Hey Genshin Impact fans! Let's dive deep into everything about Zhongli, the cool Geo Archon. We're talking about his background, abilities, how to build him, and why he's such a fantastic character in the game. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this guide will give you all the deets you need to make the most of Zhongli.

Who is Zhongli?

Zhongli, also known as the Geo Archon Rex Lapis, is a five-star Geo character in Genshin Impact. Before becoming a playable character, he was the God of Contracts in Liyue. He decided to experience the world from a mortal perspective, leaving his Gnosis behind. Zhongli is now a consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, where he brings his vast knowledge and calm demeanor to his work.

Zhongli’s backstory is super rich, filled with ancient tales and pivotal events that shaped Liyue. As the Geo Archon, he played a crucial role in defending the region from various threats, making him a revered figure among its people. This history isn't just fluff; it deeply influences his abilities and how he plays in the game. His experience as a god gives him a unique perspective and a powerful presence, making him an invaluable asset to any team. When you understand his lore, you appreciate his character so much more, seeing him not just as a strong unit but as a key piece of Genshin Impact’s captivating world. His dialogue and interactions with other characters are filled with subtle hints and profound insights, adding layers to his already compelling personality. He is, without a doubt, one of the most well-developed and fascinating characters in the game, and knowing his background enhances the entire Genshin Impact experience.

Zhongli's Abilities

Let’s break down Zhongli's abilities, which make him a must-have in your team.

• Normal Attack: Rain of Stone: Zhongli performs up to six rapid strikes with his spear. It’s a pretty standard attack sequence, dealing physical damage. The charged attack consumes stamina to lunge forward, dealing damage to enemies along the way.
• Elemental Skill: Dominus Lapidis: This skill is where Zhongli shines. When tapped, Dominus Lapidis creates a Stone Stele. The Stele resonates with other Geo constructs, dealing Geo damage to surrounding enemies. It also provides a small shield. When held, it creates a Jade Shield, which absorbs damage based on Zhongli's Max HP and deals AoE Geo damage. The Jade Shield has 150% damage absorption against all Elemental and Physical Damage and decreases the Elemental Resistance of enemies in a small AoE.
• Elemental Burst: Planet Befall: Zhongli summons a giant meteor that crashes down on enemies, dealing massive Geo damage. More importantly, it petrifies enemies, freezing them in place for a short duration. This is incredibly useful for controlling the battlefield and setting up powerful combos.

His abilities aren't just about dealing damage; they're about control and support. The Stone Stele provides consistent Geo damage and resonance, while the Jade Shield offers incredible protection. And let's not forget Planet Befall, which can turn the tide of any battle. By understanding how each ability works, you can maximize Zhongli's effectiveness in your team. For example, using the held version of Dominus Lapidis to create the Jade Shield before diving into a group of enemies can significantly increase your survivability. Similarly, timing Planet Befall to petrify enemies during critical moments can give your team the breathing room they need to unleash devastating attacks. Knowing the intricacies of his abilities transforms Zhongli from a good character into an indispensable asset.

Best Builds for Zhongli

Choosing the right build for Zhongli depends on how you want to use him. Here are a couple of popular options:

Support Build

• Artifacts: Tenacity of the Millelith (2-piece and 4-piece).
  • Why: The 2-piece set increases HP by 20%, which strengthens Zhongli's shield. The 4-piece set provides an ATK and Shield Strength buff to nearby party members when Zhongli's Elemental Skill hits an enemy. This makes him an excellent support character.
• Main Stats: HP% on Sands, HP% on Goblet, Crit Rate/Crit DMG on Circlet.
• Substats: HP%, Energy Recharge, Crit Rate, Crit DMG.
• Weapon: Black Tassel (for HP%), Favonius Lance (for Energy Recharge).

Burst DPS Build

• Artifacts: Noblesse Oblige (2-piece and 4-piece) or Archaic Petra (2-piece) combined with Noblesse Oblige (2-piece).
  • Why: Noblesse Oblige increases Elemental Burst damage and provides an ATK buff to the team after using an Elemental Burst. Archaic Petra boosts Geo damage and provides an Elemental DMG Bonus to the team when picking up an Elemental Shard.
• Main Stats: ATK% or Energy Recharge on Sands, Geo DMG Bonus on Goblet, Crit Rate/Crit DMG on Circlet.
• Substats: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, Energy Recharge.
• Weapon: Staff of Homa, Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, Deathmatch.

When choosing a build, consider your team composition and what you need most. If your team lacks survivability, the Support Build with Tenacity of the Millelith is the way to go. If you want Zhongli to deal significant damage with his burst, the Burst DPS Build is more suitable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different artifact combinations to find what works best for your playstyle. Remember, the key to a successful build is optimizing your stats to complement Zhongli's abilities and your team's needs. For example, if you're using him in a team that relies heavily on elemental reactions, the Archaic Petra set can provide a substantial damage boost. On the other hand, if you need consistent shield uptime, focusing on HP% substats and the Tenacity of the Millelith set is crucial. Adjusting your build based on the specific challenges you face in the game will make Zhongli an even more versatile and powerful asset.

Team Compositions for Zhongli

Zhongli fits into many different team comps, thanks to his versatile abilities. Here are a few examples:

• Geo Resonance Team: Zhongli, Albedo, Ningguang, Bennett.
  • Why: This team takes advantage of Geo Resonance, which increases damage dealt. Albedo provides off-field damage and Geo Resonance, Ningguang acts as a main DPS, and Bennett provides healing and an ATK buff.
• Physical DPS Team: Zhongli, Eula, Raiden Shogun, Rosaria.
  • Why: Zhongli's shield reduces enemy resistance, making them more vulnerable to Eula's physical damage. Raiden Shogun provides energy recharge and additional damage, while Rosaria provides Crit Rate and Superconduct.
• Mono Geo Team: Zhongli, Arataki Itto, Gorou, Albedo
  • Why: This team comp focuses on maximizing Geo damage output. Gorou buffs Geo damage and defense, Itto serves as the main damage dealer, Albedo provides off-field support and consistent damage.

The key to building a successful team with Zhongli is understanding his strengths and how he can support his teammates. His shield provides protection and reduces enemy resistance, making him a valuable asset in any team composition. When choosing teammates, consider what roles need to be filled and how Zhongli's abilities can complement their strengths. For example, if you're running a physical DPS team, pairing him with characters who can trigger Superconduct can significantly increase your damage output. Similarly, if you're running a Geo-focused team, characters who can provide Geo Resonance and additional Geo damage buffs can further enhance your team's effectiveness. Experimenting with different team compositions and finding what works best for your playstyle is part of the fun of Genshin Impact, and Zhongli's versatility makes him a fantastic character to build around.

Tips and Tricks for Playing Zhongli

To really master Zhongli, here are some handy tips and tricks:

• Shield Management: Always use the held version of Dominus Lapidis to create the Jade Shield. It provides much better protection and reduces enemy resistance.
• Energy Recharge: Make sure Zhongli has enough Energy Recharge to consistently use his Elemental Burst. Energy Recharge weapons and substats are essential.
• Petrify Timing: Time Planet Befall carefully to petrify enemies at crucial moments. This can interrupt enemy attacks and set up powerful combos.
• Geo Resonance: Utilize Geo Resonance by pairing Zhongli with other Geo characters. This will increase your team's overall damage output.

Effective shield management is crucial for maximizing Zhongli's utility. The Jade Shield not only absorbs a significant amount of damage but also reduces enemy resistance, making your team's attacks more effective. Pay attention to the duration of the shield and reapply it as needed to maintain consistent protection. Don't underestimate the importance of Energy Recharge. Zhongli's Elemental Burst is a game-changer, and having enough Energy Recharge ensures that you can use it frequently. Consider using weapons like the Favonius Lance or artifacts with Energy Recharge substats to keep his burst ready. Timing Planet Befall correctly can turn the tide of any battle. Use it to interrupt enemy attacks, control the battlefield, and set up powerful combos. Practice timing your burst to coincide with other characters' abilities for maximum impact. Finally, take advantage of Geo Resonance by pairing Zhongli with other Geo characters. This will increase your team's overall damage output and provide additional benefits. Experiment with different Geo characters to find the best synergy for your playstyle. By mastering these tips and tricks, you can unlock Zhongli's full potential and become a formidable force in Genshin Impact.

Why Zhongli is a Great Character

Zhongli is more than just a strong character; he’s a game-changer. His ability to provide unparalleled protection with his Jade Shield, control the battlefield with Planet Befall, and boost team damage through resistance reduction makes him an invaluable asset. Whether you need a reliable support character or a burst DPS, Zhongli can fill multiple roles effectively.

His versatile builds allow him to adapt to different team compositions and playstyles, making him a top-tier choice for any player. But Zhongli's appeal extends beyond his combat prowess. His rich backstory, calm demeanor, and insightful dialogue make him one of the most compelling characters in Genshin Impact. He embodies the wisdom and strength of the Geo Archon, and his interactions with other characters add depth and nuance to the game's narrative. Whether you're drawn to his strategic gameplay or his captivating personality, Zhongli is a character that truly enriches the Genshin Impact experience. So, if you're looking for a character who can both protect your team and provide valuable insights into the world of Teyvat, Zhongli is the perfect choice. He's a character that you'll be glad to have on your team, both for his combat abilities and his engaging personality.

Final Thoughts

Zhongli is a fantastic character that will enhance your Genshin Impact experience. Whether you're using him for support, DPS, or just enjoying his lore, he's a worthy addition to any team. So go ahead, build him up, and dominate Teyvat!