How do I build a strong shield support Zhongli in Genshin Impact?

Building a strong shield support Zhongli in Genshin Impact requires a deep understanding of his mechanics, artifact choices, weapon options, and team synergies. Zhongli is one of the best shield supports in the game due to his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, which creates a powerful shield that scales with his Max HP. This shield not only absorbs damage but also provides resistance to interruption and reduces the elemental and physical resistance of nearby enemies. To maximize his potential as a shield support, you need to focus on increasing his HP, optimizing his artifacts, and selecting the right weapon and team composition.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of ZhongliÔÇÖs shield. His Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, has two parts: the press and hold versions. The press version creates a Stone Stele that deals Geo damage and resonates with other Geo constructs. The hold version creates a Jade Shield that scales with ZhongliÔÇÖs Max HP and provides strong damage absorption. The shieldÔÇÖs strength is directly tied to ZhongliÔÇÖs HP, so building him with a focus on HP is crucial. Additionally, his passive talent, Resonant Waves, increases the shieldÔÇÖs strength by 5% for every hit taken, up to a maximum of 25%. This makes his shield even more durable in prolonged fights.

To build Zhongli as a shield support, you should prioritize HP as the main stat on his artifacts. The best artifact set for this role is the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set increases HP by 20% and provides a 20% attack boost to your team when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This synergizes perfectly with ZhongliÔÇÖs role as a shield support, as it enhances both his shield strength and team damage output. For the main stats, look for HP% on the Sands, Geo DMG Bonus or HP% on the Goblet, and HP% or Crit Rate/DMG on the Circlet. Sub-stats should prioritize HP%, Energy Recharge, and Crit Rate/DMG.

For weapons, the best option for shield support Zhongli is the 5-star Staff of Homa. This weapon increases HP and provides an attack bonus based on his Max HP, making it ideal for maximizing his shield strength. If you donÔÇÖt have Staff of Homa, the 4-star Black Tassel is a great alternative. It provides a significant HP boost, which directly enhances his shield. Another option is the Favonius Lance, which helps with energy regeneration, allowing Zhongli to use his Elemental Burst more frequently.

When it comes to team composition, Zhongli fits well in almost any team due to his universal shield and resistance shred. However, he excels in teams that benefit from his Geo resonance and shield durability. A popular team composition includes Zhongli, Albedo, and two other characters that can trigger elemental reactions. For example, pairing Zhongli with Hu Tao and Xingqiu creates a strong vaporize team, where ZhongliÔÇÖs shield protects Hu Tao while she deals massive damage. Another example is a Geo-focused team with Zhongli, Ningguang, and Bennett, where ZhongliÔÇÖs shield and resistance shred enhance NingguangÔÇÖs damage output.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting ZhongliÔÇÖs Elemental Burst. While his primary role is shield support, his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, deals significant AoE Geo damage and petrifies enemies, providing crowd control. Even with a shield-focused build, his burst can still deal decent damage, especially if you have some Crit Rate/DMG in your build. Another mistake is not using the hold version of his Elemental Skill. The press version is useful for creating a Stone Stele, but the hold version is essential for generating a strong shield.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Zhongli include timing his shield to absorb high-damage attacks and using his Elemental Burst strategically to interrupt enemy attacks or group them together. Additionally, you can use his Stone Stele to block projectiles or create Geo constructs that resonate with other Geo abilities, such as AlbedoÔÇÖs Solar Isotope.

In summary, building a strong shield support Zhongli involves focusing on HP, using the Tenacity of the Millelith artifact set, and selecting weapons like Staff of Homa or Black Tassel. Pair him with characters that benefit from his shield and resistance shred, and avoid neglecting his Elemental Burst. With the right build and team composition, Zhongli can provide unparalleled protection and utility, making him an invaluable asset in any team.