Genshin Impact Stage 1: Teams and Strategy Guide for Of Thorns and Crowns

The Of Thorns and Crowns event is one of the thrilling new additions introduced in version 5.0 of Genshin Impact. This combat-centric event comprises five stages, with each stage split into two distinct modes. Participants are required to defeat enemies and achieve specific objectives during the first round to earn unique buffs that enhance scoring in the second round.

Effective team-building strategies and thoughtful planning are crucial for creating optimal teams for both phases. It’s essential that the teams can complete objectives quickly while being able to capitalize on the acquired buffs.

This article offers a concise guide on team setups and strategies for Stage 1 of the “Of Thorns and Crowns” event in Genshin Impact.

Genshin Impact: Overview and Duration of the Of Thorns and Crowns Event

The “Of Thorns and Crowns” event will run from September 20, 2024, at 10 am (UTC+8) to September 30, 2024, at 3:59 am (UTC+8). To participate, players must have reached at least Adventure Rank 20 and completed the Archon Quest Prologue: Act III, titled “Song of the Dragon and Freedom.”

The event features five distinct stages, each becoming available over five days. As mentioned, every stage includes two separate combat modes: Trial of Thorns and Canticle of Crowns.

During the Trial of Thorns mode, players must fulfill specific objectives within a designated time frame. Successfully doing so will earn players buffs that can be utilized in the Canticle of Crowns mode. The more effectively you complete your objectives in the Trial of Thorns, the more buffs you’ll have access to in Canticle of Crowns.

In the Canticle of Crowns mode, players are required to make full use of the buffs obtained and defeat as many enemies as possible before time runs out. The number of enemies defeated directly influences your score, which leads to better rewards.

Stage 1 Teams and Strategy Guide for Of Thorns and Crowns in Genshin Impact

Trial of Thorns

In the Trial of Thorns section of Stage 1, your goal is to break the Geo shields of 10 Praetorian Golems within the time limit. Successfully accomplishing this will grant you all available buffs for the Canticle of Crowns mode.

The Geo shields of the Praetorian Golem can be easily shattered by using a Geo character, particularly those wielding a Claymore. The provided trial characters, Navia and Kachina, can also be employed to complete this challenge swiftly. Other viable options include Zhongli, Arataki Itto, and Noelle.

Here are some recommended team setups that you can utilize to accomplish this objective:

Zhongli, Navia, Kachina, Bennett
Zhongli, Arataki Itto, Kachina, Bennett
Noelle, Kachina, Guide Itto, Xiangling
Navia, Bennett, Xiangling, Kachina
Itto, Arataki; Navia; Kachina; Bennett

Quickly swapping between characters to deploy their Elemental Skills and Bursts will help deal damage to the enemy’s shields and defeat them promptly, allowing you to meet the Trial’s objective and gain maximum buffs.

After successfully completing the Trial of Thorns and acquiring all buffs, you can advance to the Canticle of Crowns.

Canticle of Crowns

The enemy lineup in the initial stage of the Canticle of Crowns mode consists of waves of both minor and elite enemies, including Dendroshrooms, Tribal Warriors, Hydro Slimes, Hydro Mimic Boars, and Ruin Guards. These foes typically attack in waves of two or three, and your aim is to defeat them before time runs out for a higher score.

The buffs available in the first stage of the Canticle of Crowns mode significantly benefit Dendro damage-dealing characters. If you acquire all buffs, your characters will receive enhanced Dendro DMG Bonus and Elemental Mastery, along with the ability to perform coordinated attacks through your active character’s Normal Attacks that will also lower the enemies’ Dendro Resistance.

Considering the enemy composition and buffs, teams that excel in dealing Dendro AoE (Area of Effect) damage, such as Hyperbloom, Burn, and Nilou Quickbloom, will have a considerable edge in defeating enemies. Characters like Nahida, Alhaitham, Kinich, and Emilie will thrive in the right team compositions.

Here are some recommended team setups featuring these characters: