钟离

Favonius Lance
A great weapon for Zhongli to compensate for the otherwise particle deficient character; attain CRIT Rate from artifact substats to proc the passive more consistently. Does not need to be leveled up as the ER and base attack is largely irrelevant on Zhongli in support builds.

Black Tassel
When running purely for shield strength, this would be the best option purely for the HP% mainstat, on top of being accessible.

<sands> HP%
<goblet> HP%
<circlet> HP%

CRIT Rate (when running Favonius Lance)
HP%
HP

1) Elemental Skill: Dominus Lapidis
2) Elemental Burst: Planet Befall
3) Normal Attack: Rain of Stone

Burst and Auto Attack talents need not be levelled.

4p Archaic Petra can be situationally strong when the rotation is flexible enough to enable the pick up of a crystallize shard of the preferred element while Zhongli is on-field.

4p Instructors, another situational set, can be effectively used by Zhongli in Vape/Melt teams as he is able to consistently trigger the crystallize reaction when on-field with his hold E. ( as long as there is an aura on the enemy )

For a purely Shield-Bot build Zhongli, at low investments, can opt to rainbow artifacts with high HP%/ flat HP substats.

Crescent Pike
For Physical DPS specifically the weapon effect of r5 Crescent Pike will out DPS even Staff of Homa unless you have multiple Homa refines.

Staff of Homa
Homa is still a solid option especially if you cannot get multiple Crescent Pike refines or want a little better shield

<sands> HP % or ATK%
<goblet> Physical Dmg %
<circlet> Crit Rate or Dmg

Crit Dmg
Crit Rate
ATK%
HP%

1) Normal Attack: Rain of Stone
2) Elemental Burst: Planet Befall
3) Elemental Skill: Dominus Lapidis

The choice between HP% or ATK% Sands is between a better shield or more damage. Whichever isn't selected should be pursued on the sub stats.

You may choose to pursue better shield capabilities by leveling his Elemental Skill over his Elemental Burst.

Staff of Homa
Good general use weapon as it drastically increases dmg especially when under 50% while also offering better shielding

Lithic Spear
Lithic Spear with 4 Liyue characters will actually outperform Staff of Homa r1 unless Zhongli is under 50% HP

Primordial Jade Winged-Spear
Winged-Spear can be an option if you don't have the others or can't reach proper crit ratio with Homa and don't want to run multiple Liyue characters for Lithic

<sands>HP %
<goblet>Geo Dmg %
<circlet> Crit Rate or Dmg

Crit Dmg or Crit Rate
HP %
ATK%

1) Elemental Burst: Planet Befall
2) Elemental Skill: Dominus Lapidis
3) Normal Attack: Rain of Stone

This is an option that trades off stronger shields for a more Burst dmg to try and offset the usual DPS loss due to Zhongli's long burst animation.

Ideally Crit Ratio should be 1:2 so select your artifacts with that in mind.

Build is significantly better at c2 where casting the Burst will also grant Jade Shield but can be used for players that prefer better enemy control via his petrification.