Genshin Impact

Arkhe System and All Pneuma and Ousia Characters

Genshin Impact What are Pneuma and Ousia

Pneuma and Ousia are forms of opposing energy that flows in every life form from Fontaine in Genshin Impact 4.0. See all the Pneuma and Ousia Characters, the Arkhe System, how to trigger the Annihilation Reaction, and all the known info about these here!

All Arkhe-Alignment List

Pneuma Characters

All Pneuma Characters
Genshin - Lyney Icon Lyney Genshin - Charlotte Icon Charlotte Genshin - Traveler (Hydro) Icon Traveler (Hydro)
Genshin - Freminet Icon Freminet Genshin - Furina Icon Furina Genshin - Neuvillette Icon Neuvillette
Genshin - Emilie Icon Emilie

The Pneuma characters currently are Lyney, Charlotte, Freminet, Neuvillette, Furina, and the upcoming Dendro character, Emilie. The Hydro variant of the Traveler is also Pneuma-aligned.

Ousia Characters

All Ousia Characters
Genshin - Lynette Icon Lynette Genshin - Navia Icon Navia Genshin - Wriothesley Icon Wriothesley
Genshin - Sigewinne Icon Sigewinne Genshin - Furina Icon Furina Genshin - Clorinde Icon Clorinde
Genshin - Chevreuse Icon Chevreuse

The current Ousia Characters available in-game are Lynette, Navia, Wriothesley, Sigewinne, Clorinde, Chevreuse, and Furina. Being the Hydro Archon, Furina is the only character who has affinity on both Arkhe!

You can tell a character's Arkhe type as early as their teasers, where you can sometimes spot the vision shape in their art, or when they appear during quests!

What are Pneuma and Ousia?

Opposing Forms of Energy in Fontaine

Genshin Impact What are Pneuma and Ousia - Opposing Forms of Energy in Fontaine

Pneuma and Ousia are forms of opposing energy in Fontaine that are separate from the Seven elements present in Teyvat. Playable Fontaine characters like Lyney and Lynette as well as the Hydro Traveler can access Pneuma and Ousia through the Arkhe System, a system exclusive to them!

Pneuma vs Ousia

There is no superior or inferior energy between Pneuma and Ousia - they just differ on which characters have a specific Pneuma or Ousia energy or which enemy uses a Pneuma or Ousia power supply.

There are a few ways to identify if your character is Pneuma or Ousia-aligned:

Difference in Vision Badge Style

Ousia Pneuma
Genshin Impact - Pneuma Vision
Rounded badge tips
Genshin Impact - Ousia Vision
Pointed badge tips

Characters with a Ousia-aligned vision have rounded top & bottom tips on their badges, while an Pneuma-aligned characters have pointed badge tips.

Difference in Attack Effect Colors

Pneuma Ousia

Yellowish, gold energy

Dark, purple energy

Both energies can be differentiated by their colors when characters do certain attacks: Pneuma has a yellowish-gold color while Ousia has a dark, purplish color.

Can be Used by Characters Thru The Arkhe System

Some characters can manipulate Pneuma or Ousia in the form of Arkhe, which is a separate mechanic from their Vision. Only Fontaine characters have innate Arkhe attributes.

Arkhe Follows an Attack

Genshin Impact - Pneuma Follow Up Attack

The Hydro Traveler uses their Hydro Elemental Skill then followed up by a Pneuma-aligned Spiritbreath Thorn.

The Arkhe mechanic usually follows an attack using either the Elemental Skill or Charged Attack (Bow) of a character (so far). Be careful as these can also miss with some characters.

Arkhe Needs to Recharge

Each character also needs to recharge their Arkhe before it can activate again. Their vision will usually glow with Pneuma or Ousia's color when it is ready to use!

Pneuma Blocks Can Also Be Used

If players do not have characters that have Arkhe, most overworld puzzles provide Pneuma or Ousia Blocks that they can use to activate Pneumosia relays or overload opposite-aligned enemies.

Pneumosia Blocks in Fontaine

Results in Annihilation Reaction

Genshin Impact What are Pneuma and Ousia - Result to Annihilation Reaction

When Pneuma and Ousia meet, a collision between the two opposing energies causes a reaction called Annihilation is formed.

Annihilation reactions create a form of energy that residents from Fontaine use to power up the whole Nation, and can also be against enemies who use Pneumosia energy!

Annihilation Reaction Details

How to Trigger an Annihilation Reaction?

  1. Know the alignment of the unit you want to trigger the reaction with. Ousia is an energy with a dark, purplish color, while Pneuma has a yellowish-gold color to it.
  2. Hit the enemies or the the mechanism with their opposing alignment. This means you must hit a Pneuma-aligned unit with Ousia, and an Ousia-aligned unit with Pneuma, to trigger the Annihilation Reaction!

Reacts with Clockwork Mekas

Genshin Impact What are Pneuma and Ousia - Power Up Clockwork Meka

Pneuma and Ousia can be utilized by Meka life forms from Fontaine, primarily by machine beings called Clockwork Mekas. These Clockwork Meka beings can be found all over Fontaine, but only those who are inside the city walls are completely non-violent!

Disable Meka Enemies

When used against Meka enemies in Fontaine, the Annihilation reaction overloads their power supplies and stuns them for a short while. This allows Travelers to attack freely for a brief time.

Do note though that it takes a while for a Meka to recharge their power supplies, so further annihilation reactions won't happen if they are not charged.

Clockwork Meka Enemy Guide

Counters Some Boss' Unique Mechanics

Some more powerful boss enemies like Coppelia & Coppelius in Icewind Suite can have their unique mechanics broken by Annihilation reactions! Keep this in mind especially when the game adds these bosses to certain floors in the Spiral Abyss.

Interact with Mechanisms in Fontaine

Genshin Impact What are Pneuma and Ousia - Used by Mechanisms in Fontaine

Pneumosia Energy powers up a plethora of mechanisms that can only be found in Fontaine! From powering up locked storages and aircraft vehicles to relays all over Fontaine - it's a highly versatile form of energy!

Using annihilation reactions aid the Traveler in solving puzzles related to these so take note!

Fixing Pneumosia Relays

Genshin Impact - Pneumosia Relays

Reactions from clashing Pneumosia energies also fix Pneumosia relays which are central to some puzzles in Fontaine. Using the opposite energy reverts the relay back to its Balanced state, rendering it stable and activated.

Pneumousia Relay Guide

Deactivating Pneumousia Amplifiers

Genshin Impact - Pneumousia Amplifiers

Pneumosia Amplifiers are troublesome devices that provides buffs to enemies. These are usually found in enemy camps all over Fontaine. Disable these devices using the opposite energy to disable their effects.

Activate Aircraft Puzzles

Annihilation reactions are used to power up The Miraculous Antoine Roger Aircraft, a new traveling vehicle when exploring Fontaine. This aircraft follows a set path and provides you with a treasure at the end of its journey. Be careful though as anomalies can happen mid-flight!

Fontaine Aircrafts Guide

Opens Huge Storage Vaults

Pneumosia energies are also used to store items and treasures all over Fontaine. Use the opposite energy to break them open!

Pneumousia Storage Box Guide

Pneuma and Ousia Release Date

Released in Version 4.0

Genshin Impact Version 4.0
Genshin - Version 4.0
Release Date August 16, 2023

The Pneuma and Ousia mechanic debuted with Genshin Impact's 4.0 Update which introduced the Hydro region of Fontaine!

Version 4.0 Banners and Release Date

Genshin Impact Related Guides

Genshin Impact - Fontaine Region

Fontaine Map Guide

Fontaine Area Map Guides

Related Fontaine Map Guides
Genshin - Liffey Region Liffey Region Genshin - Fontaine Research Institute Fontaine Research Institute
Genshin - Fortress of Meropide Fortress of Meropide Genshin - Merusea Village Merusea Village
Genshin - Narzissenkreuz OrdoNarzissenkreuz Ordo Genshin - ErinnyesErinnyes
Genshin - Morte RegionMorte Region Genshin - Tower of GestaltTower of Gestalt
Genshin Impact - Nostoi Region SlimNostoi Region Genshin Impact - Sea of Bygone Eras SlimSea of Bygone Eras

Fontaine Exploration Guides

Fontaine Exploration Guides
Diving Mechanic Guide Underwater Area Guide
Fontaine Commission Fontaine Reputation
Fontaine Craftable Weapons Pneuma and Ousia
Local Legends Xenochromatic Creatures
Ancient Symphony

Significant Fontaine Location Guides

Fontaine Location Guides
Genshin - HydroculusHydroculus Genshin - Fountain of Lucine Fountain of Lucine Genshin Impact - Fontaine Shrine of DepthsShrine of Depths Genshin - Enigmatic PagesEnigmatic Page
Genshin - Fontaine Teleport WaypointsTeleport Waypoints Genshin - Fontaine Treasure Chests Treasure Chests Genshin - Fontaine Remarkable Chests Remarkable Chests Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsSecret Treasure Map

Fontaine Item Guides

Fontaine Local Specialties
Genshin Impact - Rainbow RoseRainbow Rose Genshin Impact - Lumidouce BellLumidouce Bell Genshin Impact - Romaritime FlowerRomaritime Flower Genshin Impact - Beryl ConchBeryl Conch
Genshin - Subdetection UnitSubdetection Unit Genshin - LumitoileLumitoile Genshin - Lakelight LilyLakelight Lily Genshin - Spring of the First DewdropSpring of the First Dewdrop
Other Items Found in Fontaine
Genshin Impact - TidalgaTidalga Genshin Impact - MarcotteMarcotte Genshin Impact - Pluie LotusPluie Lotus Genshin Impact - Bulle FruitBulle Fruit
Genshin Impact - Condessence CrystalCondessence Crystal Genshin Impact - Ancient KeyAncient Key Genshin Impact - Drained Conch CupDrained Conch Cup Genshin Impact - Mysterious CoreMysterious Core
Genshin Impact - Hydro SigilHydro Sigil Genshin Impact - Strange PartStrange Part Genshin Impact - Key to Some PlaceKey to Some Place Genshin Impact Credit CouponsCredit Coupons
Genshin - Energy Concentrating ComponentEnergy Concentrating Component Genshin - Mysterious Ore Mysterious Ore Genshin Impact - Strange PartArkhium Ore Genshin Impact - Arkhium Lumenite QuestArkhium Lumenite
Genshin - Spur GearSpur Gears Genshin - Welfare MealWelfare Meal Genshin - HandwheelHandwheel Genshin - Punched TapesPunched Tapes
Genshin - Foggy Forest BranchFoggy Forest Branch Genshin Impact - Simple Vault KeySimple Vault Key Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsAutumn's Map Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsRocky's Map
Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsLiam's Map Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsRouge's Map Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsBarrow Map Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsParker's Hopes Map
Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsAthos Map Genshin - Secret Treasure MapsFreeman Map Genshin - Ridiculously Common BranchRidiculously Common Branch Genshin - Restored ScoreRestored Score

Fontaine Domain Guides

Fontaine Domains Guides
Genshin Impact - Denouement of Sin Domain GuideDenoument of Sin Genshin Impact - Echoes of the Deep Tides Domain GuideEchoes of the Deep Tides
Genshin Impact - Pale Forgotten Glory Domain GuidePale Forgotten Glory Genshin - Waterfall Wen Domain GuideWaterfall Wen
Genshin Impact - Faded Theater Artifact Domain GuideFaded Theater

All Fontaine Domains and Locations

Fontaine Quest Guides

Ancient Colors Quest Chain
A Brush of Seafoam and Crimson A Gradient of Dreams and Ochre
Blue Longing of Heart and Moon
Ann of the Narzissenkreuz Quest Chain
The Narzissenkreuz Adventure Kingdom Through the Looking-Glass
“If She No Longer Dreams of You...”
Unfinished Comedy Quest Chain
Game of the Rich An Eye for An Eye
Hereafter... Scenes From Life in Meropide
In the Wake of Narcissus Quest Chain
Search in the Algae Sea Muse's Mother
Meteoric Lance Cupid's Lover
Thalia and Melpomene Savior's Wake
Waking From the Great Dream Rowboat's Wake
The Wild Fairy of Erinnyes Quest Chain
Foggy Forest Path Wilting Weeping Willow
Furious Mouth of the Spring Within the Depths of Erinnyes
Questioning Melusine and Answering Machine Chain
Vagrants and Scamps The Red and the Black
Questions and Answers
Canticles of Harmony Quest Chain
The Shadow Over Petrichor Underwater Nocturne
The Last Day of Remuria Gradus ad Capitolium
Fortune Plango Vulnera For Yesterday and Tomorrow
Erinnyes Region World Quests
Impromptu Poem of the Crimson Dawn Free Verse
Morte Region World Quests
Wish-Fulfilling Treasure Hunt
Liffey Region World Quests
In Search of Lost Time Both Brains and Brawn
Fontaine Research Institute Region
Fontaine Research Institute Chronicles Road to the Singularity
A Letter Treacherous Light of the Depths
Villains An Expected Plan
An Expected Lie
Belleau Region World Quests
Still Mouthwatering! Truly Mouthwatering!
Beryl Region World Quests
Book of Esoteric Revelations Echoes of the Ancient World
Fishing Game Good Stuff, but Terrible Taste
The Lone Phantom Sail The Three Primary Colors of the Solar Corona
Were It So Easy Strange Stone Chronicle
This Isn’t Pumpkin Soup… Pursuit
Through the Looking Glass
Court of Fontaine Region World Quests
Another Horizon of Adventure A Certain Notice
A Certain Trifle A Certain Stamp
A Fontanian Message Ann's Story: Prologue
Aqueous Tidemarks Danger Lurks Everywhere in Fontaine
In Expert Company Part 1 In Expert Company Part 2
Self-Automatic Foraging Seymour's Story: Prologue
Steambird Interview The Final Question
The Fountain Flows Again Unfinished Story
Upon a Flowery Field of Grass Initial Facts
Happy Birthday Where His Life Lies
Daydreams Beyond Space and Time

Fontaine World Quests

4.6 Fontaine Puzzles and Features

4.6 Fontaine Features
Genshin Impact - Washer Octopus Puzzle GuideWasher Octopus Genshin Impact - Lost Grimoires and Bookshelf Puzzle GuideLost Grimoires and Mysterious Bookshelves
Genshin Impact Wonderchime Flowers and Allochromatic Anemones Puzzle GuideWonderchime Flowers and Allochromatic Anemones Genshin Impact - How to Summon Currents with ScyllaSummon Currents with Scylla
Genshin Impact - All Ancient Autoharmonic Music Box Score LocationsMusic Score Locations Genshin Impact - Auric Anglerfish Locations and Puzzle GuideAuric Anglerfish
Genshin Impact - How to break the Chains that Bind ScyllaBreak the Chains that Bind Scylla Genshin Impact - Portus AnticusPortus Anticus Luxurious Chest
Genshin Impact - The Flying Outlander Achievement GuideThe Flying Outlander Achievement Guide Juliano's Hidden Chests
Genshin Impact - How to Pet OsseHow to Pet Osse Genshin Impact - How to Take the Blank ScoreHow to Take the Blank Score
Genshin Impact - How to Return the Flying Bird PhantasmsHow to Return the Flying Bird Phantasms Genshin Impact - How to Rebuild the Golden AqueductsHow to Rebuild the Golden Aqueducts

4.2 Fontaine Puzzles and Features

4.2 Fontaine Features
Humongous Hat Jellyfish Potential Energy Orbs
Operable Mechanisms Reveal the Altar's Secrets
Pahsiv Shop Decode This Level's Puzzle
Mary-Ann Brainstorming Answers Salvage the Lost Items
Looking Glass Locations Permingeat's Questions and Answers
Contaminated Bacterial Mats How to Solve Dew Bubbles and Branches
How to Operate Dangerous Autocannons Harmonious Reed Pipes
Floating Crystal Flowers and Platforms

4.1 Fontaine Puzzles and Features

4.1 Fontaine Features
Searchlight's Detection Range Gear Drain Valves
Recover the Condensing Components Central Laboratory Ruins Seelie Puzzle
How to Destroy the Thorny Cyst How to Go to the Abandoned Production Zone
How to Solve the Forging Press Puzzle How to Unlock Bravais' Secret Study
Strange Eels Allogravity-Condensed Water Bodies
Red Meanies Stabilizer
Drive Valve to Supply Warehouse 1 Flying Energy Thief
Experimental Focusing Mirror Puzzle Cipher Letters
Energy Transfer Terminals Fixed Storage and Energy Transfer Device
How to Retrieve All 4 Replica Anchors How to Start the Optical Device
Retrieve the Anchor at the Institute Dormitories Retrieve the Anchor at the Institute of Clockwork Applications
Remains of the Day Secret Achievement and Chest Water Barrier Seelie
Rag and Bone Shop

4.0 Fontaine Puzzles and Features

4.0 Fontaine Features
Fontaine Aquabus Guide Court of Fontaine Waypoints Unlock Guide
Heart Plant Co-Op Hidden Chest Sonar Resonance Points
Underwater Currents High-Pressure Water Vents
Recovery Orb Fontaine Echoing Conch
Fantastical Floating Ball Pneumosia Blocks
Miraculous Hydrograna Beastly Rifts
Bullet Barnacles Fontaine Aircrafts Guide
The Prism in Elynas Water Volume Detection Crystal
Pneumousia Relay Guide Pneumousia Storage Box
Sunken Objects Scenic Attractions
Adjust the Prism Berrypuff Hidden Quest
Locked Underwater Dome Break the Treasure Seal
Break the Bubble Formations

Fontaine Enemies

Fontaine Boss Guides
Genshin - Emperor of Fire and Iron Emperor of Fire and Iron Genshin - Icewinde Suite Icewind Suite Genshin Impact - Millennial Pearl SeahorseMillennial Pearl Seahorse
Genshin Impact - Experimental Field GeneratorExperimental Field Generator Genshin - Hydro TulpaHydro Tulpa Genshin - Statue of Marble and BrassLegatus Golem
Genshin - All-Devouring NarwhalAll-Devouring Narwhal Genshin Impact - Arlecchino  (The Knave) Boss The Knave
Fontaine Enemy Guides
Genshin - Fontemer Aberrants Fontemer Aberrants Genshin - Tainted Hydro Phantasm Tainted Hydro Phantasm Genshin Impact - Breacher Primus Enemy GuideBreacher Primus
Genshin - Clockwork Meka Clockwork Meka Genshin - Fatui OperativeFatui Operatives Genshin - Praetorian GolemPraetorian Golem
Local Legends Guides
Genshin - Iron Viscount Iron Viscount Genshin - Fairy Knight Twins Local Legend Fairy Knight Twins Genshin - Ocean Circuit JudgeOcean Circuit Judge
Genshin Impact - Vivianne of the LakeVivianne of the Lake Genshin Impact - Fading VeteranFading Veteran Genshin - Swords of the GorgeSwords of the Gorge
Genshin - Ninianne of the LakeNinianne of the Lake Genshin - Dobharcu Lord of the Hidden Dobharcu, Lord of the Hidden Genshin - Automated Supercomputing Field Generator Automated Supercomputing Field Generator
Genshin - Luachra the BrilliantLuachra the Brilliant Genshin - YseutYseut Genshin - Liam IconLiam
Genshin - Liam IconRocky Avildsen Genshin - Mageblade IconMageblade Corrouge Genshin - ChassanionChassanion
Genshin Impact- DeianeiraDeianeira of Snezhevna Genshin - CineasCineas

All Interactive Map Guides

Genshin Impact - Areas and Map Guides

All Interactive Map Guides

Comment

2 TokyoQuaSarover 1 year

I find it pretty easy to understand if you see this as electric poles, like ousia is - and pneuma is + or the opposite. This make the elemental attacks become electrically charged elemental attacks.

1 Anonymousover 1 year

Currently known pneuma/Ousia characters (at least those who have vision visible, all are currently unplayable): Pneuma - Freminet, Charlotte Ousia - Navia, Clorinde, Wriothesley

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