Genshin Impact’s Operation Downpour Simulation is a strategic tabletop event introduced in Version 5.6. Set in Fontaine, the event features a series of tactical stages where players deploy units like Hilichurls, Ruin Guards, Specters, and Mimics to destroy enemy formations. Spanning 11 PvE challenges and an asynchronous PvP mode, this event rewards players who can adapt their tactics to shifting battlefield conditions.
Whether you’re aiming to optimize your deployment or understand unit mechanics better, this guide will walk you through everything needed to succeed.
Event Requirements and Overview
To participate in the event, players must:
- Reach Adventure Rank 20 or above
- Complete Archon Quest Prologue: Act III
- (Recommended) Finish Fontaine’s “Masquerade of the Guilty” quest
- Speak to Turenna in Romaritime Harbor to begin the simulation
Event Duration: May 19 to June 3, 2025
Rewards Include: Primogems, Mora, Talent Ascension Materials, Hero’s Wit, Mystic Enhancement Ore
How the Simulation Works
Operation Downpour functions like an auto-battler or tabletop wargame:
- Players deploy up to five units at a time in designated zones
- Units act autonomously based on their type and traits:
- Melee Units (e.g., Hilichurl Fighters, Ruin Guards): Advance directly and destroy obstacles
- Ranged Units (e.g., Electro Samachurls, Cryo Specters): Hold position and attack within range
- Special Units (e.g., Hydro Mimic Finch): Trigger effects like AoE damage upon defeat
Victory is achieved by eliminating all enemy units and structures, or progressing further than the opposing side in PvP simulations.
Read More: Mavuika Genshin Impact Guide: Best Builds, Weapons, Teams & Combos
Stage-by-Stage Strategy Guide
Each stage below provides a detailed explanation followed by clearly structured bullet points to help beginners and experienced players alike.
Stage 1: Frontline Formation
This stage is meant to ease you into the mechanics. You’ll face two Cryo Whopperflowers blocking your path. Use melee to draw their attention and ranged to take them out. After the Whopperflowers are eliminated, your melee units will proceed to destroy the barricades.
Strategy:
- Place 2 Hilichurl Fighters at the top to engage Whopperflowers.
- Place 2 Electro Samachurls below the right Whopperflower for safe damage.
- After defeating the enemies, Fighters will advance to destroy the wooden barricade.
Stage 2: Thrust and Volley Combined
You’re now facing Hydro Slimes and Pyro Potioneers, with wooden barriers in the way. Pyro units are ideal for burning the obstacles, while Ruin Guards hold the front line.
Strategy:
- Place 2 Ruin Guards in the middle lanes to tank incoming damage.
- Position 3 Hilichurl Grenadiers between them to burn through wooden obstacles.
- Grenadiers stay safe behind Guards while removing barriers and damaging enemies.
Stage 3: Siege Strategies
Flying units come into play. Cryo Specters are not targeted by Lawachurls, which gives you an advantage early on.
Strategy:
- Deploy 3 Cryo Specters at the bottom to harass enemies safely.
- After weakening the Lawachurl, place 1 Ruin Guard in the center.
- Add 1 Electro Samachurl beside the Guard to help finish off remaining foes.
Stage 4: Studies in Momentum
This stage features a Mek that targets flying units first. So you need to delay airborne deployment and use terrain-breaking units wisely.
Strategy:
- Start with 1 Electro Cicin in the bottom center to bait and weaken early threats.
- After the first Cryo Whopperflower falls, place 1 Eroding Avatar of Lava in the same slot to smash obstacles.
- Deploy 2 Hilichurl Fighters behind the Avatar to help move forward.
- Drop remaining pieces only after the second layer of obstacles is cleared.
Stage 5: A Tactician’s Breastplate
Shackling Mines add a delay to melee units, and enemies are spread across the field. You’ll need a split approach.
Strategy:
- Place 2 Hilichurl Fighters at the bottom to engage the Meks.
- Add 2 Cryo Specters at the top corners to eliminate Hydro Slimes.
- Some Fighters will be immobilized by mines, but others will get through.
Stage 6: To the Trenches
This introduces the Hydro Mimic Finch, which deals AoE damage on death. Mines are also present, so barrier-clearing is key.
Strategy:
- Start with Grenadiers in the bottom-right and top-left corners to destroy barriers.
- After one lane clears, deploy 1 Hydro Mimic Finch in that path to deliver AoE.
- Follow with other units for final cleanup.
Stage 7: Grand Armies
Enemies are split into sides protected by barricades, requiring coverage across multiple lanes.
Strategy:
- Position 2 Ruin Guards in the middle to draw aggro.
- Place Electro Samachurls to the left and right to provide ranged support.
- Drop 1 Hilichurl Fighter at the bottom-right for added pressure.
Stage 8: More Firepower, Fewer Casualties
This stage adds multiple barricades and strong enemies in all lanes. Burn through them using a balanced approach.
Strategy:
- Place 1 Electro Samachurl on each flank to hit Lawachurls.
- Drop 1 Ruin Guard in the bottom lane to tank Pyro Potioneers.
- Add 2 Hilichurl Grenadiers behind the Guard to burn barriers.
Stage 9: Like Mountain Raindrops
A Suppression Mek appears and poses a threat to flying units. Use ground units early, then bring in aerial support.
Strategy:
- Place 1 Eroding Avatar of Lava middle-left to open paths.
- Deploy 1 Cryo Specter at the top-left and another at the bottom for air coverage.
- Add 2 Hilichurl Fighters to target the Cryo Whopperflowers.
Stage 10: Like Peeling an Onion
Enemies are dispersed, with mines and barricades across the field. You’ll need AoE and smart timing.
Strategy:
- Start with 1 Hydro Mimic Finch on the left and 1 on the right to hit Potioneers.
- Deploy Electro Cicins in bottom corners to target barricades.
- Add 1 Ruin Guard in the center after Finches hit the Whopperflowers.
Stage 11: Dispersing the Morning Mist
The final, most complex stage. A mix of barricades, flying threats, and mines make this the hardest round.
Strategy:
- Place 1 Eroding Avatar at the top and another on the left to break openings.
- Add 1 Hilichurl Grenadier top-left to help destroy the barricade.
- Drop 1 Hydro Mimic Finch to handle the Lawachurl, then the Mek.
- Use Cryo Specters bottom-left and bottom-right to target Slimes and Potioneers.
PvP Mode – Confrontation Scenario
In this asynchronous PvP challenge, players set up their own defense layouts and attack those created by others.
Key Features:
- Six Defense Templates: Choose one of six prebuilt layouts for your base
- Custom Placement: Strategically assign traps, units, and structures
- Balanced Offense: Mix melee and ranged units for effective assaults
- Simulated Replays: Watch AI-powered simulations (note: results can vary with each run)
Win Condition: Either fully destroy the opponent’s base or progress farther than them within the timer.
Tip: Points are awarded win or lose—there’s no penalty for defeats.
Rewards
Here’s what you can earn by completing stages and performing well in PvP:
- Primogems
- Hero’s Wit
- Mora
- Talent Ascension Materials
Later stages and PvP wins offer increased rewards.
Quick Tips for Success
- Pair Units Wisely: Use tanks like Ruin Guards to shield ranged attackers
- Time Deployments: Stagger unit placement to maintain momentum
- Replay PvP Attempts: Watch your defenses and adjust traps as needed
- Prioritize Stages: Focus on those awarding Primogems and Talent Materials first
Operation Downpour blends Genshin Impact’s combat mechanics with deep tactical layers. Understanding how unit traits interact with terrain and enemy layout is the key to winning all stages—whether in PvE or PvP. Take your time, adapt your strategy, and collect those valuable upgrade rewards.
