Hidden in the heart of the Morte Region, the enigmatic Sealed Ruin Tower (also known as the Tower of Ipsissimus or Gestalt) has captivated Genshin Impact players since its discovery. This sprawling across the waters between Fontaine's two main islands, this structure isn't just another landmark—it's a gateway to secrets, lore, and formidable challenges. While its imposing silhouette beckons, the path inside is anything but straightforward, requiring a dedicated journey through intertwined quests and intricate, multi-layered puzzles. For the determined adventurer, unlocking its secrets offers a deep dive into the world of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo and the profound mysteries of Fontaine's past.
Getting to the tower itself is the first major hurdle. It's not a simple matter of walking up to the door. Access is exclusively granted through the world quest In The Wake Of Narcissus. To even begin that quest, however, players must first complete a series of other adventures that weave together Fontaine's complex narrative tapestry.
These are the key quests you need to tackle before you can even think about tackling the seals:
Ancient Colours � � � � � (no prerequisites): Find Mamere painting in Merusea Village (B).
Ann of the Narzissenkreuz � � � (no prerequisites): Find Ann (a small Oceanid) near the underwater Teleport Waypoint west of the Court of Fontaine.
Fontaine Archon Quest: Act III (To The Stars Shining In The Depths) � � � �: Progress until the 'Scenes From Life in Meropide' subquest to gain access to the Fortress.
Unfinished Comedy � �: Find and speak to Darcy in the Fortress of Meropide to meet Caterpillar.
With these completed, head to the Narzissenkreuz Ordo (underwater near the Institute of Natural Philosophy) and speak to Caterpillar. The quest to unlock the tower begins with the subquest Search in the Algae Sea. This is where the real puzzle-solving marathon kicks off. You'll need to break four ancient seals scattered across Fontaine, each protecting a part of the tower's power.
Seal One: Muse's Mother
Journey to the Statue of the Seven on a small island in the Morte Region. Nearby, a Hilichurl camp guards the entrance to ruins. Inside, you'll master the core mechanic for all seals: manipulating Feather Valves and glowing crystals to redirect waterways to a central mechanism. The puzzles here involve freeing water in different quadrants, using lifts as water vessels, and cleverly locking mechanisms in place by changing crystal states. The reward? A spectacular cutscene where the ruins flood, marking your first victory.
Seal Two: Meteoric Lance
This seal, found in a large cave on the southeastern coast south of Fort Charybdis, introduces new twists. You'll use lasers projected by orbs, manipulated via Feather Valves on towers, to activate Looking Glasses. One section requires precise timing with a Dendro bomb to sprint through closing gates. The seal also has a significant underwater component beneath the main statue, where you'll use Fontemer Aberrants like the Stingray and Octopus to fight mechs and clear seaweed, all while aligning submerged gears to guide the water flow.
Seal Three: Cupid's Lover
Venture to a cave on the coast west of Mont Automnequi's East Slopes Teleport Waypoint. A Waverider helps you navigate deep inside. This seal's challenges are uniquely aquatic and tactical. You'll fire cannons at destructible rocks, use a Jellyfish Aberrant to remotely hit crystals through gates, and even retrieve a Special Key from a windowsill to unlock blocked paths. It's a test of both puzzle logic and exploration skills.
Seal Four: Thalia and Melpomene
The final trial awaits in underwater ruins south of the Sealed Tower itself. This multi-part seal combines all previously learned mechanics. You'll align gears on cavern floors, use a Crabfish Aberrant to break rocks, collect blue crystals for mechanisms, and swim through gated passages to find another key. Persistence is key here, as you'll constantly move between the aired and submerged sections of the ruins.
With the fourth and final seal broken, the moment of truth arrives. Interacting with the fountain one last time, you'll suddenly find yourself flying through the air, drawn by an unseen force straight towards the Sealed Ruin Tower.
Entering the Tower
You'll land gracefully on the tower's roof. A small, unassuming metal door is your entry point. Stepping through triggers pivotal cutscenes that unravel the lore behind the Tower of Ipsissimus and culminate in a climactic boss battle. This isn't just the end of a puzzle chain; it's the culmination of a significant narrative arc within Fontaine, rewarding players not just with loot, but with a deeper understanding of the region's history and the fate of the Narzissenkreuz Ordo.
The journey to unlock the Sealed Ruin Tower is a testament to Genshin Impact's design—a blend of exploration, narrative, and clever environmental puzzle-solving that feels truly rewarding. For any Traveler looking to fully experience Fontaine's depths, this challenge is an absolute must. 🏰✨