How to Unlock the Fortress of Meropide in Genshin Impact

Nothing screams “bad vacation spot” quite like an underwater prison. Foreshadowing from the citizens of Fontaine makes it clear that The Fortress of Meropide is best avoided, but it wouldn’t be Genshin Impact if we passed up an adventure. From the twisted justice system to the chilly waters of the deep, everything about this Genshin Impact location reads “threat.” Unfortunately, if you want to progress the Traveler’s adventures, you’re going to need to unravel the secrets of HoYoverse‘s sunken fortress. Pack some scuba gear. Here’s how to unlock The Fortress of Meropide in Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact: Fortress of Meropide Guide

(Updated on June 3rd, 2024 – updated and reorganized quest steps)

The simplest way to enter Fortress Meropide is to get caught. You won’t win any super special spy points for tripping the alarm, but if all you care about is getting in, it’s a decent plan. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Teleport to the Statue of the Seven – Liffey Region
2. Jump into the water to start diving and swim West
3. Approach the lighthouse and allow the surveillance light to catch you
4. After the alarm triggers, you’ll be transported inside Fortress Meropide

This method is almost as easy as claiming Daily Log-In Rewards, but it results in an interrogation by Ms. Monglane. Avoiding that takes a little work, but there are other options for determined Travelers.

Infiltrate the Prison

If you want to infiltrate the prison but haven’t reached the Achon Quest: Chapter 4, Act 3: To the Stars Shining in the Depths, there’s a second option. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Follow the first two infiltration steps explained above
2. Instead of allowing the surveillance lights to catch you, avoid them
3. Swim to the bottom where you will find a cave
4. Enter the cave, swim to the end, and interact with The Fortress Meropide Guard

This method grants you access to the prison reception without needing to get caught by the surveillance system. There’s one more way to unlock The Fortress of Meropide in Genshin Impact, however.

To the Stars Shining in the Depths

If you’ve already advanced as far as To the Stars Shining in the Depths, that quest will take you directly to the underwater prison. As usual, Paimon offers little to no help when it comes to keeping the Traveler out of trouble. Good thing you have a great team to count on. Here are the steps you need to follow for the quest:

1. Follow Paimon’s suggestion to rest at the Spina di Rosula in the Court of Fontaine
2. After a few days, an NPC will tell you that Neuvillette wants to speak with you at Palais Mermonia
3. At Palais Mermonia, Neuvillette will ask for your help to find Childe in The Fortress of Meropide.
4. Accept the mission and you wait a few days in-game while Neuvillete charges Paimon and the Traveler for false charges
5. Go to Café Lutece and chat with Charlotte about Wriothesley
6. Accompany Neuvillette to the entrance of The Fortress of Meropide (behind Opera Epiclese)

False charges and underwater imprisonment are only the start of your bad day at Meropide, but at least you’re closer to finding Childe now. It seems Mondstadt was the least of the Traveler’s problems. Let’s hope Liffey is kinder.

Genshin Impact is available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Mobile.