Zhongli Guide and Best Builds

Zhongli Guide and Best Builds

Zhongli is the Geo Archon of Liyue and a 5-star Polearm Character in Genshin Impact who brings some of the strongest shields and even the unique ability to petrify enemies. Read our Zhongli guide to learn more about Zhongli's kit, Zhongli's best Builds and also his Ascension and Talent Materials.

Last updated on Apr 29, 2026 at 17:00 by GachaHub 1 comment
Geo Element
Polearm Weapon
Rarity
Keith Silverstein EN Voice Actor
Tomoaki Maeno JP Voice Actor

Zhongli Guide & Best Builds

Welcome to our Zhongli build guide for Genshin Impact. Zhongli is a 5-Star Geo Support Character who can be played as either a pure shielder or a Burst Support. In our guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your Zhongli, from building the best Artifacts and Weapons to important stat priorities and rotations.

Different Zhongli Build Options

Zhongli has two main build paths. His Pure Shielder build focuses on maximizing his shield strength and comfort, while his Burst Support build invests more into damage through his Elemental Burst.

Best Weapons for Zhongli

Listed below are Zhongli's best weapons for his Pure Shielder build. This build focuses on increasing his shield strength or providing additional team utility.

Favonius Lance

Windfall

Base ATK: 565

Energy Recharge: 30.6%

CRIT Hits have a 60% / 70% / 80% / 90% / 100% chance to generate a small amount of Elemental Particles, which will regenerate 6 Energy for the character. Can only occur once every 12s / 10.5s / 9s / 7.5s / 6s.

Favonius Lance is Zhongli's best support weapon in most teams. While it does not increase his shield directly, it provides Energy Recharge and generates additional particles for the team, making rotations much smoother.
Black Tassel

Bane of the Soft

Base ATK: 354

HP: 46.9%

Increases DMG against slimes by 40% / 50% / 60% / 70% / 80%.

Black Tassel is Zhongli's strongest pure shield option due to its HP% stat. It is extremely easy to obtain and is ideal when your only goal is maximizing the strength of his Jade Shield.
Dialogues of the Desert Sages

Principle of Equilibrium

Base ATK: 510

HP: 41.3%

When the wielder performs healing, restore 8 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 Energy. This effect can be triggered once every 10s and can occur even when the character is not on the field.

Dialogues of the Desert Sages is another strong HP-focused option for Zhongli. It increases his shield strength through its HP stat and can be useful when you want a more defensive build.
Rightful Reward

Tip of the Spear

Base ATK: 565

HP: 27.6%

When the wielder is healed, restore 8 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 Energy. This effect can be triggered once every 10s, and can occur even when the character is not on the field.

Rightful Reward can be used as an accessible HP% weapon option. Its passive is not always relevant for Zhongli, but the HP stat still helps increase his shield strength.

Listed below are Zhongli's best weapons for his Burst Support build. This build focuses on increasing the damage of his Elemental Burst while maintaining some shielding utility.

Staff of Homa

Reckless Cinnabar

Base ATK: 608

CRIT DMG: 66.2%

HP increased by 20% / 25% / 30% / 35% / 40%. Additionally, provides an ATK Bonus based on 0.8% / 1% / 1.2% / 1.4% / 1.6% of the wielder's Max HP. When the wielder's HP is less than 50%, this ATK Bonus is increased by an additional 1% / 1.2% / 1.4% / 1.6% / 1.8% of Max HP.

Staff of Homa is Zhongli's best weapon for Burst Support builds. It provides CRIT DMG, HP, and additional offensive value, making it ideal for improving both his Burst damage and shield strength.
Lumidouce Elegy

Bright Dawn Overture

Base ATK: 608

CRIT Rate: 33.1%

ATK increased by 15% / 19% / 23% / 27% / 31%. After the equipping character triggers Burning on an opponent or deals Dendro DMG to Burning opponents, the DMG dealt is increased by 18% / 23% / 28% / 33% / 38%. This effect lasts for 8s, max 2 stacks. When 2 stacks are reached or when the duration is refreshed at 2 stacks, restore 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 Energy. Energy can be restored this way once every 12s. The 2 aforementioned effects can be triggered even when the character is off-field.

Lumidouce Elegy is a strong 5-Star option for Zhongli's Burst Support build, providing offensive stats that help increase his personal damage.
Primordial Jade Winged-Spear

Eagle Spear of Justice

Base ATK: 674

CRIT Rate: 22.1%

On hit, increases ATK by 3.2% / 3.9% / 4.6% / 5.3% / 6% for 6s. Max 7 stacks. This effect can only occur once every 0.3s. While in possession of the maximum possible stacks, DMG dealt is increased by 12% / 15% / 18% / 21% / 24%.

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is a good offensive stat stick for Zhongli, providing CRIT Rate and high Base ATK. It is mainly used when you want to increase his Elemental Burst damage.
Skyward Spine

Black Wing

Base ATK: 674

Energy Recharge: 36.8%

Increases CRIT Rate by 8% / 10% / 12% / 14% / 16% and increases Normal ATK SPD by 12%. Additionally, Normal and Charged Attacks hits on opponents have a 50% chance to trigger a vacuum blade that deals 40% / 55% / 70% / 85% / 100% of ATK as DMG in a small AoE. This effect can occur no more than once every 2s.

Skyward Spine provides Energy Recharge and offensive stats, making it a comfortable option for Burst Support Zhongli when you need help using his Burst consistently.
Calamity Queller

Extinguishing Precept

Base ATK: 741

ATK: 16.5%

Gain 12% / 15% / 18% / 21% / 24% All Elemental DMG Bonus. Obtain Consummation for 20s after using an Elemental Skill, causing ATK to increase by 3.2% / 4% / 4.8% / 5.6% / 6.4% per second. This ATK increase has a maximum of 6 stacks. When the character equipped with this weapon is not on the field, Consummation's ATK increase is doubled.

Calamity Queller is a high Base ATK option that can increase Zhongli's personal damage. It does not provide defensive utility, but it is usable for Burst-focused builds.
"The Catch"

Shanty

Base ATK: 510

Energy Recharge: 45.9%

Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 16% / 20% / 24% / 28% / 32% and Elemental Burst CRIT Rate by 6% / 7.5% / 9% / 10.5% / 12%.

The Catch is a strong free-to-play option for Burst Support Zhongli. It provides Energy Recharge and increases Elemental Burst damage, making it one of his better accessible offensive weapons.
Deathmatch

Gladiator

Base ATK: 454

CRIT Rate: 36.8%

If there are at least 2 opponents nearby, ATK is increased by 16% / 20% / 24% / 28% / 32% and DEF is increased by 16% / 20% / 24% / 28% / 32%. If there are fewer than 2 opponents nearby, ATK is increased by 24% / 30% / 36% / 42% / 48%.

Deathmatch provides CRIT Rate and offensive stats, making it a solid option if you want Zhongli to deal more Burst damage.
Wavebreaker's Fin

Watatsumi Wavewalker

Base ATK: 620

ATK: 13.8%

For every point of the entire party's combined maximum Energy capacity, the Elemental Burst DMG of the character equipping this weapon is increased by 0.12% / 0.15% / 0.18% / 0.21% / 0.24%. A maximum of 40% / 50% / 60% / 70% / 80% increased Elemental Burst DMG can be achieved this way.

Wavebreaker's Fin can be used in Burst Support builds to increase Zhongli's Elemental Burst damage depending on the team's total Energy cost.

Best Artifacts for Zhongli

Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City

Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City

2-Piece Set: When a nearby party member triggers a Nightsoul Burst, the equipping character regenerates 6 Elemental Energy.

4-Piece Set: After the equipping character triggers a reaction related to their Elemental Type, all nearby party members gain a 12% Elemental DMG Bonus for the Elemental Types involved in the elemental reaction for 15s. If the equipping character is in the Nightsoul's Blessing state when triggering this effect, all nearby party members gain an additional 28% Elemental DMG Bonus for the Elemental Types involved in the elemental reaction for 20s. The equipping character can trigger this effect while off-field, and the DMG bonus from Artifact Sets with the same name do not stack.

Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City is generally Zhongli's best support artifact set when his team can consistently trigger Crystallize reactions. It allows him to provide additional team buffs while still functioning as a strong shielder.
Archaic Petra

Archaic Petra

2-Piece Set: Gain a 15% Geo DMG Bonus.

4-Piece Set: Upon obtaining an Elemental Shard created through Crystallize or triggering a Lunar-Crystallize reaction, all party members gain a 35% DMG Bonus for that particular element for 10s. Only one form of Elemental DMG Bonus can be gained in this manner at any one time.

Archaic Petra is a strong supportive option that allows Zhongli to provide an Elemental DMG Bonus after picking up Crystallize shards. It can be powerful, but it requires more attention to shard pickup and team rotation.
Tenacity of the Millelith

Tenacity of the Millelith

2-Piece Set: HP +20%

4-Piece Set: When an Elemental Skill hits an opponent, the ATK of all nearby party members is increased by 20% and their Shield Strength is increased by 30% for 3s. This effect can be triggered once every 0.5s. This effect can still be triggered even when the character who is using this artifact set is not on the field.

Tenacity of the Millelith is another strong support option for Zhongli. His Stone Stele can trigger the set effect, providing an ATK buff and additional Shield Strength for the team.
Tenacity of the Millelith 2PC Vourukasha's Glow 2PC

Tenacity of the Millelith

2-Piece Set: HP +20%

4-Piece Set: When an Elemental Skill hits an opponent, the ATK of all nearby party members is increased by 20% and their Shield Strength is increased by 30% for 3s. This effect can be triggered once every 0.5s. This effect can still be triggered even when the character who is using this artifact set is not on the field.

Vourukasha's Glow

2-Piece Set: HP +20%

4-Piece Set: Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst DMG will be increased by 10%. After the equipping character takes DMG, the aforementioned DMG Bonus is increased by 80% for 5s. This effect increase can have 5 stacks. The duration of each stack is counted independently. These effects can be triggered even when the equipping character is not on the field.

2-piece HP% combinations are a simple and effective option for maximizing Zhongli's shield strength. These sets are best used when your main priority is comfort and survivability.
Emblem of Severed Fate

Emblem of Severed Fate

2-Piece Set: Energy Recharge +20%

4-Piece Set: Increases Elemental Burst DMG by 25% of Energy Recharge. A maximum of 75% bonus DMG can be obtained in this way.

Emblem of Severed Fate is Zhongli's best artifact set for Burst Support builds. It provides Energy Recharge and increases Elemental Burst damage based on his Energy Recharge, making it ideal for a damage-focused build.
Noblesse Oblige

Noblesse Oblige

2-Piece Set: Elemental Burst DMG +20%

4-Piece Set: Using an Elemental Burst increases all party members' ATK by 20% for 12s. This effect cannot stack.

Noblesse Oblige is another strong Burst Support option. It increases Zhongli's Elemental Burst damage while also providing a team-wide ATK buff after he uses his Burst.

Zhongli's Stat Priority

Sands of Eon: HP %
Goblet of Eonothem: HP %
Circlet of Logos: HP %
Substats: HP % > HP > Energy Recharge

Pure Shielder Zhongli should focus almost entirely on HP to maximize the strength of his Jade Shield. Energy Recharge can still be useful if you want to use his Burst more often, but it is not required for the shield-focused build.

Sands of Eon: ATK % / HP %
Goblet of Eonothem: Geo DMG
Circlet of Logos: CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG
Substats: CRIT Rate/DMG > ATK % > HP % > Energy Recharge

Burst Support Zhongli should focus on offensive stats such as CRIT, Geo DMG, and ATK%. HP% can still be used on the Sands if you want to preserve more shield strength while still improving his Burst damage.

Recommended Stats for Zhongli

Build recommendations assume a pure shield-focused Zhongli build using Favonius Lance or Black Tassel. These stats focus mainly on comfort and shield strength.

HP: 45,000-55,000
ATK: 900-1,200
CRIT Rate: 30-50% if using Favonius Lance
ER: 120-150%

Build recommendations assume a Burst Support Zhongli build using offensive weapons such as Staff of Homa or "The Catch". These stats focus on improving his Burst damage while keeping his shield functional.

HP: 28,000-35,000
ATK: 1,500-2,000
CRIT Rate: 60-75%
CRIT DMG: 140-200%
ER: 130-160%

Zhongli's Talent Priority

Talent Priority: Dominus Lapidis > Planet Befall

For Pure Shielder Zhongli, his Elemental Skill is the most important talent to level because it directly increases the strength of his Jade Shield. His Elemental Burst can be leveled afterward if you want additional damage or crowd control.

Talent Priority: Planet Befall > Dominus Lapidis

For Burst Support Zhongli, his Elemental Burst should be prioritized first to increase his meteor damage. His Elemental Skill should still be leveled afterward to maintain useful shield strength.

How to Play Zhongli

Zhongli's main role is to provide one of the strongest shields in the game. In most teams, his rotation is extremely simple: hold his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, to create a Jade Shield before swapping to your main DPS.

His shield also reduces nearby enemy resistance, making Zhongli useful not only for defensive comfort but also for increasing overall team damage. Proper placement of his Stone Stele can matter, as it can break against large enemies or be poorly positioned, causing you to lose some utility outside of the shield itself.

Zhongli's Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, summons a meteor in front of the active character, dealing AoE Geo damage and Petrifying enemies. This can be useful for crowd control and setting up damage windows, but in Pure Shielder builds it is often optional unless you need the Petrification effect.

Zhongli's Best Constellations

Best Constellations: C1, C2 and C4

Zhongli's most valuable constellations are C1 Rock, the Backbone of Earth, C2 Stone, the Cradle of Jade, and C4 Topaz, Unbreakable and Fearless. C1 allows Zhongli to create an additional Stone Stele from his Elemental Skill, which can be especially useful in Lunar-Crystallize teams by providing more Geo application and helping trigger additional Lunar-Crystallize hits.

C2 allows his Elemental Burst to grant shields, opening up smoother team rotations and co-op utility. C4 increases the AoE and Petrification duration of his Burst, making it a useful quality-of-life upgrade. His C6 Chrysos, Bounty of Dominator can turn him into a limited healer, but it is generally not something most players should specifically aim for.

Zhongli's Best Team Compositions

To learn all about Zhongli's synergies and best team compositions, check our dedicated Zhongli team page below:

Changelog

  • 29 Apr. 2026: Zhongli guide updated for 6.5.
  • 27 Sep. 2025: Updated for 6.0.
  • 12 Feb. 2025: Reviewed for 5.4.
  • 19 Jan. 2025: Updated for 5.3.
  • 03 Jun. 2024: Reviewed for 4.7.
  • 13 Mar. 2024: Updated Shieldbot build with new spear for 4.5.
  • 31 Jan. 2024: Guide reviewed for Patch 4.4.
  • 29 Nov. 2023: Guide added.
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