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It’s easy to judge the size of Genshin Impact 4.0’s Fontaine region by looking at the world map. By comparing it to the other zones, the Hydro region looks a good deal smaller than the rest. However, much like the secret tunnels of Sumeru, Fontaine holds a secret that vastly increases its size. For the first time, Genshin Impact players can dive beneath the water’s surface, exploring locations in a completely new way. While this may seem like just another new mechanic, it adds a huge level of depth that we haven’t seen implemented in a long time. Here are some reasons why Genshin Impact 4.0’s diving mechanic in Fontaine breathes new life into the series.
A New Diving Mechanic Comes to Genshin Impact 4.0
Added in Genshin Impact Version 4.0, after visiting Fontaine for the first time, players are granted the ability to dive. Now, hidden deep in the water are massive locations with hidden chests, puzzles, and more. These new areas function almost the same as land-based zones, with the only difference lying in how you explore them. Of course, like every area added to the game, the new water zones introduce some fun mechanics that are special to them as well. Additionally, when in water, the Traveler will have a brand new Aquatic Stamina bar. This acts in tandem with the old stamina bar, specifically covering water-based activities. Although it’s easy to focus on the size of Genshin Impact 4.0’s Fontaine region, these additions are massive improvements.
Under-Water Exploration Naturally Increases Map Size
Firstly, Genshin Impact patches have always needed to strike a delicate balance when adding new zones. To make a perfect addition, these areas need to be both accessible and fun to explore. The deserts of Sumeru, and especially its tunnel systems are difficult to navigate, with most of the content being hidden underground. This makes for a frustrating experience just trying to reach something to do. Additionally, exploring the desert is a chore, with a lot of subterranean tunnels needing a very specific entrance to reach. On the other hand, Genshin Impact 4.0 and Fontaine aces the formula of subterranean zones by making the transition to underwater content fast and seamless through diving. Players can simply enter the water at any given point, without needing to navigate a huge desert to find their objective. Already, Genshin Impact’s diving mechanic is a huge step up over Sumeru.
Genshin Impact 4.0’s diving mechanic also adds to a way of map design that started in previous patches. With a few exceptions, many Genshin Impact regions are explored horizontally. Players are expected to walk across massive flat landscapes, to get from one point to another. Occasionally, players are expected to climb a mountain, but for the most part, their y-axis rarely changes dramatically. However, Fontaine’s diving adds a whole new dimension of verticality that adds so much to the experience. Being able to explore a large open-world ocean with the omnidirectional attributes of swimming helps make Genshin Impact feel both free and refreshing.
Diving Mechanics Fit Well In Genshin Impact 4.0
Additionally, diving in Genshin Impact’s Fontaine is one of the largest mechanical changes to movement the game has seen. Throughout Genshin Impact’s lifetime, one thing that has rarely changed is movement. Even swimming, despite being extremely frustrating at times, has never received any big updates. Now, HoYoverse has finally made some huge changes to movement for the better, the biggest being the Aquatic Stamina bar. This makes navigating Genshin Impact’s many water sources so much easier. Although it does take away a little bit from things like the Waverider, the boat still has its uses. Namely, it can move much faster than the player can swim. Diving fits so well in Genshin Impact, that it’s surprising that something like this wasn’t added sooner.
In the end, some bad things come with Genshin Impact 4.0’s diving mechanic. Exploring underwater can be a bit frustrating and tricky at times. Although the controls are good, swimming in video games can be difficult to wrap your head around sometimes. Additionally, underwater mechanics can be hard to pull off. However, by weighing both the good and bad sides, it’s easy to see that diving was a great choice to add. Hopefully, future Genshin Impact 4.0 updates continue to bring new mechanics as Fontaine’s underwater exploration.
