How to Conquer Andrius: A Comprehensive Guide to the Wolf of the North Challenge in Genshin Impact
Andrius, the Wolf of the North, is a formidable weekly boss in Genshin Impact, offering valuable rewards like character ascension materials, talent level-up materials, and artifacts. However, his powerful attacks and unique mechanics can make him a challenging opponent. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to prepare for and successfully complete the Wolf of the North Challenge, ensuring you claim your rewards each week.
## Understanding the Wolf of the North Challenge
Before diving into the strategy, it’s crucial to understand what the Wolf of the North Challenge entails:
* **Location:** Wolvendom, Mondstadt
* **Prerequisites:** Adventure Rank 21 or higher and completion of Razor’s Story Quest, Lupus Minor Chapter: Act I – The Meaning of Lupical.
* **Frequency:** Weekly (rewards reset every Monday)
* **Cost:** 60 Original Resin to claim rewards
* **Boss:** Andrius, Dominator of Wolves
Andrius has two distinct phases, each with its own set of attacks and weaknesses. He primarily deals Cryo damage, with some Anemo attacks in his second phase. Being prepared for these elements is essential for survival.
## Team Composition and Preparation
Selecting the right team and preparing adequately are crucial for victory. Here’s a breakdown of recommended team compositions and preparations:
### 1. Recommended Team Compositions
* **Melt/Vaporize Team:**
* **Main DPS:** A strong Pyro or Hydro DPS character like Hu Tao, Diluc, Ganyu (for Melt), Tartaglia (Childe), or Ayato.
* **Sub-DPS/Support:** Characters that can consistently apply Pyro or Hydro to trigger Melt/Vaporize reactions. Xiangling, Bennett, Xingqiu, or Yelan are excellent choices.
* **Shield Support:** Zhongli, Diona, or Layla can provide valuable shields to mitigate damage and interruption.
* **Flex:** An Anemo character like Kazuha or Venti for crowd control and elemental shred (using Viridescent Venerer set), or another support character for additional healing or damage.
* **Mono-Pyro/Mono-Hydro Team:**
* **Main DPS:** Hu Tao (Mono-Pyro), Tartaglia/Ayato (Mono-Hydro)
* **Supports:** Bennett (Pyro), Xiangling (Pyro), Kazuha (Pyro RES Shred & DMG Bonus), Yelan or Xingqiu (Hydro), Kazuha or Venti (Hydro RES Shred & DMG Bonus).
* **Shield Support (Optional):** Zhongli can be used to enhance survivability and reduce interruption.
* **Physical DPS Team (Less Recommended but Viable):**
* **Main DPS:** Eula, Razor, or Physical DPS focused build for any character.
* **Superconduct Support:** Fischl, Raiden Shogun, or Lisa to apply Electro and Cryo for Superconduct, reducing Physical RES.
* **Cryo Support:** Rosaria, Diona, or Kaeya for Cryo application and potentially Cryo resonance.
* **Healer/Shield Support:** Bennett, Diona, or Zhongli to provide healing and protection.
* **Budget-Friendly Team:**
* **Main DPS:** Xiangling (Pyro), Kaeya (Cryo), Razor (Physical)
* **Supports:** Bennett (Healer/ATK Buff), Barbara (Healer), Lisa (Electro for Superconduct), Amber (Pyro for Pyro Resonance).
This composition requires careful gameplay and awareness of Andrius’s attack patterns, as survival depends more on dodging and less on high-end character builds. Focus on triggering Elemental Reactions effectively.
### 2. Character Levels and Talents
* **Level:** Aim for characters to be at least Level 70 or higher. Level 80+ is recommended for easier clears, especially if you are relying on Elemental Reactions as transformative reaction damage scales with character level. The higher the character level difference between your character and the enemy, the less damage you will deal.
* **Talents:** Prioritize leveling up the talents of your main DPS character(s). Focus on their primary damage-dealing abilities (e.g., Normal Attack for Eula, Elemental Burst for Xiangling). Support characters’ talents are also important, especially those that enhance healing, shielding, or elemental application.
### 3. Weapon and Artifacts
* **Weapons:** Equip your characters with appropriate weapons that complement their roles and stats. Prioritize weapons with high ATK, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, or Energy Recharge (for support characters).
* **Artifacts:** Equip suitable artifact sets that enhance your characters’ damage output or support capabilities. Some recommended sets include:
* **Crimson Witch of Flames (Pyro DPS):** Increases Pyro damage and reaction damage.
* **Heart of Depth (Hydro DPS):** Increases Hydro damage and Normal/Charged Attack damage.
* **Gladiator’s Finale/Shimenawa’s Reminiscence (ATK-based DPS):** Provides a general ATK boost and enhances Normal Attack damage.
* **Noblesse Oblige (Support):** Increases Elemental Burst damage and provides an ATK buff to the team.
* **Tenacity of the Millelith (Support):** Increases HP and provides an ATK buff and shield strength bonus to the team.
* **Viridescent Venerer (Anemo Support):** Increases Anemo damage and reduces enemy Elemental RES to the element infused.
* **Emblem of Severed Fate (Energy Recharge):** Increases Energy Recharge and Elemental Burst Damage
Focus on main stats like ATK%, Crit Rate/Crit DMG (for DPS), HP% (for healers/shielders), and Energy Recharge (for support characters that rely on their Elemental Burst).
### 4. Food and Potions
Before the battle, consider using food buffs and potions to enhance your team’s performance:
* **ATK Buff Food:** Adeptus’ Temptation, Jade Parcels, or other dishes that significantly boost ATK.
* **Crit Rate/Crit DMG Food:** Delicious Tea Break Pancake, or other dishes that increase Crit Rate or Crit DMG.
* **Potion for the matching elemental damage**: If using a Pyro DPS use the Pyro DMG Bonus Potion. If using a Hydro DPS use the Hydro DMG Bonus Potion.
* **Defensive Food:** Sweet Madame, or other dishes that provide healing over time (HoT).
* **Cryo Resistance Potion:** Frostshield Potion to mitigate Cryo damage.
Using food and potions can provide a crucial edge, especially when facing a challenging boss like Andrius.
## Andrius’s Attack Patterns and Strategies
Andrius has two distinct phases, each with its own unique attack patterns. Understanding these patterns and developing appropriate strategies is crucial for survival and success.
### Phase 1: The Wolf Form
In his initial phase, Andrius takes the form of a large wolf, primarily dealing Cryo damage. Here are his key attacks and how to counter them:
* **Claw Swipe:** Andrius swipes his claws at the player, dealing moderate Cryo damage. Dodge to the side to avoid this attack.
* **Leaping Strike:** Andrius leaps into the air and slams down on the player, dealing significant Cryo damage in a small AoE. Watch for the telegraph (a brief pause before he jumps) and dodge away quickly.
* **Ice Breath:** Andrius breathes a stream of icy air in a cone in front of him, dealing continuous Cryo damage. Move to the side or behind him to avoid this attack.
* **Ice Cage:** Andrius summons a ring of ice around the player, trapping them inside. Break the ice quickly to avoid taking further damage. Pyro characters are particularly effective at breaking the ice cage.
* **Tail Swipe:** Andrius sweeps his tail, dealing AoE Cryo damage around him. Create distance or dodge through the swipe at the right moment.
* **Howl:** Andrius howls, buffing his own attack and inflicting Cryo on your characters. There is not much to do besides healing through this.
**Strategy for Phase 1:**
The best approach for Phase 1 is to stay mobile and avoid his direct attacks. Use a ranged DPS character or position yourself strategically to attack from a safe distance. Elemental reactions like Melt and Vaporize are highly effective in this phase. Use shielding to mitigate potential damage from the Ice Cage or Leaping Strike if you have trouble dodging.
### Phase 2: The Spirit Wolf Form
When Andrius’s health is reduced to approximately 50%, he transitions into his second phase, the Spirit Wolf form. In this phase, he gains access to Anemo attacks in addition to his Cryo abilities, and his attack patterns become more aggressive.
* **Cryo Attacks:** Andrius retains his Cryo attacks from Phase 1, but they often become faster and more frequent.
* **Anemo Claws:** Andrius swipes his claws, launching Anemo projectiles that deal damage. Dodge these projectiles as they can knock you back.
* **Anemo Tornadoes:** Andrius summons small tornadoes that move across the arena, dealing continuous Anemo damage to players caught inside. Watch for the tornado patterns and move to avoid them.
* **Ice Floor:** Andrius covers a large portion of the arena with an icy surface. Characters standing on the ice will take continuous Cryo damage and have reduced movement speed. Step off the ice as quickly as possible.
* **Dash Attack:** Andrius rapidly dashes around the arena, dealing damage to anyone he collides with. This attack is very fast and difficult to predict, making it essential to have a shield or be prepared to dodge repeatedly.
* **Wolf Spirit Summons**: Andrius will summon three wolf spirits which will run around the arena. They will explode if they touch your character. They can be killed but you should focus on damage on Andrius unless you are getting hit by all of them
**Strategy for Phase 2:**
Phase 2 requires even more mobility and awareness. The Anemo attacks and Ice Floor make it harder to stay in one place for long. Continue to use Elemental Reactions to deal damage, and focus on dodging the Anemo Tornadoes and Dash Attack. A strong shield character like Zhongli is invaluable in this phase, providing protection from the rapid attacks. Pay attention to the Ice Floor and move to clear areas to avoid taking unnecessary damage. The patterns for phase 2 can be repetitive so once you learn the pattern you can know when to dodge or run.
## Detailed Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Now, let’s break down the entire challenge into a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough:
1. **Preparation:**
* **Team Selection:** Choose a team composition that counters Andrius’s Cryo and Anemo attacks. A Melt/Vaporize team or a well-rounded team with a strong shielder and healer are good choices.
* **Food Buffs and Potions:** Consume ATK buff food, Crit Rate/Crit DMG food, and Frostshield Potion before initiating the challenge.
* **Check Character Stats:** Ensure your characters have adequate HP, ATK, Crit Rate/Crit DMG, and Energy Recharge.
2. **Entering the Arena:**
* Approach the Wolf of the North Challenge in Wolvendom and interact with the glowing circle to begin.
* A short cutscene will play, introducing Andrius.
3. **Phase 1: The Wolf Form:**
* **Initial Engagement:** Begin by using your support characters to apply Pyro/Hydro (depending on your team comp) to Andrius.
* **Dodge and Attack:** Focus on dodging Andrius’s Claw Swipe, Leaping Strike, and Ice Breath. Use your main DPS to deal damage during brief openings.
* **Ice Cage:** If you get trapped in the Ice Cage, quickly switch to a Pyro character (e.g., Xiangling, Bennett) and use their Elemental Skill to break the ice.
* **Maintain Distance:** Stay mobile and maintain a safe distance to avoid his melee attacks. Use ranged attacks or Elemental Skills when possible.
* **Rotation:** Follow your character rotation to maximize elemental reactions and sustain damage output.
4. **Phase Transition:**
* When Andrius’s health drops to around 50%, he will enter a brief invulnerable state and transition into his Spirit Wolf form.
* Be prepared for the more aggressive attack patterns of Phase 2.
5. **Phase 2: The Spirit Wolf Form:**
* **Increased Mobility:** Andrius’s attack patterns in Phase 2 are much more unpredictable. Using dash effectively and creating distance is vital.
* **Avoid Anemo Tornadoes:** Prioritize avoiding the Anemo Tornadoes. They deal significant damage and can disrupt your attacks. Move to clear areas of the arena to avoid them.
* **Ice Floor:** Be mindful of the Ice Floor and move to sections of the arena that are not covered in ice. Cryo application will slow down your character speed.
* **Shielding:** If you have a shield character, use their Elemental Skill to create a shield to mitigate damage from Andrius’s Dash Attack and other fast attacks.
* **Sustained Damage:** Continue to use Elemental Reactions to deal damage. Focus on consistent damage output while prioritizing survival.
* **Wolf Spirit Summons**: Stay away from the Wolf Spirits to avoid the blast radius.
6. **Victory:**
* Once Andrius’s health is depleted, he will collapse, indicating victory.
* Interact with the Trounce Blossom to claim your rewards by spending 60 Original Resin.
## Advanced Tips and Strategies
* **Elemental Resonance:** Utilize Elemental Resonance to gain additional buffs for your team. For example, Pyro Resonance (two Pyro characters) increases ATK by 25%, while Cryo Resonance (two Cryo characters) increases Crit Rate against enemies affected by Cryo or Frozen.
* **Energy Recharge:** Ensure your support characters have sufficient Energy Recharge to consistently use their Elemental Bursts. This is particularly important for characters like Bennett and Xiangling, who rely on their Bursts for healing and damage.
* **Crowd Control:** Anemo characters with crowd control abilities (e.g., Venti, Kazuha) can help to group enemies together, making it easier to deal damage with AoE attacks.
* **Stamina Management:** Pay attention to your stamina bar and avoid overusing charged attacks or dashing unnecessarily. Running out of stamina can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
* **Learn Attack Patterns:** Spend time observing Andrius’s attack patterns to anticipate his moves and time your dodges effectively. Practice makes perfect!
* **Co-op Mode:** If you are struggling to defeat Andrius solo, consider playing in Co-op Mode with friends or other players. A coordinated team can make the challenge much easier.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Ignoring Elemental Reactions:** Failing to utilize Elemental Reactions significantly reduces your damage output. Ensure your team composition and attack patterns focus on triggering reactions like Melt, Vaporize, Superconduct, etc.
* **Neglecting Support Characters:** Support characters play a crucial role in providing healing, shielding, and buffs. Neglecting their talents and equipment can weaken your team’s overall performance.
* **Rushing Attacks:** Rushing attacks without paying attention to Andrius’s attack patterns can lead to unnecessary damage and potential defeat. Take your time, observe his moves, and attack during safe openings.
* **Poor Stamina Management:** Overusing stamina can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Manage your stamina carefully and avoid overusing charged attacks or dashing unnecessarily.
* **Not Using Food Buffs and Potions:** Forgetting to use food buffs and potions can significantly impact your team’s performance. Remember to consume them before starting the challenge.
* **Ignoring Andrius’s Phases:** Failing to adapt your strategy to Andrius’s different phases can make the challenge more difficult. Be prepared to adjust your tactics based on his current form.
## Rewards
Completing the Wolf of the North Challenge grants a variety of rewards, including:
* **Character Ascension Materials:** These materials are required to ascend your characters to higher levels.
* **Talent Level-Up Materials:** These materials are used to increase the level of your characters’ talents.
* **Artifacts:** You can obtain various artifacts with different stats and set bonuses.
* **Weapon Ascension Materials:** These materials are needed to ascend your weapons to higher levels.
* **Mora:** The in-game currency used for various purposes, such as leveling up characters and weapons.
* **Adventure Rank EXP:** Increases your Adventure Rank, allowing you to unlock new content and features.
The specific rewards you receive will depend on your World Level.
## Conclusion
The Wolf of the North Challenge can be a tough encounter, but with the right team composition, preparation, and strategies, you can emerge victorious. By understanding Andrius’s attack patterns, utilizing Elemental Reactions, and managing your resources effectively, you can conquer this weekly boss and claim valuable rewards to strengthen your characters and progress in Genshin Impact. Good luck, Traveler!