If you are stuck on the “Find a way to return to the surface” objective during the Pioneers quest in Genshin Impact, the way forward is connected to the Ancient Moon Pearls nearby.
The route can be easy to miss because simply following the quest marker may not immediately reveal how to leave the area.
Here is what you need to do.
How to Find a Way to Return to the Surface
Look around the area for the Ancient Moon Pearls.
Use their energy to enter the Lunar Abundance state. Once the ability becomes available, create an energy ball and use it to break through the obstruction blocking your way forward.
Continue through the newly opened route until you reach the surface.
This objective is part of the Pioneers quest in the Moon Gazing quest chain.
What to Do If You Cannot Progress
If interacting with the nearby mechanism does not work, make sure you are using the regional ability rather than trying to destroy the obstruction with normal attacks.
Move closer to the Ancient Moon Pearls and activate Lunar Abundance, then use the resulting energy attack on the obstacle.
If the interaction still does not respond, try moving away from the mechanism and using the ability again.
Some players may also be able to resolve an unresponsive interaction by teleporting away and returning to the area or restarting the game. A current walkthrough specifically notes this workaround for an Ancient Moon Pearl mechanism that can occasionally fail to respond.
Is This Part of the Pioneers Quest?
Yes.
“Find a way to return to the surface” is an objective in Pioneers, part of the Moon Gazing quest chain.
After reaching the surface, the quest continues rather than ending immediately. Later objectives involve searching for Eggie, exploring the ruins, activating mechanisms, and eventually returning to the surface again.
Quick Solution
If you only need the answer:
Find the Ancient Moon Pearls → activate Lunar Abundance → create the energy attack → break the obstruction → follow the opened path to the surface.
If nothing happens when you use the nearby mechanism, reposition yourself and try the regional ability again. Teleporting away and returning or restarting the game may also help if the interaction appears to be stuck.
