Zhongli Main DPS Build: Unleash The Geo Archon!
So, you wanna turn the chill Geo Archon, Zhongli, into a damage-dealing powerhouse, huh? Awesome! While he's traditionally known for his insane shielding and crowd control, Zhongli can absolutely rock as a main DPS with the right build. Let's dive into how to make it happen, step by step. We'll cover everything from artifacts and weapons to team comps and playstyles, so you can watch those meteor chunks obliterate your enemies.
Understanding Zhongli's DPS Potential
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why Zhongli can actually be a viable main DPS. His normal attack string has surprisingly good scaling, especially his final hit. Plus, his Elemental Skill, Dominus Lapidis, doesn't just provide a beefy shield; it also deals Geo damage in pulses and resonates with other Geo structures. And of course, there's his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall, which drops a massive meteor that petrifies enemies. The key to maximizing Zhongli's DPS is to weave together his normal attacks, skill, and burst effectively. You can’t just rely on one aspect of his kit. You need a balanced approach that leverages all his abilities. Don’t underestimate the importance of constellations either. While Zhongli is perfectly functional at C0, constellations like C1 (Stone, the Pillar) and C2 (Stone, the Forest) can significantly boost his damage output and team utility. C1 allows for two Stone Steles to exist simultaneously, increasing resonance damage, while C2 grants a shield to nearby party members when Planet Befall is unleashed, adding another layer of survivability. Remember, building Zhongli as a main DPS requires a significant investment in terms of resources and effort, but the payoff is a unique and rewarding playstyle that can surprise your opponents. Experiment with different artifact sets, weapon choices, and team compositions to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun unleashing the Geo Archon's full potential on the battlefield.
Best Weapons for DPS Zhongli
Choosing the right weapon is crucial for maximizing Zhongli's DPS. Here are some top contenders, ranging from premium options to more accessible choices:
- Staff of Homa: This is generally considered Zhongli's best-in-slot weapon for a DPS build. Its massive Crit DMG substat and HP-scaling attack bonus synergize perfectly with Zhongli's kit, boosting both his damage and shield strength. If you have this, use it. It’s really good. The Staff of Homa's passive ability, Reckless Cinnabar, increases HP by 20%. Additionally, it provides an ATK bonus based on 0.8% of the wielder's Max HP. When the wielder's HP is less than 50%, this ATK bonus is further increased by an additional 1% of Max HP. This makes it ideal for Zhongli, as it not only boosts his HP for stronger shields and some damage scaling but also significantly increases his ATK, especially when his HP is low. The combination of Crit DMG and HP scaling makes the Staff of Homa a top-tier choice for maximizing Zhongli's DPS potential, and it's often considered the gold standard for those looking to optimize his damage output.
- Vortex Vanquisher: Zhongli's signature weapon, Vortex Vanquisher, provides a high ATK stat and increases shield strength. Its passive also grants an ATK bonus that stacks when protected by a shield, making it a solid choice for a shield-focused DPS build. However, it's not as universally effective as Staff of Homa. It’s definitely viable though. Vortex Vanquisher is particularly effective in team compositions where Zhongli consistently maintains a shield, allowing him to stack the ATK bonus from its passive ability, Golden Majesty. This weapon's high base ATK ensures that Zhongli's normal attacks and elemental skills deal significant damage, making it a formidable option for players who prefer a more traditional ATK-focused build. While it may not offer the same level of HP scaling as the Staff of Homa, the consistent ATK bonus and shield strength enhancement make Vortex Vanquisher a reliable choice for maximizing Zhongli's DPS output, especially in scenarios where shield uptime is high.
- Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: This weapon offers a high Crit Rate substat and an ATK bonus that stacks with each hit. It's a great option for increasing Zhongli's overall damage output and ensuring consistent critical hits. Primordial Jade Winged-Spear is highly valued for its Crit Rate substat, which significantly boosts the consistency of Zhongli's damage output. Its passive ability, Eagle's Spear, increases ATK by 3.2% for 6 seconds upon hitting an opponent, stacking up to 7 times. This effect can occur once every 0.3 seconds. At maximum stacks, the damage dealt is increased by an additional 12%. This weapon is particularly effective for players who prioritize a balanced build with high Crit Rate and consistent damage. The stacking ATK bonus makes it ideal for prolonged combat scenarios, where Zhongli can maintain high stacks and deal substantial damage with his normal attacks and elemental skills.
- Deathmatch: This Battle Pass weapon is a solid choice for its Crit Rate substat and ATK/DEF bonus. It's a more accessible option than the 5-star weapons and still provides a significant boost to Zhongli's DPS. Deathmatch is a popular choice among players due to its accessibility and effectiveness. Its Crit Rate substat helps to maintain a consistent damage output, while its passive ability, Gladiator, provides an ATK and DEF increase when there are at least 2 opponents nearby, or an even greater increase when there are less than 2 opponents nearby. This weapon is particularly useful in situations where Zhongli is facing multiple enemies or engaging in solo combat. The combination of Crit Rate and ATK/DEF bonuses makes Deathmatch a versatile option for players who want a reliable and affordable weapon for their DPS Zhongli build.
- Blackcliff Pole: Obtainable through the Starglitter Exchange, Blackcliff Pole offers a Crit DMG substat and an ATK bonus after defeating an enemy. It's a good option for clearing groups of enemies quickly. Blackcliff Pole is another accessible option for players looking to boost Zhongli's DPS. Its Crit DMG substat provides a significant increase to critical hit damage, while its passive ability, Press the Advantage, increases ATK by 12% for 30 seconds after defeating an enemy. This effect can stack up to 3 times. This weapon is particularly effective in domains and scenarios where Zhongli can consistently defeat enemies to maintain the ATK bonus. The combination of Crit DMG and stacking ATK bonuses makes Blackcliff Pole a strong contender for players who want to maximize Zhongli's damage output in encounters with multiple enemies.
Artifact Sets for Maximum DPS
Alright, let's get into the artifacts. This is where you can really fine-tune your Zhongli's damage output. Here are a few top choices:
- 4-Piece Gladiator's Finale: This set provides a flat ATK bonus and increases Normal Attack damage, making it a solid choice for a normal attack-focused DPS build. It's a straightforward and reliable option for boosting Zhongli's consistent damage output. The 4-Piece Gladiator's Finale set is a classic choice for DPS characters in Genshin Impact, and it works well for Zhongli as well. The 2-piece bonus grants an 18% ATK increase, while the 4-piece bonus increases Normal Attack DMG by 35% for characters who use a Sword, Claymore, or Polearm. This set is particularly effective for players who focus on using Zhongli's normal attack combo to deal damage. The consistent ATK bonus and Normal Attack DMG increase make it a reliable choice for maximizing Zhongli's DPS potential, especially in prolonged combat scenarios.
- 4-Piece Pale Flame: This set provides a Physical DMG Bonus and an ATK bonus that stacks when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. It's a great option for maximizing Zhongli's physical damage output, especially if you're focusing on his normal attacks. The 4-Piece Pale Flame set is a more specialized option for Zhongli, as it focuses on boosting his Physical DMG. The 2-piece bonus grants a 25% Physical DMG Bonus, while the 4-piece bonus increases ATK by 9% for 7 seconds when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This effect can stack up to 2 times and can be triggered once every 0.3 seconds. At 2 stacks, the 2-set effect is increased by 100%. This set is particularly effective for players who prioritize using Zhongli's normal attacks in combination with his Elemental Skill to deal consistent Physical DMG. The stacking ATK bonus and increased Physical DMG make it a strong contender for players who want to maximize Zhongli's physical damage output.
- 2-Piece Archaic Petra + 2-Piece Noblesse Oblige: This combination provides a Geo DMG Bonus and an Elemental Burst DMG Bonus, boosting both Zhongli's skill and burst damage. It's a versatile option that balances his overall damage output. The combination of 2-Piece Archaic Petra and 2-Piece Noblesse Oblige is a versatile option for Zhongli, as it balances his Geo DMG and Elemental Burst DMG. The 2-piece Archaic Petra set grants a 15% Geo DMG Bonus, while the 2-piece Noblesse Oblige set increases Elemental Burst DMG by 20%. This combination is particularly effective for players who want to maximize Zhongli's overall damage output, including his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst. The Geo DMG Bonus enhances the damage of his Stone Stele resonance and Planet Befall, while the Elemental Burst DMG Bonus ensures that his burst deals significant damage to enemies.
- 4-Piece Tenacity of the Millelith: While more of a support set, if you have godly substats, the HP boost and party-wide ATK buff can contribute to overall team DPS, especially if your other characters benefit greatly from the ATK boost. The 4-Piece Tenacity of the Millelith set is primarily a support set, but it can still contribute to overall team DPS in certain situations. The 2-piece bonus increases HP by 20%, while the 4-piece bonus increases all nearby party members' ATK by 20% and their Shield Strength by 30% for 3 seconds when an Elemental Skill hits an opponent. This effect can be triggered once every 0.5 seconds. This set is particularly effective in team compositions where Zhongli's Elemental Skill resonance is frequently triggered, providing a consistent ATK and Shield Strength buff to the entire party. While it may not directly boost Zhongli's personal damage output as much as other sets, the party-wide ATK buff can indirectly increase the damage dealt by the entire team, making it a viable option in certain scenarios.
Artifact Stats: Prioritizing the Right Stats
Okay, so you've chosen your artifact set. Now, what stats should you be looking for? This is where RNG can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. Here's the breakdown:
- Sands: ATK% or HP%. ATK% is generally better for maximizing damage, but HP% can be a good choice if you need more shield strength. Consider your weapon and team comp here. Choose the one that complements your build the best. Prioritize ATK% unless you're struggling with survivability. If you find that your shields are constantly breaking, consider using an HP% Sands to increase Zhongli's HP and shield strength.
- Goblet: Geo DMG Bonus or Physical DMG Bonus. If you're using a physical damage build, go for Physical DMG Bonus. Otherwise, Geo DMG Bonus is the way to go to boost his skill and burst damage. The choice between Geo DMG Bonus and Physical DMG Bonus depends on your playstyle and team composition. If you primarily use Zhongli's normal attacks to deal damage, Physical DMG Bonus will be more effective. However, if you focus on using his Elemental Skill and Elemental Burst, Geo DMG Bonus will provide a greater damage increase.
- Circlet: Crit Rate or Crit DMG. Aim for a Crit Rate of around 50-60% and then stack as much Crit DMG as possible. Crit is king. A Crit Rate/Crit DMG ratio of 1:2 is generally considered optimal, but adjust as needed based on your available substats. Maintaining a balance between Crit Rate and Crit DMG is crucial for maximizing Zhongli's damage output. If you have a high Crit DMG but low Crit Rate, you'll deal massive damage when you do crit, but you won't crit consistently. Conversely, if you have a high Crit Rate but low Crit DMG, you'll crit frequently, but your critical hits won't deal as much damage.
Substats: Crit Rate, Crit DMG, ATK%, Energy Recharge, and HP%. Crit Rate and Crit DMG are the most important, followed by ATK%. Energy Recharge is helpful for ensuring you can consistently use his burst, and HP% can further boost his shield strength. Don't underestimate Energy Recharge. His burst is a huge part of his DPS potential. Prioritizing Crit Rate and Crit DMG substats is essential for maximizing Zhongli's damage output. Aim for a healthy balance between these two stats to ensure consistent and impactful critical hits. ATK% substats provide a general boost to Zhongli's damage output, while Energy Recharge substats help to ensure that you can consistently use his Elemental Burst. HP% substats can further enhance Zhongli's shield strength, making him even more durable.
Team Compositions for a DPS Zhongli
Alright, you've got your artifacts and weapon sorted. Now, who should you team him up with? A good team comp can make or break a DPS character. Here are some ideas:
- Geo Resonance Team: Zhongli + Albedo + Geo MC/Ningguang + Bennett. This team provides a massive Geo DMG Bonus and increased interruption resistance. Albedo provides off-field damage and energy generation, while Geo MC or Ningguang offer additional Geo damage and energy. Bennett provides healing and a massive ATK buff. This team is all about maximizing Geo damage and providing consistent support. The Geo Resonance provides a significant damage boost, while Albedo's off-field damage and energy generation help to keep the team's DPS consistent. Geo MC or Ningguang can provide additional Geo damage and energy, while Bennett's healing and ATK buff ensure that the team remains healthy and deals significant damage.
- Physical DPS Team: Zhongli + Rosaria/Kaeya + Fischl/Beidou + Diona/Bennett. This team focuses on maximizing Zhongli's physical damage output with Superconduct (Cryo + Electro) to reduce enemy Physical RES. Rosaria or Kaeya provide Cryo application, Fischl or Beidou provide Electro application, and Diona or Bennett provide healing and support. This team is all about shredding enemy Physical RES and maximizing Zhongli's physical damage output. Superconduct reduces enemy Physical RES, allowing Zhongli to deal significantly more damage with his normal attacks. Rosaria or Kaeya provide consistent Cryo application, while Fischl or Beidou provide Electro application. Diona or Bennett provide healing and support, ensuring that the team remains healthy and deals consistent damage.
- Mono Geo Team: Zhongli + Arataki Itto + Gorou + Albedo. This team composition focuses on maximizing Geo damage output with the help of Gorou's buffs specifically tailored for Geo characters. Itto serves as another main DPS, while Albedo provides consistent off-field damage. Zhongli offers shielding and resistance shredding. This team excels against enemies vulnerable to Geo damage. The Mono Geo team is a powerhouse when facing enemies susceptible to Geo damage. Gorou's unique buffs significantly amplify the damage output of Geo characters, making Itto and Zhongli formidable damage dealers. Albedo's consistent off-field damage further contributes to the team's overall DPS. Zhongli's shielding and resistance shredding capabilities ensure that the team remains protected and deals maximum damage. This team is particularly effective in the Spiral Abyss and other challenging content where Geo damage is advantageous.
Playstyle and Rotations
Finally, let's talk about how to actually play DPS Zhongli. Here's the basic idea: Use his Elemental Skill to create a shield and generate Geo resonance damage. Then, unleash his normal attack combo, weaving in his Elemental Skill whenever it's off cooldown. Use his Elemental Burst when available to petrify enemies and deal massive damage. Don't forget to dodge! Even with a strong shield, you don't want to get caught in a bad situation.
Here's a basic rotation:
- Start with your support characters to apply buffs and debuffs.
- Use Zhongli's Elemental Skill to create a shield and generate Geo resonance damage.
- Unleash Zhongli's normal attack combo until his Elemental Skill is off cooldown.
- Use Zhongli's Elemental Skill again to refresh his shield and generate more Geo resonance damage.
- Use Zhongli's Elemental Burst when available to petrify enemies and deal massive damage.
- Repeat steps 3-5 until enemies are defeated.
Remember to adapt your playstyle and rotations based on the specific enemies you're facing and the team composition you're using. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you. And most importantly, have fun unleashing the Geo Archon's full potential on the battlefield.
Conclusion
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to building Zhongli as a main DPS. It takes some investment, but seeing those massive meteor hits and shredding enemies with his spear is incredibly satisfying. Now go forth and show Teyvat the true power of the Geo Archon! Good luck, have fun, and may your meteor always crit!