If you’ve made it to the In Search of a Hidden Heart quest in Genshin Impact’s Version 5.5, congrats, you’re deep in the thick of Natlan’s newest mysteries. By now, you’ve probably unlocked the Ancient Sacred Mountain and met the adorable (and very useful) Yumkasaur companions. But now you’re stuck on one of the trickiest parts: Raising the Phlogiston Barrier. This is the puzzle-heavy section in the Once, the Sacred Seat of Judgement quest, and it’s one of those “Genshin classic” moments where it looks overwhelming but is super doable once you break it down. Let’s get right into how to clear all 4/4 objectives and get that barrier raised!
All 4 Raise the Phlogiston Barrier Guide (In Search of a Hidden Heart)
You’ll unlock this objective automatically after progressing through the quest chain in the Dragons’ Residence area. Once you’ve cleared out some Rifthounds and opened up the Chamber of Deliberation, you’ll start working on raising the Phlogiston Barrier to obtain the Permit Receptacle, the key to progressing deeper into the Sacred Mountain.
Here’s your easy, step-by-step breakdown on how to raise the Phlogiston Barrier and keep the adventure rolling! I’ve done the running around (and occasional lava walk) so you don’t have to stress, just follow along and you’ll be clearing this in no time.
Coagulation Pearl #1
First up, you’ll see a platform on the left side. Grapple over with the Yumkasaur and pick up the first Coagulation Pearl. Toss it onto the nearby pedestal and watch the barrier rise a bit. Easy!
Coagulation Pearl #2
An Exquisite Chest will appear as a little bonus, grab it! Then, grapple up to the right side platforms to spot the second Coagulation Pearl, but… surprise! It’s blocked by a barrier. Follow the group of Secret Source Servants nearby. They’ll help you clear the path.
You’ll see some rock chunks (Pulverite) blocking the way. Find a Flamegranate and let the Yumkasaur chuck it at the Pulverite to clear the path. Move forward to catch up with the servants.
The servants get stopped by a bunch of slimes. Clear them out (any characters will do, but Pyro helps for speed). Once you’ve cleaned house, the servants will continue and drop the barrier around the second Coagulation Pearl.
Shoot the pearl into the pedestal to raise the barrier further.
Coagulation Pearl #3
Grapple back to the next platform. More Pulverite is blocking the path (because Genshin loves making you do things twice). Use another Flamegranate to blow it up.
Keep following the path, but ignore the obvious Coagulation Pearl you see, it’s a decoy.
Head deeper and destroy another Pulverite chunk. You’ll spot a Pyroculus and a small hole in the wall. Through this hole, you can use the Yumkasaur to grab the real third Coagulation Pearl. Follow the path guided to you to reach the next pedestal.
Once you have it, walk through the nearby lake of Phlogiston, the orange glowing goo (might be lava idk), and the pearl will magically create a safe path for you. (Yes, you can literally walk on lava now. Peak Traveler moment.)
Follow the Phlogiston path until you’re back at the main chamber. Head to the final pedestal, cross the hardened Phlogiston path, and shoot the last pearl into place.
Cue the cutscene: the barrier fully rises, and you’re done!
What’s Next?
After the barrier is fully up, you’ll be able to:
- Grapple across using the green orbs
- Grab the Permit Receptacle
- Dodge another falling Phlogiston Barrier sweep
- Finally, activate the elevator and finish the Once, the Sacred Seat of Judgement quest
You’re now one step closer to unlocking the true Heart of the Sacred Mountain.
Wrap-Up
And that’s it, you’ve officially raised the entire Phlogiston Barrier and cleared all 4/4 objectives in one of the most puzzle-packed sections of the Natlan questline of Genshin Impact. Honestly? This is one of those moments in Genshin where it looks super intimidating at first but once you break it down step by step, it’s actually kinda fun and not-that-hard, am I right? Plus, you get to walk on lava, how cool is that?
Need a hand tracking down some of the minibosses in Genshin Impact’s latest update? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! We’ve also put together a full location guide for hunting down Tupu’s Lushness and another one for finding The Peak!
