If you’re playing Genshin Impact and wondering how to obtain the coveted Arcane Keystones, this guide breaks it down in simple terms. The process is relatively straightforward once you know what your target is, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind. Let’s dive in.
Arcane Keystones are a special in-game currency introduced with the UGC mode known as Miliastra Wonderland. They are used specifically for pulling on premium “Event Ode” banners in this mode—think of them as the equivalent of special fate-items in the main game’s wish system. They allow you to attempt to get rare cosmetic sets (legendary 5-star or elite 4-star) for your in-game avatar.
In short:
- They are tied to the Miliastra Wonderland system.
- They are the required currency for premium pulls.
- Without them, you cannot access the specific Event Odes that yield top-tier cosmetic rewards.
How to Get Arcane Keystones
Here’s how you obtain Arcane Keystones:
- Purchase Chronal Nexus
The primary method is to buy another currency called Chronal Nexus. This is a top-up or paid currency in Miliastra Wonderland, similar to how the main game uses Genesis Crystals for premium deals. Once you have Chronal Nexus, you can convert them into Arcane Keystones.- Chronal Nexus can only be obtained by real-money purchases (in most cases).
- After you buy it, you go to the “Redeem” or conversion page and trade Chronal Nexus for Arcane Keystones.
- The conversion rate is typically 1 Chronal Nexus = 1 Arcane Keystone for the Event Ode pull.
- Conversion Rates and Pulls
- Standard single pull: you need a specified number of Arcane Keystones to perform one Event Ode.
- Bulk pull option: often you can convert for a 10-pull bundle to get more value.
- Because each pull requires currency, you’ll want to plan how many you aim to use.
- Duplicate Conversion (less direct route, but linked)
There is also a system for duplicate cosmetic items or catalog items in the Miliastra Wonderland mode:- If you repeatedly obtain duplicates of certain 5-star or 4-star cosmetic sets, those duplicates can convert into shards (Radiant Shards or Engraved Shards).
- Eventually, Radiant Shards can be converted into Arcane Keystones after the current event ends.
- So while direct free earning of Arcane Keystones is basically non-existent, there is a small indirect route via duplicates.
Important Things to Note
- Free to play limitations: At present, the only direct way to obtain Arcane Keystones is through purchasing Chronal Nexus. There is currently no active system of earning large quantities of Arcane Keystones via regular gameplay without spending.
- Cost & budgeting: Because you must purchase Chronal Nexus, this means obtaining Arcane Keystones carries real-money cost. Plan your budget accordingly.
- Event timing matters: Since the cosmetic sets and pulls are tied to specific Event Odes in Miliastra Wonderland, you’ll want to check when a banner is live and what rewards are featured.
- Shards route is limited: While duplicate cosmetic conversion exists, the volume you might earn from that route is modest, so don’t rely on it as your only source.
- Pull guarantees and odds: Just like other gacha systems in the game, Event Odes include guarantee mechanics (for example, a guaranteed 5-star cosmetic after a certain number of pulls). It’s sensible to factor that into your conversion planning.
Step-by-Step: How to Pull Using Arcane Keystones
Here’s a quick summary walkthrough:
- Open Genshin Impact and navigate to the Miliastra Wonderland mode.
- Access the Miliastra Shop or the “Obtain Nexus” tab to purchase Chronal Nexus.
- After purchasing, go to the “Redeem” or “Conversion” area.
- Convert Chronal Nexus into Arcane Keystones at the 1-to-1 rate.
- Go to the Event Ode banner that uses Arcane Keystones.
- Spend the required number of Arcane Keystones to pull.
- Track duplicates and shards to see if any indirect conversions are applicable later.
Pro Tips
- Only pull when the cosmetic set is one you genuinely want—since the cost is real, waiting for the right banner can save you regret.
- Keep an eye on the event duration and guarantee thresholds (how many pulls you’ll need for a guaranteed high-tier reward).
- Monitor your duplicate count: If you obtain duplicates, they will convert to shards, which eventually may offer some value towards Arcane Keystones.
- Budget ahead: Decide in advance how many pulls you’re comfortable making, and stick to that limit to avoid overspending.
- Stay updated: As the game evolves, the mechanics around currency conversion may shift—so check official announcements for changes.
