What are the best artifact sets for shielders in Spiral Abyss in Genshin Impact?

Shielders play a crucial role in the Spiral Abyss, as they provide survivability and allow your DPS characters to deal damage without interruption. The best artifact sets for shielders depend on the character and their role in the team. Below is a detailed guide on how to optimize shielders for the Spiral Abyss, covering mechanics, strategies, and recommendations.

1. Detailed Explanation of Mechanics Involved: Shielders in Genshin Impact generate shields that absorb damage and protect your team. The strength of the shield depends on the shielder's stats, such as HP or DEF, and the artifact set bonuses. Some shielders, like Zhongli, scale with HP, while others, like Noelle, scale with DEF. The goal is to maximize the shield's durability while also providing utility to the team, such as healing, energy generation, or crowd control.

2. Step-by-Step Instructions or Strategies: To build an effective shielder, start by identifying the character's scaling stat. For example, Zhongli's shield scales with HP, so prioritize HP% main stats on artifacts. For Noelle, focus on DEF% since her shield and healing scale with DEF. Next, choose an artifact set that enhances the shielder's capabilities. For Zhongli, the Tenacity of the Millelith set is ideal, as it increases HP and provides an ATK buff to the team when the shield is active. For Noelle, the Husk of Opulent Dreams set boosts DEF and Geo DMG, making her shield and damage output stronger.

3. Important Tips and Considerations: When building a shielder, consider their role in the team. If the shielder is also a healer, like Noelle, balance their stats to ensure both the shield and healing are effective. Energy Recharge is also important for shielders who rely on their Elemental Burst, such as Diona, to maintain uptime on their abilities. Additionally, pay attention to the enemy lineup in the Spiral Abyss. Some enemies deal elemental damage that can bypass shields, so having a shielder with elemental resistance or a healer as backup is crucial.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid: A common mistake is neglecting the shielder's Energy Recharge, which can lead to downtime on their abilities. Another mistake is focusing solely on shield strength without considering team utility. For example, Zhongli's shield is strong, but his resistance shred from his Elemental Skill is equally important. Avoid using mismatched artifact sets that do not synergize with the shielder's kit, as this can reduce their effectiveness.

5. Advanced Techniques or Optimizations: To optimize shielders, consider using weapons that complement their role. For Zhongli, the Black Tassel is a great choice for its HP% substat, while Noelle benefits from the Whiteblind, which increases DEF. Advanced players can also use shielders to trigger elemental reactions. For example, Diona's Cryo shield can enable Freeze or Melt reactions, while Thoma's Pyro shield can trigger Vaporize or Overloaded reactions. Timing the shield's activation to block high-damage attacks is another advanced technique that can save your team from wipeouts.

6. Team Composition Suggestions: Shielders work well in teams that require protection and utility. For example, Zhongli pairs well with Xiao, as his shield allows Xiao to deal damage without being interrupted. Diona is a great support for Ganyu, providing both shielding and healing. Noelle fits into Geo-centric teams, such as those featuring Albedo or Gorou, to maximize Geo resonance and DEF buffs. Thoma is a good option for Hu Tao teams, as his Pyro shield synergizes with her playstyle.

7. Artifact and Weapon Recommendations: For Zhongli, the Tenacity of the Millelith set with HP% main stats is ideal. Use the Black Tassel for maximum shield strength. For Noelle, the Husk of Opulent Dreams set with DEF% main stats is recommended, paired with the Whiteblind. Diona benefits from the Noblesse Oblige set, which boosts her Elemental Burst and provides an ATK buff to the team. Use the Sacrificial Bow to reset her Elemental Skill cooldown. Thoma works well with the Emblem of Severed Fate set, which increases Energy Recharge and Elemental Burst damage. The Favonius Lance is a good weapon choice for energy generation.

8. Specific Examples and Scenarios: In Floor 12 of the Spiral Abyss, where enemies deal high damage, Zhongli's shield can protect your team from one-shot attacks. Pair him with a DPS like Hu Tao or Xiao to maximize damage output. In floors with Cryo enemies, Diona's shield and healing can counter Freeze effects and keep your team alive. For Geo-focused teams, Noelle's shield and healing make her a versatile choice, especially when paired with Gorou for DEF buffs. Thoma is effective in Pyro-heavy teams, such as those featuring Yoimiya or Diluc, where his shield can enable consistent Vaporize reactions.

By following these strategies and recommendations, you can optimize your shielders for the Spiral Abyss and ensure your team's survival while maximizing damage output. Remember to adapt your build and team composition based on the specific challenges of each floor.