Man, when Version 5.0 dropped last year, I nearly screamed seeing that artifact customization system! 🌟 After years of grinding domains only to get DEF% circlets for my DPS characters, finally having control over main stats AND two sub-stats felt like Christmas came early. But here's the kicker – that glorious Sanctifying Elixir resource is rarer than a peaceful Hilichurl. Let me break down everything I've learned after months of testing this system in Natlan-era Genshin.

How This Game-Changer Actually Works

First things first – you gotta unlock the Artifact Transmuter gadget. Super easy if you're AR45+ since it automatically pops in your Adventurer's Handbook once you've scrounged up 25 five-star artifacts (yes, those level 0 trash pieces in your inventory count!). No more sprinting to crafting benches either – just activate it anywhere like a portable alchemy station.

The magic happens when you choose:

• Specific artifact set (even brand-new Natlan ones!)

• Piece type (flower/sands/etc)

• One main stat

• TWO sub-stats you actually want 😭

But stay woke travelers – the other two subs and upgrade rolls? Still RNG hell. And the Elixir cost? Brutal depending on piece type:

Piece Type	Approx Elixir Cost
Flower/Feather	Lower
Sands/Goblet	Medium
Circlet	Highest

Where To Find These Liquid Gold Drops

After burning through my initial stash, I went full treasure hunter mode. Here’s the real tea on scoring more:

• Artifact Recycling is your monthly lifeline. Dump those +20 artifacts you’ve been hoarding into the extractor. The point system’s wild though:

• Lv4-11 → Points = Level

• Lv12-15 → Level +2

• Lv16-19 → Level +6

• Lv20 → 30 POINTS (my secret: feed trash +20 circlets!)

But chill – hard cap at ONE elixir per version update. Miss it and you’re sabotaging your account.

• Battle Pass stans rejoice – Gnostic Hymn Level 26 hooks you up with another monthly elixir. Worth the $10? For min-maxers like me? ABSOLUTELY. F2Ps though... awkward silence

• Anniversary/Events sometimes bless us. Remember 4.0’s mail gift? Pure serotonin. But predicting future events? Mihoyo plays that info closer than Arlecchino’s backstory.

Natlan’s Hidden Stashes (R.I.P. Respawn)

When 5.0 launched, I speedran all three tribal zones:

🔥 Pyro Tribe’s Lava Vaults

💧 Hydro Tribe’s Submerged Sanctums

🌪️ Anemo Tribe’s Sky Ruins

Each secret space coughed up one elixir – but that’s IT. No respawns, no refreshes. If you haven’t cleared Natlan exploration yet? Drop everything and hunt those sparkly chests! Primogems are nice but THIS is true endgame currency.

My Controversial Efficiency Tips

After crafting 37 customized artifacts (yes I counted), here’s my nuclear take: NEVER use elixirs on feathers/flowers. Why? Their main stat’s fixed! You’re basically paying premium to lock two subs when strongbox spam works fine.

Instead, go nuclear on:

1. Elemental DMG% Goblets with double crit subs

2. EM Sands for transformative reaction carries

3. CRIT Circlets that avoid flat DEF like plague

And hoard elixirs like Scaramouche hoards emotional trauma. That perfect Pyro DPS piece? Worth waiting months to guarantee.

Final thoughts? This system’s a double-edged sword. We finally have control but scarcity creates painful choices. Should you risk an elixir for 30 CV potential? Or wait for Fontaine 2.0? Honestly? I’m still figuring that out myself... 🤷‍♂️