Genshin Impact: Song of the Welkin Moon Acts IX & X Guide

Travelers eager for more mainline story content have a reason to log in. Genshin Impact has quietly released two new Archon Quest acts under the Song of the Welkin Moon series: Act IX "As All Falls to Emptiness" and Act X "Of Myriad Paths, Flux, and Dissolution". This update is unique both for the volume of story delivered and its surprising placement in the game's timeline.

Genshin Impact news has been relatively quiet on major story beats, making this double-act drop a significant event for lore enthusiasts. The prerequisite requirement — completing Chapter I: Act III – A New Star Approaches — suggests these quests take place chronologically after the Liyue Archon finale, yet their release now raises questions about the narrative's structure.

At a Glance

• Two new Archon Quest acts released simultaneously
• Act IX: "As All Falls to Emptiness"
• Act X: "Of Myriad Paths, Flux, and Dissolution"
• Prerequisite: Complete "Chapter I: Act III – A New Star Approaches"
• No level or Adventure Rank requirement beyond that quest
• Permanent content — not a time-limited event

The New Acts: Titles and Themes

The titles alone invite deep speculation. "As All Falls to Emptiness" echoes themes of loss and the void, possibly referencing the Abyss or the Traveler's fading memories. "Of Myriad Paths, Flux, and Dissolution" suggests multiple possibilities, change, and endings — fitting for a narrative that deals with fate and choices.

The quests are part of the "Song of the Welkin Moon" arc, which has previously explored the Traveler's twin, the Abyss Order, and the nature of Teyvat's world. Given that all previous acts in this arc required progressing through the main story, these new acts are likely to continue that thread.

Veteran’s Take: Why This Matters

As a seasoned Traveler, seeing two acts drop at once is rare. Usually, Archon Quests are released one per patch, and the last such double-drop was during the 1.x era. This suggests HoYoverse is consolidating the narrative pacing, perhaps leading to a major climax in the story's next chapter.

The prerequisite of "A New Star Approaches" is also noteworthy. That quest is early in the game, meaning these acts are accessible to almost every player. This could be an Interlude chapter that bridges the Liyue arc to later events, or it could be a separate branch of the story that ties into the Dainsleif quests.

Historical Context: Where These Acts Fit

The Song of the Welkin Moon series first appeared early in the game; it includes quests like "The Moon-Bathed Deep" and others. These are not the same as the main Story Quests. They are the "Archon Quest" chapters that are separate from the Traveler's main journey arcs. In fact, the Song of the Welkin Moon is the overarching name for the Dainsleif-focused Archon Quests. Previous acts in this series (Acts I-VIII) were released over patches 1.0 to 3.x.

Act IX and X bring the total to ten acts, potentially marking the conclusion of this sub-arc. For dedicated lore-watchers, this is crucial for understanding the Abyss's true goals and the Traveler's lost kin.

For the Min-Maxers: What to Expect

While Archon Quests typically reward Primogems, Adventure EXP, Mora, and crafting materials, the exact rewards for these acts are not yet fully detailed in the official announcement. Expect standard rewards: roughly 60 Primogems per act, plus Ascension and Talent materials for characters used in the quest. Given the length of two acts, players can anticipate a few hours of gameplay.

F2P players should prioritize these quests for easy Primogems, especially if they are saving for upcoming banners like the rumored Lumi or other reruns.

Community Chatter

The Genshin community has been buzzing since the update without a patch note. Many players on Reddit and HoYoLAB noticed the new quests appearing suddenly. Theorycrafters are already debating whether these acts will introduce a new weekly boss or domain related to the "Emptiness" and "Flux" themes.

Some have pointed out a connection to the Seer-Witch lore, which ties into a broader game of fate and choices. This new content may shed more light on that cryptic strand, as discussed in our article on Genshin Impact’s Seer-Witch Scene Explained. The quests' title references to paths and dissolution also aligns with player choice mechanics, a topic explored in Genshin Impact Decisions: How Player Choice Shapes the Game.

Hidden Details

Subtle imagery in the official announcement may hold clues. The title "As All Falls to Emptiness" likely references the Void realm or the space between worlds, a concept mentioned in the Traveler's character stories. "Of Myriad Paths" could allude to the multiple endings or choices that players might face in the story. Look out for specific dialogue options that diverge from typical linear storytelling.

The official description: "The clamor and voices fade into silence. That which runs rampant in dreams is now descending…" is reminiscent of the Abyss's influence on dreams, possibly tying into the We Will Be Reunited quest's themes.

How to Unlock and Start the Quests

To unlock these acts, ensure you have completed "Chapter I: Act III – A New Star Approaches". No additional prerequisites have been stated. Once met, the quests should appear in your Quest menu under Archon Quests. You can start them at any time from the Adventurer's Guild or by navigating to the quest marker.

If you have not yet completed that quest, note that it is available after finishing the Prologue and the Mondstadt arc, at Adventure Rank 23 or so. It's a quick catch-up opportunity for newer players.

What This Means for Future Story Updates

This release pattern suggests that HoYoverse is adjusting its story delivery. Instead of holding back story for major patch cycles, they may interject smaller chapters between patches. This could keep the narrative momentum alive during filler months. It also hints that the main story may be approaching a turning point — perhaps leading into the region of Snezhnaya or the finale of the Teyvat chapter, as contextualized in our analysis To Snezhnaya and the Future Explained.

For players following the story closely, these acts are mandatory viewing before the next Dainsleif quest or any future chapter that builds on the Welkin Moon arc.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a lore hound or just in need of Primogems, the simultaneous release of Song of the Welkin Moon Act IX and X is a welcome surprise. With their mysterious titles and early prerequisite, these quests promise to deliver critical narrative context that may reshape how we understand Teyvat's history.

Log in, progress the story, and share your theories — the Welkin Moon's song is far from over.