My Moonchase Festival Adventure: Collecting Charms and Chests

Back when the Moonchase Festival first graced Liyue, I remember diving in on day one with pure excitement. The event started on September 27, 2021, and even now in 2026, those memories of hunting Moonchase Charms and Mystmoon Chests still spark joy. Let me share how it all went down — maybe it'll bring back some nostalgia for you, or give newer Travelers a glimpse of the moonlit frenzy.

First things first: nothing appears until you finish the introductory quest, Moonlight Merriment: Part I. I'll be honest, I expected puzzles, but it was a breeze — mostly a chain of cutscenes. And oh, the lore! We finally learned more about Xiangling's mysterious master and even got a sneak peek at the Dendro character Yaoyao, who at the time was just a rumor. That quest alone was worth it. The moment I wrapped it up, I sprinted to Linyang in Liyue Harbor. He's the NPC who marks your map with hint locations for both the Charms and the chests.

Now, here's a pro tip I wish I'd known instantly: those little symbols on the map aren't one-to-one. Each hint clusters several collectibles together. So when you see a flame-like icon for a Moonchase Charm or a chest symbol for a Mystmoon Chest, be ready to comb the area. Often, I'd find two or three extra Charms huddled nearby, glinting in the grass like mini Oculi. Speaking of which, Charms appear on your minimap just like Oculi when you get close — super handy, since some of them tuck themselves behind boulders or on cliff ledges.

Day one took me along the Path of Stalwart Stone, and I loved how the scenery glowed under the event's warm lighting. The Mystmoon Chests were the real prize — 5 Primogems each, plus a sprinkle of Mora and enhancement ores. But some of those chests had teeth. I still recall a particular chest guarded by an Electro Cicin Mage and a couple of Fatui agents. My usual team at the time — Chongyun, Xingqiu, Bennett, and Fischl — managed fine, but I had to dance around those Cicin shields more times than I'd like. Thankfully, none of the shielded Fatui types showed up, so no elemental counter-requirements. You could roll with any party composition and still triumph.

On day two, the map refreshed with new hints after the daily server reset. I asked Linyang again and set off toward the next cluster. The variety kept things fresh: slimes, treasure hoarders, even a couple of Ruin Guards around some chests. I remember having to switch to a claymore character to break through shields quickly. The flame symbols multiplied, and by then I'd collected enough Charms to realize they didn't just feel like Oculi — they literally paralleled that mechanic. If you enjoy the thrill of Geoculus hunting, this event was pure dopamine.

I should mention the schedule: the Moonchase Festival ran until October 11, 2021. That's roughly two weeks, but procrastinating until the last day would have been a nightmare. The event was split over several days, with new hints unlocking daily, so pacing yourself was key. I made a habit of logging in right after reset, tapping Linyang, and then spending a relaxed hour combing through Liyue while listening to the in-game OST. Some evenings I'd stay up way too late, chasing "just one more chest" only to end up in a battle against three Fatui Skirmishers at once.

Over the course of the festival, I managed to snag every single Mystmoon Chest and max out my Moonchase Charms. The rewards felt generous for a free player like me — a healthy stack of Primogems, enough to pull on the character banner and celebrate the moon with a new ally. And honestly, beyond the loot, the event deepened my connection to Liyue's culture and its characters. I finally understood why Xiangling is so obsessed with her cooking: her master's influence runs deep.

If you're reading this as a new Traveler in 2026, you might never see the Moonchase Festival in its original form, but similar events keep cropping up in Teyvat's calendar. The blueprint is always the same: introductory quest, daily hint maps, collectibles, and combat-guarded chests. My advice? Always check in with event NPCs, explore every nook thoroughly, and bring a versatile team. Patience pays off, especially when those flame-like symbols hide three more Charms behind a waterfall.

Looking back, the Moonchase Festival wasn't just about grinding for primos — it was a cozy, lantern-lit adventure that reminded me why Genshin Impact feels like home. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, I hope this tale inspires you to savor every event, not just hoard the rewards. The moon is watching, and Liyue's charm never fades.