Genshin Impact "Saurian" Companions: Which One to Choose?
Welcome to Natlan, the vibrant and dangerous Nation of War! One of the most exciting features introduced in Genshin Impact Version 5.0 is the ability to interact with, and even transform into, the local wildlife known as Saurians. These draconic creatures are not just for show; they are deeply woven into the exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat mechanics of the region.
As you traverse the rugged canyons, floating islands, and lava-filled springs, you'll encounter different tribes, each partnered with a unique Saurian species. This comprehensive guide will break down the mechanics of Saurian Indwelling, compare the three main species (Tepetlisaurus, Yumkasaurus, and Koholasaurus), and help you understand how to utilize your very own baby saurian companion.
Adopt a Baby Saurian!
Can't get enough of the adorable Little One you adopt in the Archon Quest? Take one on your real-life adventures! The Genshin Impact Blaze to Natlan Baby Saurian Plush Keychain is incredibly soft and perfect for attaching to your daily backpack.
1. The Mechanic: What is Saurian "Indwelling"?
Unlike previous regions where you relied solely on your characters' stamina and abilities, Natlan allows you to temporarily become a Saurian. This process is called Indwelling.
- How to Indwell: Approach a glowing Saurian or a Spiritspirit (a glowing aura on the ground) and press the interact button. You will instantly transform into that specific Saurian.
- Phlogiston Consumption: Using a Saurian's special abilities drains Phlogiston (the orange bar above your HP). If you run out of Phlogiston, the abilities will start draining your character's HP.
- Exiting Indwelling: You can revert to your human form at any time by holding the designated exit button.
2. The Big Three: Comparing the Saurians
There are currently three primary Saurian types you can indwell, each corresponding to a specific Natlan tribe. Which one is the "best"? It entirely depends on the terrain you are facing.
Tepetlisaurus (The Earth Drillers)
Partnered with the Children of Echoes (Kachina's tribe), these Geo-aligned Saurians look like adorable, chunky, drill-nosed dinosaurs.
- Exploration Specialty: They can burrow underground, moving incredibly fast. More importantly, they can climb vertical cliffs while burrowed, completely bypassing the slow human climbing mechanics.
- Combat/Utility: Their attacks deal heavy Geo damage and can instantly shatter ore veins, making them the best miners in Teyvat.
- Best Used For: Scaling massive mountains and exploring the deep canyons of the Tequemecan Valley.
Yumkasaurus (The Canopy Swingers)
Partnered with the Scions of the Canopy (Kinich's tribe), these Dendro-aligned Saurians resemble agile, green, frog-like dragons.
- Exploration Specialty: They possess a long, sticky tongue used for grappling. They can latch onto Coilgrass Sigils floating in the air to swing across massive gaps. They can also store a "charge" to launch themselves upward mid-air.
- Combat/Utility: They can grab Flamegranates (explosive fruits) and spit them at enemies or puzzle targets.
- Best Used For: Aerial traversal, crossing broken bridges, and reaching floating platforms.
Koholasaurus (The Lava Surfers)
Partnered with the People of the Springs (Mualani's tribe), these Hydro-aligned Saurians look like sleek, shark-like dragons.
- Exploration Specialty: They can swim extremely fast in water, but their true power is their ability to swim in Liquid Phlogiston (Lava) without taking damage. They can also leap out of the water to perform dash attacks and ride Spiritways (glowing water currents).
- Combat/Utility: Excellent for aquatic combat and breaking Pyro shields.
- Best Used For: Traversing the Toyac Springs and safely crossing deadly lava lakes.
Can't Decide Which Tribe to Join?
Why choose one when you can collect them all? Check out the Genshin Impact Natlan Baby Saurian Mini Blind Bag. Test your luck and see which tribe's Saurian chooses you!
3. Saurians vs. Natlan Characters
You might notice a pattern: the abilities of the Saurians mirror the abilities of the new Natlan characters. This is the Nightsoul's Blessing mechanic.
| Saurian Type | Character Equivalent | Main Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Tepetlisaurus (Burrow/Climb) | Kachina (Turbo Twirly) | Kachina rides her drill to climb, but the Tepetlisaurus is generally faster and more fluid for pure vertical exploration. |
| Yumkasaurus (Grapple) | Kinich (Grappling Hook) | Kinich's grapple is incredibly fast and dynamic for combat, but the Yumkasaurus is required for specific puzzle interactions (like grabbing bombs). |
| Koholasaurus (Surfing) | Mualani (Sharky Surfboard) | Mualani's surfboard is arguably faster and better for combat, but the Koholasaurus consumes less Phlogiston for long-distance lava travel. |
Verdict: While Natlan characters are amazing, you do not need to pull them to explore Natlan. The wild Saurians provide all the utility you need to achieve 100% exploration.
4. Your Personal Pet: "The Little One"
Early in the Natlan Archon Quest, you rescue a baby Tepetlisaurus who becomes your permanent companion. You get to name him, and he follows you throughout the region.
- Can I change his type? Currently, no. Your companion is always a Tepetlisaurus. He is essential for specific story beats and hidden world quests involving his kind.
- Combat: He doesn't fight for you, but he occasionally digs up hidden chests, Mora, or Phlogiston chunks while you explore.
The Perfect Desk Companion:
Commemorate your journey with the "Little One" by displaying the official Genshin Impact Natlan Saurian Companion Tepetlisaurus Figure. It captures the exact moment you meet your new best friend!
5. FAQ: Saurian Mechanics
Can I take my Saurian form outside of Natlan?
No. The Indwelling mechanic is strictly locked to the Natlan region. If you try to cross the border into Sumeru or the Desert while indwelling a Saurian, you will automatically revert back to your human form.
Can I change my baby Saurian's name later?
Yes, but it is limited. The game provides you with a specific consumable item (similar to the one used for the Wanderer) that allows you to rename your Saurian companion. Choose wisely, as this item is very rare!
Which Saurian is the fastest?
It depends on the context. The Koholasaurus is the fastest on water/lava. The Yumkasaurus is the fastest for crossing broken terrain in the air. The Tepetlisaurus is the fastest for scaling vertical cliffs.
Where can I buy official Genshin Impact Saurian plushies?
You can find official Natlan Saurian plushies, keychains, and blind boxes right here at Bahomu. Visit our Genshin Impact Merch Collection to explore all the new arrivals from Version 5.0 and beyond.
Conclusion
The Saurians of Natlan are a masterclass in environmental game design, making the exploration of the Nation of War feel fresh, vertical, and incredibly fast-paced. Whether you are surfing magma as a Koholasaurus, swinging through the canopy as a Yumkasaurus, or drilling into the earth alongside your loyal Tepetlisaurus companion, Natlan offers an adventure like no other.
Embrace the power of the dragons, manage your Phlogiston wisely, and don't forget to grab some real-life loot to celebrate your travels!
Explore Genshin Impact Merch
