Enkanomiya: The Hidden Underground World Beneath Inazuma
Enkanomiya is one of the most mysterious and atmospheric locations in Genshin Impact. Hidden deep beneath Inazuma, this underground world existed long before the current islands on the surface. Once home to an ancient civilization that lived without natural sunlight, Enkanomiya now lies in ruins, filled with relics of forgotten gods, dangerous creatures and complex mechanisms tied to artificial light. It is a place where history, myth and danger intertwine.
Origin and Location
Enkanomiya is located far below Watatsumi Island, accessible through special mechanisms that connect the surface to the depths. According to legend, the people who once lived here were ancestors of Watatsumi’s current inhabitants. When the region was submerged and cut off from sunlight, they survived under the guidance of a different god and relied on artificial light to sustain life.
This background sets Enkanomiya apart from other regions. It is not simply a dungeon or cave system; it is a former homeland, complete with cities, temples and research structures that reveal the struggles of a civilization trapped between gods and the abyss.
Whitenight and Evernight: Artificial Light Cycles
Because Enkanomiya lies beneath the ocean and receives no natural sunlight, its people created the Dainichi Mikoshi, a massive artificial sun. This device controls two main states of the environment: Whitenight and Evernight.
During Whitenight, the artificial sun is active, illuminating the ruins and altering the behavior of certain structures and enemies. During Evernight, artificial light is dimmed, and the realm shifts into a deeper, darker state. Some mechanisms only function in a specific cycle, and certain enemies or pathways appear or disappear depending on whether Whitenight or Evernight is active.
Players must frequently switch between these two states to solve puzzles, reveal hidden platforms, activate seals and uncover secret areas. This dual-phase system is central to Enkanomiya’s exploration and creates a distinct rhythm to navigation and combat.
Architecture and Atmosphere
Enkanomiya’s architecture reflects a lost civilization that balanced scholarship, faith and survival. Massive stone bridges, floating platforms, layered plazas and towering structures stretch across a seemingly bottomless void. Faded murals, worn statues and broken pillars hint at forgotten rituals and abandoned research.
The atmosphere is solemn and haunting. Soft artificial light, pale fog and distant echoes create a sense of isolation. Unlike the bright islands of Inazuma, Enkanomiya feels detached from the surface world, as if time has stopped deep underground. This tone reinforces the idea that players are walking through the remnants of a buried history.
Dangers and Enemy Types
Enkanomiya is one of the more dangerous areas in Teyvat. It features unique enemies and environmental threats that challenge even experienced players. Bathysmal Vishaps lurk in its depths, capable of draining energy and dealing heavy damage through coordinated attacks. Specters, shadowy creatures and specialized Ruin-type automatons also appear frequently.
In addition to enemies, the environment itself can be hazardous. Some areas become more dangerous during Evernight, with enemies gaining new abilities or additional buffs. Occasionally, special events or hidden mechanics increase the threat level of specific zones, requiring careful preparation and team selection.
Puzzles, Seals and Exploration Mechanics
Exploration in Enkanomiya is heavily puzzle-driven. Players interact with seals, light mechanisms and sigils that respond differently during Whitenight and Evernight. Many puzzles require switching cycles at the right moment to align platforms, activate scripts or reveal hidden paths.
Certain structures only appear under one light state, while others change their form or function. This means exploration is non-linear; players often revisit areas under a different cycle to fully uncover secrets. The region also hides special collectible items and lore tablets that gradually explain the history of Enkanomiya and its people.
Lore and Forgotten Gods
Enkanomiya’s story delves into themes of abandonment, divine politics and human survival. The people who lived here were once guided by a different god than the current Electro and Hydro Archons. Conflicts between deities, the manipulation of faith and the influence of the abyss all play roles in the region’s downfall.
Through quests and inscriptions, players learn about experiments with artificial sun technology, attempts to escape divine control and the heavy cost of defying celestial order. Enkanomiya acts as a narrative bridge between Inazuma’s surface story and deeper questions about Teyvat’s gods, the sky and the true nature of the world.
Connection to Watatsumi Island
Enkanomiya is closely tied to Watatsumi Island both historically and culturally. The ancestors of Watatsumi’s present-day inhabitants once lived in Enkanomiya, and their migration to the surface reshaped their society. Traditions, myths and sacred sites on Watatsumi often reference events and figures from Enkanomiya’s past.
This relationship explains why Watatsumi’s people maintain a unique faith structure and why their history feels distinct from the rest of Inazuma. Exploring Enkanomiya helps players better understand Watatsumi’s origins, its god and its complicated relationship with the surface nations.
Why Enkanomiya Matters in Genshin Impact
Enkanomiya is more than just an underground map; it is a major lore hub and a design experiment in vertical, light-based exploration. Its unique cycle system, enemy behavior and narrative depth make it a standout region for players who enjoy puzzle-solving and worldbuilding.
By descending into Enkanomiya, players gain insight into Teyvat’s hidden history, the conflicts between gods and the struggles of civilizations caught between divine will and survival. It stands as a reminder that the world beneath the surface can be just as important—and just as dangerous—as what lies above.