The Alchemical Ascension event in Genshin Impact's Version 4.5 presents a unique and engaging challenge for players, inviting them to manage a potion shop in Mondstadt. This flagship activity, suggested by the knowledgeable librarian Lisa, revolves around cultivating ingredients, crafting diverse potions, and selling them to a fluctuating clientele. To maximize profits, adventurers must adeptly tailor their brews to meet the ever-changing demands of customers. However, the true test of one's alchemical prowess comes in the form of a series of examinations, which are crucial for progressing through the event's narrative and unlocking advanced shop functionalities.
Unlike the unpredictable nature of customer requests, these examinations are fixed challenges where players must concoct specific potions on the spot for the diligent alchemist, Sucrose. Successfully passing these tests is not merely a formality; it is the key to advancing the event's campaign, expanding your potion emporium, and gaining access to novel methods for creating these mystical solutions. Furthermore, beyond the primary requirements set by the four-star Anemo character, each exam presents secondary objectives. Accomplishing these yields additional event-exclusive currency, which is vital for acquiring coveted rewards like the Dialogues of Desert Sages polearm and purchasing various upgrades for your burgeoning shop.
๐ The Four Tiers of Alchemical Examinations
As players delve into the event's storyline, they will encounter four distinct levels of Alchemical Ascension exams, each overseen by Sucrose at predetermined moments within the mini-game's Cycles. These tiers represent a progressive journey in alchemical mastery:
-
Beginner Alchemy Exam: The first step into formal potion crafting.
-
Intermediate Alchemy Exam: A test of growing skill and ingredient knowledge.
-
Advanced Alchemy Exam: A challenge requiring precise formula execution.
-
Expert Alchemy Exam: The ultimate test of a master alchemist's capabilities.
Each examination demands the creation of a specific type of potion. It is crucial to note that these tests focus solely on the potion's core efficacy and properties. Regular bonuses, such as those provided by a potion's decorative casing or accessory charms added to the bottle, are not considered during the evaluation. The challenge lies purely in the alchemical synthesis itself.
๐งช Concocting the Perfect Potion for Sucrose
During these pivotal examinations, Sucrose will present a clear mandate: craft a potion with a set type of efficacy and, at times, specific additional characteristics. This requires a deep understanding of ingredient synergies and the optimal utilization of the alchemy pot. The process is less about aesthetic presentation and more about the precise, scientific blending of components to achieve the desired magical effect.

Knowing the exact requirements beforehand is the greatest advantage a player can have. Being prepared for Sucrose's surprise visits during your shop's operation cycles allows you to gather the necessary ingredients in advance, ensuring a smooth and successful examination without disrupting your business flow.
๐ Examination Overview & Strategic Ingredients
The table below provides a comprehensive guide to all four Alchemical Ascension exams. It details their occurrence within the event's Cycles, the Primary and Secondary objectives for each, and recommends the optimal ingredients to use for guaranteed success.
| Exam Tier | Cycle Occurrence | Primary Objective | Secondary Objective | Recommended Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Early Cycle 2 | Craft a Potion of Vigor | Use 2 Sweet Flower types | Mint, Sweet Flower, Berry |
| Intermediate | Late Cycle 3 | Craft a Potion of Insight | Achieve 'Pure' quality | Lavender Melon, Calla Lily, Windwheel Aster |
| Advanced | Mid Cycle 5 | Craft a Potion of Haste | Use a Rare-tier ingredient | Valberry, Small Lamp Grass, Cecilia |
| Expert | Final Cycle | Craft a Potion of Fortitude | Max out all efficacy bars | Qingxin, Silk Flower, Glaze Lily |
๐ก Pro Tips for Flawless Exam Performance
While passing these exams is generally straightforward with proper preparation, a few strategic insights can make the process effortless and ensure you complete all secondary goals for maximum reward.
-
Plan Your Cycles: Anticipate Sucrose's arrival. Use the cycles before an exam to specifically cultivate and harvest the ingredients you will need, rather than focusing solely on profit-driven potions.
-
Ignore Cosmetic Upgrades: Remember, the exam only judges the potion's core properties. Do not waste resources on casings or charms for your exam submission.
-
Master the Alchemy Pot: Practice the timing and order of adding ingredients to maximize efficacy levels, which is often key to hitting secondary objectives like 'Pure' quality.
-
Stockpile Rare Ingredients: Keep a small reserve of harder-to-find ingredients like Qingxin or Valberry once you unlock them, so you're never caught unprepared for an Advanced or Expert exam.

By internalizing these strategies and preparation methods, players can confidently approach each of Sucrose's evaluations. This mastery allows them to breeze through the Alchemical Ascension event's challenges, secure all exclusive rewards, and fully develop their Mondstadt potion shop into a thriving enterprise. The event stands as a testament to Genshin Impact's enduring ability to weave compelling, skill-based mini-games into its expansive open-world tapestry, offering a delightful diversion that rewards careful planning and alchemical knowledge.
