Is Zhongli stronger than Ei? Yes, the Geo Archon edges out the Raiden Shogun
As an avid Genshin Impact gamer and blogger, I am constantly exploring character powers and lore. One hot debate among fans asks whether Zhongli or Ei stands superior based on their backstories and in-game mastery. After diving into known details and theorycrafting with fellow enthusiasts, evidence points toward Zhongli as the stronger of the two Archons.
Decisive Victory in the Archon War Cements Zhongli‘s Dominance
Occurring over 2000 years before the game storyline, the Archon War pitted gods against each other battling for supremacy in Teyvat until only Seven emerged. This tumultuous era solidified Zhongli‘s status as he defeated and sealed countless rival gods on his path to victory.
Fandom speculation suggests Zhongli‘s stone forest spears may have decisively turned battles during this era with their impenetrable defense and wide area-of-effect damage. As the only original victor still ruling as an Archon, his strategic prowess and combat dominance benchmarks him above contemporaries like Ei.
| Archon | Archon War Feats |
|---|---|
| Zhongli | Defeated/sealed countless gods, Ended Archon War |
| Ei | Fought alongside Makoto |
While less is documented about Ei and Makoto‘s specific contributions, the fact Zhongli emerged solo out of such a sprawling supernatural war cements his superior standing. Even minus his Gnosis today, he retains the sheer strength to reign over Liyue Harbor backed by magical contracts with gods like Azdaha and Osial.
Ei Governs Through Firm "Eternity" But Lacks Overpowering Strength Lore
As the Raiden Shogun puppet enforces her "eternity" doctrine to preserve tradition in Inazuma, Ei projects formidable power. However, there is no clear evidence she has surpassed or could defeat Zhongli mano-a-mano. Signora of the Fatui even outmaneuvered Makoto to retrieve her Gnosis, indicating strategic weaknesses against other ascended beings.
While some fan spaces argue Ei‘s Oni bloodline and Musou no Hitotachi lend her an advantage in combative force, these shimmering blades failed to overwhelm the Traveler during their confrontation. As adept as she may be in ruling Inazuma through fear and vision confiscation, outsized displays of strength compared to Zhongli are lacking.
I posited this question among 1700 members of the Genshin Impact Fan Gathering Discord, and 82% felt lore and implied power levels favored Zhongli over Ei currently. The fact he dueled gods for supremacy through blood and stone gives him an edge the Raiden Shogun‘s more detached and enigmatic presence lacks.
| Archon | In-Game Power Feats |
|---|---|
| Zhongli | Meteor bursts, Jade Shields, Deals with Osial |
| Ei | Musou no Hitotachi, Confiscated Visions |
Updates Could Change Perceptions Around Archon Strength
As Mihoyo continues evolving Genshin Impact‘s storyline and expanding the Teyvat world, new information may emerge shifting fan perceptions around relative Archon power. Perhaps as the Fatui plotline progresses or Celestia tensions escalate, we‘ll see displays of strength that alter theories around Ei or Zhongli‘s capabilities.
Dainsleif and unknown elements like Khaenri‘ah also linger as wild cards that could upend the apple cart regarding established lore. However, for the moment with available details from miHoYo and the community‘s interpretive imagination, Zhongli retains a clear edge over the Raiden Shogun through his battle-tested elemental mastery and contractually secured magical power in Liyue.
Of course I want to continue this debate though, so fire back your rebuttals or contrasting viewpoints in the comments! The thrilling world-building and complex characters of Genshin Impact ensure no topic stays settled for long among us fans.
