What are the best artifact sets for Zhongli in Genshin Impact?

Zhongli is one of the most versatile characters in Genshin Impact, capable of fulfilling multiple roles depending on how you build him. His primary roles are as a shield support, burst DPS, or hybrid of both. To maximize his potential, you need to carefully select artifact sets, main stats, and substats that align with his intended role. Below is a detailed guide on how to build Zhongli effectively.

For a shield support Zhongli, the best artifact set is the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set increases HP by 20% and boosts the shield strength of your team when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. Since Zhongli's shield scales with his HP, this set synergizes perfectly with his kit. The main stats to prioritize are HP% for the Sands, Goblet, and Circlet. Substats should focus on HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP. This build ensures that Zhongli's shield is as durable as possible, providing excellent protection for your team.

For a burst DPS Zhongli, the 2-piece Archaic Petra and 2-piece Noblesse Oblige is a popular choice. This combination increases Geo damage by 15% and boosts Elemental Burst damage by 20%. The main stats should be ATK% or HP% for the Sands, Geo DMG Bonus for the Goblet, and CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG for the Circlet. Substats should focus on CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, and Energy Recharge. This build allows Zhongli to deal significant damage with his Elemental Burst while still maintaining a decent shield.

A hybrid build combines the strengths of both roles. The 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith is still a strong option, but you can also consider the 2-piece Tenacity of the Millelith and 2-piece Archaic Petra. This setup provides a balance between shield strength and Geo damage. The main stats should be HP% for the Sands, Geo DMG Bonus for the Goblet, and CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG for the Circlet. Substats should focus on HP%, CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and Energy Recharge. This build allows Zhongli to provide a strong shield while still dealing respectable damage with his burst.

When it comes to weapons, the Staff of Homa is the best option for Zhongli, regardless of his role. It provides a significant boost to HP and increases ATK based on his max HP, making it ideal for both shield support and burst DPS builds. If you don't have the Staff of Homa, the Black Tassel is a great alternative for a shield support build, as it increases HP. For a burst DPS build, the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear or the Skyward Spine are excellent choices, offering high ATK and CRIT Rate.

Team composition is crucial for maximizing Zhongli's effectiveness. For a shield support build, pair him with characters who benefit from strong shields, such as Ganyu, Hu Tao, or Xiao. These characters often rely on staying close to enemies and can take advantage of Zhongli's shield to avoid interruptions. For a burst DPS build, consider pairing Zhongli with characters who can generate energy particles, such as Albedo or Ningguang. This ensures that Zhongli can use his burst frequently. Additionally, having a character like Bennett or Mona can further boost Zhongli's burst damage through their buffs.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting Energy Recharge. While Zhongli's burst is powerful, it requires a significant amount of energy. Ensuring that you have enough Energy Recharge through substats or team composition is essential for maintaining consistent burst uptime. Another mistake is focusing too much on CRIT stats for a shield support build. While CRIT stats are important for a burst DPS build, they are less critical for a shield support build, where HP should be the primary focus.

Advanced techniques include using Zhongli's Elemental Skill to create Geo constructs that can resonate with other Geo constructs, such as Albedo's Solar Isotoma or Ningguang's Jade Screen. This can provide additional damage and energy generation. Additionally, timing Zhongli's burst to coincide with enemy vulnerabilities or team buffs can maximize its impact.

In summary, building Zhongli effectively requires careful consideration of his role, artifact sets, main stats, substats, and team composition. Whether you prioritize his shield support capabilities or his burst DPS potential, the right build can make Zhongli an invaluable asset to your team. By following these guidelines and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that Zhongli performs at his best in any scenario.