What is the best artifact set for a support Zhongli in the Spiral Abyss in Genshin Impact?

For a support Zhongli in the Spiral Abyss, the best artifact set is typically the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith. This set is highly effective because it synergizes perfectly with Zhongli's abilities, providing both utility and damage amplification for your team. The 2-piece bonus increases HP by 20%, which is crucial for Zhongli since his shield strength scales with his HP. The 4-piece bonus increases the ATK of all nearby party members by 20% and their shield strength by 30% for 3 seconds when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This effect can be triggered even if the character equipped with the set is not on the field, making it ideal for Zhongli's off-field support role.

To maximize Zhongli's effectiveness, you should focus on building him with high HP and Energy Recharge. The primary stats to prioritize on your artifacts are HP% for the Sands, Geo DMG Bonus for the Goblet, and HP% or Crit Rate/DMG for the Circlet, depending on whether you want to focus more on his shield or his burst damage. Substats should prioritize HP%, Energy Recharge, and Crit Rate/DMG. This setup ensures that Zhongli's shield is strong enough to protect your team while also allowing him to contribute to the team's overall damage output with his burst.

When using Zhongli in the Spiral Abyss, it's important to manage his skill rotations effectively. Start by placing his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, to create a shield and trigger the Tenacity of the Millelith's 4-piece bonus. This will immediately boost your team's ATK and shield strength. Follow up with his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, to deal significant AoE Geo damage and petrify enemies, giving your team a window to deal damage without interruption. Make sure to refresh his shield regularly, as it not only provides protection but also maintains the ATK buff from the Tenacity set.

Team composition is crucial when using Zhongli as a support. He works exceptionally well with characters who benefit from the ATK buff and shield, such as Hu Tao, Xiao, or Ganyu. For example, pairing Zhongli with Hu Tao allows her to maintain her low HP playstyle safely, while the ATK buff from Tenacity enhances her damage output. Another strong team composition includes Zhongli, Albedo, and two other DPS characters, creating a Geo resonance that increases shield strength and overall damage.

Weapon choice for Zhongli should complement his role as a support. The best options include the 5-star Staff of Homa, which provides HP and increases damage based on HP, or the 4-star Favonius Lance, which helps with Energy Recharge and generates energy particles for the team. If you don't have these, the Black Tassel is a good alternative for its HP substat, further enhancing his shield strength.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting Energy Recharge, which can lead to inconsistent burst uptime, and not refreshing his shield frequently enough, which can leave your team vulnerable. Additionally, avoid using Zhongli in teams where Geo reactions might interfere with other elemental reactions, such as in a Vaporize or Melt team, unless you have a clear strategy to manage this.

Advanced techniques involve timing Zhongli's burst to interrupt enemy attacks or using his shield to tank high-damage abilities, allowing your DPS characters to focus on dealing damage without worrying about dodging. You can also use his burst to reset enemy positions, grouping them together for AoE attacks.

In specific scenarios, such as facing high-damage bosses or waves of enemies, Zhongli's shield and burst can be a game-changer. For example, against the Maguu Kenki, his shield can absorb the boss's powerful attacks, while his burst can petrify the boss, giving your team a safe window to deal damage. In floors with multiple waves of enemies, his burst can clear groups quickly, saving valuable time.

In summary, building Zhongli with the 4-piece Tenacity of the Millelith set, focusing on HP and Energy Recharge, and pairing him with synergistic team members will maximize his effectiveness as a support in the Spiral Abyss. Proper skill rotation, weapon choice, and avoiding common mistakes will ensure that Zhongli provides both protection and damage amplification, helping you clear the Abyss more efficiently.