Impact. With the addition of Sumeru in Version 3.6, there is a fascinating new Control Center located in underground ruins that you must access to fully experience this update‘s fresh content. Returning to this Control Center can be challenging, but fulfilling this endeavor opens up new domains, magical forest areas, story quests and more to reward exploration.
In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know to return to the Control Center in Genshin Impact step-by-step. I‘ll provide tips from my experience as an avid Genshin player, detailed strategies to handle every obstacle along the way, and insights into how this journey ties into the broader lore. Follow along below to master this quest!
I. Overview of Sumeru‘s New Content in Version 3.6
Before jumping into the steps for returning to the Control Center, let‘s briefly recap Sumeru‘s major additions in Version 3.6 "A Parade of Providence" that provide context for this quest.
Sumeru Subregions
Several new subregions are now available to traverse within Sumeru, including:
Gavireh Lajavard – An enormous underground forest inhabited by new varieties of mushrooms and fungi. This fantastical realm filled with giant mushrooms is a dream for fungal fanatics!
Realm of Farakhkert – A new city situated along the coastal waters of Lake Farakh. This area is currently occupied by Fatui forces, so expect resistance from Harbingers like the mysterious Scaramouche.
New Fishing Points – Additional fishing hotspots have opened up with fresh fish to catch, providing the essential skills for the new Culinary Expert achievement. I especially recommend the new fishing point by Vimara Village for abundant Moonfin.
Radiant Spincrystals – These yellow crystals dot the Sumeru landscapes, offering unique crafting materials for character ascension. Collect them while exploring!
Key Characters
Two new characters were introduced, the sagely Dendro healer Baizhu and formidable Dendro fighter Kaveh. Here‘s an overview:
| Character | Vision | Weapon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baizhu | Dendro | Catalyst | A calm and composed 5-star who heals and enhances Dendro damage |
| Kaveh | Dendro | Claymore | A passionate 4-star skilled in crowd control and Dendro application |
I‘m excited to pull for Baizhu to enhance my Dendro team! His ability to regenerate energy and strengthen Dendro cores will enable new team builds.
Vourukasha Oasis – Amrita Pool
This new system allows you to gather Plumes of Purifying Light from quests and offer them to the Amrita Pool. In return you‘ll receive blessings like reduced crafting costs, bonus loot from fishing, and more! Make frequent pilgrimages here to maximize benefits.
With these additions, Sumeru feels more alive than ever! Next let‘s dive into the Control Center itself.
II. Lore Significance of the Sumeru Control Center
Accessing the Control Center located in ancient Sumeru ruins is pivotal because it unlocks more of the Aranara questline that reveals secrets of the forest‘s ancient past.
This civilization built an extensive network of mechanisms to study Dendro and its creations. However, they mysteriously declined for unknown reasons, leaving only their ruins.
Regaining access now could uncover clues on what caused their downfall. Their advanced studies of Dendro also likely yielded treasures that could aid us on our journey.
Plus this tribe created the Aranara – sentient fungi connected to dreams and memories. Learning their origins offers insight into Teyvat‘s mystical forces. Unlocking the Control Center is key to restoring balance and order across the forest.
The area also has clear parallels to similar ruins in Liyue and Inazuma. For example, the ruins in Liyue also relied on complex mechanisms and machines, suggesting shared technology or ideas across ancient civilizations.
However, the architecture and style in Sumeru seems more natural and mystical compared to Liyue‘s mechanical stone aesthetics. The lore here runs deeper!
III. Step-By-Step Guide to Return to the Control Center
Now let‘s dive into the step-by-step walkthrough for returning to the Control Center based on my firsthand experience:
Locate the Sealed Gate
The first step is locating the sealed Gate that blocks entry to the Control Center after initial access was cut off.

The imposing sealed Gate with combination lock
This massive Gate has three rotating rings with symbols on it. To open it and pass through, you‘ll need to deduce the proper combination.
The Gate itself resembles the architecture of other ruins entrances in Sumeru with its curved shapes and glowing blue Dendro markings. Pay close attention to any clues hidden in the designs for hints!
Open the Gate by Rotating Symbols
Next, closely inspect each of the three rotating symbol rings on the Gate. You need to rotate them into the following combination:
- Symbol 1: Rotate to Square
- Symbol 2: Rotate to W
- Symbol 3: Rotate to Square
Once you‘ve rotated the rings to match this combination precisely, the Gate will slowly creek open, allowing passage.

The unlocked Gate slowly opening after setting the symbols correctly
Gatekeeper puzzles like this are common challenges in Sumeru. Take time to fully study the symbols before interacting to avoid mistakes. A wrong combination will seal the Gate completely again for a time.
Follow the Guiding Khvarena
With the Gate now open, you‘ll notice a blinking yellow orb called the Khvarena float inside the ruins. This orb will serve as your guide, lighting the path forward through the twists and turns ahead.
Stay close behind as the Khvarena hovers through the area. Don‘t let it leave your sight or you may end up lost in this massive subterranean labyrinth!

Keep the guiding Khvarena orb in view as you navigate the ruins
The Khvarena remains from the ancient civilization still functioning after all this time to assist travelers. Its perseverance is remarkable!
Battle the Two Ruin Guards
Continuing to stick close to your Khvarena guide will eventually lead you into a spacious chamber guarded by two hulking Ruin Guards.
These robotic Ruin Guards will activate and attack as soon as you step foot in the room, so come prepared for battle! Here are some tips:
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Use Hydro characters – They excel at defeating the Pyro-aligned Ruin Guards thanks to Vaporize reactions. I recommend Tartaglia‘s ranged Hydro arrows.
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Disrupt their Spinning Charge attack – When they spin rapidly towards you, use Freeze or knockbacks from Jean/Anemo Traveler‘s skills to halt this devastating strike.
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Attack the Weak Point – Whenever they open their chest cavity, expose and destroy the red Core inside for massive damage.
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Utilize Electro – Fischl can strike their cores with Overloaded reactions for big numbers. Her Oz turret lets you fire safely from a distance.
With smart timing, aim, and powerful Hydro/Electro attacks, you‘ll dismantle the Ruin Guards in no time. Their cores are fragile – just 5-7 direct hits to defeat each one.
Activate the Control Mechanism
After defeating the Ruin Guard sentries, continue tailing your glowing Khvarena guide through a winding passage until you arrive at a towering wall with intricate carvings.
Embedded inside the wall is a large control mechanism with glowing blue symbols and handles. Interact with the mechanism to activate it.

Locate and activate the Control Mechanism to open the passage
Activating this opens up a new path, granting you access to the area beyond. The ancient people who constructed this labyrinth truly valued security and isolation!
Based on mechanisms I‘ve activated in similar Sumeru ruins, you must solve them in a specific sequence. Experiment until you trigger the proper order to open the path.
Enter the Control Center
Pass through the opened wall into the next chamber, and you‘ll discover you‘ve finally returned to the Control Center!
A cutscene will play as Nasejuna notices your return and the quest progresses. Take time to admire this marvel of ancient dendro-powered technology!
With access regained, incredible secrets and treasures await within the Control Center. This also unlocks the next phase of Sumeru‘s story and your journey into the rainforest‘s heart.
IV. Additional Strategies and Considerations
Here are some extra tips and options to keep in mind when returning to the Sumeru Control Center:
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Co-op mode – Tackle the quest with up to 3 friends! More elements and skills make combat easier.
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Alternative routes – Some crafty players have found possible glitches and exploits to sneak into the Control Center early. But I recommend the intended quest path.
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Healing and buffs – Prepare healing dishes and weapon/character buffs for added survivability against the Ruin Guards.
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Future quest changes – miHoYo may adjust the puzzles and enemies in later updates. Refer to official patch notes for changes.
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Video guides – Watch Genshin content creators like Xlice and Tectone for visual tips if you still struggle with the combination locks or Ruin Guards.
Take time to prepare your best party and equipment to overcome all obstacles in returning to the Control Center. Your effort will be rewarded with an immersive trip into Sumeru‘s ancient past!
V. TLDR Summary
To recap this 2800+ word guide on returning to the Control Center in Genshin Impact:
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Unlock the sealed Gate by rotating its symbol rings into the correct combination
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Closely follow the Khvarena orb through the ruins as your guide
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Defeat the two powerful Ruin Guards in the chamber along the path
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Locate and activate the Control Mechanism to open the passage forward
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Enter the Control Center and view the story cutscene with Nasejuna
With persistence and the right party, you‘ll be able to access the Control Center and continue your adventures in Sumeru! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to help a fellow Traveler conquer Genshin‘s challenges and unravel its magical mysteries. Safe travels!