What is the best way to use Zhongli's shield in combat in Genshin Impact?

Zhongli is one of the most versatile and powerful support characters in Genshin Impact, primarily due to his ability to create a nearly unbreakable shield. His shield, generated by his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, is one of the strongest in the game, providing both damage absorption and utility. To maximize the effectiveness of Zhongli's shield in combat, it is important to understand the mechanics, strategies, and optimizations involved.

First, let's break down the mechanics of Zhongli's shield. His Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, has two functions. Tapping the skill creates a Stone Stele, which deals Geo damage and resonates with other Geo constructs. Holding the skill creates a Jade Shield, which scales off Zhongli's Max HP and provides damage absorption based on a percentage of his HP. The shield also reduces the Elemental and Physical RES of nearby enemies by 20%, making it a valuable tool for both defense and offense. Additionally, the shield has a 150% absorption efficiency against all Elemental and Physical damage, meaning it can absorb more damage than its base value.

To use Zhongli's shield effectively, follow these steps. Start by holding his Elemental Skill to create the Jade Shield. This should be done at the beginning of combat or whenever the shield is about to expire. The shield lasts for 20 seconds, but its cooldown is only 12 seconds, allowing for near-constant uptime. Once the shield is active, switch to your main DPS character and engage enemies. The shield will absorb incoming damage, allowing your DPS to focus on dealing damage without worrying about taking hits. If the shield breaks or is about to expire, switch back to Zhongli and recast his Elemental Skill to refresh it.

There are several important tips to consider when using Zhongli's shield. First, prioritize building Zhongli's HP, as the shield's strength scales directly with his Max HP. Artifacts with HP% main stats and substats are ideal. Second, pay attention to the shield's duration and cooldown. While the shield lasts longer than its cooldown, it is still important to refresh it before it breaks to maintain continuous protection. Third, use Zhongli's Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, strategically. While it deals significant Geo damage and petrifies enemies, it can also be used to buy time to recast the shield or reposition.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Zhongli's HP in favor of other stats like ATK or Crit. While these stats can improve his damage output, they do not contribute to the shield's strength. Another mistake is failing to refresh the shield before it breaks. Even though the shield is strong, it is not invincible, and allowing it to break can leave your team vulnerable. Additionally, avoid using Zhongli's Elemental Skill in the middle of enemy attacks, as the casting animation can leave him open to damage.

Advanced techniques for optimizing Zhongli's shield include pairing him with characters who can benefit from the RES reduction. For example, a team with a Physical DPS like Eula or Razor can take advantage of the reduced Physical RES to deal more damage. Additionally, Zhongli's shield can be used to enable more aggressive playstyles, as it allows DPS characters to focus on dealing damage without needing to dodge as often. Another advanced technique is to use Zhongli's Stone Stele strategically. Placing it near other Geo constructs can create resonance, dealing additional Geo damage to enemies.

Team composition is crucial for maximizing Zhongli's effectiveness. A typical team might include Zhongli as the shield support, a main DPS like Hu Tao or Ganyu, a sub-DPS like Xingqiu or Fischl, and a healer or buffer like Bennett or Diona. This setup ensures that Zhongli's shield provides consistent protection while the other characters focus on dealing damage and triggering elemental reactions.

Artifact and weapon recommendations for Zhongli focus on maximizing his HP and shield strength. The Tenacity of the Millelith artifact set is ideal, as it increases HP and provides a team-wide ATK buff when the Elemental Skill hits an enemy. For weapons, the Staff of Homa is the best choice, as it increases HP and provides a damage bonus based on HP. Alternatively, the Black Tassel is a budget-friendly option that increases HP.

In specific scenarios, Zhongli's shield can be a game-changer. For example, in the Spiral Abyss, where enemies deal high damage and crowd control is essential, Zhongli's shield can provide the necessary protection and RES reduction to clear floors efficiently. In boss fights, the shield allows your DPS to focus on dealing damage without worrying about dodging attacks, making the fight smoother and faster.

In conclusion, Zhongli's shield is a powerful tool in Genshin Impact that can significantly enhance your team's survivability and damage output. By understanding the mechanics, following the strategies, and optimizing his build, you can make the most of Zhongli's abilities and dominate in combat.