Zhongli
Who is Zhongli?
Zhongli is a 5★ Geo Polearm shielder/support and the best universal shielder in Genshin Impact (S-tier). His Jade Shield provides 150% absorption against all damage, scales with HP, and shreds 20% Universal RES (Elemental + Physical) from shielded characters' targets — boosting every team member. He requires almost no investment; his best weapon is a free 3★ (Black Tassel). Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/zhongli-quickguide/
Kit Summary
Creates the Jade Shield (150% absorption, universal 20% RES shred) + a Stone Stele for off-field Geo. The primary reason to play him.
Large AoE Geo damage + petrify crowd control (useful bonus).
Only relevant for niche Physical DPS builds.
Build Guide
🔮 Best Relic / Echo Set
2pc HP% + 2pc HP% (maximum shield strength — best for shielder role). Alt: 4pc Archaic Petra (buffs teammates via Elemental Shards); 4pc Deepwood Memories (Dendro teams); 4pc Tenacity of the Millelith (team ATK buff — limited by Stele range). Baseline: any HP% artifacts. Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/zhongli-quickguide/
⚔ Best Light Cone / Weapon
Black Tassel (3★ — best shielder weapon; highest HP% secondary among polearms; genuinely BiS for the shielder role). Alt 4★: Favonius Lance (generates team particles; needs ~30% CRIT Rate for procs). Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/zhongli-quickguide/
📊 Substats Priority
👥 Best Teams
Hu Tao Vaporize (recommended): Zhongli + Hu Tao + Xingqiu + Yelan
Universal (any carry): Zhongli + Neuvillette + Furina + Kazuha — or — Zhongli + Itto + Albedo + Gorou (Mono Geo)
F2P Verdict
Arguably the most F2P-friendly 5★ in the game. Best weapon is the free 3★ Black Tassel; best artifacts are any HP% pieces (rainbow is fine). Reach Level 90 and max Elemental Skill; constellations add little — C0 is the complete package. Almost no ongoing resource pressure. Source: https://keqingmains.com/q/zhongli-quickguide/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zhongli good for beginners?
Yes — one of the best beginner pickups: a huge shield with almost no build cost and a free best-in-slot weapon. Source: KQM.
What is the best free weapon for Zhongli?
Black Tassel (3★) — its high HP% secondary makes it his best shielder weapon, better than most 4★ and 5★ options for this role. Source: KQM.
Is Zhongli worth pulling without constellations?
Absolutely — his entire value is at C0; constellations are minor quality-of-life additions. Source: KQM.
What is Zhongli's Energy Recharge requirement?
Minimal for the shielder build (shield is on Elemental Skill, not Burst). Only prioritise ER if running a Burst-support build. Source: KQM.
When is Zhongli's next banner?
He reruns frequently — debut version 1.1 (2020-11-11). Verify on paimon.moe/banners.