Where Waves Meet the Reef/Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots

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Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots

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To keep mischievous animals from pilfering her workshop, Aino developed a defensive system. Drawing on the experience gained from her earlier, successful products, she carried out a comprehensive upgrade and prepared new models for the expo.
Judging by the Defense Bots' current performance, it seems more than capable of holding off monsters as well...

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Map Description

Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots is a part of the Where Waves Meet the Reef event.

It is unlocked by completing the Event Story Quest The Workshop Owner With a Sweet Tooth in Where Waves Meet the Reef: Part I - A Commission From the Curatorium of Secrets and accessed from the icon by talking to Ineffa.

Tutorial

In Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots, you need to participate in combat simulations with Ineffa to test the efficacy of Guard Mechanisms.
By deploying a variety of Guard Mechanisms, you must defeat the enemies commanded by Ineffa and prevent them from breaching the stronghold behind you.

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By deploying Guard Mechanisms again on top of already-deployed mechanisms, you can construct a stronger mechanism combination. Make use of the characteristics of different mechanism combinations to defeat your enemies!

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At critical moments, you can use the Bombing Technique to attack enemies and clear out those who have slipped through the defensive line.

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During the stage, you can check detailed information on the mechanisms and enemies at any time, as well as the opposing lineup for each incoming wave.

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During the stage, you can check detailed information on the mechanisms and enemies at any time, as well as the opposing lineup for each incoming wave.

Stage II — No Flanking Allowed

During this stage, a large number of aerial enemies will appear. They can bypass mechanisms and fly directly toward the stronghold. Deploying Field Support Cannoneer Moles is an effective way to deal with them!

Stage III — Defense in Depth

During this stage, you will face a large number of enemies that can teleport, allowing them to bypass the first mechanism in their path. Deploy Suppression Cannoneers to effectively stall their advance!

Stage IV — Deal With the Heckler First

During this stage, Hydro Samachurls will join the fray. They will keep their distance and heal other enemies. Deploying a Rain of Fire Cannon Ducky can help you take them out early. The Bombing Technique is also an effective countermeasure.

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At the same time, Ruin Guards will also join the fray. These enemies are incredibly powerful. A single attack can destroy any mechanism except for the Determined Shield Crab.

Battle Loot Bonanza

Test the efficacy of the Guard Mechanisms with Ineffa!
At regular intervals, you will obtain a deployable mechanism. A maximum of 4 mechanisms can be kept in the deployment slots.
Observe the battlefield, arrange mechanisms strategically, and take your enemies down!

Stages

Challenge Tutorial

A tutorial stage must be completed before accessing any of the gameplay stages. It can be repeated by selecting the "Can we run through that tutorial one more time?" dialogue option when talking to Ineffa.

Dialogue

I — The Legion's Strike Rhythm

Unlocks 2026-04-27

Challenge Features

Wave Information

Lane Wave	Left Lane	Central Lane	Right Lane
1	-	4 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker	-
2	2 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker	1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl	-
3	1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl	1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl	2 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker
4	1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap	1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl
5	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 4 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 1 Hilichurl Berserker	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 4 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker

Rewards

Objective	Rewards
Complete the defense challenge	30 50 2
Complete the challenge with no more than 15 enemies breaching the stronghold	20 40 3
Complete the challenge with no more than 5 enemies breaching the stronghold	30 30,000 6

Dialogue

II — No Flanking Allowed

Unlocks 2026-04-28 04:00

Challenge Features

Wave Information

Lane Wave	Left Lane	Central Lane	Right Lane
1	4 Floating Dendro Fungus 1 Hilichurl Fighter	-	-
2	— Electro Specter 1 Floating Dendro Fungus 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl	— Electro Specter 3 Floating Dendro Fungus	-
3	-	2 Floating Dendro Fungus 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl	3 Floating Dendro Fungus
4	— Electro Specter 2 Floating Dendro Fungus	1 Ruin Hunter	2 Floating Dendro Fungus
5	1 Ruin Hunter 1 Electro Specter 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Floating Dendro Fungus	2 Ruin Hunter 2 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Floating Dendro Fungus	1 Ruin Hunter 2 Electro Specter 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Floating Dendro Fungus

Rewards

Objective	Rewards
Complete the defense challenge	30 50 2
Complete the challenge with no more than 15 enemies breaching the stronghold	20 40 3
Complete the challenge with no more than 5 enemies breaching the stronghold	30 30,000 6

Dialogue

III — Defense in Depth

Unlocks 2026-04-29 04:00

Challenge Features

Wave Information

Lane Wave	Left Lane	Central Lane	Right Lane
1	-	-	2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Shooter
2	1 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Fighter	-	2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Fighter
3	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap	2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Fighter	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap
4	2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Thundercraven Rifthound	2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Shooter
5	2 Thundercraven Rifthound 1 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Berserker	2 Thundercraven Rifthound 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 2 Hilichurl Shooter	2 Thundercraven Rifthound 1 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hilichurl Berserker

Rewards

Objective	Rewards
Complete the defense challenge	30 50 2
Complete the challenge with no more than 15 enemies breaching the stronghold	20 40 3
Complete the challenge with no more than 5 enemies breaching the stronghold	30 30,000 6

Dialogue

IV — Deal With the Heckler First

Unlocks 2026-04-30 04:00

Challenge Features

Wave Information

Lane Wave	Left Lane	Central Lane	Right Lane
1	-	1 Hydro Samachurl 3 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Berserker 2 Hilichurl Shooter	-
2	1 Electro Specter 3 Floating Dendro Fungus 2 Hilichurl Fighter	-	-
3	-	-	5 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Hydro Samachurl
4	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 1 Hydro Samachurl	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 1 Hydro Samachurl	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 1 Hydro Samachurl
5	2 Ruin Hunter 1 Electro Specter 1 Hydro Samachurl — Floating Dendro Fungus	2 Ruin Guard 2 Hydro Samachurl	1 Thundercraven Rifthound 1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp

Rewards

Objective	Rewards
Complete the defense challenge	30 50 2
Complete the challenge with no more than 15 enemies breaching the stronghold	20 40 3
Complete the challenge with no more than 5 enemies breaching the stronghold	30 30,000 6

Dialogue

Battle Loot Bonanza

Unlocks 2026-05-01 04:00

Challenge Features

Wave Information

Lane Wave	Left Lane	Central Lane	Right Lane
1	-	2 Hilichurl Fighter 2 Hilichurl Shooter 2 Hilichurl Berserker	-
2	1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl 1 Hilichurl Fighter 1 Hilichurl Shooter 1 Hilichurl Berserker	1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl	-
3	1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl 1 Floating Dendro Fungus 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Blazing Axe Mitachurl	1 Hydro Samachurl 1 Floating Dendro Fungus 2 Hilichurl Fighter
4	1 Hydro Samachurl 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Floating Dendro Fungus 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Electro Specter 1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Hydro Samachurl 1 Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl 2 Floating Dendro Fungus 2 Hilichurl Shooter
5	1 Hydro Samachurl 1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp	1 Ruin Guard 1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp	1 Hydro Samachurl 1 Blazing Axe Mitachurl 2 Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp
6	1 Ruin Hunter 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Primordial Bathysmal Vishap 1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Ruin Hunter 2 Hilichurl Shooter
7	1 Ruin Guard 1 Thundercraven Rifthound 1 Hydro Samachurl	1 Ruin Guard 1 Ruin Hunter 1 Hydro Samachurl 2 Hilichurl Shooter	1 Ruin Guard 1 Thundercraven Rifthound 1 Hydro Samachurl

Rewards

Objective	Rewards
Complete the defense challenge	30 50 1
Complete the challenge with no more than 15 enemies breaching the stronghold	20 40 3
Complete the challenge with no more than 5 enemies breaching the stronghold	30 30,000 3

Dialogue

My Lineup

Guard Mechanisms

Icon & Name	Description
Mole Chef	Energy Recovery Periodically generates Legion Energy. An expert providing support to the Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots operation, and also a chef with fantastic culinary skills. Originally, the moles came to the workshop to steal because the Wild Hunt and monster outbreaks had left them unable to find food. After learning about this, Aino had Ineffa distribute food to these little animals, one of which then collected some delicacies using a rather clever method and gifted them to Ineffa as thanks... Deployment Cost: 50
Cannoneer	Single-Target Fires shells at the enemy at a standard rate. This key warrior among the Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots is a mechanical soldier armed with a portable cannon. Originally, the mechanical soldiers defending the workshop would only fire food items to keep the small animals happy and persuade them to leave. These projectiles fly at a fairly low speed, like a ball being tossed gently between friends... However, the weight of a single cabbage can exceed even that of a heavy musket round. So, in encounters with those bearing ill intentions, the mechanical soldiers can crank up the cannon's power to deliver devastating blows. Deployment Cost: 100
Timid Shield Crab	Defense A mechanism with moderate defense capabilities that can effectively block ground enemies. A unit that is key to holding the frontline for the Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots. Equipped with two sturdy metal shields, it has the traits of both a Rock Crab and a robot. It was likely equipped with its display "head" to send warning signals to opponents. However, because the Rock Crab has a mild temperament, the Shield Crab is likewise somewhat timid — so much so that Ineffa once had it try to learn from tougher mechanisms, such as Chard Lombro... Deployment Cost: 50
Blasty Ducky	Explosion Explodes shortly after deployment, dealing massive DMG to nearby enemies. It cannot be combined with other mechanisms during its priming phase. The most hot-tempered member of the Thwack 'n Smack Defense Bots. It can become so furious that it literally explodes. Its core comes from a mechanism originally designed to transport flammable and explosive goods. However, because these high-energy materials were in such high demand, the mechanism was constantly targeted by bandits. Eventually, it grew so fed up that it decided to switch careers — "Might as well blow up those lowlifes first and ask questions later." With Aino's help, it was refitted with an adorable duck appearance, allowing it to approach its targets under the guise of harmless charm. But don't worry, its core is amply protected from explosive damage. Post-combat, all one has to do is put its parts back together again. Since its opponents are rarely so easily reassembled, the Blasty Ducky inevitably comes out ahead. Deployment Cost: 150

Mechanism Combos

Icon & Name	Description
Moley-Moley Duo	Energy Recovery Periodically generates additional Legion Energy. When two Mole Chefs work together, they're able to manage more stoves at the same time, and naturally, they're able to provide more food and energy! In general, preparing food for the mechanisms is quite simple — there's no need to ask them what they wish to eat; all that's required is ensuring their energy intake is sufficient... The two Mole Chefs learned their pose from a comic book that the witch lent to Aino. It's said to be a pose that allows "two warriors to work together with the seamless unity of being fused." Combo Setup: +
Field Support Cannoneer Mole	Can Target Flying, Single-Target, Energy Recovery Fires shells at a faster rate. Deals increased DMG to flying units. Has a chance to generate Legion Energy when firing. The story goes like this: after the kitchen was blown to bits, the mole borrowed the Cannoneer's gear and headed to the frontlines. Now, it can take down monsters while whipping up meals for the other bots at the same time. Ineffa once heard from the Knights of Favonius stationed in Nod-Krai that "a troop's combat effectiveness is closely related to its field chef." So, as long as the chef is also incredibly strong in battle, this troop will surely be unbeatable! Combo Setup: +
"No-Entry" Shield Mole	Defense, Energy Recovery, Repair A mechanism with a certain degree of defensive capability that is able to block ground enemies effectively. Periodically restores HP to itself and mechanisms in the same row, while also generating Legion Energy. Following the kitchen explosion, the mole began deploying shield mechanisms to prevent further intrusions by enemies and projectiles alike during reconstruction. Ineffa once came across a Sniffer Mole and a Rock Crab, deep in conversation, on a beach between Hiisi Island and Lempo Isle. So engrossed and involved they were in the conversation, she managed to record a six-hour clip for Aino's entertainment — though in the end Aino decided to use the video as a sleep aid instead... Combo Setup: +
Double Trouble Squeaky Ducky	Energy Recovery, Defeat Effect Explodes when enemies approach, dealing massive DMG to nearby enemies and generating a large amount of Legion Energy. Seeking revenge for the blown-up kitchen, the Mole Chef joined forces with the Blasty Ducky to strike back. However, they later realized the monsters didn't even have a kitchen, since cooked food was useless to them. And since they were already all fired up, they figured they might as well head to the frontlines to fight... The Sniffer Moles of Nod-Krai are omnivores, and some even developed a taste for cooked food after sampling delicacies at the Frostmoon Scions' Moon-Prayer Night and then started living healthier lives. According to Ineffa, she has seen several makeshift kitchens built by the Sniffer Moles themselves. Though still rather crude, these kitchens are certainly adequate for their purpose... Combo Setup: +
Super Cannoneer	Single-Target, Shield-Breaking Effect Fires additional shells the [sic] enemy at a standard rate, dealing increased DMG to shielded enemies. Surely, at full firepower, any enemy can be taken down... Right??? Before the giant cannon was put in place in Nasha Town, Aino tested this theory by creating a multi-barreled mechanism that combined several light muskets, which she then used to ambush individual Wild Hunt members. The result was unfortunately abysmal. This led her to the conclusion that "full firepower" is only possible if every shot is guaranteed to cause basic damage. This is why the Cannoneers carry weapons of massive caliber. Combo Setup: +
Suppression Cannoneer	AoE Attack, Defense, Control Fires shells at the enemy at a slower rate. Shells deal AoE DMG and slow enemies within the blast radius. In plenty of films and comics, powerful ranged fighters somehow become hopeless the moment an enemy gets too close. Aino always thought that was unfair. "If you can win from afar, why let them get that close in the first place?" she would complain. Ineffa's response was simple: "Then just slow them down." And so, Aino made a few adjustments, giving both the Cannoneer and the Timid Shield Crab the ability to hinder their opponents' movement... Combo Setup: +
Rain of Fire Cannon Ducky	Ranged Attack, AoE Attack, Defeat Effect Fires shells at the enemy at a slower rate, but with a larger attack range. Prioritizes backline enemies. Explodes upon defeat, dealing massive DMG to nearby enemies. For a guard mechanism built to keep shelling enemies nonstop, replacing deliberation with firepower may not be entirely unreasonable. Ineffa once discovered that even when the Blasty Ducky was locked indoors, it would somehow slip out just to bombard monsters. At that point, there was little reason to hold it back, so she simply handed it the Cannoneer's equipment and let it rain fire to its heart's content... Combo Setup: +
Determined Shield Crab	Defense, Repair Has increased defensive power and can effectively block ground enemies. Periodically restores HP to itself. After enduring mission after mission, this pair of Shield Crabs has awakened their fighting spirit and grown remarkably brave. Ineffa observed that when deployed alone, a Shield Crab tends to hang back, acting cautious and reserved. But when two close companions take the field together, they stand firm at the very front line. Perhaps it's only natural — if one were to retreat, the other would be left to bear the brunt alone. Combo Setup: +
"No-Entry" Blasty Ducky	Defense, Defeat Effect A mechanism with a certain degree of defensive capability that is able to block ground enemies effectively. Explodes upon defeat, dealing massive DMG to nearby enemies. After venting its fury in a thoroughly satisfying barrage, the once-hotheaded Blasty Ducky finally appears to have settled down. Borrowing equipment from the Shield Crabs, it even adopts what looks like a proper defensive formation. But when something slips past its defenses, that explosive personality returns in full force. Soon it's rummaging through its own compartments for hidden charges, because blowing things up is still its preferred solution... Combo Setup: +

Enemy Info

Icon & Name	Description
— Ruin Guard	Elite, Severe Threat A single attack can destroy any mechanism except for the Determined Shield Crab. A simulated Ruin Guard. A war machine from a fallen nation that wanders around Teyvat. It was a key specimen that Aino observed closely when she first started out in the field. However, all her attempts to capture these have failed due to a lack of compatibility in power systems... Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Ruin Hunter	Elite, Flying A Flying unit that can bypass mechanisms and fly directly toward the stronghold. Extremely high DEF. A simulated Ruin Hunter. A war machine capable of low-altitude flight. Aino was fascinated by the mechanics behind its hovering ability and even attempted to replicate it in the form of a specially designed equipment pack. In the end, however, she decided it wasn't quite charming enough to pass along to Ineffa. So she dismantled it and repurposed the parts, turning them into a number of far more practical devices. Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Electro Specter	Elite, Flying, Defeat Effect A Flying unit that can bypass mechanisms and fly directly toward the stronghold. Explodes when defeated, dealing DMG to nearby mechanisms. A simulated Electro Specter. A monster born from highly concentrated Electro energy. Inspired by a certain passage in the Teyvat Travel Guide, Aino once considered whether these floating beings might serve as a convenient power source if kept safely contained in cages. However, the entire proposal was promptly abandoned after she learned that "Specter" had become something of an insult. Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Primordial Bathysmal Vishap	Elite Extremely high ATK and DEF. A simulated Primordial Bathysmal Vishap. According to information Aino uncovered, they live beneath the Abyssal depths, which surely means they must have quite excellent... pressure resistance and waterproof capabilities, no? Aino even consulted the Melusines in town to find out how to communicate with the Vishaps, hoping to learn more about their secrets. Ultimately, though, the language barrier proved to be insurmountable. Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Thundercraven Rifthound	Elite, Teleportation The first time it is blocked by a mechanism, it instantly teleports past it. It also possesses enhanced ATK and DEF. A simulated Thundercraven Rifthound. Though the underlying energy mechanism in use here isn't entirely clear, Aino has concluded that these vicious and cruel creatures likely share some traits with the Wild Hunt. So, when the cannon in Nasha Town was first put in place, Aino took the trouble to seek out several packs of Rifthounds to test its firepower... It's been hard to perform a proper post-test assessments, however, since the cannon's blasts often obliterated them completely, leaving not even ashes behind... Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Hilichurl Fighter	Normal Rather ordinary in terms of ATK and DEF. A simulated common Hilichurl Fighter. A fighter seemingly without any worries or goals. However, upon hearing about the tasty noms at the stronghold, it immediately joined its companions, charging over with raucous enthusiasm.
— Hilichurl Berserker	Normal Movement SPD is very fast. A simulated Hilichurl Berserker. One moment, it's taking a leisurely stroll; the next, it's charging forward in wild excitement — and all it took was a single "Ya," as if a switch had been flipped. This makes it rather similar to a mechanism, don't you think? Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Hydro Samachurl	Normal Does not attack mechanisms. However, it heals enemies from a distance. A simulated Hydro Samachurl. These creatures are always muttering nonstop. Even when you slow down their incantations, there is no easy way to make out what they're saying. Having said that, they do have a strong sense of rhythm, it sounds like. In fact, Aino has been known to wonder if these incantations could be woven into some kind of unique lullaby... Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Hilichurl Shooter	Normal, Ranged Can perform ranged attacks with high ATK. A simulated Hilichurl Shooter. A creature with considerable arm and leg strength, capable of even using a crossbow. Considering that the crossbows they use rarely malfunction... Could it be that they actually have enough intelligence to maintain their weapons? Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Blazing Axe Mitachurl	Normal High ATK and high threat. A simulated Blazing Axe Mitachurl. Rumored to be the seventh-most wanted criminal on a bounty list issued by the Slime Protection Society, this creature is often stealing the finest-quality ores from blacksmiths. Even in the wild, wild region of Nod-Krai, people don't seem to speak well of it either... Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl	Normal While its ATK is quite low, its DEF is impressively high, which allows it to protecting [sic] any opponent behind it. A simulated Rock Shieldwall Mitachurl. Aino once estimated the weight of the shields these carry by referring to various video records, and found the numbers to be quite staggering. If she could, say, hire these fellows to help transport parts, she could save a bundle on shipping. Unfortunately, she's never managed to strike a deal with them, as they don't really care for sweets. Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Floating Dendro Fungus	Normal, Flying A Flying unit that can bypass mechanisms and fly directly toward the stronghold. A simulated Floating Dendro Fungus. Fungi may be adorable, but the hot-tempered ones can rage out and end up attacking Aino's mechanisms. So this time, they've been invited to the simulation as well. However, the Fungi are getting special treatment: instead of defeating them outright, the mechanisms will hold back and try to drive them off instead... Countered by Mechanism(s):
— Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp	Normal, Teleportation The first time it is blocked by a mechanism, it instantly teleports past it. A simulated Thundercraven Rifthound Whelp. Most puppies are adorable. Even well-behaved young wolves can be quite endearing. But Rifthound Whelps are the clear exception. When even the most experienced "canine specialists" can't manage them, it's time to let the mechanisms step in and deal with the problem directly! Countered by Mechanism(s):

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