Overview
Root's End is a floating island within the Abyss, described in-game as "The Abyss of life where diverse plants breathe and thrive." It is one of several sky islands that players can explore as part of the Path of Providence, the series of Abyss puzzles that reward Abyss Artifacts used for skill upgrades and character progression.
Root's End combines platforming, environmental puzzles, and Axiom Force mechanics. The island has a lush, overgrown environment compared to the stark stone architecture of other Abyss islands, with concealed roots and vegetation woven through its structures.
How to Access Root's End
Root's End becomes accessible after completing the Ethereal Pathway puzzle during the "Abyss Without Balance" main quest. After finishing the Ethereal Pathway, a bridge appears that leads to a teleporter. Stepping onto the teleporter takes the player to Root's End.
Getting to the main puzzle area requires parkour jumps between platforms, followed by a moving platform sequence and a set of three deteriorating platforms that crumble underfoot. Players need to move quickly across these platforms to avoid falling.
Puzzle Mechanics
The Root's End puzzle involves multiple stages that test the player's mastery of movement abilities and Axiom Force. Each stage builds on the previous one and introduces new elements.
Stage 1: Entry - Crouch on a vent and use Force Palm to open it, gaining access to the interior.
Stage 2: Laser Descent - Navigate a long tube filled with scattered lasers. Use wings to slow the descent and weave between the beams.
Stage 3: Battery Placement - Retrieve a floating battery using aerial jumps and Axiom Force, then position it into a mechanism.
Stage 4: Activation - Push the battery into its final position using double jumps or aerial skills, then step on the activated mechanism to teleport to the next section.
Stage 5: Final Battery - Position a second floating battery using Axiom Force targeting, push it into place with the Force Current skill, then activate the final mechanism with Force Palm.
Environment
The architecture of Root's End has a small building at its center, surrounded by vents, platforms, and mechanical structures. The laser-filled tube section is distinctive, requiring careful navigation during the descent. Despite its name evoking plant life, the puzzle areas combine organic and mechanical elements in the Abyss style.
Rewards
Completing the Root's End puzzle grants an Abyss Artifact. Abyss Artifacts are key items used in the skill tree to learn new skills or enhance core stats. Collecting artifacts from every Abyss puzzle across the game is essential for maximizing character power.
Related Locations
The Abyss (parent region)
Ethereal Pathway (prerequisite puzzle area)
Axiom Archive (first Abyss puzzle area)
Corridor of the Void (tutorial Abyss area)
Sanctorum of Insight (another Abyss puzzle island)