Tier List For Best Genshin Impact Shield Characters In 2022

Shielding is one of the core mechanics in Genshin Impact. They are temporary protection barriers that absorb damage the player takes, allowing them to tank powerful attacks. In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase a tier list for the best Genshin Impact shield characters in 2022.

There are 2 ways to create shields: reaction and talent. All Geo characters can create shields by combining their elements with either Cryo, Pyro, Hydro, or Electro. These shields are limited and weaker in general - therefore, only Talent-based shield users would be on this list.

1. Zhongli

Zhongli is probably the male character with the most fans in Genshin Impact. Because of this, his underpowered state on release angered a lot of them. miHoYo decided to resolve the problem by buffing Zhongli massively… and now he is the #1 uncontested best shield user in the game. His tough shield can withstand all types of enemy attacks, allowing players to get away with any type of squishy lineup.

As a character, Zhongli has the highest base shield strength, with 150% damage absorption against all elemental and physical damage. This is overwhelmingly powerful and versatile. On top of that, he also has the ability to reduce elemental resistance of foes in the vicinity. This buffs some of the top DPS characters in Genshin greatly.

Furthermore, he is no slouch when it comes to dealing high damage. Zhongli can dish out huge AoE Geo damage with his Elemental Burst, which also inflicts Petrify.

2. Noelle

Noelle is a powerful shielder and healer in Genshin Impact. Being a Geo character, she has naturally high DEF, with an elemental skill that protects and heals all characters. If you are a new player and are having problems with sustenance, adding Noelle can pretty much solve the issue. Out of all 4 star shielders in the game, Noelle's shield is the best.

Players can turn Noelle into an excellent damage dealer at C6, with her last constellation boosting her damage by 50% of DEF and duration by 10 seconds. This is one of the best constellations in the game, allowing Noelle to compete in damage with 5 stars characters easily.

3. Thoma

Thoma is easily the weakest polearm character in Genshin Impact due to his weird kit that focuses on shields. Besides his lackluster DMG scaling, his Elemental Skill also has a long CD and his Elemental Burst has a high energy cost.

However, when it comes to shielding, Thoma is not half bad. His shield offers increased Pyro absorption, tackling Pyro attacks 250% more effectively than other elements. This makes the character incredibly useful against domains and bosses that focus on using Pyro attacks such as Pyro Regisvine, Taishan Mansion, or the La Signora boss fight in Inazuma.

4. Xinyan

Overall, Xinyan is very versatile. She can work as a main DPS via her Charged Attack and Burst or as support that swaps in and out to use her skill and burst. Her vision lets her synergize with other Pyro DPS. Xinyan's Elemental Burst is pretty unique - instead of dealing elemental damage, it inflicts physical damage. Therefore, she should not be built around Pyro damage, as her Pyro application is very lackluster.

Most people underestimate Xinyan's kit, viewing her talents as underwhelming and overly complicated. However, if they are looking for a shielder, she can definitely fulfill that role - her shield becomes stronger the more opponents are around her.

5. Diona

Diona is probably one of the best supports in the game. Aside from dealing damage, there is nothing in the game she can't do. Diona's kit has heal, shield, cleanses, and even ally buffs. Overall, her shield is just the bonus on top of her many other utilities.

However, Diona has a lot of weaknesses in exchange for her power. Despite having HP scaling on all parts of her kit, Diona has one of the lowest base HP in the game. Her ascend bonus stat (Cryo Damage) is also pretty useless for support. Her constellation (C1, C2 and C6) increases her supporting ability even further by buffing team damage.

6. Beidou

Beidou is one of the best Electro spreaders in the game, with the additional ability to counter enemies' attacks to deal massive electro damage. She is the only natural electro shielder, however, hers is pretty weak. It requires players to hold the ability constantly, which prevents them from moving, attacking, or even switching to other characters.

The best way to play Beidou is to employ her as a sub DPS, who applies Electro to trigger reactions for the main DPS to deal damage.

7. Constellation Shield Users

These Genshin Impact shield characters don't have shielding ability in their original kit but gain it via constellation.

Kaeya

Kaeya gains an auto-trigger shield at C4, which forms when his health goes below 20%. It is a Cryo shield that's more effective against Cyro damage. However, the shield is pretty much useless due to its trigger requirement.

Yanfei

At C4, Yanfei automatically creates a shield upon releasing her Burst. This is fairly useful and controllable, unlike Kaeya's. The shield gives some extra durability to the squishy character.

>>> Read more: 5 Tips For Beginners To Start Genshin Impact In 2022