How to get to the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device boss in Genshin Impact

Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device is a Genshin Impact boss that can be found in Natlan. It drops the Gold-Inscribed Secret Source Code, a character Ascension material used by Xilonen and possibly others in the future. This boss has some quirky mechanics, so read on to know all about it.

Where to find the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device in Genshin Impact

At first glance, the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device looks like it's located in the middle of the ocean, but you don't have to swim or transform into a Koholasaur or ride a Waverider to get to it. Instead, there's a simple path you can take from a hidden cave entrance.

Start by heading to the location circled above, east of the Ameyalco Waters. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself on a wooden bridge overlooking the ocean.

Pay attention to the area under the bridge. You'll find a small gap that leads to an underground cave. Plunge downward to enter the cave with a direct path to the boss' lair.

Once inside the cave, follow the path forward to find the clearing housing the boss. Don't forget to activate the Teleport Waypoint for convenient farming.

As of Version 5.0, you no longer have to wait two minutes for boss respawns. After defeating the boss, teleport anywhere outside of the cave, then teleport back inside to trigger the boss to respawn without any extra waiting time.

How to defeat the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device & farm Gold-Inscribed Secret Source Code in Genshin Impact

The Gold-Inscribed Secret Source Code can be obtained by defeating the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device and opening its Trounce Blossom using 40 Original Resin. This boss battle is a little trickier than the previous few bosses, but it's a fun experience if you like interesting mechanics.

Upon starting the battle, you'll notice that the boss has an energy gauge. This gauge is filled whenever you're using a character with Nightsoul mode, which is a trait unique to Natlan characters. However, make sure to check your character's skill descriptions to ensure they can enter this state. When the gauge is filled up, the boss will be stunned for a few seconds.

You don't need to bring a Nightsoul character to this battle. It's completely optional and I didn't feel that it impacted the overall difficulty.

The Secret Source Automaton will also summon two pillars a few times in the battle. Each pillar houses one Accretion Mechanism, which you can only break using a close-range attack. The caveat is that you cannot physically climb the pillars, so you have to come up with creative ways to climb. Some of my favorite ways include:

• Use Kachina's skill to climb up.
• Use characters with vertical mobility, like Wanderer, Xianyun, and Xiao.
• Use the always-useful tall Geo Constructs, such as Zhongli's pillar, Albedo's flower, and Geo Traveler's boulder.

You only have to worry about climbing one pillar, as you can glide to the next one. By successfully destroying the two Accretion Mechanisms, the boss will be paralyzed for a few moments.

Alternatively, you can completely ignore the pillars and use an archer or long-ranged mage like Ningguang to swipe the boss in the air. By failing to break the Mechanisms, the boss will attack you more times, but you can easily mitigate the situation by using a shielder.

For more on Natlan, check out our Genshin Impact Remnants of the Secret Source puzzle solution – Natlan Archon Quest here on Pro Game Guides.