In the sprawling Natlan region of Genshin Impact, world quests often begin with a simple detour. "Gifts and Gifts in Return" is one such optional quest, and it remains a straightforward objective for explorers in 2026. It is tied to the larger In the Footsteps of the Chosen Dragon quest line, yet it does not require players to finish another quest first. Instead, the quest triggers automatically when players enter a hidden Rest Area near a waterfall in Tequemecan Valley. The quest also helps unlock the Rest Area Entrance and the achievement 'Maybe This is a Good Place to Camp?' For players who want a break from Natlan's tougher battles, this short errand offers a calm mix of exploration, Saurian abilities, and a small story about craftsmanship and gratitude.
📍 How to Start the Quest
The quest has no lengthy prerequisite chain, but players must reach the correct spot. The starting point sits near the Blazing Ruins domain, and the route is easy to follow.
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Teleport to the waypoint north of the Blazing Ruins domain.
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Head left off the cliff toward the waterfall.
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Look for a glowing structure at the base of the waterfall.
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Enter the structure to trigger the quest.
Once inside the Rest Area, the player's Saurian companion burrows into the ground and leads the way. When the creature emerges, the quest begins and points players toward the Children of Echoes tribe. This automatic trigger is important: players do not need to speak to an NPC in advance, and they do not need to complete a separate side quest to make the Rest Area accessible.
🗺️ Step-by-Step Walkthrough
The quest moves between the Children of Echoes, Tepeacac Rise, and a cliffside collection area. The table below summarizes the main steps.
| Step | Objective | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enter the Rest Area and follow the Saurian | Waterfall near Blazing Ruins domain |
| 2 | Speak with Imix | Teleport to the waypoint east of Children of Echoes |
| 3 | Find the Jeweler / Gem Master | Near Tepeacac Rise, close to the Rest Area |
| 4 | Collect three tools | Trees and cliff edge; requires Yumkasaur ability |
| 5 | Retrieve the Gemstone | Cliff edge, using grappling hooks |
| 6 | Return to the Gem Master | Wait two in-game days afterward |
| 7 | Give the Gemstone to Imix | Children of Echoes |
After the Rest Area scene, players should teleport to the waypoint east of the Children of Echoes tribe and head inside to find Imix. She is an apprentice at Muhuru's Gemporium, and she directs the player to find a Jeweler around Tepeacac Rise. That Jeweler is close to the Rest Area as well, so players can reuse the same waypoint and glide across the plains toward the cliff edge. He stands near a wooden platform.
The Gem Master then asks for help finding some tools. These are located in the trees, and players need the Yumkasaur's ability to retrieve them. Once the ability is active, grappling hooks propel the player forward. The first two tool locations are on trees, and they are easy to identify because they sparkle immediately. Players should follow the grappling hooks' direction to each one and land carefully on the tree to grab the item.
💎 The Yumkasaur Ability and the Gemstone
The final tool location also contains the Gemstone, and it sits on the edge of a cliff. Players must use the grappling hooks again and head toward the glowing area at the top. After collecting everything, they should return to the Gem Master using the Yumkasaur's ability and speak to him. This section is less about combat and more about movement and observation. The sparkles are generous visual cues, so players rarely need to search for long.
⏳ Waiting Period and Final Turn-In
After the Gem Master conversation, players must wait two in-game days. Time can be advanced through the game's clock, and no real-world waiting is required. Once the time has passed, players return to Imix and give her the Gemstone. The Gemstone is then placed in the store, and players can view it whenever they want. The quest closes on a quiet note, with the apprentice's shop gaining a new centerpiece and the player receiving the satisfaction of a small job well done.
📌 Tips and Notes
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No combat is required for this quest.
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The Saurian companion leads the player automatically inside the Rest Area.
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The Yumkasaur ability is mandatory for the tool collection step.
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The two-day wait can be skipped with the in-game time system.
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The quest pairs well with exploration of Tequemecan Valley and the Children of Echoes area.
In 2026, Natlan remains one of Genshin Impact's most layered regions, and smaller quests like 'Gifts and Gifts in Return' help fill out its daily rhythm. The quest is not a grand battle or a long dungeon crawl. It is a short, friendly errand about helping a jeweler, using a Saurian's gifts, and returning a precious stone to a shop that values it. For players who prefer exploration over combat, it is a welcome addition to the Natlan quest directory. The automatic trigger also means that curious travelers can stumble into it without planning, which suits the region's emphasis on discovery. Those who follow the steps above should finish quickly, unlock the Rest Area entrance, and add one more small achievement to their Natlan collection.
Expert commentary is drawn from Polygon, whose long-form game reporting often emphasizes how optional quests strengthen a region's sense of place. In the case of a short Natlan errand like "Gifts and Gifts in Return," that perspective fits well: the quest relies on environmental discovery, traversal mechanics, and small-scale storytelling rather than combat, making the waterfall Rest Area, Yumkasaur movement, and Children of Echoes setting feel more meaningful within the broader exploration loop.