You're floating in the middle of a literal sunken kingdom, the music is swelling like a Hollywood epic, and all you want is that one specific chest. We’ve all been there. The Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths locations aren't exactly hidden in plain sight, but they aren't exactly screaming their presence from the rooftops of Remuria either. Honestly, if you’re trying to 100% the Nostoi Region and the surrounding deeps, these shrines are the big prize.
They represent that classic Genshin Impact loop: find a key, find a box, get 40 Primogems. Simple, right? Except the map in this game has more layers than a wedding cake, and navigating the underwater currents of the ancient Remurian empire can get disorienting fast.
Why the Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths Locations Matter Now
If you haven't been keeping up with the Fontaine expansions, the Sea of Bygone Eras is basically the graveyard of an ancient civilization that predates the current Hydro Archon's reign. It’s haunting. It's blue. It's very, very deep.
There are exactly two Shrines of Depths tucked away in this specific sub-region.
While some players complain that two isn't enough, consider the loot density. Each one of these things is packed with luxury-tier rewards. You aren't just getting the Primos; you're getting the Sigils needed to level up the Fountain of Lucine. If you're stuck at Level 48 or 49 on that fountain, these shrines are usually the "missing link" that most people overlook because they didn't realize the map extends that far south and down.
Getting the Keys: The First Hurdle
You can't just pick the lock. You've gotta earn it. In Fontaine, and specifically for the Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths, keys are tied to two main progression tracks.
- The Statue of the Seven: You need to offer enough Hydroculi to hit specific milestones (usually levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10).
- The Fountain of Lucine: Tossing those Hydro Sigils into the fountain near the Opera Epiclese.
If you’re staring at a glowing blue barrier and realize your inventory is empty, stop exploring the sea and go back to the surface. Grind those sigils. It’s tedious, but the payoff is guaranteed.
Tracking Down the First Shrine: Caesar's Port Vicinity
The first one is arguably the easiest to find if you’re actually following the "Canticles of Harmony" world quest line. It's located near the area known as Caesar's Port.
Don't just teleport and look up. Most people make the mistake of staying in the main "highway" of the water currents. You need to veer off toward the southern cliffs.
Basically, once you hit the teleport waypoint near Caesar's Port, look toward the south. You’ll see the faint, eerie glow of the shrine sitting on a rocky outcrop. The topography here is weird. It’s underwater, obviously, but the shrine sits on a ledge that feels like it’s overlooking a massive underwater canyon. It's a great spot for a screenshot, but a pain if you don't have the "Symphony" power-ups from the questline to move faster.
The Second Shrine: Near the Collegium Phronis
The second Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths is a bit more tucked away. You'll find this one in the vicinity of the Collegium Phronis, specifically toward the southeast of that landmark.
It’s nestled into a natural alcove in the rock wall. If you’re coming from the central hub of Remuria, you’ll want to hug the eastern boundary of the map. It's easy to miss because the lighting in this zone is very moody and dark. Look for the silhouette of the classic Fontaine-style architecture.
A quick tip: if you find yourself surrounded by those aggressive clockwork meka or the weird glowing eels, you’re in the right neighborhood. The shrine is tucked behind some large coral structures. It almost feels like the developers wanted to hide it from anyone who wasn't meticulously hugging the walls of the cavern.
Common Misconceptions About These Shrines
I see people asking on forums all the time if these shrines require a specific quest to "unlock" the physical structure. No. The structure is always there. However, reaching them is a nightmare if you haven't started "Canticles of Harmony."
Without the quest, large sections of the Sea of Bygone Eras are basically locked behind invisible walls or lethal currents. You might see the icon on an interactive map, swim toward it, and get pushed back by the game.
- Fact: The shrines are not time-gated.
- Reality: Your access to them is movement-gated.
Another thing: people often think there are more than two. In the "Sea of Bygone Eras" proper, there are only two. If you're looking for the others to finish your Fontaine achievement, they are scattered across the Court of Fontaine, Erinnyes Forest, and the Morte Region.
The Loot: Is It Actually Worth the Swim?
Each shrine contains a Luxurious Chest. Inside, you’re looking at:
- 40 Primogems (The gold standard).
- 10 Hydro Sigils (Crucial for the fountain).
- A handful of 3-star and 4-star weapons and artifacts (mostly fodder, let's be real).
- Mystic Enhancement Ore.
It doesn't sound like a lot until you realize that clearing both shrines in the Sea of Bygone Eras gives you 80 Primogems in about five minutes of swimming. Compare that to some of the puzzles in this zone that take twenty minutes and only give you a Common Chest with 2 Primos. It’s a no-brainer.
Navigational Nuances and Hazards
The Sea of Bygone Eras isn't like the rest of Fontaine's water. It has "ancient" water mechanics. You’ll encounter these golden orbs and "Symphony" mechanics. Use the "T" key (on PC) or your specialized skill button to interact with the environment.
When you're heading toward the second Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths, you’ll likely run into some elite enemies. You don't actually have to fight them to open the shrine. If you're low on health or just lazy, you can usually dive straight for the door, interact with it, and the animation will give you a brief window of invulnerability.
Once the door is open, the enemies usually leave you alone while you're standing inside the shrine's footprint.
Why the "Ancient Sea" Design is Polarizing
Some players hate this zone because of the verticality. You aren't just moving North, South, East, West. You're moving up and down through thousands of virtual gallons of water.
The map can be deceptive. A shrine might look like it's right on top of you, but it’s actually 50 meters above your head on a ledge you didn't see. Always check your Z-axis. If the icon on your mini-map has a small up or down arrow next to it, that’s your biggest hint.
What To Do Next
Once you've cracked open both shrines, don't just teleport away. There are several "hidden" chests nearby that don't show up on the compass.
Specifically, near the first shrine in Caesar's Port, look for small breakable rock piles. They often hide mora-filled crates or even a cheeky Exquisite Chest. Since you're already in the neighborhood, it saves you a trip back later when you're at 98% exploration and pulling your hair out.
Immediate Action Steps:
- Check your inventory: Ensure you actually have two Fontaine Shrine of Depths Keys. If not, go dump your sigils at the Fountain of Lucine or level up your Statue of the Seven.
- Start "Canticles of Harmony": If the Sea of Bygone Eras is still grayed out or inaccessible, you need to talk to the NPC "Petrichor" to trigger the Remuria questline.
- Mark your map: Use the in-game pins once you find them. Even if you can't open them yet, marking them prevents that "wait, which one did I already get?" confusion three weeks from now.
- Prioritize the Sigils: Remember that the 20 total sigils from these two shrines are worth nearly half a level at the Fountain of Lucine.
Finding the Sea of Bygone Eras Shrine of Depths locations is essentially the "final boss" of Fontaine exploration. Once these are done, you’ve secured the bulk of the region’s premium currency. Happy diving, and watch out for the giant squids. They don't do much, but they're creepy as hell.