Guide to Harumasa in Zenless Zone Zero
Although Zenless Zone Zero currently features a meta focused on Anomaly DPS, Harumasa stands out with his combo-centric playstyle when appropriately built. Sadly, Attack units have taken a bit of a backseat in the game. While he remains capable of completing various challenges, the recent influx of Anomaly units that synergize effortlessly has positioned them as the top contenders. Compounding Harumasa’s struggles, he launched alongside the much-anticipated Miyabi, who has been deemed one of the strongest characters in the game.
Harumasa’s Playstyle and Abilities
Harumasa is a character that emphasizes critical hits and his superior dash attack. After executing his fifth basic attack, an EX Special, or when an ally triggers an Anomaly, six Electro Quiver orbs will populate the battlefield. Harumasa can use his targeted ranged attack to connect these orbs to an enemy, marking them up to eight times. A marked enemy elevates Harumasa’s dash attack into a special form, allowing him to unleash sword strikes that consume two stacks with every hit, amplifying his damage and causing daze effects.
The Optimal W-Engine for Harumasa
Key Engine Options
Harumasa’s prime W-Engine is his own signature piece, the Zanshin Herb Case. At its base, this engine provides a 10% critical hit rate without requiring any effort, along with another 10% for 15 seconds following any team member’s stun or Anomaly trigger. When leveled up to 60, it increases critical damage by 48% and enhances the Electric damage of dash attacks by 40%.
An alternative engine for Harumasa is Soldier 11’s signature engine, The Brimstone, which ranks as one of Zenless Zone Zero’s finest options. Although it may seem straightforward, it provides all the necessary boosts for Harumasa. At level 60, it grants an additional 30% Attack, plus up to 27% more Attack when utilizing basic attacks, dodge counters, or dash attacks. While it may not deliver the same specialization as his signature engine, it is viable if Harumasa is built properly.
For those who favor 4-Star options, the Starlight Engine is an easily accessible choice, but the newest event engine, Marcato Desire, offers an excellent free-to-play alternative. At level 60, it grants a 20% boost in critical rate, which is a significant advantage for a 4-Star character. However, the Attack buff from utilizing an EX Special or Chain Attack is capped at 9.6%, with an extra 9.6% if the target has an Anomaly. The event nature of this engine should facilitate reaching this cap without much hassle.
The Best Drive Discs for Harumasa
Simple Yet Effective Discs
Despite the introduction of two fresh sets during the 1.4 update, Harumasa does not directly benefit from them. Instead, he excels with the Thunder Metal set, which boosts Electric damage when two pieces are equipped and significantly increases Attack when four pieces are used against Shocked enemies — a task made simple when paired with a Stunner or Anomaly character.
The next best option is the Woodpecker Electro set. This set is popular among DPS characters due to its notable enhancements to critical rates and Attack boosts upon landing critical hits. Overall, it offers minimal drawbacks, making it a solid choice for players with extra discs left over. The Woodpecker Electro set can also complement the Thunder Metal set, enhancing either for maximum effect.
If built correctly, Harumasa’s optimal main stats for Drive Discs 4, 5, and 6 should prioritize critical damage, Electric damage, and Attack%. The preferred substats for Attack characters would include critical damage, critical rate, and Attack%, followed by bonuses to flat Attack or Penetration to round out his performance.
Ideal Team Compositions for Harumasa
Limited but Viable Team Options
While Harumasa benefits from the buffs provided by Anomaly characters, his most effective team consists of a traditional pairing with a Stunner and a support unit. In this case, pairing him with Qingyi and Rina creates a formidable team due to Qingyi’s ability to generate substantial amounts of Shock and her impressive Stun enhancements. If Qingyi isn’t available, Anby can serve as a decent substitute, albeit with slightly less support for Harumasa.
Alternatively, when considering Anomaly characters, either Burnice or Grace would be the best selections. Burnice excels as an off-field Anomaly character, inflicting burns on enemies while remaining outside the action until needed. Grace has a similar capability but requires more time on the battlefield. However, her Electric damage is more in line with the optimal build strategies for Harumasa. Though this combo might not be as fast as the premium team options, it offers more flexibility and enjoyment.
In summary, while Attack units have seen a decrease in popularity, Harumasa launches in a strong position, particularly given that he is a free-to-play character. The available gear simplifies the building process, allowing him to unleash his potential, although he may face challenges reaching critical thresholds. Although his free-to-play team options may not measure up to other characters, they still enable him to showcase his impressive capabilities within Zenless Zone Zero.
