Even as Genshin Impact continues to expand with new regions like Natlan and Snezhnaya, many Travelers are still revisiting older content to ascend beloved characters. The Sand Grease Pupa, first introduced way back in Version 3.4, remains a crucial local specialty for two powerful 5-star units: Alhaitham and Dehya. Did you pull Alhaitham on his latest rerun or finally decide to build Dehya? If so, you'll need a reliable farming route—and after more than three years, the most efficient path is well-established.

These stone-like husks blend almost too well with the monochrome sands of the Desert of Hadramaveth. Finding them without guidance can still feel like searching for a needle in a sand dune. How many Pupas do you actually need, and where exactly do they hide? Let's break it down.

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What Are Sand Grease Pupa and Why Do You Need Them?

Sand Grease Pupa are a Sumeru local specialty found exclusively in the Desert of Hadramaveth, the northwestern reaches of the Sumeru region. They appear as small, grey, pinecone-shaped husks that house Eel larvae, lying stationary on the ground—often tucked against rock formations or ancient ruins. A single plant yields one Pupa, and unlike some materials that can be confused with ore or gadgets, these are purely organic and always visible.

For ascension, both Alhaitham and Dehya demand a significant stock. To take one character from level 1 to 90, you need 168 Sand Grease Pupa. Since only 74 spawn in the open world during each reset cycle (which happens every 48 hours), plan to farm across multiple sessions or invite friends to grab extras in co-op. And no, neither the Serenitea Pot seed dispenser nor any Sumeru shop sells them—fieldwork is mandatory. The material has not been supplanted by newer specialties; in 2026, old-fashioned route running remains the only way.

The Complete Farming Route: 74 Pupa in One Cycle

Below is the most efficient route, split into three zones. If you follow every step, you'll gather all available Sand Grease Pupa in the Desert of Hadramaveth. The order moves from southwest to northeast, mixing surface and underground locations.

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Zone 1: The Temples Forsaken & Wadi Al-Majuj (20 Pupa)

Start at the Teleport Waypoint in the southwestern part of the Desert of Hadramaveth, named The Temples Forsaken. This area is rich with small ruins and glowing orbs, making navigation easier.

  • 2 Pupa – Go up the cliffs and walk along the edge on the right until you spot them on the ground.

  • 2 Pupa – Cross to the other side of the cliff; they rest at the foot of a small rock.

  • 1 Pupa – A few paces south, again at the base of a small rock.

  • 5 Pupa – Teleport to the waypoint directly northeast of the previous spot. Glide across the ravine and look beside the small ruin with the glowing orb on top.

  • 2 Pupa – A bit further northwest, in front of a rock formation.

  • 2 Pupa – Cross the road northeast toward another glowing orb; two Pupas sit nearby.

  • 4 Pupa – Travel to the waypoint southeast of Wadi Al-Majuj. Head east until you see a large stone building. Find the old tree and rocks in front of it.

  • 2 Pupa – A little further north, next to a single pointy rock.

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Zone 2: Wounded Shin Valley & Sands of Three Canals (9 Pupa)

Use the Teleport Waypoint east of Wounded Shin Valley. This cluster is tight and can be cleaned up in minutes.

  • 2 Pupa – Climb the rocks east; they surround the old tree trunk in the middle.

  • 3 Pupa – Walk a little further east to find three more.

  • 2 Pupa – Teleport east of the Sands of Three Canals and glide down to the crossroads.

  • 2 Pupa – Follow the path south; look for the pointy rock on the right.

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Zone 3: Eastern Desert & Wenut Tunnels (45 Pupa)

This is the largest haul, but most spawns are underground. You do not need to complete any quests or puzzles to reach them—just follow the tunnels.

  • 2 Pupa – From the Passage of Ghouls Teleport, glide down to the lowest part of the ravine.

  • 4 Pupa – Use the Wenut Tunnels Teleport Waypoint, walk north until you see a crater. Drop in and take the western tunnel. Two are near the entrance, two deeper inside.

  • 5 Pupa – Turn back and walk past the Setekh Wenut boss on the north side; five appear along the path.

  • 3 Pupa – Continue around the boss area to the southeast side for three more.

  • 7 Pupa – Use the Wenut Tunnels waypoint again, go south, and enter the tunnels. Seven are scattered just behind the entrance.

  • 3 Pupa – Keep going northeast through the tunnels; after a drop-down, you'll see the last three right in front of you.

Extra Tips for Efficient Gathering

  • Team Setup: Bring a tall male character (like Alhaitham himself) for faster sprinting, or equip Anemo Resonance (two Anemo characters) for reduced stamina consumption.

  • Elemental Sight: If you're struggling to spot the grey husks against the sand, spamming Elemental Sight will highlight them in white.

  • Underground Clarity: The underground mini-map in the Desert of Hadramaveth can be confusing. Open the map and look for the "Wenut Tunnels" label; the waypoints are clearly marked at its different levels.

  • Co-op Mode: Since materials respawn on a 48-hour timer, visiting another player's world can double your yield in a single day—ideal if you're rushing an ascension.

Has farming Sand Grease Pupa become a nostalgic trip to the early Sumeru days? For many, retracing these routes evokes memories of the Dirge of Bilqis World Quest and the first encounter with the Setekh Wenut. The material hasn't changed, but your efficiency certainly can. With this 74-Pupa route, you'll have enough for Alhaitham's first few ascensions in no time.