As a seasoned Traveler who's been exploring Teyvat for years, I gotta say, some of the most charming secrets are the ones that don't require breaking a sweat. Case in point: the humble tortoise race in the Sumeru region. Even now in 2026, long after the Version 3.6 update that introduced it, this little mini-game remains a delightful and stress-free way to snag some Primogems and other goodies. It's a nice reminder that not every challenge in Genshin Impact needs to be a frantic battle against the clock or a complex puzzle. Sometimes, you just need to out-walk a turtle.
Finding this race is half the fun—or, well, it's a scenic walk, at least. Head to the Samudra Coast area, nestled between Gavireh Lajavard and the Realm of Farakhkert in northwest Sumeru. Look for the main cliff that juts out into the water. At its base, right near the shoreline, you'll find your opponent: a lone Tent Tortoise, minding its own business. Honestly, it looks more interested in a nap than a race. To start the event, simply walk through the two poles stuck in the sand right behind the tortoise. No fancy dialogue, no quest activation—just you and the turtle, ready to go.
How to Win (Spoiler: It's Not Hard)
Here's the deal, and it's a simple one. Once you start the race, three more checkpoint posts will appear in the sand. Your goal is to visit each one, in order, before the tortoise reaches the final post. That's it. The tortoise is... not fast. Let's just say you could probably make a cup of tea and still win. You don't need to sprint, use a movement ability, or anything fancy. A casual jog or even a brisk walk will do the trick. The key is just following the correct, straightforward path from one post to the next. There's no trick, no sudden speed boost for the tortoise—it's a race of patience, not pace.
The Sweet, Sweet Rewards
So, what's in it for you? After you touch that final checkpoint and officially beat the tortoise (congrats, by the way), an Exquisite Chest will spawn right there. Crack it open for your well-earned loot. The rewards typically include:
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Primogems x5 (Always welcome for those future wishes!)
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Adventure EXP
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Mora
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3-Star Weapons or Enhancement Ores
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Character EXP Materials
It's a solid little haul for maybe a minute of your time. If the chest doesn't appear, you've likely already completed the race on this account. No need to reset the tortoise or anything; it's a one-and-done deal per player.
A Legacy of Simple Secrets
Looking back, the tortoise race is a perfect example of the kind of low-pressure, exploration-focused content that HoYoverse sprinkled throughout the newer Sumeru areas. It wasn't about the new Sorush gadget mechanics or tough enemies (though those were there too, don't get me wrong). It was just a cute, quiet interaction with the world. It's the kind of secret that makes exploration feel personal and rewarding beyond the usual combat loops. Even years later, guiding new players to this spot is a joy—their reaction is usually a mix of confusion and amusement, which is pretty much the ideal Genshin experience. So, if you're ever in the area and need a break from the grind, go say hello to the turtle. It's a race where everyone wins.