OMG, you guys, I finally got around to fully exploring Watatsumi Island in Genshin Impact, and let me tell you, it's still one of the most stunning places in all of Teyvat! I hopped in my Waverider and sailed to the far eastern edge, and the view from the highest point is absolutely breathtaking. It's like stepping into an underwater dreamscape with giant coral mountains and these ethereal, jellyfish-like spirits floating in the sky. So aesthetically pleasing! And right there, on a smaller island to the northeast, lies one of the coolest (and trickiest) domains: the Palace in a Pool. When I first arrived, I saw this well-like structure surrounded by Electro pillars, but the domain entrance was totally submerged. Like, hello, I'm not a fish! I knew I had to drain that pool, and figuring it out was such a satisfying puzzle. Here's my 2026 guide to conquering it, from draining the water to the final boss fight.

Step 1: Draining The Pool ⚡🌊

The key is those Electro weathervanes around the pool. You gotta align them all to point toward the center. My pro-tip? Grab an Electrogranum from outside the puzzle area first. Its charge lets you pull the weathervane arrows toward you. Align one, then use that sweet grapple mechanic to zip across the pool to the next one. This way, you won't accidentally mess up the alignment you just set. Trust me, it saves so much frustration!

Once all the vanes are aligned, the Electro pillars unlock. Time to bring out your best Electro archer (Yae Miko, Fischl, whoever you vibe with) and activate all of them. Boom! The water level drops by half. But we're not done yet! You gotta jump into the pool and swim through the flooded corridors. It's a bit of a maze, but here's the route:

• Swim to the end of the long hallway.

• Find the tree root and climb up to the next floor.

• On this floor, activate three wall switches to open the next area.

• Climb up again to the third floor.

Here, you'll find the final cube-shaped switch. Hit it, and watch the rest of the water disappear! Finally, the domain entrance is accessible. Major slay! ✨

Step 2: Navigating The Domain Puzzle 🧩

Okay, inside the domain, it's all about sliding walls and finding keys. The vibe is very mysterious temple. You'll face Cryo and Hydro enemies, so my team comp was Pyro (for melt) and Electro (for electro-charged). Hu Tao and Raiden Shogun carried me, fr.

The puzzle sequence goes like this:

1. Ignore the first blocked sliding walls and proceed until you defeat the initial group of enemies.

2. Face the room with three sliding walls.

   • First, open the wall on the right. Destroy all the paper curtains inside. This unblocks a track.

   • Next, slide open the middle wall. Grab the first key piece you find here! 🗝️

   • Then, open the wall on the left and destroy the paper curtains in that room too.

3. Now, go back to the wall near where you fought the first enemies. It should be movable now! Slide it open.

4. On the other side, you'll see a locked doorway with two locks. Peek to the left of it—the second key piece is right there.

5. Finally, return to the very first sliding wall that was blocked at the start. It's now open! Go through and grab the key on the other side.

With both key pieces in hand, head back to that locked door. It's boss time! 😤

Step 3: The Final Battle Strategy 🥶⚡

This fight is no joke. You're up against a Mirror Maiden and two waves of Treasure Hoarders.

Wave 1: The first three Treasure Hoarders use Cryo bombs. Combined with the Mirror Maiden's Hydro attacks, this can perma-freeze you, which is a total mood killer. Priority #1: Take out these Hoarders FAST! Use your Pyro characters to melt them before they can crowd control you.

Wave 2: The next set of Hoarders throws Electro bombs. While the Electro-Charged reaction hurts, at least you won't be frozen solid. You can still focus them down, but keep an eye on the Maiden. She has this attack that can hold you in place (you can still attack, but can't move). Just stay agile, dodge her telegraphed moves, and whittle down her health.

My battle recap:

• Team: Hu Tao (Pyro DPS), Raiden Shogun (Electro support/Burst), Zhongli (Shield bot, because safety first!), Bennett (Healer/ATK buffer).

• Strategy: Zhongli's shield up at all times! Use Raiden's skill for off-field Electro, then swap to Hu Tao for vaporize/melt reactions. Bennett's burst for emergency heals and damage boost. Focus fire on the adds, then gang up on the Mirror Maiden.

Completing this domain feels so rewarding. The loot is great, and the puzzle design is chef's kiss. If you haven't tackled Palace in a Pool yet in 2026, you're missing out on one of Inazuma's best challenges. Go get that treasure, besties! 💖

TL;DR: Align vanes, drain pool, solve sliding wall puzzle for keys, fight Mirror Maiden + Hoarders. Bring Pyro/Electro. You got this!