Last Updated on November 15, 2025 by “Talha”
Zhongli and Arlecchino are the two limited characters currently available in Genshin Impact, and if you’re trying to decide whether to pull for Zhongli or Arlecchino, you’re definitely not alone. They offer completely different playstyles, personalities, and roles, so this comparison will help you understand who they are, how they fit into the story, and which one might suit your account better.
Genshin Impact is an open-world action RPG, developed by HoYoverse, where players explore the vast world of Teyvat, collect characters, build teams, and take on everything from story quests to high-level combat challenges. The game offers fast, reactive combat built around elemental abilities, a huge roster of characters, and an evolving storyline that expands with every major update.
Story-wise relevance
Before we get into who is the stronger character, let’s talk about their relevance in the story
Zhongli
We meet Zhongli early on in the story, in the Archon quest. Zhongli first appears as a polite, soft-spoken consultant in Liyue, but players later learn that he is actually Morax, the Geo Archon, a god who shaped Liyue’s history for thousands of years. Having stepped down from his divine role, Zhongli now watches the world change from a mortal’s perspective. His calm wisdom, deep connection to Liyue, and the contrast between his divinity and his gentle human persona make him one of the most beloved characters in the game.
Arlecchino
Arlecchino, also known as The Knave, is the fourth of the Fatui Harbingers. She runs the House of the Hearth, an orphanage that doubles as a training ground for Fatui agents. She’s known for her cold, ruthless outward demeanor, but beneath that lies a fiercely protective “Father” figure who raises and shapes the children under her care. In the Fontaine arc, she steps into the story as both an antagonist and an uneasy ally, revealing layers of complexity that make her one of the most striking characters introduced in recent updates. She makes a comeback in the Nod-Krai Archon Quest, actively helping Columbina and the Traveller.
Best Builds and Teams
Before deciding which one is better for your account, it might be helpful to consider whether you have the resources for each of the characters.
Zhongli
Zhongli was released back in the first few versions of Genshin Impact, yet he still offers one of the strongest shields in the game. His role is primarily as a sub-DPS or a pure shielder.
Weapon Options
Black Tassel: If you wish to run Zhongli mainly as a shielder for squishy characters, Black Tassel is the most F2P-friendly and effective weapon. Because his shield scales with HP, you’ll be prioritising increasing his Max HP.
Favonius Lance: One of the best support weapons in the game, although not the best for Zhongli, it can be paired with Noblesse Oblige to increase the active character’s DMG.
Staff of Homa: This is a solid weapon choice for a sub DPS Zhongli, as it increases his Max HP and also makes his Burst stronger.
Vortex Vanquisher: Although it is his signature weapon, it offers less with its ATK% main stat compared to the other weapons here.
Artifact Options
4-pc Tenacity of the Millelith: This is the best artifact set for a support Zhongli, as it not only increases HP by a whopping 20%, but it also allows Zhongli to make use of his pillar to buff the DPS.
4-pc Noblesse Oblige: This is one of the most basic options, but viable for a burst DPS Zhongli.
2-pc HP + 2-pc HP: Pairing 2 HP% artifact sets would be a good option for a complete shielder Zhongli.
The stats you should be focusing on should be HP%/HP%/HP%, but for some damage output, you can also consider HP%/HP%/Crit Rate or Crit Dmg.
Teams
Zhongli can work with any team that requires interruption resistance, or easy resistance shred, or even if you want to play comfortably.
Notably, teams with Xiao, Ganyu, Hu Tao, or Mono Geo teams work exceptionally well with Zhongli.
Arlecchino
Arlecchino was released around last year, during the Fontaine Arc. She remains one of the strongest Pyro Main DPS in the game, alongside Mavuika.
Weapon Options
Crimson Moon’s Semblance: Her signature weapon is her best in slot and is definitely worth the investment.
Staff of Homa/Primordial Jade Winged-Spear: Both 5-star options can be used as stat sticks for Arlecchino.
Deathmatch: The only 4-star weapon that works well with her; however, it is not F2P-friendly, as players need to purchase the battle pass to obtain it.
White Tassel: This is a 3-star weapon obtainable through various Treasure Chests in Liyue. If you’re an old player, there’s a high chance you used it to refine another weapon; your best bet would be trying some chests in Chenyu Vale to find it.
Artifact Options
4-pc Fragment of Harmonic Whimsy: This is the best artifact choice for Arlecchino, but if you’re not that lucky and can’t obtain good artifacts, a solid second choice is the 4-pc Gladiator’s Finale.
The state you should focus on is primarily ATK%/Pyro DMG/Crit Rate or DMG.
Teams
Vaporize: Arlecchino + Xingqiu/Yelan + Bennett + Zhongli
Overload: Arlecchino + Fischl + Beidou + Chevreuse
Mono-Pyro: Arlecchino + Xiangling + Bennett + Kazuha
Final Verdict
The final choice between Zhongli and Arlecchino depends, well, on your account. If your account has a lot of DPS characters and lacks any good supports, Zhongli is a solid support option. But if you’re looking for a good DPS, Arlecchino is for sure the way to go.
But before wishing, be sure to do the trial runs of the characters to make sure you actually enjoy their playstyles. Everyone pulls for characters for different reasons, whether you pull characters based on their lore significance, their design, or meta. What’s important is that your gaming experience remains enjoyable.
For Zhongli, you only need to unlock Liyue to be able to access the materials and boss to level him up.
For Arlecchino, you’ll need to reach Fontaine to unlock her boss and farm her materials.
Absolutely. Zhongli remains one of the most valuable characters in the game because his shield gives near-complete interruption resistance and passive resistance shred. He improves the comfort and consistency of almost every team.
Yes, surprisingly well. Zhongli keeps Arlecchino safe with his strong shield, and his universal resistance shred boosts all of her damage. They fit naturally into Vaporize, Mono-Pyro, and comfort teams.
Zhongli is easier because he requires almost no mechanical skill, just place a shield and play comfortably. Arlecchino requires more timing and understanding of her Bond of Life cycle, making her better suited for players who enjoy active, fast-paced DPS roles.
No. Both characters are strong at C0. Arlecchino gains damage and quality-of-life at higher constellations, but her base kit is already extremely powerful. Zhongli’s constellations are nice, but not necessary.
