Background

Zhongli and Geo Buffs in Version 1.3 Beta

Zhongli and the Geo element has been under scrutiny recently due to their comparative lack of power. miHoYo has released a long-awaited official statement addressing this topic, and planned adjustments.

While the changes are being tested on the beta version 1.3 server (which is to be released in two months time), it could come into play before this date. At least players can now be optimistic that their Geo characters will be able to compete in your starting line ups!

PSA #1: Everything scales off Zhongli’s Max HP now

1.39% Max HP scaling added to Normal/Charged/Plunging ATK DMG
1.9% Max HP scaling added to Tap E (both summon + pulse DMG) and Hold E DMG

So 2Board, does this mean I can now finally realize my 40,000+ HP Zhongli? = NO

  1. Absolutely amazing for Burst DPS/Support Zhongli
    • Just means you guys do more damage
    • Most of you are fine with HP%/HP substats for stronger shield + burst anyways
    • For Support Zhongli players (who would much rather prioritize for the shield), this makes stacking 3 HP% main stats more viable than ever before
  2. Great for Phys DMG main DPS Zhongli
    • Provides another stat to help scale damage
    • THIS DOES NOT MEAN STACK HP%, AS ATK% WILL STILL SCALE BETTER. JUST MAKES GETTING HP%/HP SUBSTATS MORE TOLERABLE/BENEFICIAL
    • It effectively makes the substat prioritization like this: CRIT% > CRIT DMG > ATK% > HP% (What changed is the HP% OVER flat ATK)
  3. Overall, makes any form of Zhongli much more beefier, as HP stats are much more tolerable

PSA #2: Holding E just got sexier

Honestly, just Hold E everytime now…

Changes:

  1. Shield now has 150% Phys DMG + 150% Elemental DMG absorption
    • Used to only be 250% Geo DMG absorption
    • This makes Geo shields universally stronger, and more pliable in situations
    • In solo-element situations however, still recommended to take that element’s based shield (e.g.: Taking Diona for a Cryo enemy only domain)
  2. SUMMONS YOUR GIANT, GIRTHY ROD IF YOU DON’T HAVE ONE ALREADY
    • For C1, this means you can now do Tap E > Hold E, rather than Tap E > Tap E > Hold E
    • This also means for C0 Zhongli’s you can start an encounter with Hold E, rather than Tap E > Hold E
    • Basically, miHoYo has made it so Zhongli’s E kit is much more efficient overall
  3. Oh, also: THE LORD OF GEO, MORAX, FINALLY LEARNED TO TAKE A GODDAMN HIT:
    • This is a small, but much appreciated change, as it means you are less likely to lose the CD from interruption + still receiving the shield in clutch situations
Increased poise when Holding E

PSA #3: Geo “rocks” a lot more now (get it, ROCKS…haha…)

Geo Resonance Changes:

  1. Makes shields 15% stronger
    • This is practically a universal buff to any shield caster (Zhongli, Noelle, Diona, Xinyan, Beidou, and any Geo character really)
  2. 15% DMG increase
    • Used to be 15% ATK DMG
    • The difference between ATK DMG and DMG:
      • ATK DMG gives benefit to ONLY THE Skill% in the damage calculation (meaning it affects only certain sources/additive factor)
      • DMG gives benfit to EVERYTHING in the damage calculation, making it a multiplicative factor (meaning it’s much stronger)
  3. Doing DMG decreases target’s Geo resistance by 20% for 15s
    • Elemental resistance debuffs are extremely rare
    • This effectively makes Geo DPS like Ningguang, and even Noelle, extremely practical and stronger overall

This is an EXTREMELY strong tweak, as not only is the 15% DMG now apply to everything, but you also deal more Geo DMG (double whammy)

ONLY Geo shield also gain 150% Physical DMG and Elemental DMG absorption (rather than just 250% Geo DMG absorption). The rest of the elemental shields (Diona’s E, Xinyan E, element-infused Crystallize shields) will still only gain 250% absorption based on it’s element.

Whether you like Zhongli/Geo or not this is a huge win for the playerbase as a whole, as it seems our frustrations are somewhat being heard and considered. Like stated above: these are test examples and are 100% still liable to change as a final product!

Check out the full post transcript below for more details.

To All Travelers: Regarding Adjustments to Zhongli

To All Travelers,

Recently, we have received a lot of questions and feedback regarding Zhongli.
We understand the love that everyone has given Zhongli, and the rapt attention being paid to any future changes to him. As such, we apologize for the tardiness of this announcement concerning said adjustments.

We have organized and summarized player feedback numbering in the tens of thousands during this time, in-game and out of it. Through this, we have discovered that your feedback has focused on Zhongli’s strength in practical combat, the finer points of his ability usage, the Geo construct system, and so on.

After analyzing the in-game data and engaging in many discussions, we have decided on an initial round of adjustments. These adjustments will be available to Travelers participating in the 1.3 beta test version. The current adjustments are as follows and cover four aspects: enhancing Zhongli’s talents, optimizing the controls and mechanics of his abilities, improving the mechanics of his Geo resonance mechanics, and adjusting his shield.

We will continue to observe the performance of these adjustments during the upcoming version 1.3 beta test, and we will pay attention to the feedback of testers. We hope that these adjustments will be able to appreciably improve everyone’s experience.
We will also give an update as to our final adjustments when said changes officially go live.

● Regarding Zhongli as a Character
1. Adjustments to Passive Talent “Dominance of Earth”

Original Effect:
Increases Planet Befall’s DMG by an amount equal to 33% of Zhongli’s Max HP.

Post-Adjustment Effect:
The DMG dealt by the following of Zhongli’s attacks will be increased based on his Max HP:
• Normal, Charged and Plunging Attack DMG will be increased by 1.39% of Max HP.

(Image 1: After Adjustment, Image 2: Before AdjustmentTest version, not indicative of final product)
• The Stone Stele, Resonance and Holding Mode DMG of Dominus Lapidis will be increased by 1.9% of Max HP.


(Image 1: After Adjustment, Image 2: Before AdjustmentTest version, not indicative of final product)
• Planet Befall’s DMG will be increased by 33% of Zhongli’s Max HP.

2. Adjustment to Dominus Lapidis’ Holding Mode

Original Effect:
Causes nearby Geo energy to explode, causing the following effects:
• Creates a shield of jade. The shield’s DMG Absorption scales based on Zhongli’s Max HP and has 250% Geo DMG Absorption.
• Deals AoE Geo DMG.
• If there are nearby targets with the Geo element, it will drain a large amount of the Geo element from a maximum of 2 such targets. This effect does not cause DMG.

Post-Adjustment Effect:
Causes nearby Geo energy to explode, causing the following effects:
• If the maximum number of Stone Steles has not yet been reached, it will create a Stone Stele.

(Image 1: After Adjustment, Image 2: Before AdjustmentTest version, not indicative of final product)
• Creates a shield of jade. The shield’s DMG Absorption scales based on Zhongli’s Max HP, and has 150% Physical DMG and Elemental DMG Absorption.
• Deals AoE Geo DMG.
• If there are nearby targets with the Geo element, it will drain a large amount of the Geo element from a maximum of 2 such targets. This effect does not cause DMG.
*This adjustment will also greatly increase the interruption resistance of Dominus Lapidis’ Holding Mode.

(Image 1: After Adjustment, Image 2: Before AdjustmentTest version, not indicative of final product)

● Regarding Geo Elemental Mechanics
1. Adjustment to Geo Resonance “Enduring Rock”

Original Effect:
Increases resistance to interruption. When protected by a shield, increases Attack DMG by 15%.

Post-Adjustment Effect:
Increases shield strength by 15%. Additionally, characters protected by a shield will have the following special characteristics: DMG dealt increased by 15%, dealing DMG to enemies will decrease their Geo RES by 20% for 15s.

2. Geo Shield Balance Adjustments

Geo Shields are adjusted from “having 250% Geo DMG Absorption” to “having 150% Physical DMG and Elemental DMG Absorption”.
Affected effects include:
• The Geo Shield created by Zhongli’s Elemental Skill
• The Geo Shield created by Noelle’s Elemental Skill
• The Geo Shield created when picking up Geo Crystals dropped by Geovishap Hatchlings

This round of adjustments is not merely intended to improve the experience of playing Zhongli alone. We also hope to better convey the shield and Geo playstyles that are closely associated with him — not only for his sake but also to improve the experience of Travelers who have been delving into the strategy layer of this game. It is precisely because these changes go further than pure adjustments to a character alone that we have taken the utmost care. We hope to be able to give Travelers a more detailed solution as opposed to hastily throwing out a general direction for adjustments.

We truly hope that Zhongli will be a trusty companion to all Travelers, and hope that you will able to experience a different playstyle through him, one that will enrich your gaming experience. 1.3 beta test server access will soon be released, and we would like to take this opportunity to call upon all Travelers who obtain access to not be reserved in giving us any in-game suggestions and feedback that you may have regarding these adjustments throughout the testing process.
Additionally, if Travelers have feedback or comments regarding any other beta test content, you may feel free to send us feedback in-game. We will read each and every one carefully and work hard to adjust and optimize the game, so as not to fall short of your expectations.

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I spend too much time filling out spreadsheets for incoherent data, but at least I can turn them into guides :P

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