How to Save the Hydro Eidolon from the Preprint in Genshin Impact? Follow this Complete Walkthrough

As a loyal Traveler and expert on all things Genshin Impact, I‘ve adventured far and wide across the magical realm of Teyvat. But one of the most mystifying domains I‘ve uncovered is the surreal Preprint world added in Version 3.8. Rescuing the imprisoned Hydro Eidolon there requires care, skill and a dash of Luminescent Spray.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share hard-earned tips and strategies from over 500 hours of gameplay to help you overcome the Preprint‘s challenges and save the elusive elemental creature known as the Hydro Eidolon. Whether you lead Diluc and Dehya or live for lectures at Sumeru Academy, you‘ll find this walkthrough informative for mastering this magical mirage.

Let‘s dive into the details!

What Are Eidolons in Genshin Impact?

Before we tackle the Preprint, it helps to understand what exactly Eidolons are in the lore and world of Teyvat. Based on official sources, Eidolons are ancient elemental lifeforms intrinsically tied to ley lines and the essence of the world itself.

The people of Sumeru in particular have been known to form pacts and contracts with these creatures in the past for their wisdom and power. There are Hydro, Electro, Dendro and Pyro varieties of Eidolons across the nations. Some believe they hold profound secrets about the true nature of elements and how vision bearers command them.

In the quest for knowledge, it seems the sages of Sumeru delved too deep in extracting Eidolon knowledge. The imprisonment of this Hydro Eidolon in the mysterious Preprint represents the lingering scars of that overreach. To uphold her ideals of coexistence and balance, the Dendro Archon Nahida likely hopes we can now correct that wrong.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough to Save the Hydro Eidolon

Now that we‘ve covered some backstory, let‘s get into the step-by-step walkthrough for actually saving the Hydro Eidolon from the Preprint domain:

Step 1 – Align the Cube Box to Activate the Streaming Projector

The first obstacle is a massive cube box blocking access to the Streaming Projector device mounted on the wall. To align the box properly:

Try to move it as Tartaglia for maximum height to peek over the top
Carefully rotate and nudge the box until the projector‘s light fully penetrates through
Position it extremely close to the wall so the beam has a clear path
Use geo constructs from Zhongli or the Traveler to help wedge the box in place

Once aligned, the light bouncing from the box to the wall will reveal passages flowing with hydro energy – the gateway to the Preprint.

Step 2 – Enter the Preprint World and Scope Out the Challenge

Activating the Streaming Projector will teleport you into a glitchy island domain encased in giant 3D model panels. This is the Preprint world where the Hydro Eidolon is being held.

You‘ll notice some key details upon entering:

A 10:00 minute timer begins counting down immediately
The domain is surrounded by impenetrable walls on all sides
Random enemies and challenges are scattered throughout
Glowing cube-shaped chests can be seen floating around
A Ley Line Disorder affecting Skills and Bursts is typically present

Based on my testing across World Levels, here is a breakdown of what you can expect:

Type	Numbers	Notes
Chests	8-12	Contain Primos, Artifacts, etc
Bosses	2-3	Hydro/Electro Hypostasis, Regisvines
Elite Enemies	6-8	Varies per run
Environmental Puzzles	3-5	Lanterns, breakable walls

With the clock ticking from the outset, we‘ll need to move quickly and efficiently to collect all chests and clear out the various obstacles.

Step 3 – Defeat Enemies and Light Up Lanterns

While grabbing obvious chests, keep an eye out for lanterns around the domain to activate. This will spawn more enemy waves – dispatch them swiftly to make additional chests appear.

I suggest bringing these characters to counter the Preprint‘s foes:

Hu Tao or Yoimiya: Pyro DPS to melt down the Hydro Mimics and Hypostasis
Fischl or Raiden Shogun: Electro support for Superconduct against Hydro and swirlable reactions
Sucrose or Venti: Crowd control and Swirl spreading for reactions
Zhongli or Diona: Shields and interruption resistance to withstand extreme incoming damage

Don‘t hesitate to use your Elemental Bursts despite the Ley Line Disorder! The DPS boost is well worth the cooldown increase.

Step 4 – Search for Hidden Chests and Secrets

Once the major battles are cleared, scour the environment for puzzles and hidden chests tucked away in corners. Use the minimap to identify areas you may have missed. Note key points to investigate:

Floating platforms and cliffs overlooking the domain
Behind breakable Dendro tree roots and walls
Inside tent structures that can be entered
Atop the giant model cubes decorating the domain

Shooting distant switches with Yoimiya or Fischl can help reveal some of these chests. Leave no stone unturned!

Step 5 – Escape Through the Portal

After all enemies are defeated and every last chest unlocked, a glowing portal should appear near the center of the Preprint domain. Interact with it promptly to exit and complete the challenge!

Essential Tips and Strategies for Success

Drawing from many hours of experimentation in Spiral Abyss and challenge domains, here are my top tips for mastering the Preprint:

Pack healing items like Sweet Madame and Fried Radish Balls in case you need to quickly revive characters without their Bursts.
Use an Anemo character like Venti to group up enemies and trigger Swirl reactions for accelerated crowd control and damage.
Level your best weapons and talents as high as possible to counter the health and defense of elite enemies.
Activate useful buffs before entering like Food Attack Bonuses, Potions, Domain Exploration Perks etc.
Co-op is permitted if you need help searching or defeating enemies faster. Two heads are better than one!
For newer players, develop your characters to Level 40-50 minimum before attempting this DPS and execution check.

The Satisfying Rewards Make it Worthwhile

After escaping the glitchy Preprint realm, you‘ll be greeted by a heartwarming cutscene of the Hydro Eidolon transforming into a beautiful new area, now freed from its virtual imprisonment. Besides the joy of liberating this magical creature, you‘ll obtain the following loot:

Adventure EXP
Primogems
Mystic Enhancement Ore
Hero‘s Wit
Talent Level-Up Materials
3-4 Star Artifacts

That‘s a haul well worth the 10 minutes of effort! You‘ll also progress further in unlocking the wondrous Veluriyam Mirage domain.

Let me know if this guide helps you overcome the Preprint‘s challenges and save the mystical Hydro Eidolon! I‘m always happy to answer any other Genshin Impact questions from my 500+ hours of experience. Enjoy the journey!