Genshin Impact: How to clear Withering Zones

You’ll have to contend with an effect called Withering while exploring Sumeru in Genshin Impact. These areas and patches of ground are shrouded in decay, corroding and corrupting those within. Here’s our Genshin Impact guide to help you clear Sumeru’s Withering Zones and understand other related mechanics.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Genshin Impact guides and features hub. You can also take a look at our main guide if you’re just starting out in Sumeru.

Genshin Impact guide – How to clear Withering Zones

The first time you’ll encounter Withering Zones in Genshin Impact is just after you gather lotus plants for Tighnari. Two rangers will approach the group, saying that they need your aid. Upon arriving at the location, you’ll see that the nearby plants have rotted, and it’s up to you to stop the decay from spreading.

Here are a few mechanics to consider when you’re inside a Withering Zone in Genshin Impact:

• Dreadful Withering/Decay Meter – While inside a Withering Zone, you’ll notice a meter at the bottom of your HUD. This meter is filled the longer you’re inside that zone or if corrupted enemies manage to hit you. The amount of accumulated decay will also decrease physical resistance, elemental resistance, and HP. If the meter is completely filled, then the entire party will wipe.
• Lanterns – Dendro lanterns can prevent the sudden increase of decay.
• Withering Branches – These are scarlet plants that need to be destroyed to stop the Withering effect in the area.
• Dendrograna – Found in small plants with a green glow. You’ll need to interact with these to obtain the buff. Then, use either charged attacks or aimed shots when hitting Withering Branches to destroy them. Normal attacks won’t work at all.

Once all branches are burned down, certain enemies will spawn. Defeat these creatures, then destroy the central pustule/tumor. You’ll only need to interact with it to complete the action.

Note 1: If you encounter corrupted enemies, you’ll need the Dendrograna buff or a character with Dendro abilities just to take them out.

Note 2: For the next part of the Archon quest, you’ll have to enter the special cave domain.

Genshin Impact is available via its official website. For more information, check out our guides and features hub.