What makes the Ruin Grader such a formidable opponent in the world of Teyvat? These elite mechanical enemies, introduced alongside the Dragonspine expansion in Version 1.2, represent a significant step up from their more common Ruin Guard cousins. Towering over most enemies with their imposing size and distinctive off-white and pale yellow coloration, Ruin Graders possess not only greater health pools but also a more diverse and dangerous moveset that can easily overwhelm unprepared travelers.
Understanding the Ruin Grader's attack patterns is crucial for survival. Like Ruin Guards, they employ basic stomping attacks and hand claps that can be avoided through careful positioning or well-timed dodges. However, their true threat lies in their enhanced capabilities:
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Charge Attack: The Ruin Grader lowers its arms and charges forward, dealing massive damage to anything in its path
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Laser Assaults: Two different laser attacks – one that tracks the player persistently and another that sweeps in a circular pattern around the machine
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Ground Orbs: The creature deploys damaging energy orbs that remain on the battlefield as hazardous terrain
But why would any adventurer willingly face such a dangerous foe? The rewards make the risk worthwhile. Ruin Graders drop valuable materials essential for weapon enhancement:
| Material Type | Rarity | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Chaos Device | Common (Green) | Basic weapon upgrades |
| Chaos Circuit | Rare (Blue) | Intermediate weapon enhancements |
| Chaos Core | Epic (Purple) | Advanced weapon development |
How does one turn this mechanical titan from hunter to prey? The answer lies in exploiting its structural weaknesses. The Ruin Grader possesses three vulnerable points that periodically glow yellow during combat:
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The Eye - The central visual sensor
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Left Leg Joint - The mechanical articulation point
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Right Leg Joint - The counterpart on the opposite side
When struck once, these weak points interrupt the Ruin Grader's current action. A second successful hit causes the massive construct to collapse entirely, creating an extended window for uninterrupted damage dealing. This vulnerability system transforms what appears to be an impossible battle into a manageable encounter.
Strategic team composition can further tilt the odds in the traveler's favor. Characters with taunting abilities, like Amber's Baron Bunny, can distract the Ruin Grader while players target its weak points. Freeze team compositions prove particularly effective, immobilizing the mechanical beast and preventing its most dangerous attacks altogether.
Found primarily in Dragonspine and select locations throughout Inazuma, Ruin Graders represent both a challenge and an opportunity. While their increased damage output and complex attack patterns may intimidate newer adventurers, mastering their defeat marks a significant milestone in any traveler's journey through Teyvat. The combination of pattern recognition, precise aiming, and strategic team building required to overcome these mechanical marvels provides valuable experience that prepares adventurers for even greater challenges that await in the ever-expanding world of Genshin Impact.