Zhongli vs Illuga
The unbreakable shield vs. the Geo constructionist
TL;DR — Quick Pick
Pick Zhongli if…
- When you need to literally ignore enemy attacks to succeed
- In teams with any element carry to benefit from the 20% shred
- For the most relaxing and safe gameplay experience possible
Pick Illuga if…
- In Geo-centric teams (Itto/Noelle) to provide energy and damage
- When you have enough healing/shields and want more personal DPS
- To utilize Geo resonance and constructs for higher overall team output
Zhongli is the king of comfort and a universal staple. Illuga is a more aggressive choice for Geo teams, providing the energy and off-field damage that Zhongli often lacks.
At a Glance
Strengths & Weaknesses
Zhongli
- The strongest shield in the game.
- Shield gives a universal 20% resistance shred increasing DPS for the team.
- Incredibly flexible, can be used in a large range of team compositions.
- Shields have no impact on corrosion attacks.
- Elemental Burst can result in a DPS loss due to its long animation.
- Low energy generation.
Illuga
- Strong support for Lunar-Crystalize teams (specifically Zibai)
- Does not require heavy investment
- Provides value even for non-Lunar-Crystalize Geo teams
- Requires C2 to use the Silken Moon's Serenade artifact set
- Lunar-Crystalize buffs are limited to direct damage which few characters can currently use
Shared Team Members
With Zhongli
Zhongli and Albedo form the classic 'Double Geo' core, providing Geo Resonance and consistent off-field damage. Albedo's Solar Isotoma generates a steady stream of Geo particles, helping Zhongli maintain high uptime on his Planet Befall burst.
With Illuga
Illuga benefits from Albedo's Geo constructs, which can trigger resonance with other Geo structures for additional damage. Albedo's off-field Geo application also helps maintain the shields generated by Crystallize, providing extra safety for Illuga.
Best Builds (Signature)
Weapon
Favonius Lance
Artifacts
Scroll of the Hero of Cinder City
Sands
HP %
Goblet
HP %
Circlet
HP %
Substats
HP % > HP > Energy Recharge
Weapon
Dragon's Bane
Artifacts
Silken Moon's Serenade
Sands
Elemental Mastery
Goblet
Elemental Mastery > Energy Recharge
Circlet
Elemental Mastery
Substats
Energy Recharge (Until Requirement) > Elemental Mastery > CRIT Rate (with Favonius)
Who Should You Pull?
- When you need to literally ignore enemy attacks to succeed
- In teams with any element carry to benefit from the 20% shred
- For the most relaxing and safe gameplay experience possible
- In Geo-centric teams (Itto/Noelle) to provide energy and damage
- When you have enough healing/shields and want more personal DPS
- To utilize Geo resonance and constructs for higher overall team output