"Why play Diluc when the Pyro Archon can output 3x the damage with zero stamina cost?"
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Powercreep in 2025 is real. Since the introduction of the Nightsoul mechanics in Version 5.0, the gap between "Modern Units" (Natlan/Snezhnaya) and "Legacy Units" (Mondstadt/Liyue) has widened from a crack into a canyon.
Hoyoverse’s answer is the Hexerei Rite—a specialized "Rune" slot exclusive to pre-Version 4.0 characters. But after three weeks of grinding, is this the revival of the old meta, or just a glorified stat-stick?
II. How it Actually Works
Eligibility
Only characters released before Version 4.0 (Pre-Fontaine) can equip a "Coven Rune."
The Cost
Requires "Stardust Solvent." Time-gated to 3 times a week via the new domain.
The Effect
Adds a "Tier 3 Passive" that fundamentally alters one aspect of the character's kit.
III. The Winners: Actual Meta Shifts
The "Buff"
1. Albedo (The "Construct" Fix)
Old Problem
Flower broke instantly on boss hitboxes.
Hexerei Fix
Rune of Petrification: 200% durability, placed ON boss hitboxes.
Verdict: Massive Buff. Finally viable in Navia/Itto teams against bosses.
2. Qiqi (The "Battery" Fix)
Rune of the Jiangshi: Herald of Frost generates 1 Particle/1.5s. Burst cost -20.
Suddenly a viable driver for Freeze teams. Not top tier, but no longer a "dead pull."
3. Tartaglia (The "Cooldown" Fix)
Rune of the Abyss: Melee crits reduce Skill CD by 0.5s.
Quality of Life King. International teams are infinitely smoother to play.
IV. The Losers: Fundamental Flaws
The "Band-Aid"
1. Klee
The "Stamina" Trap
Increases CA DMG by 40%.
Why it Fails: Klee is squishy and stamina-hungry. More damage doesn't stop her from getting juggled by Snezhnayan mobs. It just gave her a shinier bomb.
2. Venti
The "Suction" Issue
Burst deals more Swirl DMG.
Why it Fails: Modern enemies are too heavy. If he can't lift them, his value drops. Kazuha is still strictly better because he buffs the team, not just himself.
V. The Grind vs. Reward Analysis
Here is the harsh reality. A C6 Diluc with a maxed Hexerei Rune (4 weeks farming) vs C0 Pyro Archon (Mavuika).
C6 Diluc (Max Rune)850k DPR
85%
C0 Mavuika (4★ Weapon)1.0m DPR
100% (Baseline)
Conclusion: Is it a Buff? Yes. Is he Meta? No. The system makes them usable in Overworld/Floor 11, not top-tier DPS.
Is the "Hexerei Rite" Mechanic a Buff or Just a Band-Aid?
Target: AR 60+
6 Min Read
Nov 30, 2025
I. The "Natlan" Problem
"Why play Diluc when the Pyro Archon can output 3x the damage with zero stamina cost?"
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Powercreep in 2025 is real. Since the introduction of the Nightsoul mechanics in Version 5.0, the gap between "Modern Units" (Natlan/Snezhnaya) and "Legacy Units" (Mondstadt/Liyue) has widened from a crack into a canyon.
Hoyoverse’s answer is the Hexerei Rite—a specialized "Rune" slot exclusive to pre-Version 4.0 characters. But after three weeks of grinding, is this the revival of the old meta, or just a glorified stat-stick?
II. How it Actually Works
Eligibility
Only characters released before Version 4.0 (Pre-Fontaine) can equip a "Coven Rune."
The Cost
Requires "Stardust Solvent." Time-gated to 3 times a week via the new domain.
The Effect
Adds a "Tier 3 Passive" that fundamentally alters one aspect of the character's kit.
III. The Winners: Actual Meta Shifts
The "Buff"
1. Albedo (The "Construct" Fix)
Old Problem
Flower broke instantly on boss hitboxes.
Hexerei Fix
Rune of Petrification: 200% durability, placed ON boss hitboxes.
Verdict: Massive Buff. Finally viable in Navia/Itto teams against bosses.
2. Qiqi (The "Battery" Fix)
Rune of the Jiangshi: Herald of Frost generates 1 Particle/1.5s. Burst cost -20.
Suddenly a viable driver for Freeze teams. Not top tier, but no longer a "dead pull."
3. Tartaglia (The "Cooldown" Fix)
Rune of the Abyss: Melee crits reduce Skill CD by 0.5s.
Quality of Life King. International teams are infinitely smoother to play.
IV. The Losers: Fundamental Flaws
The "Band-Aid"
1. Klee
The "Stamina" Trap
Increases CA DMG by 40%.
Why it Fails: Klee is squishy and stamina-hungry. More damage doesn't stop her from getting juggled by Snezhnayan mobs. It just gave her a shinier bomb.
2. Venti
The "Suction" Issue
Burst deals more Swirl DMG.
Why it Fails: Modern enemies are too heavy. If he can't lift them, his value drops. Kazuha is still strictly better because he buffs the team, not just himself.
V. The Grind vs. Reward Analysis
Here is the harsh reality. A C6 Diluc with a maxed Hexerei Rune (4 weeks farming) vs C0 Pyro Archon (Mavuika).
C6 Diluc (Max Rune)850k DPR
85%
C0 Mavuika (4★ Weapon)1.0m DPR
100% (Baseline)
Conclusion: Is it a Buff? Yes. Is he Meta? No. The system makes them usable in Overworld/Floor 11, not top-tier DPS.
Why the "Final Boss" Has Been Hiding in Plain Sight
5 Min Read
For Veterans
Nov 30, 2025
I. The Six-Year Silence
Do you remember the first 10 minutes of Genshin Impact? Before we worried about Artifact substats, before we knew what a "Gnosis" was, and before we toppled the thrones of six nations, there was just one enemy: The Unknown God.
In the game files, she is named Asmoday (The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles). She blocked our path, captured our sibling, and sealed our powers. She is the catalyst for the entire story.
"The terrifying question isn't just 'Who is she?' The question is: Where is she?"
For over five years, she hasn't appeared. We have fought Harbingers, ancient dragons, and even the shadow of the "Sinner," but the Final Boss has been Missing in Action.
II. The Theory: "The Keeper is Fading"
To find her, we have to stop looking for a conqueror and start looking for a victim.
The biggest clue came all the way back in Sumeru, when Nahida told Dottore: "The Heavenly Principles have been silent for many years."
Consider the evidence of "Erosion":
Zhongli fears it.
Azhdaha went mad from it.
Ei hid to avoid it.
If the Archons are susceptible to Erosion, the Sustainer is too. The prevailing theory is that the "Space of Asmoday"—that geometric, red-and-black void we saw in the opening cutscene—isn't a throne room. It is a stasis chamber.
Traveler's Supply Drop
GameCharge
Buy games top up, cd key and digital codes. Top Up Genshin Impact | Buy Genesis Crystals & Welkin Moon | Instant & Global.
If we are going to break into her domain, where is the door? The Login Screen is not just a UI; it is a map.
CELESTIA GATEWAY
That pathway of pillars leading into the blinding white light? That is the bridge to Celestia. But notice the architecture. It matches the "Cubic" structures Asmoday uses to seal our twin.
IV. The Paimon Paradox
We have joked for years that "Paimon is the Unknown God," but let’s look at the visual facts with fresh eyes:
The Cape
Both wear a deep blue, starry cape with a galaxy underside.
The Hair
Both possess distinctive white hair.
The "External Hard Drive" Theory
If Asmoday is fading, perhaps Paimon isn't the God herself, but the key. Paimon might be a "biological backup" or a discarded segment of Asmoday’s power.
V. Gameplay Predictions
1
The Shrinking Arena
Asmoday fights by sealing space. Expect a boss fight where the floor is constantly being "deleted" by red cubes.
2
The Omni-Element
Asmoday uses red cubes that look like "glitched" matter, suggesting a Neutral Element that ignores Resistances.
VI. The Final Door
The "Space of Asmoday" is the finish line. While we are currently distracted by the new Snezhnaya map mechanics, do not forget the red cubes.
We better hope our Traveler—and Paimon—are ready for what is waiting behind that door.
In the vast, open-world economy of Genshin Impact, managing resources is as crucial as mastering elemental reactions. Among the myriad of monetization options available—from the Gnostic Hymn (Battle Pass) to direct Genesis Crystal top-ups—one item stands out as the gold standard for low-spenders and veterans alike: the Blessing of the Welkin Moon.
Often referred to simply as "Welkin," this monthly subscription card is widely touted as the best value in the game. However, its value is conditional. It requires commitment, understanding of the game's server mechanics, and a bit of long-term planning.
This comprehensive guide will explore every facet of the Blessing of the Welkin Moon, including a deep dive into the math behind its value, how it compares to other purchases, the hidden mechanics of stacking, and the psychological strategies HoYoverse employs to keep you logging in.
Part 1: What is the Blessing of the Welkin Moon?
At its core, the Blessing of the Welkin Moon is a 30-day subscription service. Unlike traditional subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify, it does not typically auto-renew (though some third-party payment platforms may offer this, the in-game purchase is manual).
The Cost
For most regions, the standard price is $4.99 USD (or the equivalent in local currency, such as €4.99 or £4.99).
The Rewards
Upon purchasing a single instance of the Welkin Moon, you receive two distinct types of rewards:
Immediate Reward: 300 Genesis Crystals.
Daily Reward: 90 Primogems per day for 30 days.
Total Yield per Pass:
300 Genesis Crystals
2,700 Primogems (90 Primogems × 30 days)
Since Genesis Crystals can be converted into Primogems at a 1:1 ratio, the total effective value of one Welkin Moon pass is 3,000 Primogems.
To put this in perspective regarding the game's "Gacha" system:
1 Wish (Intertwined Fate) = 160 Primogems.
Total Wishes per Welkin: 3,000 / 160 = 18.75 Wishes.
For the price of a fancy coffee, a player receives nearly 19 pulls on the limited character banner. This simple equation is why the Welkin Moon is the most popular purchase in the Genshin Impact community.
Part 2: The "Login" Requirement – The Critical Catch
If the math looks too good to be true, it’s because there is a catch. The Blessing of the Welkin Moon is not a bulk purchase; it is a drip-feed system.
The "Use It or Lose It" Rule
The 90 daily Primogems are not automatically deposited into your account. You must log in to the game to claim them.
When you log in, a special animation plays showing a moon lady blowing a kiss, and the Primogems are added to your total.
If you log in: You get 90 Primogems.
If you do not log in: You get 0 Primogems for that day.
Crucially, missed days are not refunded. They do not roll over to the next day. If you buy the pass and then go on a camping trip without internet for a week, you permanently lose 630 Primogems (90 × 7).
Server Reset Times
To ensure you never miss a day, you must understand your server's reset time. The daily reward refreshes at 4:00 AM Server Time.
Asia Server: GMT+8 (China/Singapore/Malaysia/Philippines time).
Europe Server: GMT+1 (Central European Time).
America Server: GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time).
Note: Be careful with timezone changes (Daylight Savings). If you are playing on the American server but live in Asia, your "daily reset" might happen in the middle of your afternoon.
Best Practices for Maintenance
Because the value of the Welkin relies entirely on perfect attendance, many players use the following strategies to maintain their streak:
Mobile Installation: Even if you are a PC or PlayStation main, having Genshin Impact installed on your phone allows you to log in for 30 seconds just to trigger the Welkin animation on busy days.
Cloud Gaming: Services like GeForce NOW or official cloud versions (where available) allow you to log in via a browser on a low-end device if you are away from your gaming rig.
Part 3: Value Analysis – The Mathematics of Efficiency
To truly understand why the Welkin Moon is revered, we must compare it to the standard method of acquiring currency: Genesis Crystal Top-Ups.
The Baseline: Direct Top-Ups
Let's look at the standard $99.99 USD top-up pack, which is the "bulk discount" rate.
Base: 6,480 Genesis Crystals.
Bonus: 1,600 Genesis Crystals.
Total: 8,080 Crystals.
Price per 160 Primogems (1 Wish): ~$1.98 USD.
Note: This excludes the "First Time Top-Up Bonus" which doubles the crystals. Even with the double bonus, the math favors Welkin, as we will see.
The Challenger: Welkin Moon
Cost: $4.99 USD.
Total Currency: 3,000 Primogems.
Price per 160 Primogems (1 Wish): ~$0.26 USD.
The Verdict
The Blessing of the Welkin Moon is approximately 7.6 times more efficient than buying the largest, most "efficient" Genesis Crystal pack.
If you compare it to the smaller crystal packs (e.g., the $14.99 pack), the Welkin Moon is nearly 10 times more efficient.
Welkin Investment Calculator
Calculate how many wishes you get based on how many passes you buy.
Cost: $4.99
Immediate Crystals:300
Duration:30 Days
Total Primogems:3000 (Over duration)
Total Wishes:18.75
Welkin vs. Battle Pass (Gnostic Hymn)
The Battle Pass ($10 USD) gives:
680 Primogems.
4 Intertwined Fates (worth 640 Primogems).
Total equivalent: 1,320 Primogems.
Plus distinct resources (Mora, XP books, Weapons).
Strictly speaking of "pulls," the Battle Pass offers about 8.25 wishes for $10 ($1.21 per wish).
Welkin: $0.26 per wish.
Battle Pass: $1.21 per wish.
Top-Up: $1.98 per wish.
While the Battle Pass is excellent for materials and weapons, the Welkin Moon remains the undisputed king of acquiring wishes cheaply.
Part 4: Genesis Crystals vs. Primogems
One distinct feature of the Welkin Moon is that it splits its rewards between two currencies. You get 300 Genesis Crystals immediately, and the rest as Primogems.
What are Genesis Crystals?
Genesis Crystals are the "premium" currency. They can be converted into Primogems (the "freemium" currency) at a 1:1 ratio, but Primogems cannot be turned back into Genesis Crystals.
Strategic Usage
Because Genesis Crystals are harder to come by, veteran players advise not converting them to Primogems immediately unless you desperately need a few more pulls for a banner that is ending today.
What to save Genesis Crystals for:
Character Skins (Outfits): 4-star and 5-star character skins in the shop cost Genesis Crystals (usually 1680 for 5-star skins without a discount). You cannot buy these with Primogems. Saving your 300 monthly crystals allows you to buy a premium skin roughly every 5-6 months without spending extra money.
Supply Bundles: Occasionally, the shop offers starter bundles containing materials, though these are generally considered low value compared to skins or wishes.
The "Emergency Fund" Strategy: Many players leave the 300 Crystals from their Welkin unclaimed in their inventory. Over a year, this accumulates to 3,600 Genesis Crystals. If a surprise banner drops, you can convert them to Primogems instantly. If a skin drops for your favorite character (like Diluc, Ayaka, or Klee), you have the premium currency ready to go.
A common misconception is that buying multiple Welkin Moons increases the daily reward. This is false.
How Stacking Works
If you buy two Welkin Moons at once:
You receive: 600 Genesis Crystals immediately (300 x 2).
Duration: Your subscription extends to 60 days.
Daily Reward: You still receive 90 Primogems per day. You do not get 180 per day.
The 180-Day Limit
You can stack the duration of the Blessing up to a maximum of 180 days (6 months).
Scenario A: You have 170 days remaining. You try to buy another 30-day pass. The game will likely block the transaction or warn you, because 170 + 30 = 200, which exceeds the limit.
Scenario B: You have 150 days remaining. You buy another pass. You now have 180 days remaining and 300 Genesis Crystals.
The Compensation Penalty
If, through some glitch or third-party shop error, you manage to purchase a Welkin Moon that pushes you significantly over the 180-day cap (or if you are already at the cap), the game does not extend your time.
Instead, it refunds you 330 Genesis Crystals and gives you no extra days.
Standard Purchase: 300 Crystals + 2700 Primogems (3000 total value).
Over-cap Penalty: 330 Crystals (330 total value).
Warning: Never exceed the limit. You lose nearly 90% of the purchase's value.
Part 6: The "Welkin Economy" for F2P and Low Spenders
For a Free-to-Play (F2P) player, Primogem income is finite, coming mostly from events, daily commissions, and exploration. Let's look at how the Welkin Moon shifts the economy of an account.
The Monthly Income Breakdown
A standard F2P player who does all daily commissions (60 primos/day) earns:
60 × 30 = 1,800 Primogems per month.
A Welkin player earns:
(60 + 90) × 30 = 4,500 Primogems.
Plus 300 Genesis Crystals.
Total: 4,800 Primogems per month.
The Impact: The Welkin Moon more than doubles the monthly "guaranteed" income of a player.
Planning for Pity
In Genshin Impact, "Hard Pity" (guaranteed 5-star) is at 90 wishes (14,400 Primogems), though "Soft Pity" usually triggers around 75 wishes (12,000 Primogems).
F2P Speed: It takes roughly 6.5 months of daily commissions to hit Soft Pity (excluding events).
Welkin Speed: It takes roughly 2.5 months of daily commissions + Welkin to hit Soft Pity.
This difference is massive. A Welkin player can realistically expect to obtain a 5-star character every other patch cycle purely from daily logins, whereas a purely F2P player relies heavily on events and exploration windfalls.
Part 7: Psychological Aspects and Habits
It is important to acknowledge why HoYoverse offers such a good deal. The Blessing of the Welkin Moon is a retention mechanic.
The Sunk Cost Fallacy
Once you pay $4.99, you feel obligated to log in to "get your money's worth." If you skip a day, you feel a tangible loss of value. This ensures you log in daily.
Habit Formation
By logging in daily to claim your 90 gems, you are likely to:
Do your daily commissions (since you're already online).
Spend your Resin.
Check the banner.
This turns the game into a daily habit. The Welkin Moon is essentially a paid contract where you agree to become a Daily Active User (DAU) in exchange for cheap currency. For players who love the game, this is a win-win. For players prone to burnout, this can feel like a chore.
Advice: If you feel burned out, let the Welkin expire. Do not buy it "just in case" you come back. Only buy it when you are actively playing.
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy Welkin Moon on GAMECHARGE for a friend? A: Yes. You only need their UID (User ID) and server region. When you buy it for them, they receive the 300 Genesis Crystals immediately and the 30 days are added to their account. It is a popular way to gift items in the community.
Q: What happens if I play on PlayStation but buy Welkin on Mobile? A: The daily Primogems can be claimed on any platform. If you buy on Mobile, you can log in on PS5 to claim the 90 gems. However, the 300 Genesis Crystals are sometimes platform-locked depending on Sony's policies. Often, Genesis Crystals purchased on PSN do not show up on Mobile/PC, and vice-versa. You may need to log in to the original device to spend the Genesis Crystals, though the Primogems converted from them are cross-platform.
Q: Does the "Double Crystal" Top-Up bonus apply to Welkin? A: No. The "First Time Top-Up Bonus" (getting double crystals) applies only to the Genesis Crystal packs in the store. It does not apply to the 300 crystals inside the Welkin Moon.
Q: I logged in but forgot to click the notification. Did I lose the gems? A: As long as you logged in and the "Blessing" animation played, the gems are added to your account. You don't physically have to click a "Claim" button in a menu like you do for Daily Commissions. The animation is the confirmation.
Q: Can I buy it 6 times instantly to get 1800 Genesis Crystals for a skin? A: Yes. This is a common strategy. If you want a Diluc skin (costing 1680 crystals) and have 0 days of Welkin, you can buy 6 passes ($30 total).
You get 1,800 Genesis Crystals immediately (enough for the skin).
You get 180 days of daily Primogems secured.
It is much better value than buying the $30 Genesis Crystal pack, provided you play for the next 6 months.
Part 9: Conclusion – Is It Worth It?
The Blessing of the Welkin Moon is universally regarded as the single best purchase in Genshin Impact.
It is worth it if:
You log in almost every day.
You plan to play the game for at least another month.
You want to build a roster of 5-star characters over time without spending hundreds of dollars.
You have $5 of disposable income per month.
It is NOT worth it if:
You play sporadically (once or twice a week).
You are currently burned out and taking a break.
You need Primogems right now (e.g., the banner ends in 1 hour). Welkin is a slow drip; it cannot save you at the last minute.
For the disciplined traveler, the Blessing of the Welkin Moon is the ticket to a comfortable life in Teyvat, bridging the gap between the scarcity of Free-to-Play and the high costs of "Whaling." It transforms the game's economy, making the coveted 5-star characters attainable with patience rather than luck.
1. Convert to Jade (Limited Char): The meta-defining choice.
2. Convert to Jade (Light Cone): Essential for end-game optimization.
3. Purchase Character Skins: The only items that require paid shards.
4. Nameless Glory (BP): Good resource value.
5. Express Supply Pass: Best value over time.
6. Harmony Supports (E0): Investing in universal buffers (e.g., Ruan Mei) yields high ROI.
7. Emergency Fund: Saving shards for the last hour of a banner to hit pity.
8. Powerful Eidolons (E2): Stopping at key breakpoints (like Acheron E2) instead of new chars.
9. Standard Selector (300/300): Only if you are very close (e.g., 290/300) to finishing the spark.
10. Herta Contracts: For high-spenders who value time over money.
Top 10 Wasted Ways
1. Standard Banner Pulls: Never spend premium currency here.
2. Buying Fuel: Relic farming is RNG; don't rush it.
3. Buying Credits: Easily farmed for free.
4. Resource Bundles: Poor math/value ratio.
5. Reviving in Battle: Just restart the fight.
6. Building Pity (Unwanted): Risking your guaranteed pity on a banner you don't want.
7. 4-Star Light Cones: Most shop LCs are outclassed by free Herta Store options.
8. Weapon Banner w/o Char: A weapon is useless if you don't have the character.
9. Converting Early: Converting all shards to jade locks you out of buying skins later.
10. Buying Standard 5*s: Spending Starlight on standard LCs is usually worse than 30 pulls.
How to Get Free Shards
Reality Check: Oneiric Shards are a paid currency. You cannot farm them in-game like Stellar Jade. However, you can use these legitimate external methods to fund them without spending your own money:
Google Play Points: Earn points on Android purchases. Redeem 150-300 points for $3-$5 coupons to buy the Express Supply Pass for free.
HoYoLAB Events: Participate in official community events (fan art, guides, lucky draws). Winners often receive direct UID top-ups.
Survey Apps: Use apps like "Google Opinion Rewards" to earn small amounts of credit. Save up to buy the Monthly Pass.
The ultimate guide to mastery, economy, and fame. From beginner to aspiring influencer.
Pillar 1
Identity
Avatar Customization
Pillar 2
Economy
Zems vs. Coins
Pillar 3
Influence
Social & Live
Introduction: More Than Just a Game
Zepeto is not merely a dress-up app; it is arguably the most successful Web3 Metaverse explicitly tailored for Gen Z and Alpha. With over 400 million registered users and a creator economy that has paid out millions of dollars, it is a complex ecosystem of social hierarchy, digital fashion, and game development.
To play Zepeto effectively, you must understand its three pillars: Identity (Avatar), Economy (Zems/Coins), and Influence (Social/Live).
"Where Winds Meet" transports players to one of the most turbulent periods in Chinese history: the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (10th Century). You do not play as a soldier, but as a wandering sword master—a blade drifting in the wind.
The Background Story
The year is roughly 907-960 AD. The Tang Empire has disintegrated. You take on the role of a mysterious young sword master carried through a battlefield as an infant by a legendary hero, Uncle Jiang.
Are you the last scion of a fallen royal house? A weapon forged by a secret society? As you travel through Qinghe and Kaifeng, your choices will determine whether you become a hero who mends the rift or a conqueror who rules the chaos.
Regional Services
Need to top up your account? Official services for Steam and PlayStation players below.
Sculpting: Control micro-details like the philtrum and glabella.
Voice-to-Face AI: Generate a face based on your voice input.
Background Choice: Select an origin (e.g., Orphan, Noble) for stats.
Key NPCs
Uncle Jiang: Your adoptive father and martial mentor.
Li Yue: A mysterious poet found in Kaifeng.
Guardian of Annals: A neutral historian recording your deeds.
The Art of Wuxia Combat
Your "class" is defined by the Weapon you wield. Each weapon offers a unique playstyle.
Sword (Jian)
Role: Duelist / Counter-attacker
The Gentleman of Weapons. Balanced and swift, excels in 1v1 duels. A perfect mix of rapid strikes, parries, and aerial maneuvers.
Spear (Qiang)
Role: Zoner / Crowd Control
The King of Weapons. Controls space effectively, keeping enemies at bay with wide sweeps and long-range thrusts. High damage but requires precise spacing.
Iron Fan
Role: Mage / Support
A deceptive weapon. Uses internal energy (Qi) to knock back enemies and launch hidden projectiles. Specialized in debuffs and evasive maneuvers.
Heavy Blade (Dao)
Role: Tank / Breaker
The General of Weapons. High impact, slow speed. Breaks enemy guards easily and deals massive posture damage. Ideal for armored opponents.
Umbrella
Role: Defensive / Trap Master
A defensive fortress. Can block projectiles and release hidden blades. Offers a highly technical playstyle relying on timing and misdirection.
Control Key Guide
Action
PC Keybind
PS5 / Controller
Move
W, A, S, D
Left Stick
Attack (Light)
Left Click
Square / X
Attack (Heavy)
R
Triangle / Y
Block / Parry
Right Click
L1 / LB
Martial Skill
Q
R1 / RB
Mystic Art
E
L2 / LT + Button
Interact
F
Triangle / Y
Mastering Your Path
1. Leveling & Breakthroughs
You gain XP from almost every action, but you will encounter "Level Caps." To advance, you must complete a Breakthrough Challenge (defeat a shadow boss, perform a ritual, or solve a puzzle).
Efficient Strategy
Main Story First: Unlocks regions, horse, and glider.
Exploration Points: Collect chests for passive XP buffs.
Meditate: Gain "Rested XP" when offline at shrines.
2. Talent Trees (Meridians)
Character progression is split into three distinct trees. You earn Qi Points through combat and exploration to unlock nodes in these meridians.
Martial Arts
Active combat skills. Unlocks new weapon combos, finisher moves, and widens your parry timing window.
Jianghu Skills
Exploration & Utility. Unlocks abilities like extended wall-running, water-gliding, and animal taming.
Inner Force
Passive stats. Directly increases Max HP, Stamina recovery rate, and resistance to elements (Fire/Cold).
3. Professions (Livelihoods)
Your role in the world goes beyond combat. Choose a livelihood to interact with society.
Physician
Diagnose and treat illnesses in NPCs/Players using acupuncture and herbs.
Scholar
Solve conflicts through debate (rhetoric battles) and influence politics.
Architect
Build structures, customized housing, and siege engines for guild wars.
Bodyguard
Escort caravans and fight off player bandits for currency.
4. Core Mechanics
Wall Running: Sprint toward a wall to run vertically. Combines with double jumping.
Water Running: Sprinting onto water consumes stamina but lets you traverse rivers instantly.
Health System: Realistic status effects. You can get Fractures (slow movement) or Colds (stamina drain) that require specific medicine to cure.
Acupoint Hitting: In combat, you can freeze enemies by striking specific acupoints.
The Immutable Stone: The Ultimate Zhongli Guide (2025 Edition)
While the meta shifts constantly, Zhongli remains the "CEO of Geo" and the gold standard for comfort in Genshin Impact. He doesn't just shield you; he fundamentally changes the difficulty of the game. Whether you are protecting a glass-cannon like Arlecchino or enabling Neuvillette to attack without interruption, Zhongli is the timeless pick that never fails.
1. The Secret Power: "Universal Shred"
Most players pull Zhongli for the shield, but his hidden power is offensive.
The Effect: While the Jade Shield is active, enemies within a small radius lose 20% Elemental and Physical Resistance.
Why It’s Broken: This is one of the only reliable ways to shred Anemo, Geo, Dendro, and Physical resistance. It stacks with artifact sets like Deepwood Memories or Viridescent Venerer, making him a universal damage booster for any DPS.
2. Ascension & Farming Guide
To maximize shield strength, you generally want to push Zhongli to Level 90. Below is the exact breakdown of what you need for every stage of his growth.
Phase-by-Phase Ascension Table
Ascension Phase
Level Cap
Mora
Prithiva Topaz (Gems)
Basalt Pillar (Boss)
Cor Lapis (Local)
Slime (Enemy)
Phase 1
Level 20
20,000
1x Sliver
—
3x
3x Condensate
Phase 2
Level 40
40,000
3x Fragment
2x
10x
15x Condensate
Phase 3
Level 50
60,000
6x Fragment
4x
20x
12x Secretions
Phase 4
Level 60
80,000
3x Chunk
8x
30x
18x Secretions
Phase 5
Level 70
100,000
6x Chunk
12x
45x
12x Concentrate
Phase 6
Level 80
120,000
6x Gemstone
20x
60x
24x Concentrate
Total (Lv. 90)
90
420,000
6x Gemstone (+lower)
46x
168x
36x Concentrate (+lower)
Quick Farming Locations
Basalt Pillar: Dropped by the Geo Hypostasis in Guyun Stone Forest, Liyue.
Cor Lapis: Found on cliffs throughout Liyue. Best farming spot is Mt. Hulao.
Talent Books: "Gold" series (Taishan Mansion - Wed/Sat/Sun).
3. Weapon Analysis: The Definitive Tier List
Zhongli's weapon choice depends entirely on whether you want him to be a Shieldbot (maximum survival) or a Burst Support (dropping 100k+ meteors).
Shield Support (The "Comfort" Build)
Rank
Weapon
Why it's the best
SSS
Black Tassel (3★)
The King of Shields. Provides 46.9% HP—more than any 4-star. Cheap to upgrade. Do not refine.
SS
Favonius Lance (4★)
The Team Player. Generates energy for the team. Essential for energy-hungry DPS units. Requires ~40% Crit Rate.
S
Dialogues of the Desert Sages (4★)
The HP Runner-up. Event exclusive. 41.3% HP. Excellent if you own it, but unobtainable if you missed the event.
A
Rightful Reward (4★)
The Backup. Craftable HP% spear. Use only if you deleted your Black Tassels.
Burst Support / Hybrid (The "Nuke" Build)
Rank
Weapon
Why it's the best
SSS
Staff of Homa (5★)
Best in Slot. Massive Crit DMG + HP boost. Allows for strong shields AND high damage simultaneously.
S
"The Catch" (4★)
Best F2P Damage. Boosts Burst DMG and Crit Rate significantly.
A
Wavebreaker's Fin (4★)
The Burst Specialist. At high refinements, this outperforms many 5-stars for pure Meteor damage in energy-hungry teams.
A
Deathmatch (4★)
The Consistency King. Battle Pass weapon. Huge Crit Rate boost makes balancing your artifact stats incredibly easy.
⚠️ Trap Warning: Avoid Vortex Vanquisher. Despite being his signature weapon, it provides ATK% which does not help his shield. Stick to Black Tassel or Homa.
4. The Build: Artifacts & Stats
Option A: The "Shieldbot" (Recommended)
Aims for 50,000+ HP. Zero skill required; just hold E and become invincible.
Artifacts: 4-Piece Tenacity of the Millelith (+20% HP, +ATK for team).
Main Stats: HP% Sands / HP% Goblet / HP% Circlet.
Option B: The "Support Hybrid"
Aims for a strong shield but also heavy Burst damage.
Artifacts: 4-Piece Emblem of Severed Fate or Noblesse Oblige.
Main Stats: HP% Sands / Geo DMG Goblet / Crit Rate or DMG Circlet.
5. How to Play: Mechanics & Tips
Hold E vs. Tap E: Always Hold E. Tapping only creates a pillar; Holding creates the Shield AND the pillar.
Pillar Placement: Aim slightly to the side when fighting bosses. If you cast the pillar inside a boss's hitbox, it will break instantly.
The "Microwave": Place his pillar near other Geo constructs (like Chiori's dolls) to chain resonant Geo damage pulses.
6. Top Team Compositions (Version 5.x)
The "Bond of Life" Savior (Arlecchino)
Team: Arlecchino + Yelan + Bennett + Zhongli
Arlecchino cannot be healed in combat. Zhongli is mandatory to prevent her from being one-shot, while his Universal Shred boosts her Pyro damage.
The Hydro Sovereign (Neuvillette)
Team: Neuvillette + Furina + Kazuha + Zhongli
Prevents Neuvillette from being knocked out of the air during his hover attack. Also generates Crystallize shards to stack his passive damage buff.
The Classic Walnut (Hu Tao)
Team: Hu Tao + Xingqiu + Yelan + Zhongli
The safest team in the game. Keeps Hu Tao alive at low HP, allowing her to maintain maximum damage buffs without risk.
7. Constellations
Zhongli is complete at C0. However, if you plan to invest vertically:
C1 (Two Pillars): Mostly useless for shielding. Good for Chiori synergy or AFK farming.
C2 (The Game Changer): Planet Befall (Burst) grants a shield to all party members. This allows you to shield via Burst, guaranteeing 100% uptime. It is also the only way to shield teammates in Co-op Mode.
C6 (The Healer): When the shield takes damage, it heals the active character.
⚠️ C6 Warning: Do not unlock this if you play Hu Tao. Hu Tao needs to stay below 50% HP; C6 Zhongli will overheal her, ruining her damage potential.
"She perceives the world not through sight, but through vibration and electrical resonance. Expelled from the Institute for her dangerous research, she now connects enemies with lethal precision."
Vision Electro
RegionFontaine
WeaponCatalyst
RoleSub-DPS
Combat Talents
Galvanic Tether (Skill)
Marks nearby enemies. When marked enemies get close, they become Linked.
Effect: Any damage taken by one linked enemy is shared (30%) to all others.
Symphony of Rupture (Burst)
Overloads the gauntlet, turning links red and increasing damage sharing to 60%.
Triggering reactions on Node enemies decreases their Electro RES by 15% for 8s.
Ascension 4
Feedback Loop
Gains 20 EM for every enemy currently connected by a Link (Max 100 EM).
Utility
Efficient Wiring
10% chance to double product when crafting Catalyst ascension materials.
Constellations
C1
Expanded Network
Max marked enemies increased to 7. Link distance +30%.
C2
Resonant Frequency
Enemies affected by a Link have their DEF reduced by 20%.
C3
High Voltage Testing
Increases Elemental Burst Level by 3.
C4
Arc Welder
Hitting a linked enemy regenerates 1.5 Energy for Xylia.
C5
Iterative Design
Increases Elemental Skill Level by 3.
C6
The Grand Unification
During Burst, if 3+ enemies are linked, damage sharing becomes 100%.
Gameplay & Strategy
The Rotation Loop
1Setup Supports: Apply elements (Dendro/Hydro) and group enemies with Anemo.
2Link (E): Swap to Xylia. Cast Galvanic Tether to mark and link all grouped enemies.
3Drive: Swap to Main DPS. Attack one enemy; the damage transmits to all linked targets.
4Nuke (Q): When Energy is full, cast Xylia's Burst to overload the links and finish the mob.
Combat Tips
Don't Break the Chain
Links have a max range. If enemies scatter, your DPS drops. Kazuha or Sucrose are highly recommended to keep enemies hugged together.
Reaction Multiplication
Transmitted damage is treated as Electro DMG. Hitting a Hydro-affected enemy transmits Electro to a Dendro-affected enemy nearby, triggering Hyperbloom automatically.
Single Target Weakness
Her kit relies on sharing damage. Against single bosses (like Maguu Kenki), she loses significant value compared to Fischl or Yae Miko.
Equipment
Best Weapons
Overture's End Signature
Huge CRIT DMG stat stick. The passive perfectly matches her Skill-focused kit.
Kagura's Verity5★ Alternative
The Widsith4★ Best
Hakushin RingF2P Support
Artifacts
Emblem of Severed Fate (4pc)
Best for personal DMG. Converts her high Energy Recharge requirements into Burst damage.
Thundering Fury (4pc)
Best for Aggravate teams. Cooldown reduction ensures 100% link uptime.
Main Stats
Sands ER% / ATK%
Goblet Electro DMG
Circlet CRIT Rate / DMG
Team Compositions
Hyper-Link (Aggravate)
Uses Dendro reactions to fuel Xylia's damage sharing. Highly recommended.
Alhaitham Main
Xylia Sub
Nahida Support
Kuki Heal
Chain Lightning (Taser)
Focuses on rapid Electro-Charged procs spreading through the link network.
Sucrose Driver
Xylia Sub
Xingqiu Hydro
Fischl Flex
Replenish Your Primogems
Ready to pull for Xylia? Get your official Genesis Crystals securely.
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