The Golden Apple Archipelago is back for Genshin Impact’s Summertime Odyssey event, which runs from July 15, 2022, to August 24, 2022. The event features a limited exploration area where you can unlock Teleport Waypoints, collect Treasure Chests, and complete puzzles within the event period. One of the challenges you can play through is called the Surfpiercer, where you must complete Waverider obstacle courses within a time limit.

How to unlock the Golden Apple Archipelago in Genshin Impact

To visit the summer islands, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

  • Reach Adventure Rank 32 or aboveComplete the Archon Quest Chapter II: Prologue - Autumn Winds, Scarlet LeavesMona’s Story Quest, the Astrolabos Chapter: Act I - Beyond This World’s Stars, is optional. During the event period, the required level to complete the quest is reduced to AR 32.

Once you meet all the above requirements, you’ll automatically get an Event Quest called The Golden Apple Vacation Returns! But if you choose not to complete Mona’s Story Quest, head to the event menu, select Summertime Odyssey, then click Quick Start to get the Event Quest. Following this quest will eventually take you to the Golden Apple Archipelago.

Surfpiercer challenge guide in the Genshin Impact Summertime Odyssey event

Where to find Surfpiercer challenges

You can start playing the Surfpiercer challenge after completing The Golden Apple Vacation Returns! Head to the event menu, select Event Details, and click on Surfpiercer to view six challenges, which will gradually unlock throughout the event period.

Choose a challenge and click Go to Challenge to find its exact location in the World Map. All Surfpiercer challenges can be spotted by their unique icons on the map, but each icon corresponds to a specific challenge.

Surfpiercer game mechanics

You’ll encounter golden track banners in the obstacle courses. Your Waverider must pass through these, or you will be blocked from proceeding. You can pass through the banners from any direction, so you can backtrack if you missed one.

Green bubbles will appear around the course. These are called Piercer’s Drives, and can be dispelled either by passing through them or using the Coalesce skill. Coalesce can be activated by clicking on the Elemental Skill button and has a three-second cooldown. Some challenges will require you to activate Coalesce a number of times.

Collecting enough Piercer’s Dives will fill up the gauge for using the Surfpiercer’s Surge, which can be activated using the Normal Attack button. This skill will propel the Waverider forward and can destroy small obstacles that block your way. Some challenges will require you to activate Surfpiercer’s Surge a number of times or destroy a specific number of obstacles.

At the end of each Surfpiercer challenge, you’ll need to get out of the Waverider by holding the jump button to go through the rings in the air to make it to the end of the course. The end goal is marked by a ring with an arrow, which you need to step on or glide toward to consider the challenge complete. Don’t forget to claim rewards, including Primogems on the Surfpiercer section of the event page!

Check out our guide on How to light up the Golden Apple Archipelago World Map in the Genshin Impact Summertime Odyssey event to make it easier to explore the summer islands.