The sun was setting over the shimmering waters of Fontaine as Marcus adjusted his backpack, ready for his daily artifact hunting routine. As a veteran Genshin Impact player, he had learned that maintaining a healthy artifact farming schedule was crucial for survival in the game. The constant need for artifact fodder to level up his prized 5-star pieces had become second nature to him, especially since his inventory was overflowing with high-quality artifacts but lacking the necessary fodder to enhance them.

Marcus had been meticulously mapping Fontaine's artifact routes for months now. The region offered a bountiful harvest for those who knew where to look, and he had perfected a route that took roughly 10-12 minutes to complete. He always brought Kazuha along – Anemo characters were essential for covering ground quickly, and the gentle poet's wind abilities made traversal a breeze.

The Fontaine Research Institute Adventure

"First stop, the Fontaine Research Institute of Kinetic Energy," Marcus muttered to himself as he teleported to the waypoint at the very top of the map. The view from here was breathtaking – the sprawling cityscape of Fontaine stretched out below, its mechanical wonders gleaming in the evening light. He couldn't help but pause for a moment to appreciate the beauty before him.

Shaking himself from his reverie, he turned left toward some boxes on the side of the road. Score! Two artifacts right off the bat. The thrill of finding these glowing spots never got old, even after countless runs.

Continuing left and sticking close to the mountain, Marcus headed toward the distant tower. The climb up the tower's wall and through the window always reminded him of his first days in Teyvat, when every new location filled him with wonder. Inside the tower, he methodically worked his way down each floor, gathering artifacts from every glowing spot. The sound of each investigation point was music to his ears – each one bringing him closer to upgrading his Neuvillette's artifacts to perfection.

After exiting from the tower's lower level, Marcus glided down to find artifacts near the road. Breaking the tubes to reveal the investigation spots had become second nature to him now. Whoever designed these hiding spots had a twisted sense of humor, he thought as he collected four more artifacts from the area.

Shoreline Treasures and Ruins

The next part of his route took him to the eastern teleport waypoint of the New Fontaine Research Institute. The shoreline here was one of his favorite spots – not just for the artifacts but for the calming sound of waves lapping against the shore. He cautiously approached the boxes under a tree, wary of the enemies that patrolled nearby. A small price to pay for precious fodder, he reasoned as he quickly grabbed the artifacts and moved along the shoreline to find more boxes.

Turning left from the shoreline, Marcus climbed up toward some ruins. The golden wheel on the right contained another artifact – these mechanical contraptions were so distinctly Fontaine, blending technology and artistry in a way no other nation in Teyvat could match. Behind the wheel, he glided against the wall to reach a box below, then climbed across to the other side for even more treasures.

The beach below yielded more artifacts and some Mora – a welcome bonus. Marcus always felt a small thrill when he found Mora alongside artifacts; it was like finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag.

Laboratory Ruins and Mont Esus

Teleporting to the waypoint north of the Laboratory Ruins, Marcus glided down into the mysterious structure. The entrance at the bottom led to a treasure trove of glowing spots. The dark, abandoned laboratory had an eerie atmosphere that always sent shivers down his spine, but the promise of artifacts was too good to pass up.

Mont Esus East offered a welcome respite – a quick and easy collection point right in front of the teleport waypoint. Two boxes by the side of the road provided instant gratification without the need for complex navigation. Sometimes, the easiest spots are the most satisfying, Marcus thought with a smile.

The Liffey Region and Underwater Adventures

The Liffey Region Statue of Seven was next on his list. Turning right after teleporting and jumping off the ledge, Marcus found a golden wheel with an investigation spot. Inside the institute, bookshelves held more treasures, and another golden wheel past Director Desmos completed this section of his route.

The underwater areas of Fontaine presented unique challenges and rewards. The Institute of Natural Philosophy, only accessible after completing the Aqueous Tidemarks World Quest, was a favorite of Marcus's. The sensation of floating through the abandoned halls, searching bookshelves and climbing to the second floor for artifacts, created an almost meditative experience.

Similarly, the Morte Region's underwater ruins, unlocked through the In The Wake of Narcissus World Quest, offered a serene environment for artifact hunting. Swimming through the Tower of Ipsissimus and into the Orthant of Persona, Marcus methodically checked each bookcase and drawer along the corridors.

The Mysterious Faded Castle

The final stop on Marcus's route was the Faded Castle, an underground area in the Nostoi Region that required completion of The Shadow Over Petrichor World Quest. The scattered artifacts here required more exploration, but the central teleport waypoint made it manageable.

Starting at the waypoint, Marcus turned right to find the first investigation spot on a table, then headed down stairs toward more tables with glowing spots. Books on the floor, corridors leading to a music room – each location held precious artifacts waiting to be claimed.

As the sun set completely over Fontaine, Marcus checked his bag – full of artifacts ready to enhance his characters' equipment. The satisfaction of a route well-traveled settled over him as he prepared to return to his teapot to sort through his findings.

Artifact Farming FAQ ❓

Q: How long does the complete Fontaine artifact route take?

A: The entire route typically takes 10-12 minutes, though your time may vary depending on your familiarity with the locations and which characters you use for movement.

Q: Do I need to complete any quests to access all these artifact spots?

A: Yes! Three areas require specific World Quests:

• Institute of Natural Philosophy → Aqueous Tidemarks

• Morte Region underwater ruins → In The Wake of Narcissus

• Faded Castle → The Shadow Over Petrichor

Q: Which characters are best for artifact farming routes?

A: Anemo characters are highly recommended as they increase movement speed. Characters like Kazuha, Venti, or Sayu can make your farming much more efficient.

Q: How often can I farm these artifact routes?

A: Investigation spots reset daily! Make it part of your daily routine for maximum efficiency.

Q: Is artifact farming really necessary?

A: Absolutely! As you progress in Genshin Impact, you'll find yourself with many 5-star artifacts that need leveling. Having a steady supply of artifact fodder is essential for character building.

Q: What should I do if I miss a spot?

A: Don't worry about it! The beauty of these routes is that you can always come back tomorrow. Focus on enjoying the process rather than stressing about getting every single spot. 😊

Q: Are there similar artifact routes in other regions?

A: Yes, every region in Teyvat has its own artifact farming routes. Fontaine's is particularly efficient due to the concentration of investigation spots in certain areas.

Remember, artifact farming is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the beautiful vistas of Fontaine while you collect your treasures! 🏆