Genshin Impact’s Shield Squad: Who’s Packing Protection?
In Genshin Impact, dodging is cool. But sometimes, you want to face a Ruin Guard’s attack head on. That’s where shields come in. They transform fragile DPS into strong fortresses. So, who provides shield protection? Let’s explore Genshin shields, from easy access to situational ones.
The Shield Bearers: Genshin’s Guardian Angels
Let’s get to it: which characters give us shield protection? Many provide varying levels of shield action.
Noelle: The Maid with Might (and a Shield)
First, we have Noelle, the maid of the Knights of Favonius. Her shield is straightforward. Her elemental skill? Bam! Shield. Simple as that. If only cleaning was this easy in real life.
Baizhu: The Herbalist with Hidden Defenses
Next is Baizhu, the Liyuean herbalist. His shield is elusive, tied to his burst. It needs some energy management and timing. Still, a shield is a shield. Plus, he heals, which adds to his usefulness.
Kaeya: The Cavalry Captain… with a Conditional Barrier
Ah, Kaeya, master of intrigue. His shield only appears at low health. Relying on Kaeya’s shield is like depending on a roommate for chores—possible but likely disappointing. It’s a shield, but not a solid strategy.
Lan Yan: The Enigmatic Shield Weaver
Here comes Lan Yan with a fresh approach to shielding. Her A1 ive is unique. Her shield can absorb elemental energy from Pyro, Electro, Cryo, and Hydro attacks. Shields become sponges for damage, turning attacks into power-ups. Plus, her Feathermoon Rings add bonus elemental damage based on absorbed shield energy.
Geo Gang: Crystallize for Crowd Control… and Shields!
Don’t underestimate Geo’s power! Any Geo character—Albedo, Geo Traveler, Yun Jin, Ningguang—can create shields via Crystallize. Hit an enemy with Geo and another element? Crystallize shards drop; pick them up for shields. Albedo excels at this, showering you with shields every 2 seconds. It’s raining shields!
Yanfei: The Legal Eagle with HP-Based Protection
Yanfei, Liyue’s legal expert, offers her own protection style. Her shield absorbs damage based on 45% of her Max HP. Build her tanky for strong shields. Imagine defending against damage by arguing, “Objection! Attack irrelevant!” while shielded.
Kirara: The Courier Cat with Co-op Kindness
Kirara, the charming courier, does more than deliver packages; she also delivers shields! In co-op mode, she shares copies of her shield with teammates. They aren’t full-strength, but at 40% effectiveness, they help when facing hords of angry Hilichurls—at least partly!
Zhongli: The Shield Grandmaster, No Questions Asked
Then there’s Zhongli—the Geo Archon and king of shields. His shield is not just a shield; it’s the best shield in Genshin. If shields were ranked, Zhongli’s would be at the top, sipping tea and judging others. Need a shield against Abyss mages? Zhongli’s your guy.
Layla: The Sleepless Scholar and Shield Specialist
Layla, the tired scholar, takes shields seriously. While we lack specifics in the brief, Layla is in the shield category. We will compare her shield prowess later with other characters.
Yun Jin: The Opera Star with a Parry Shield
Yun Jin, the celebrated opera singer, brings flair to shielding. Her skill creates a temporary shield perfect for parrying attacks. It scales with HP but is fleeting. Don’t expect it to hold up like Zhongli’s—appreciate its parry potential.
Shield Mechanics 101: Talent vs. Crystallize
In Genshin, shields come as either talent-based or Crystallize-based.
Talent Shielding: Skill and Burst Power-Ups
Talent shielding is direct. Characters like Noelle, Baizhu, Layla, and Zhongli conjure shields from their skills or bursts. It’s about generating shields as needed using their abilities. These shields vary based on character stats and properties.
Crystallize Reaction: Geo’s Generous Gift
Crystallize shields arise from elemental reactions when Geo meets Pyro, Hydro, Electro, or Cryo. Geo characters are excellent at this task. While not as strong as talent-based shields, Crystallize shields add defense and are readily available. Plus, picking up those shards is oddly satisfying.
Shield Showdown: Layla vs. the World (and Zhongli)
Let’s compare shields, as not all shields perform equally. It’s like comparing a cardboard box to a bank vault—both secure, but one is decidedly more protective.
Layla vs. Zhongli: David and Goliath of Defense? Not Really.
The gap between Layla’s and Zhongli’s shields is huge. We’re talking “1 to 2” versus “5 to 8” in shield strength, generously speaking. Zhongli’s shield is legendary for a reason. Layla’s is good but not in Zhongli’s league. It’s like comparing an umbrella to a bunker. Both offer rain protection, but one is prepared for much more.
Layla vs. Diona: Cryo Shielding Face-Off
Layla and Diona are both Cryo shielders but offer different protections. Layla has a stronger shield, while Diona brings healing to the table, adding versatility. It’s a trade-off: raw strength versus utility. For pure shield strength, Layla wins but for a versatile character go with Diona.
Thoma vs. Layla: Vaporize Team Shielding Decisions
For Vaporize teams, Layla often outshines Thoma as the better shield choice. Thoma offers shields and Pyro application, whereas Layla provides a stronger shield and Cryo application. It boils down to composition needs, but generally Layla is a safer fit for Vaoarize tasks.
Shields and Spells: The Healing Shield Hybrids
Some characters offer both shields and healing. They are true defensive powerhouses!
Noelle: Maid of All Trades – Shielding and Healing Extraordinaire
Noelle isn’t just a shield provider; she also heals! With her elemental skill active, she shields and heals with each attack. She is the sustain queen, keeping teams alive through hard work and strong shields. Need someone who does it all? Noelle has you covered!
Baizhu: The Healing Herbalist with a Protective Aura
Baizhu impresses as a healer bringing a strong shield too. He doesn’t just patch you up; he prevents damage proactively. A true defensive keeps the team healthy and shielded—a walking, talking herb-slinging fortress!
Shield-less Wonders (and the Shield-Adjacent)
Not everyone in Teyvat loves shields. Some focus on limited shielding or prioritize other abilities.
Yun Jin: The Fleeting Parry Shield
Yun Jin has a shield, but keep in mind it’s temporary—not a permanent barrier. Focusing on HP for her shield isn’t generally advisable. Enjoy her parry potential, but don’t depend on her for main shield duties.
Collei: Healing Blooms, Not Shields
Collei, the Forest Ranger, focuses on healing over time with her burst rather than offering shields. Her burst provides small heal-over-time effects helping team sustain but lacking direct shield protection. She makes you healthy, just not through shields.
Diona: Shield-lite, Healing Heavy
Diona has a shield, but it’s less powerful overall. Her primary role focuses on healing, not shield strength. She’s a healer first and a shielder second. Think of her shield as a minor defensive bonus rather than her core strength.
So, here’s Genshin’s rundown of shield-wielding characters and shield-adjacent s. Whether you prefer Zhongli’s impenetrable fortress or Crystallize reactions versatility, there’s a shield strategy for every player in Genshin Impact. Now go forth and conquer Teyvat with confidence (and perhaps dodge a bit less).
