How do I build a shield-focused Zhongli in Genshin Impact?
Building a shield-focused Zhongli in Genshin Impact revolves around maximizing his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, which creates a powerful shield that scales with his HP. This build prioritizes Zhongli's role as a support character, providing consistent and durable shields to protect your team. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to achieve this.
First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics. ZhongliÔÇÖs shield strength is determined by his maximum HP. His Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, creates a Jade Shield that absorbs damage based on ZhongliÔÇÖs HP. The shield also provides additional benefits, such as reducing the Elemental and Physical RES of nearby enemies, making it a valuable tool for both defense and offense. To maximize his shieldÔÇÖs effectiveness, you need to focus on increasing ZhongliÔÇÖs HP and ensuring his shield uptime is as close to 100% as possible.
To start building a shield-focused Zhongli, prioritize leveling up his Elemental Skill, as this directly increases the shieldÔÇÖs strength. While his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, deals significant damage, it is not the focus of this build, so you can leave it at a lower level if resources are limited. However, leveling it up can still provide some utility, as it offers crowd control and additional damage.
For artifacts, the Tenacity of the Millelith set is the best choice for a shield-focused Zhongli. This set increases HP by 20% and provides a 20% ATK boost to your team when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This synergizes perfectly with ZhongliÔÇÖs role as a support character. The main stats to prioritize on your artifacts are HP% for the Sands, Goblet, and Circlet. Sub-stats should also focus on HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP. Energy Recharge is important to ensure Zhongli can use his Elemental Burst more frequently, which can provide additional utility in combat.
For weapons, the best option for a shield-focused Zhongli is the Black Tassel, a 3-star polearm that increases HP by up to 46.9% at refinement level 5. This weapon is easy to obtain and refine, making it an excellent choice for this build. If you prefer a 5-star weapon, the Staff of Homa is a great alternative, as it provides HP% and additional damage based on HP. However, the Black Tassel is often more accessible and effective for a pure shield build.
In terms of team composition, Zhongli fits well into almost any team due to his versatile support capabilities. He pairs exceptionally well with characters who benefit from his shieldÔÇÖs RES reduction, such as Hu Tao, Xiao, or Ganyu. These characters can deal more damage while being protected by ZhongliÔÇÖs shield. Additionally, Zhongli works well in teams that rely on Geo resonance, which increases shield strength and provides a 15% damage bonus when protected by a shield. Pairing Zhongli with another Geo character like Albedo or Ningguang can further enhance his effectiveness.
When using Zhongli in combat, the key is to maintain his shield uptime. His Elemental Skill has a 12-second cooldown, and the shield lasts for 20 seconds, so you can keep it active almost continuously. Make sure to recast his Elemental Skill as soon as itÔÇÖs available to ensure your team is always protected. Additionally, use his Elemental Burst strategically to petrify enemies and create openings for your DPS characters to deal damage.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting Energy Recharge. While HP is the primary focus, having enough Energy Recharge ensures that Zhongli can use his Elemental Burst more frequently, providing additional crowd control and damage. Another mistake is not positioning ZhongliÔÇÖs Elemental Skill correctly. The pillar created by Dominus Lapidis can deal damage and resonate with other Geo constructs, so placing it strategically can provide additional utility.
For advanced optimizations, consider refining ZhongliÔÇÖs artifacts to maximize his HP and Energy Recharge. Additionally, using food buffs that increase HP or shield strength can provide an extra layer of protection in challenging content. In the Spiral Abyss, timing ZhongliÔÇÖs shield and burst to coincide with enemy attack patterns can make a significant difference in survivability and damage output.
In summary, building a shield-focused Zhongli involves maximizing his HP through artifacts and weapons, prioritizing his Elemental Skill, and maintaining high shield uptime. Pairing him with characters who benefit from his RES reduction and Geo resonance can further enhance his effectiveness. By following these strategies, you can create a durable and reliable shield support Zhongli that excels in protecting your team and enabling powerful elemental reactions.
First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics. ZhongliÔÇÖs shield strength is determined by his maximum HP. His Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, creates a Jade Shield that absorbs damage based on ZhongliÔÇÖs HP. The shield also provides additional benefits, such as reducing the Elemental and Physical RES of nearby enemies, making it a valuable tool for both defense and offense. To maximize his shieldÔÇÖs effectiveness, you need to focus on increasing ZhongliÔÇÖs HP and ensuring his shield uptime is as close to 100% as possible.
To start building a shield-focused Zhongli, prioritize leveling up his Elemental Skill, as this directly increases the shieldÔÇÖs strength. While his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, deals significant damage, it is not the focus of this build, so you can leave it at a lower level if resources are limited. However, leveling it up can still provide some utility, as it offers crowd control and additional damage.
For artifacts, the Tenacity of the Millelith set is the best choice for a shield-focused Zhongli. This set increases HP by 20% and provides a 20% ATK boost to your team when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This synergizes perfectly with ZhongliÔÇÖs role as a support character. The main stats to prioritize on your artifacts are HP% for the Sands, Goblet, and Circlet. Sub-stats should also focus on HP%, Energy Recharge, and flat HP. Energy Recharge is important to ensure Zhongli can use his Elemental Burst more frequently, which can provide additional utility in combat.
For weapons, the best option for a shield-focused Zhongli is the Black Tassel, a 3-star polearm that increases HP by up to 46.9% at refinement level 5. This weapon is easy to obtain and refine, making it an excellent choice for this build. If you prefer a 5-star weapon, the Staff of Homa is a great alternative, as it provides HP% and additional damage based on HP. However, the Black Tassel is often more accessible and effective for a pure shield build.
In terms of team composition, Zhongli fits well into almost any team due to his versatile support capabilities. He pairs exceptionally well with characters who benefit from his shieldÔÇÖs RES reduction, such as Hu Tao, Xiao, or Ganyu. These characters can deal more damage while being protected by ZhongliÔÇÖs shield. Additionally, Zhongli works well in teams that rely on Geo resonance, which increases shield strength and provides a 15% damage bonus when protected by a shield. Pairing Zhongli with another Geo character like Albedo or Ningguang can further enhance his effectiveness.
When using Zhongli in combat, the key is to maintain his shield uptime. His Elemental Skill has a 12-second cooldown, and the shield lasts for 20 seconds, so you can keep it active almost continuously. Make sure to recast his Elemental Skill as soon as itÔÇÖs available to ensure your team is always protected. Additionally, use his Elemental Burst strategically to petrify enemies and create openings for your DPS characters to deal damage.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting Energy Recharge. While HP is the primary focus, having enough Energy Recharge ensures that Zhongli can use his Elemental Burst more frequently, providing additional crowd control and damage. Another mistake is not positioning ZhongliÔÇÖs Elemental Skill correctly. The pillar created by Dominus Lapidis can deal damage and resonate with other Geo constructs, so placing it strategically can provide additional utility.
For advanced optimizations, consider refining ZhongliÔÇÖs artifacts to maximize his HP and Energy Recharge. Additionally, using food buffs that increase HP or shield strength can provide an extra layer of protection in challenging content. In the Spiral Abyss, timing ZhongliÔÇÖs shield and burst to coincide with enemy attack patterns can make a significant difference in survivability and damage output.
In summary, building a shield-focused Zhongli involves maximizing his HP through artifacts and weapons, prioritizing his Elemental Skill, and maintaining high shield uptime. Pairing him with characters who benefit from his RES reduction and Geo resonance can further enhance his effectiveness. By following these strategies, you can create a durable and reliable shield support Zhongli that excels in protecting your team and enabling powerful elemental reactions.