When Natlan blasted onto the Genshin Impact scene, travelers knew they'd be dealing with pyro-themed chaos, but nobody expected a glorified toaster-on-steroids to become the region's gatekeeper. This clanky contraption—the Secret Source Automaton—lurks underground like a mechanized hermit crab, demanding tribute in the form of character ascension materials. Seriously, why do these bosses always camp in the most inconvenient spots? It's like they take sadistic pleasure in watching us bumble around caves while they lounge on their electro-thrones. But fear not, fellow adventurers! With the right know-how, this scrapheap becomes a cakewalk... mostly.
🗺️ Operation: Locate the Metal Menace
Finding this bolt-bucket feels like playing hide-and-seek with a ninja who smells like ozone. Your treasure map starts at the eastern edge of Toyac Springs, just south of Teticpac Peak. Pro tip: teleport to that lonely peninsula waypoint overlooking the water—you'll know it by the distinct lack of shade and overwhelming sense of isolation.
From there, channel your inner bloodhound and trot southwest until spotting a bridge stretching toward some sad-looking rocks. Underneath? A hole that screams "maintenance shaft" but actually leads to robo-hell. Jump down like you're diving into a mall fountain during Black Friday—zero grace required.
Inside, follow the faint hum of poorly lubricated gears southward until an underground waypoint winks at you. Congrats! You've found the VIP lounge where this overqualified Roomba chills between beatdowns.
⚡ Boss Battle: Dancing With Danger Noodles
Alright, let's talk turkey. This walking junkyard isn't winning any IQ tests—its attack patterns are about as complex as a toddler's finger-painting. But holy moly, that health bar! It's thicker than a bowl of oatmeal left out overnight. The real party trick? Its ultimate Boltsphere Cannon move, which can vaporize your squishy characters faster than you can say "why didn't I bring Zhongli?"
Here’s the lowdown on its moveset (with patented avoidance techniques):
| Attack | Survival Strategy | Emotional Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial Bombardment | Dodge the glowing circles like they’re lava—because they basically are. | Mild panic, like missing your bus stop |
| Spinning Laser | Either dash through gaps or yeet yourself to Narnia. Your choice! | Annoyance level: spinning office chair |
| Tracking Laser | Sprint sideways like a caffeinated crab. Bonus points for singing "I Will Survive" | High pucker factor |
| Claw Slam | Backpedal faster than your last questionable wish pull. | Sudden regret about skipping cardio |
| Boltsphere Cannon | Scale phlogiston pillars using Natlan characters or dinosaur forms. Break accretion mechanisms for a 10-second disco nap. | Existential dread |
Personal confession: The first time I faced its Swiping Lasers (triggered only by Natlan characters in Nightsoul's Blessing state), I mistook the parallel beams for a rave party and nearly danced my Hu Tao into oblivion. Talk about awkward!
💎 Loot Galore & Victory Lap
Winning nets you standard boss goodies plus Vajrada Amethyst chunks and the pièce de résistance: Gold-Inscribed Secret Source Cores. These shiny doodads are mandatory for leveling up Natlan's elite—including Xilonen, who probably laughs at us peasants grinding for her upgrades. The artifact drops? Well, let's just say RNGesus still owes me a decent Crit DMG circlet after 47 runs. Some things never change.
❓ FAQ: Everything You Were Afraid to Ask
- Q: Is this boss harder than Signora's temper tantrums?
A: Nah, it's more tedious than tough—like assembling IKEA furniture while electro-slimes throw popcorn at you.
- Q: Can I cheese it with my trusty Zhongli shield?
A: Absolutely! Rock daddy makes the Boltsphere Cannon feel like a gentle breeze. Geo supremacy forever!
- Q: What if I don’t have Natlan characters for pillar climbing?
A: Dust off Kazuha or any vertical mobility champ. Failing that? Pray and jump like your resin depends on it.
- Q: Will it drop decent artifacts or just more Def% garbage?
A: [Laughter turns to sobbing] Next question please!
- Q: Why’s it called “Secret Source” anyway?
A: Probably because Mihoyo’s devs thought it sounded cooler than “Annoying Sparky McFightFace.”
At the end of the day, this automaton’s just another stepping stone in Teyvat—a glorified vending machine dispensing character upgrades with extra steps. Go show that metal moron who's boss! 💥