The Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device is a challenging boss introduced in Genshin Impact’s version 5.1. This enemy is difficult to locate and even tougher to beat due to its incredible resistance, but it has a hidden vulnerability. With the right team and tactics, you can easily take down the Secret Source Automaton.
This guide will help you find and defeat the Secret Source Automaton in Genshin Impact.
Finding the Secret Source Automaton in Genshin Impact
You can find this boss in the Natlan region, known as the “nation of fire,” located in the southwestern part of the world map. Specifically, the boss arena is situated in the Toyac Springs area, close to the Statue of the Seven. Even if you haven’t discovered the boss yet, its icon can already be seen on your map.
But before you rush towards that icon, keep in mind that the boss arena is located in an underwater cave, which you can only access through a secret route. To find it, teleport to the waypoint north of the Secret Source Automaton—make sure it’s the above-ground waypoint. From there, look south; you should see a narrow wooden bridge. Head toward that bridge, then drop down to the side.
Cautiously glide through the narrow passage beneath this bridge. Avoid jumping without gliding, as the fall could be damaging. Once you reach the bottom of the chasm, follow the tunnel to find both the teleport waypoint and the Secret Source Automaton boss.
Defeating the Secret Source Automaton in Genshin Impact
Now that you know where to find the Secret Source Automaton, it’s time to tackle this formidable robot. While the Automaton primarily inflicts Electro damage, it boasts significant resistance to all damage types—not just Electro. Fortunately, this means you don’t have to stick to a specific elemental team, but it also implies that no single element is particularly effective against this boss.
The good news is that the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device has a weakness. During the fight, it will enter a “charging phase” to prepare for a large area-of-effect attack called the Boltsphere Cannon. When this happens, two orange pillars will emerge on the field. At this point, you need to climb these pillars and smash the small charging devices. This action not only interrupts the charging process but also paralyzes the Automaton, significantly reducing its resistance for a few moments.
Breaking the two charging devices (one on each pillar) is your key to victory, but you might be wondering how to get there. Climbing the orange pillars in the usual way isn’t possible; instead, you’ll need to utilize character abilities. Don’t worry; there are several characters that can help:
- Kachina’s Turbo Twirly: Use Kachina’s elemental skill to ride up the pillars. Simply hop on top of the charging devices to destroy them; this is likely the fastest and easiest method to paralyze the Automaton.
- Xilonen’s Blade Roller: Similar to Kachina, you can use Xilonen’s elemental skill to ascend the pillars and smash the devices.
- Geo Constructs: Alternatively, characters like Zhongli, Albedo, or Geo Traveler can create Geo platforms. Ensure they’re positioned close enough to one of the orange pillars, then climb the Geo construct and leap onto the pillar.
- Anemo Wind Current Skills: If you prefer not to use Geo characters, Anemo characters such as Kazuha, Wanderer, Venti, and Xiao can generate wind currents to help you ascend.
Keep in mind that you must stand directly on top of the pillars to destroy the charging devices. Even if an attack seems visually effective, such as Zhongli’s Ultimate, it won’t register as a hit unless you’re standing on the device. Save your range and area-of-effect attacks for the Secret Source Automaton itself after it has been incapacitated.
