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الوسم: Zenless Zone Zero

  • Top Builds, W-Engines, Teams, and Drive Discs for Seed in ZZZ

    Top Builds, W-Engines, Teams, and Drive Discs for Seed in ZZZ

    Once you pull Seed from the gacha system in Zenless Zone Zero, your first priority should be to equip her with a good W-Engine. An Attack-focused engine is recommended because it provides a passive boost to her damage. The best engine for her is her signature called Cordis Germina.

    If you can’t get her signature engine, there are several other options to consider:

    W-Engine Rank How It Synergizes with Seed
    Cordis Germina S-Rank Increases Crit Rate via its secondary stat and passive effects. After basic and EX attack damage, it grants up to 25% extra Electric Damage. When stacked, both basic and ultimate attacks ignore 20% of enemy Defense.
    The Brimstone S-Rank Common for Attack characters, boosting Attack from its secondary stat and increasing Attack when basic, dash, or dodge counters hit an enemy.
    Severed Innocence S-Rank Provides Crit Damage boosts from its secondary stat and passive. Extra Crit Damage increases by 10% after each hit, but since Seed lacks aftershock damage, some passive effects are less useful.
    Marcato Desire A-Rank Free-to-play friendly option, offering Crit Rate from its secondary stat and boosting Seed’s Attack passively.
    Cannon Rotor A-Rank Grants Crit Rate and Attack boosts, with a Damage bonus every eight seconds.

    Best Seed Drive Discs

    Drive Discs are essential gear for Seed — they are the only gear you can equip without using premium currency. These discs give special bonuses when you equip two or four from the same set, plus have their own stats.

    The optimal combination for Seed is a four-piece Dawn’s Bloom set and a two-piece Woodpecker Electro set. The Dawn’s Bloom set grants a significant 35% boost to basic attack damage once equipped fully, with an additional 20% after using her EX Special or Ultimate.

    Drive Disc Set Synergy with Seed
    Dawn’s Bloom (4-piece) Provides a 35% increase to base attack damage, plus 20% after EX Special or Ultimate use.
    Woodpecker Electro (2-piece) Adds 8% Crit Rate, helpful if Crit Rate is low.
    Branch & Blade Song (2-piece) Offers Crit Damage boosts if Crit Rate is already high.

    Priority for Drive Discs:

    Slot Stat Focus
    Slot 4 Crit Rate / Crit Damage
    Slot 5 Electric Damage Bonus
    Slot 6 Attack Percent
    Sub-Stats Crit Damage / Crit Rate > Attack Percent > Penetration

    Best Team Compositions for Seed

    The strongest team includes Seed, Soldier 0 – Anby, and Trigger, all from the Obol Squad. This team is highly effective against endgame content, especially if enemies are weak to Electric.

    Team Composition Notes
    Seed, Soldier 0 – Anby, Trigger The ideal squad for optimal synergy.
    F2P option: Seed, Anton or Billy, along with Nicole or Lucy.
    Nicole reduces enemy Defense, Lucy boosts Seed’s Attack, both excellent buffs.

    Seed Skill Overview and Priority

    Seed’s skill set is straightforward, making it easy to understand her playstyle:

    • Many of her damage outputs come from her Falling Petals basic attack, which has Slaughter and Downfall variations. The Slaughter version can be triggered right after the fourth hit or when holding her EX Special Attack, which locks onto an enemy and launches missiles.
    • She has a unique energy meter called Steel Charge, which fills when she attacks or when she or her Vanguard uses Energy. It can also be filled with her Ultimate.
    • To use her Downfall attack, you need enough Steel Charge (e.g., 60). You can trigger it after using Slaughter or her Ultimate, depending on your Steel Charge level.
    • The Vanguard, the Attack-type team member with the highest Attack, grants Attack and Crit DMG boosts when they perform EX Special Attacks, boosting Seed’s damage further.
    • Seed can also regenerate Vanguard’s Energy by dealing damage, maintaining her buffs and ability uptime.
    • She gains a 30% damage boost against enemies with less Electro Resistance, provided another Attack character is in her team.

    Her play involves stacking Steel Charge up to 120 and then unleashing her Downfall attacks. She is most effective when paired with an Attack character, ideally relying on their EX Special Attack for damage.

    Skill Prioritization:

    Core → Basic Attack → Ultimate → Special Attack → Assist → Dodge

  • Top Build, W-Engine, Drive Disc & Teams for Alice in ZZZ Completing

    Top Build, W-Engine, Drive Disc & Teams for Alice in ZZZ Completing

    When Zenless Zone Zero was first released, there weren’t many Anomaly characters, and the special play style wasn’t very popular. Over time, however, the game has introduced many new Anomaly characters, elevating this play style from the lowest to the highest tier, with Alice being one of the prime examples.

    Alice is an S-rank Anomaly damage dealer who stays on the battlefield most of the time. She is one of the most adaptable characters, especially regarding her W-Engine, drive discs, and team setups. When built correctly, she can help you clear even the toughest endgame challenges with ease.

    Best Alice W-Engine

    While Alice can equip any W-Engine, the full passive abilities only activate if the engine’s specialty matches her own (Anomaly). The top choice for her is the Practiced Perfection, which is her signature W-Engine. Here are other options you can consider:

    W-Engine Rank How it Synergizes with Alice
    Practiced Perfection S-Rank Provides ATK and 60 Anomaly Mastery immediately. Boosts Physical DMG by 20% up to twice when she triggers Assault.
    Sharpened Stinger S-Rank Offers considerable Anomaly proficiency and up to 36% Physical DMG bonus with three Dash Attacks or a Perfect Dodge. Once you reach three stacks, her Anomaly Buildup rate increases by 40%.
    Weeping Gemini A-Rank Good free-to-play choice, grants substantial ATK and Anomaly proficiency.
    Electro Lip-Gloss A-Rank Available through the battle pass, increases Anomaly proficiency, ATK, and damage dealt.
    Rainforest Gourmet A-Rank Less powerful than others but still offers a decent boost to Anomaly proficiency and ATK.

    Best Alice Drive Discs

    Alice has several options for her four-piece drive disc set, but Fanged Metal stands out because it significantly boosts her Physical damage and damage after triggering Assault. Other options include:

    Drive Disc Set How it Synergizes with Alice
    Fanged Metal (4 Pc) Increases Physical DMG by 10%, with a 35% DMG boost after Assault. Effective for her Core ability.
    Freedom Blues (4 Pc) Grants 30 Anomaly Proficiency and reduces the target’s Anomaly Buildup Resistance after her EX Special Attack, not ideal if paired with Yuzuha.
    Hormone Punk (4 Pc) Slightly lower value but boosts ATK by up to 35% for 10 seconds every 20 seconds.
    Phaethon’s Melody (2 Pc) Best two-piece bonus, offering both Anomaly Mastery and indirect Proficiency.
    Chaos Jazz (2 Pc) Provides a decent Anomaly proficiency bonus, good if other sets aren’t available.

    Alice Drive Disc Stat Priority

    Focus primarily on Anomaly Proficiency on Slot 4, followed by ATK Percent on Slot 5, and Anomaly Mastery on Slot 6. For sub-stats, prioritize:

    • Anomaly Proficiency
    • ATK Percent
    • PEN (Penetration)
    • Crit Rate or Crit Damage

    While having a good Crit ratio can provide some extra damage, it’s not essential for beating endgame content. The main goal is to maximize AP and ATK Percent in sub-stats.

    Best Alice Team Compositions

    A typical team with Alice includes her and two supports. To maximize her damage and trigger more Disorders, it’s ideal to have an off-field Anomaly character like Vivian, Burnice, or Yanagi supporting her, with Yuzuha considered the best support for increasing Anomaly Buildup, ATK, and Disorder Damage.

    Possible team setups include:

    • Main team: Alice, Vivian or Burnice or Yanagi, Yuzuha
    • Alternate F2P team: Alice, Astra Yao, Yuzuha
    • F2P support team: Alice, Piper or Grace, Nicole or Lucy (their free-to-play counterparts)

    If you lack off-field Anomaly characters, a double Support team comprising Alice and two other support characters like Astra Yao and Yuzuha (or Nicole and Lucy) can be effective, since Alice can trigger two Anomalies on her own and is fairly self-sufficient.

    Alice Skill Overview and Priority

    Alice’s kit is straightforward:

    • She builds Blade Etiquette with each attack hit, capping at 300.
    • Holding the attack button when Etiquette reaches 300 triggers her special attack, Polarized Assault, which deploys a separate Anomaly.
    • Polarized Assault doesn’t consume her Physical Anomaly buildup and can combine with other Anomalies to trigger Disorders.
    • She gains significant Blade Etiquette after her fifth hit, especially if she triggers Assault, assists, uses her EX Special Attack, or her Ultimate, which restores 200 Etiquette.
    • Triggering Assault boosts her Physical Buildup rate and can increase her overall Mastery and Proficiency.

    The key is to quickly reach 300 Etiquette to unleash many Polarized Assaults.

    Alice Skill Upgrade Priority

    Upgrade her core ability first, followed by her basic attack to level 12. Then, focus on her Skill and Ultimate. Her Assist skill can remain at a low level, and her Dash does not require upgrading. Max her skills for the most effective play.

    Visual Reference

    Once properly built, Alice excels with gear that boosts her AP, ATK Percent, and Anomaly Proficiency. Her kit emphasizes maintaining Blade Etiquette stacks and using Polarized Assault to efficiently trigger Disorders and amplify damage output.

  • Completing the Ultimate Yixuan Build, W-Engine, and Teams in ZZZ

    Completing the Ultimate Yixuan Build, W-Engine, and Teams in ZZZ

    As Zenless Zone Zero celebrates its first anniversary, it kicks off season two with the Version 2.0 update. This new chapter immerses players in an exciting area where they’ll encounter characters from the Yunkui Summit faction, many of whom can be added to your roster.

    The first character introduced from this faction is Yixuan, marking her as the initial Rupture character to join the game. With Auric Ink as her attribute, Yixuan is capable of delivering significant damage if she’s properly equipped and players learn her combat rotation.

    Best W-Engine for Yixuan


    When Yixuan made her debut, Rupture specialty was also introduced, resulting in limited W-Engine options for her. The top choice for Yixuan is undoubtedly her signature W-Engine, the Qingming Birdcage. However, there are other options available:

    W-Engine

    Rank

    Synergy With Yixuan

    Qingming Birdcage

    S-Rank

    As Yixuan’s signature W-Engine, it grants her a substantial HP Percent as a secondary stat, which is essential since her Sheer Force scales off it. Additionally, it gives her a solid 20 percent Crit Rate boost.

    Moreover, it offers up to 16 percent Ether DMG bonus and a 20 percent Ether Sheer DMG bonus, the latter only applying to her Ultimate and EX Special Attack.

    Radiowave Journey

    A-Rank

    An additional Rupture engine with HP Percent as a secondary stat, great for Yixuan. It can provide up to 128 percent Sheer Force during Chain Attack or Ultimate, stacking up to three times, which pairs well with Yixuan’s two different Ultimates based on Decibels and Technique Points.

    [Cinder] Cobalt

    B-Rank

    If you lack the above W-Engines, this one offers a still decent 20 percent HP Percent bonus. Although the ATK Percent from switching isn’t as crucial, it still adds a bit of Sheer Force.

    Best Drive Discs for Yixuan

    Zenless Zone Zero Yunkui Tales drive disc with W-Engine.

    Yixuan’s equipment comprises six slots for Drive Discs, each containing one main stat and multiple sub-stats. These discs are crucial for enhancing your character’s abilities. Additionally, they can confer bonus effects based on how many you equip, offering both two-piece and four-piece bonuses. Here are the best options for her:

    Drive Disc Set

    Synergy With Yixuan

    Yunkui Tales (4Pc)

    This set, introduced with Yixuan in Version 2.0, is the best four-piece option for her. The two-piece bonus grants a solid ten percent HP boost, while the four-piece bonus offers up to 12 percent Crit Rate and a ten percent Sheer DMG bonus, provided you regularly trigger her EX Special Attacks, Chain Attack, and Ultimates.

    Woodpecker Electro (2Pc)

    This set offers the best two-piece bonus for Yixuan, providing an eight percent Crit Rate, which is vital given the limited crit boosts from her other abilities.

    Chaotic Metal (2Pc)

    Two pieces from this set can enhance her Ether DMG significantly.

    Branch & Blade Song (2Pc)

    If you have enough Crit Rate already, consider this set for a generous 16 percent Crit DMG bonus.

    Drive Disc Stat Priority

    Type

    Stat Priority

    Slot 4

    Crit Rate/DMG

    Slot 5

    Ether DMG Bonus / HP Percent

    Slot 6

    HP Percent

    Sub-Stats

    Crit DMG/Rate > HP Percent > ATK Percent > Anomaly Proficiency

    While PEN is a valuable stat for most DPS characters, it is not useful for Yixuan since her damage ignores enemy defense entirely.

    Best Bangboo for Yixuan

    Zenless Zone Zero Belion bangboo in remodeling shop.

    Choosing the best Bangboo depends on your overall team composition, but here are some excellent options for Yixuan:

    Belion

    This S-Rank Bangboo was released alongside Yixuan and requires at least two Yunkui Summit characters. With this setup, it deals 25 percent more damage and reduces cooldown when used with your characters’ Ultimates.

    Sumoboo

    If your team includes a stun character, this Bangboo enables faster enemy stuns with increased Daze damage.

    Exploreboo

    This option provides healing, shields, or boosts to Energy Regen as long as there’s a Support character on your team.

    Best Team Composition for Yixuan

    Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan and Pan Yinhu team.

    Character

    Role
    Yixuan

    DPS
    Pan Yinhu

    Buffer
    Astra Yao

    Buffer

    Zenless Zone Zero emphasizes specific team compositions, where every character offers enhanced bonuses for particular types, attributes, or factions. For Yixuan, these are typically Stun, Support, or Defense characters. Though it seems like she has ample options, the reality is quite different as she cannot benefit from many buffs typical of her associated roles. For instance, while Rina and Nicole are excellent support units, they increase PEN and reduce enemy defense, both of which are ineffective for Yixuan.

    Once again, Yixuan’s Sheer Force damage allows her to ignore the enemy’s defense completely.

    Therefore, the most effective team setup for Yixuan currently includes Pan Yinhu and Astra Yao. However, Astra’s ATK bonus is not particularly beneficial since Yixuan scales primarily based on HP. Pan Yinhu is essential in Yixuan’s team composition because he can provide a significant increase in Sheer Force, assuming he has 3,000 ATK.

    For a free-to-play team, you may substitute Astra Yao with Nicole, who offers a solid 25 percent DMG boost with her additional ability, which pairs well with Yixuan.

    Skill Overview and Priority for Yixuan

    Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan ultimate animation.

    Character kits in Zenless Zone Zero can be intricate, and Yixuan is no exception, especially with her multiple variations of Basic Attacks, EX Special Attacks, and Ultimates. Here’s a simplified overview of her abilities:

    • Yixuan replaces her Energy with Adrenaline and has a Technique Points bar below her character icon. Adrenaline is essential for executing her EX Special Attacks, while Technique Points are needed for her additional Ultimate.
    • She can utilize her EX Special Attack up to three times concurrently. The first and third attacks use her Adrenaline for high damage, while the second is a standard Special Attack. Timing her first EX Special Attack can also parry incoming enemy attacks.
    • Her third EX Special Attack can be activated by holding the basic attack when there’s enough Adrenaline, making it particularly effective against stunned foes if her additional core ability is active.
    • Yixuan gains 0.667 Technique Points for each Adrenaline consumed, capping at 120. Filling this bar activates her powerful Ultimate, which deals hefty damage and grants her a stack of Auric Array basic attack (indicated by the icon next to the Technique Points bar).
    • This basic attack can be activated by holding dodge or pressing basic attack while airborne. It helps regenerate Adrenaline while damaging foes. Adrenaline can also be restored by dodging enemy attacks, applying attribute anomalies, or switching characters with perfect assists.

    The primary goal is to use her EX Special Attacks until you can unleash her special Ultimate. After using this Ultimate, you can perform the Auric Array basic attack and repeat the sequence. Don’t forget to use her normal Ultimate whenever it becomes available.

    When utilizing a stun character, aim to stun the enemy first before executing your special Ultimate.

    Skill Priority for Yixuan

    Upgrade Yixuan’s skills in this order:

    1. Ultimate
    2. EX Special Attack
    3. Basic Attack
    4. Dodge

    Make sure to enhance her core abilities as often as you can, while the Assist skill can be deprioritized after a few upgrades.

  • Completing the Springtime Snapshot Event in Zenless Zone Zero

    Completing the Springtime Snapshot Event in Zenless Zone Zero

    In your day-to-day life as a proxy in Zenless Zone Zero, there are plenty of activities to help you get by. While many of these pursuits are ongoing, the most rewarding ones are often limited-time events, like Springtime Snapshots.

    The concept of this event is straightforward: you’ll need to take cinematic photos of the game’s vibrant characters. However, to maximize your rewards, you’ll need to pay close attention to how you frame each shot. This guide will walk you through completing each task in the Springtime Snapshots event.

    The event runs from May 14, 2025, to June 5, 2025.

    Part 1 – Billy & Lighter


    To kick off this event, find Connie at Bardic Needle on Sixth Street. She will guide you as you take photos of various character pairings, just like a film director.

    Billy Kid and Lighter staring each other down during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    Your first task is to photograph Billy Kid and Lighter as they face each other. The event conveniently teleports you and the characters to the perfect spot for this shot.

    Each photo will also have a specific requirement. For this first picture, you need to use the Nostalgic filter while ensuring both characters are in the frame. Meeting these criteria will earn you full points.

    Billy Kid and Lighter going out for drinks in the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The second shot in this part features Billy Kid and Lighter heading out for drinks, indicating they’ve moved past their previous confrontation.

    For this photo, your unique task is to capture both characters along with a sign that boldly says “Drinks”. Adjust your angle to include them all in the frame, take the shot, and you’ll complete this section of the event.

    Part 2 – Vivian & Ellen

    The event menu for part 2 of the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    After completing part one, you can dive into part two directly from the menu. This section introduces two new characters: Vivian and Ellen Joe.

    Vivian and Ellen Joe passing by each other in the Metro Station during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The first photo in this segment will feature Vivian and Ellen Joe on the Metro Station stairs, gazing at each other. For this unique shot, you must also include the metro sign above them. Once you manage to capture both the characters and the sign, take the picture and move on to the next task.

    Vivian and Ellen Joe standing by a pier during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The second photo will capture Ellen Joe and Vivian posing by the ocean. This time, your unique task is straightforward: just apply the “Vibrant” filter for your shot. Once you’ve got your angle right, snap the photo and proceed to part three.

    Part 3 – Jane Doe

    The event menu for part 3 of the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    Unlike earlier segments, part three focuses on a single character: Jane Doe, captured in a noir setting on the dark streets at night. You can begin this part after having completed the first two sections.

    Jane Doe standing in an alleyway with a graffiti design of a black cat behind her in Zenless Zone Zero.

    For your first photograph in this part, you’ll be taken to a dark alley with Jane Doe. Capturing her should be a breeze! Your unique task is to include the graffiti of a black cat behind her. Once both are in the frame, snap the photo and move ahead.

    Jane Doe staring at the city skyline during the night for the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    In the second shot, Jane will be on a staircase overlooking the city. Capturing her won’t be a challenge, but the unique task is to ensure it’s taken at night. If you’re normally playing, just adjust the time accordingly to take the shot.

    If you’re engaged in a story quest, you won’t be able to change the time freely. Make sure to complete any active story missions before taking this photo.

    Part 4 – Astra & Evelyn

    The event menu for the fourth part of the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    Your penultimate photo session features two new characters: Astra Yao and Evelyn. This scene appears to depict the contrast between a public and private life. You can access this part once you’ve finished the previous segments.

    Evelyn and Astra Yao posing for a photo during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The first photo in this part places you, Astra Yao, and Evelyn inside a movie theater. Astra is surrounded by fans while Evelyn observes from a distance. Your unique task is to capture both characters in the shot.

    This can be tricky due to the crowd. To make it easier, position your camera closer to Evelyn and shoot from over her shoulder to effectively capture both characters.

    Evelyn and Astra Yao meeting up privately during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The second shot takes you back to Sixth Street, outside the 404 entrance. Astra Yao and Evelyn will be right next to each other, making this photo much easier.

    To score full points, be sure to capture both characters alongside the vibrant 404 Live neon sign. With this photo taken, you’re almost at the finish line!

    Part 5 – Miyabi & Yanagi

    The event menu for part five of the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The final segment features Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi, who are poised for an intense showdown while gazing at a larger threat looming in the distance. You must complete the previous four parts to unlock this segment.

    Miyabi and Yanagi staring each other down during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The first shot of this final segment captures Miyabi and Yanagi peering at each other from a distance, preparing for a showdown.

    To earn full marks for this near-final photo, ensure both characters are in the frame and apply the “Retro” filter. Once you’ve taken this shot, you’ll be close to completing the event.

    Miyabi and Yanagi staring at a distant hollow during the Springtime Snapshots event in Zenless Zone Zero.

    The very last photo in this event occurs as Miyabi and Yanagi stand at a pier, gazing into a vast hollow in the distance. For this shot, you need to include both characters and apply the “Classic” filter. Once you’ve completed this task and submitted your photo, you will have successfully wrapped up the Springtime Snapshots event.

    Rewards

    By finishing this event, you will receive 300 Polychrome for pulls on either the limited or standard banner, five Boopons for the Bangboo banner, 100,000 Dennies for spending, and a special event-themed name card featuring charming artwork of Wise and Belle as film directors.

    The Springtime Snapshots event is available until June 5, 2025, at which point you will not be able to obtain any unclaimed rewards.

  • Top Anby Builds and Team Compositions for ZZZ Soldiers

    Top Anby Builds and Team Compositions for ZZZ Soldiers

    Soldier 0 – Anby in Zenless Zone Zero: A Comprehensive Guide

    Soldier 0 – Anby, also known as Silver Anby, was introduced as an S-rank unit in the game Zenless Zone Zero with the launch of version 1.6. Her initial A-rank version quickly became popular among gamers, especially due to her captivating role in the storyline.

    With the arrival of her S-rank version, excitement surged among players, as she can compete with some of the top DPS characters in the game and even surpass them in certain situations. If you’re a fan of Soldier 0 – Anby, this guide will provide you with essential tips to optimize her for late-game content.

    Optimal Build for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Soldier 0 – Anby is an S-rank Electric Attack unit, serving primarily as the core damage dealer for her team. Her abilities focus on marking enemies with the Silver Star mark, which is applied simply through her attacks. She also places one stack of White Thunder on marked foes.

    Enemies marked with Silver Star receive an increase in damage when attacked by Soldier 0 – Anby. Additionally, these marked enemies take extra Crit Damage from Aftershock, which significantly boosts Anby’s own Crit Damage.

    The great thing about Anby is that her kit is straightforward to use. Marking enemies and inflicting additional damage is easy, and her overall output is substantial, placing her alongside top DPS units like Yanagi, Evelyn, and Harumasa.

    Tip: Always include a Support or a Stun unit in your team alongside Soldier 0 – Anby. Doing so increases her Crit Rate and enhances the Aftershock damage dealt to enemies by 25%.

    Recommended W-Engines for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Best W-Engine for Soldier 0-Anby

    Being an attack-focused character, Anby benefits from a W-Engine that enhances her damage, Crit stats, and base ATK. While the Severed Innocence W-Engine is the optimal choice for her, alternatives like Zanshin Herb Case or Marcato Desire are also effective.

    Here are some top W-Engines for Soldier 0 – Anby:

    W-Engine Rank Synergy with Anby
    Severed Innocence S-rank Best choice for Anby; offers Crit DMG as a secondary stat and boosts Crit via stacking.
    Zanshin Herb Case S-rank Provides Crit DMG and boosts Crit Rate; effective with Anby’s dash attack.
    Marcato Desire A-rank Grants Crit Rate; boosts ATK after Chain Attack or EX Special Attack.
    Cannon Rotor A-rank A decent alternative; boosts ATK and DMG when lacking better options.

    Drive Discs for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Shadow Harmony Drive Disc

    For Drive Discs, a four-piece Shadow Harmony and a two-piece Woodpecker Electro set is recommended. The Shadow Harmony set enhances Aftershock, vital to Anby’s gameplay, while Woodpecker Electro improves her Crit Rate for more consistent damage output.

    Drive Disc Set Stats Buff Description
    Shadow Harmony Slot 4: Crit Rate; Slot 5: Electric DMG; Slot 6: ATK 2-pc: Dash Attacks and Aftershock gain a 15% DMG bonus. 4-pc: Stacking boosts ATK and Crit Rate.
    Woodpecker Electro None 2-pc: Increases Crit Rate by 8%.

    Skill Strategy for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Soldier 0 – Anby is designed for simplicity. Your goal is to utilize her various attacks to apply the Silver Star mark and the White Thunder stack. Once enemies are marked, unleash damage using your attacks as the marks amplify your damage and Crit DMG. Use her Ultimate ability when available, ensuring the enemy is marked first.

    When prioritizing skills, level up Soldier 0 – Anby in the following order:

    1. Core Skill
    2. Basic Attack
    3. Special Attack
    4. Chain Attack

    Note: Leveling Assist and Dodge skills is beneficial but not essential to max out.

    Best Team Compositions for Soldier 0 – Anby

    When forming a team for Soldier 0 – Anby, make sure to include either a Support or a Stun unit to activate her Core Skill effectively. The rest of the team can vary based on your needs.

    Hypercarry Team for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Soldier 0 – Anby S-rank Attack DPS
    Pulchra A-rank Stun Sub-DPS
    Astra Yao S-rank Support Off-field Support
    Knightboo A-rank Bangboo N/A

    This team setup allows Soldier 0 – Anby to act as the main DPS while Pulchra Stuns enemies to create openings. Astra provides Crit DMG boosts and healing, while Knightboo assists in Energy recovery for more frequent use of Ultimate abilities.

    Alternative: Consider replacing Pulchra with Tsukishiro Yanagi for quicker Anomaly application, but note that investing in Yanagi may require more resources due to her S-rank status.

    F2P Team for Soldier 0 – Anby

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Soldier 0 – Anby S-rank Attack Main DPS
    Anby A-rank Stun Sub-DPS
    Nicole A-rank Support Sub-DPS
    Electroboo A-rank Bangboo N/A

    In this arrangement, Soldier 0 – Anby pairs with her A-rank version to create openings for attacks. While the A-rank Anby isn’t the optimal choice, she’s a strong unit in a free-to-play team. Nicole serves as a valuable support unit, helping with crowd control for enhanced damage opportunities.

    This comprehensive guide should give you a solid understanding of how to maximize Soldier 0 – Anby’s effectiveness in Zenless Zone Zero. Enjoy the battles ahead!

  • Ultimate Burnice Build and Team Strategies in ZZZ

    Ultimate Burnice Build and Team Strategies in ZZZ

    Burnice in Zenless Zone Zero: A Guide to Her Power and Strategy

    Burnice, like her fellow Sons of Calydon, embodies the essence of fire in Zenless Zone Zero. She’s distinguished as the top Anomaly sub-DPS, excelling at generating significant Fire Anomaly buildup while off the field. Constructing a team around her is easy, and she offers numerous team combinations that accommodate free-to-play players.

    When it comes to assembling an Anomaly team—regardless of which one—Burnice stands out as an excellent choice. While she might not be the absolute best option, her versatility makes her valuable in various setups, including Attack DPS, which we’ll explore further in this guide.

    Ideal Builds for Burnice

    Burnice thrives on utilizing her EX Special to generate Heat, which can range from 50 to 100. This state, known as Nitro-Fueled Cocktail, enables her to scorch enemies with nearly all her attack types, including:

    • Held Basic Attack: Mixed Flame Blend
    • EX Special: Intense Heat Stirring Method (especially when held)
    • Chain Attacks
    • Ultimate: Glorious Inferno

    Any allies that strike scorched foes activate Afterburn, consuming eight Heat for each proc. Afterburn can inflict up to 350% of Burnice’s attack as Fire damage every 1.5 seconds, with damage scaling up to 30% based on her Anomaly Proficiency.

    Burnice also instantly acquires 100 Heat the first time she enters combat. A suggested rotation with her might look like this:

    1. Start combat with a Support character to enhance the team’s strength.
    2. Switch to Burnice to receive 100 Heat and unleash her held Basic Attack to apply Scorch.
    3. Swap to your main DPS and continue dealing damage while monitoring Burnice’s Heat gauge.
    4. Return to Burnice and activate her EX Special to maximize Heat again.
    5. Use Burnice’s Ultimate whenever available to conserve EX Special Energy.
    6. Repeat the process.

    For stat distribution, focus on the following in this order:

    1. Attack Percent: Aim for around 2,500 minimum.
    2. Anomaly Proficiency: Target at least 320.
    3. Energy Regen: Strive for 1.5 minimum.
    4. Anomaly Mastery: Aim for a minimum of 130.

    Recommended W-Engines for Burnice

    Burnice benefits the most from W-Engines that enhance her ability to build Anomalies. Her signature W-Engine, Flamemaker Shaker, is the top-tier choice, granting a universal Attack percent buff, increasing Energy Regen, and boosting overall damage by up to 35% while she’s active—and this doubles when she’s not. It even enhances her Anomaly Proficiency.

    Although Flamemaker Shaker is the best option, there are several accessible alternatives as well. A top free choice is the craftable Weeping Gemini, known for its Anomaly Proficiency buff. Other notable choices include:

    • Electro-Lip Gloss: This season pass exclusive offers significant Damage and Attack percent bonuses.
    • Grace’s signature Fusion Compiler: A strong choice for its PEN Ratio and Anomaly Proficiency enhancements.

    Best Drive Disks for Burnice

    The combination of four-piece Chaos Jazz and two-piece Freedom Blues is optimal for Burnice. This setup provides +60 Anomaly Proficiency from the two-piece bonus along with a robust Fire Damage percent increase. The four-piece bonus from Chaos Jazz maximizes Burnice’s EX Special and Assist off-field damage as well.

    Drive Disk Set Desired Stats Buff Description
    Chaos Jazz Four-Piece Slot 4: Anomaly Proficiency Two-piece: +30 Anomaly Proficiency. Four-piece: 15% increase in Fire and Electric damage; off-field EX and Assist damage increases by 20% for 5 seconds upon activation.
    Freedom Blues Two-Piece Two-piece: +30 Anomaly Proficiency

    Key stats to prioritize include Attack percent, Anomaly Proficiency, and Energy Regen. Attack percent affects Burnice’s damage output directly, while Anomaly Proficiency boosts the damage from your Anomaly activations. Improved Energy Regeneration allows her to use her EX Special more frequently.

    Burnice’s Skill Leveling and Prioritization

    The core elements of Burnice’s abilities are reaching Nitro-Fueled Cocktail state and applying Scorch. Therefore, the EX Special should be your highest priority for upgrades. Follow this order for upgrading her skills:
    EX Special > Assist >= Ultimate > Chain Attack > Basic Attack. Additionally, max out her essential passives from ranks A through F whenever you have access to endgame materials.

    Top Teams Featuring Burnice

    Burnice excels in combinations focusing on Anomaly buildup and triggering Disorder effects, which result from two Anomalies interacting. After a Disorder effect activates, it clears both Anomaly types used to trigger it, enhancing synergies in premium teams.

    Premium Team Composition

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Tsukishiro Yanagi S-Rank Anomaly Main DPS
    Burnice S-Rank Anomaly Sub-DPS
    Astra Yao S-Rank Anomaly Off-field Support
    Cryboo A-Rank Anomaly Bangboo

    Together, Burnice and Yanagi form a potent duo, both capable of inflicting Anomalies and Disorders effectively. Yanagi’s EX Special generates additional Disorder damage without depleting the Anomaly gauge, making it easier for Burnice to stack Scorch.

    Astra Yao provides substantial Attack boosts and facilitates quick swapping, allowing Burnice to maximize her EX Special usage during combat.

    Soldier 11 Team Composition

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Soldier 11 S-Rank Attack Main DPS
    Burnice S-Rank Anomaly Sub-DPS
    Caesar S-Rank Defense Active Support
    Red Moccus S-Rank Skill-focused Bangboo

    While Soldier 11 may not be the highest-performing DPS, she remains a viable choice alongside Burnice, who provides additional Fire damage and Anomaly buildup, improving the overall effectiveness of the team. Caesar’s defensive capabilities enhance Soldier 11’s survivability, making them a reliable squad.

    Free-to-Play Team Composition

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Piper A-Rank Anomaly Main DPS
    Burnice S-Rank Anomaly Sub-DPS
    Lucy A-Rank Support Active Support
    Cryboo A-Rank Anomaly Bangboo

    Piper is a formidable character for building Scorch stacks, even against high-tier Anomalies. Lucy contributes Fire damage and Anomaly buildup while offering Attack bonuses.

    In summary, Burnice is a versatile and powerful character in Zenless Zone Zero, seamlessly fitting into various team compositions and enhancing Anomaly interactions. With proper building and strategy, she can significantly elevate any team’s potential.

  • Top Anby Build for Silver Soldier Efficiency

    Top Anby Build for Silver Soldier Efficiency

    Silver Soldier Anby (also referred to as Soldier 0 Anby or SS Anby) is poised to become the top Electric DPS character in Zenless Zone Zero thanks to her unique build. Following the pattern seen in other HoYoverse titles, lower-rank characters frequently receive variations that push them to the top tier; this raises hopes that fan favorites like Nicole and Billy may also get similar enhancements in the future. While these upgraded forms sometimes alter a character’s core attributes, Anby will maintain her Electric designation.

    Silver Soldier Anby stands out as a high-speed Attack unit that utilizes the new Aftershock mechanic, akin to follow-up strikes in Honkai: Star Rail (HSR). Her abilities center on the Silver Star mark, which she can inflict on foes using her Special Attack. This mark boosts her critical damage stats via her passive ability and enables her to accumulate White Thunder stacks when targeting marked enemies. Once she triggers Aftershock damage three times, it unleashes a potent Aftershock attack.

    Optimal W-Engine for Silver Soldier Anby

    A Signature That’s Clearly Worth It

    As is typical, the best engine for SS Anby is her signature one, Severed Innocence. This engine provides an impressive base critical damage boost of 48% when upgraded to level 60, in addition to another 30% from its passive ability. Moreover, every time SS Anby executes a basic, special, or Aftershock attack, she receives a stacking buff of up to three, raising her critical damage by 10% per stack. Attaining all three stacks grants her an extra 20% Electric damage boost.

    Although this engine is highly effective for most Electric DPS characters, its advantages make it a worthy investment. The lack of other significant alternatives reinforces this value. The only other S-Rank engine that could potentially aid SS Anby is The Brimstone, but it lacks critical stat bonuses. Meanwhile, Haramusa’s Zenshin Herb Case is feasible, yet it primarily serves as a stat booster without offering useful passive bonuses.

    For A-Rank options, the best choices include Drill Rig – Red Axis, Gilded Blossom, and Marcato Desire. Marcato Desire is beneficial for slightly increasing critical rates while also enhancing offense. Gilded Blossom contributes a solid increase to Attack%, along with boosting damage from EX Special Attacks, which constitute a significant portion of her damage output. Finally, Drill Rig – Red Axis increases Electric damage by 50% for basic attacks for a duration of 10 seconds when triggered by an EX Special Attack.

    Best Drive Disc for Silver Soldier Anby

    A New Set to Farm for Aftershock Specialists

    Silver Soldier Anby will realize her full potential with the newly introduced Shadow Harmony Disc set. This set is specially designed for Aftershock users, offering a 15% damage increase to their Dash Attacks when using two of these discs. When equipped with all four discs, players gain stacking Attack and Critical Rate bonuses that activate upon executing specific attacks aligned with the character’s attributes. The ideal two-piece disc combination with this would be Thunder Metal to further enhance Electric damage.

    Alternatively, you could opt for a full four-piece Thunder Metal set and pair it with two pieces from Shadow Harmony for the 15% damage increase, or Hormone Punk for a 10% Attack boost. However, this latter option would likely yield less damage and isn’t as effective a fit as going with a complete Shadow Harmony set. The second route is best for players with solid discs already on hand who prefer not to farm for new Drive Discs in Zenless Zone Zero.

    In terms of stats, SS Anby generally follows standard DPS builds, but options may vary based on whether or not she has her signature. This variance is largely due to the significant impact her signature provides compared to other available options. Seek sub-stats like critical rate, critical damage, and Attack%, while the last stat can be more subjective.

    Disc With Signature Without Signature
    Disc 4 Critical Rate Critical Damage
    Disc 5 Electric Damage Electric Damage
    Disc 6 Attack% Attack%

    Top Team Compositions for Silver Soldier Anby

    Options Are Both Limited and Rigid

    Silver Soldier Anby comes with a few viable team compositions, although her optimal setup is quite costly. This includes the two new characters, Pulchra for Stun and Trigger (who will be introduced later in update 1.6 as support). Currently, these two are the only characters with Aftershock attacks, making them highly compatible with SS Anby. However, for those who prefer a more traditional stun character, swapping Pulchra for Qingyi and her best builds could result in longer stun durations.

    While having the initial character of SS Anby’s new damage type enhances her appeal, it also restricts her usability. She doesn’t easily fit into dual-DPS teams because of her high time commitment and damage nature.

    For players who prefer not to use Trigger or are waiting for their banner, potential replacements include Astra Yao, renowned for her support capabilities, or Caesar King. Astra Yao undeniably ranks among the best support characters available, delivering substantial Attack boosts and enabling quick-swap gameplay that many DPS lovers prefer. Caesar King, on the other hand, offers a safer choice, providing an easily replenishable shield that allows players to mitigate incoming damage.

    Ultimately, Silver Soldier Anby is not very adaptable. While her unique damage type presents an advantage, it also limits her effectiveness in various team setups. Although makeshift teams are possible, they won’t operate as smoothly or powerfully as her best combination, which requires a considerable investment in the upcoming update.

    In summary, Silver Soldier Anby is a potent new DPS character whose true potential in Zenless Zone Zero has yet to be fully realized. With the correct investment and optimal build, she can emerge as a strong force in the game, though this might be a tall order for many players. There’s hope that future characters may complement her abilities even more, but that may take some time, if it happens at all.

  • Ultimate Pulchra Setup: W-Engine, Teams, and Drive Discs Guide

    Ultimate Pulchra Setup: W-Engine, Teams, and Drive Discs Guide

    Building the New A-Rank Agent: Pulchra in Zenless Zone Zero

    The latest update for Zenless Zone Zero, version 1.6, is introducing Pulchra, a new A-Rank agent, just as the game prepares for the larger narrative expansion expected in version 2.0. Although 1.6 may appear to be a temporary update, it features more engaging content compared to previous HoYoverse releases, including captivating stories and fun events. Alongside Pulchra, the update will also bring two S-Rank agents, Silver Soldier Anby and her ally Trigger. Interestingly, Pulchra might steal the spotlight as an A-Rank character, generating more buzz than some limited-time characters accompanying her.

    Pulchra is crafted as a straightforward yet potent Physical Stun character, distinguished for being the first of her type. Her unique abilities hinge on her passive skill, which activates the "Hunter’s Gait" state whenever she performs her EX Attack, Assist Follow-Up, Chain Attack, or Ultimate. While in this state, Pulchra gains a 30% increase in Daze for six seconds and can execute a squadmate’s Quick Assist upon landing a Heavy Attack. The remainder of her abilities are relatively standard; however, as an A-Rank agent, her Mindscape can fill up more rapidly, providing her with essential buffs.

    Optimal W-Engines for Pulchra

    A Variety of Engines Suited for Pulchra

    Pulchra is compatible with several W-Engines, providing players with flexibility in building her kit.

    The recommended choice for Pulchra is the new Box Cutter, identified as her A-Rank "signature" engine. This straightforward engine enhances Attack and offers a 15% bonus to Impact. Its unique feature increases the user’s Physical Damage after triggering what’s known as Aftershock. This Aftershock damage functions similarly to follow-up attacks found in Honkai: Star Rail. Pulchra is capable of activating it following her Special Attack while in the Hunter’s Gait state.

    For players cautious about investing in Box Cutter, there are plenty of alternative options available. Any S-Rank engine, aside from the Lighter’s Blazing Laurel, can effectively enhance Pulchra’s performance, though their advantages might seem excessive in certain scenarios. If these engines are already in use by an optimal S-Rank Stun agent, they would be best retained for them.

    When considering other A-Rank alternatives, engines like Precious Fossilized Core, Six Shooter, and Steam Oven provide significant stat boosts. However, it’s important to note that none of these bonuses directly enhance Pulchra’s abilities. These engines tend to offer more situational benefits that may not activate as frequently as Box Cutter’s abilities. For those keen on conserving pulls for future banners, these alternatives could enhance Pulchra’s utility without significant investment.

    Best Drive Discs for Pulchra

    Choose Discs That Match Her Role

    Pulchra has two effective configurations when it comes to Drive Discs in Zenless Zone Zero. One approach focuses on a mix of Daze and damage, favorably utilizing four Shockstar Disco discs for added Impact and Daze. For added effectiveness, pairing with the new Shadow Harmony set maximizes her Aftershock damage. Alternatively, Fanged Metal offers a boost to Physical damage, while Swing Jazz aids in Energy Regeneration.

    The second configuration leans more towards pure damage, which involves fully committing to the Shadow Harmony set to gain the four-piece bonus of increased Attack and Critical Rate. In this case, Fanged Metal and Swing Jazz remain the best options, although Fanged Metal is slightly preferred for this damage-oriented build.

    Best Teams for Pulchra

    Teams with Limited Current Options Yet Promising Future

    Pulchra shines best when teamed with characters that can also use Aftershocks, making Anby and Trigger her ideal partners. Together, they can trigger Aftershocks involving quick rotations, with Silver Soldier Anby handling most of the engagement. The catch is that to make this trio work, players will need to acquire all three characters, and those with a roster of limited characters might find better alternatives for Stun roles.

    While some other teams may not fully leverage Pulchra’s Aftershock abilities, she can still hold a place in setups involving Evelyn with Astra. Unfortunately, this combination lacks effective substitute Stun agents besides Lighter, and even Caesar may not deliver consistent results.

    Another, though not perfect, pairing could involve Jane Doe, where Pulchra and Jane can rapidly build up Physical Anomalies. The downside, however, is that Pulchra may unintentionally diminish Jane’s Disorder damage while splitting field time, making this combination suited mainly for players who have Jane but lack optimal partners.

    In conclusion, Pulchra stands out as a strong A-Rank agent, filling the gap left by the limited number of available Stun agents. She is likely to evolve as new characters with Aftershock mechanics are introduced. Though no specific introductions are confirmed for versions 1.7 or beyond, Pulchra remains a highly anticipated character with a robust kit that synergizes well with the newer S-Rank agents. When built with care, she has the potential to be a formidable Stun agent in Zenless Zone Zero.

  • Ultimate Burnice Setup: W-Engine, Team Strategy & Drive Discs

    Ultimate Burnice Setup: W-Engine, Team Strategy & Drive Discs

    As Burnice prepares for her first reintroduction in Zenless Zone Zero, players eager to acquire this formidable unit will want to know how to effectively build her. The upcoming 1.6 update for Zenless features three new playable characters, including the S-Rank agents Silver Soldier Anby and her partner Trigger, along with the free agent Pulchra, an ex-mercenary who has joined the Sons of Calydon. Despite not being a new character, Burnice remains a fan favorite.

    Top W-Engines for Burnice

    A Smart Investment for Optimal Performance

    One of the key challenges in building Burnice is selecting her engine, as she lacks strong options for free-to-play players. By far, her top choice is her signature Flamemaker Shaker engine, which provides substantial benefits. First, it improves energy regeneration while she is off the field. Second, whenever she lands an EX Special Attack or Quick Assist, she earns a damage buff stack of up to ten. This effect is significantly enhanced when she is not on the field. Lastly, having over five stacks of this damage buff increases her Anomaly Proficiency.

    This engine is undoubtedly her best option, making it worthwhile to invest in it if you plan to regularly use Burnice moving forward. With Zenless currently in a quieter period regarding new character releases, it’s a good time to make this investment. However, for those who have played longer and secured good luck with draws, there are alternatives.

    Her second-best option is the battle pass engine, Electro-Lip Gloss, which provides flat Proficiency along with Attack and Damage buffs against enemies affected by an Anomaly. The third option is Grace’s signature Fusion Compiler, which offers a flat Attack boost and adds stacks of Anomaly Proficiency. On the free-to-play side, The Weeping Gemini stands out with a 25% Attack boost and Anomaly Proficiency stacks. This engine is notably easier to max out without additional spending via the Box Galaxy store.

    Best Drive Discs for Burnice

    Straightforward Options

    Zenless Zone Zero Chaos Jazz Disk Drive in-game menu with description.

    Fortunately, building the rest of Burnice is straightforward. Her optimal Drive Disc is Chaos Jazz, which provides a flat boost to Anomaly Proficiency with two pieces. At the four-piece mark, she receives a 15% Fire Damage increase and additional damage while she’s off the field, which will be most of her time. No other set synergizes as well with her skills as Chaos Jazz, making it the clear choice. The additional two-piece can be chosen based on personal preference, but Inferno Metal is ideal for amplified damage, while Swing Jazz offers more Energy Regeneration.

    Disk 4

    Anomaly Proficiency

    Disk 5

    Fire Damage

    Disk 6

    Attack%

    The primary challenge in obtaining Burnice’s Drive Discs will be ensuring the right stats. Anomaly Proficiency is essential on Disk 4, as her target is to reach over 400. Disk 5 should be the usual damage bonus specific to her element, Fire. While Disk 6 might suggest Anomaly Mastery, going with Attack% yields slightly better outcomes. Finally, the preferred substats should be Anomaly Proficiency, Attack%, and then Penetration.

    Best Teams for Burnice

    A Versatile Sub-DPS

    Burnice is highly adaptable and fits well into any Disorder team. Her top partnerships include Jane Doe and Miyabi. Both of these DPS characters thrive on the field and benefit from Burnice’s off-field capabilities. However, Miyabi edges out Jane Doe due to her strength and the seamless rotations possible with Burnice. While Jane Doe is certainly a solid option, her performance won’t match the speed and efficiency of Miyabi.

    Jane Doe in Zenless Zone Zero on the character's banner art in the game

    Related

    Zenless Zone Zero: Optimal Jane Doe Build (W-Engine, Teams, & Drive Discs)

    To maximize the effectiveness of Jane Doe in Zenless Zone Zero, you’ll need the best build featuring the top W-Engine, Drive Discs, and team compositions.

    Another potential partner is Yanagi, although this pairing is more complex. Yanagi benefits from extended field time, but her ramp-up is not as quick as Miyabi or Jane Doe. A well-equipped Yanagi that frequently utilizes her EX Special Attack can work, but may still lag behind the stronger choices. A plus side is that both characters benefit from using the Chaos Jazz Drive Disc, making farming easier.

    If you don’t have access to any of the above options and still wish to utilize Burnice, Piper is a viable alternative. Piper excels at boosting Physical damage but may not deal as much overall damage, meaning Burnice will likely take on a larger share of responsibility and will require more on-field time than usual. For the final slot in any of these teams, Lucy or Astra Yao with her top builds are the best picks.

    Miyabi from Zenless with The Herta from Honkai Star Rail

    Related

    Exploring How Zenless Zone Zero Can Sidestep Power Creep Issues

    With HoYoverse games like Honkai: Star Rail grappling with power creep, Zenless Zone Zero has the potential to navigate such challenges.

    In summary, Burnice is an exceptionally potent Anomaly sub-DPS, and investing in her is advisable, whether for enjoyment or practical use. Among the limited agents available, only Astra Yao offers greater long-term viability, making it unlikely that Burnice will become outdated unless a new character with similar or superior attributes is introduced. If you draw Burnice in Zenless Zone Zero, be sure to harness the strength that an effective build can unleash.

  • Mastering the Notorious Hunt Quest in Zenless Zone Zero

    Mastering the Notorious Hunt Quest in Zenless Zone Zero

    Notorious Hunts in Zenless Zone Zero: A Complete Guide

    In Zenless Zone Zero, each main story arc climaxes with an intense boss battle against a formidable Ethereal. To continue the thrill, players can revisit these encounters through the Notorious Hunt feature. Engaging in these battles frequently is essential for fully upgrading your characters, as these bosses drop unique materials that aren’t obtainable elsewhere in the game.

    These repeated encounters can prove significantly more challenging than story battles since you can only use characters who are already in your party. Thankfully, they vary in difficulty, which we will explore further.

    Unlocking Notorious Hunts

    To access Notorious Hunts, you must complete two significant milestones:

    1. Reach Inter-Knot Level 26.
    2. Complete Chapter Two: A Call From the Hollow’s Heart and transition into Chapter Two: Intermission.

    Once you’ve fulfilled these requirements, you’ll receive an in-game message from Roland at Scott Outpost. Pay him a visit, and he’ll guide you through Routine Cleanup, a Drive Disc farming activity, while also introducing you to Ophelia.

    After unlocking Routine Cleanup and meeting Ophelia, head back to Sixth Street to unlock Tuning at the Bardic Needle Music Store. After waiting one in-game day, return to Ophelia to start participating in Notorious Hunts.

    Note: You’ll have immediate access to all Notorious Hunts once unlocked. However, this may spoil parts of the story. Players looking to upgrade characters like Miyabi, Harumasa, or Astra Yao should be prepared for this.

    Overview of Notorious Hunt Bosses and Their Rewards

    The bosses you encounter in Notorious Hunts are generally more intricate than those from the Expert Challenge, reflecting their role as memorable story encounters. As of update 1.5, there are five Notorious bosses available, each dropping specific materials required to enhance character passive skills to their maximum level. Each character needs nine materials from Notorious bosses for full upgrades.

    You have three free Hunts each week. Beyond that, you can opt to spend 60 Battery Charge per Hunt for additional rewards by adjusting the Pursuit to the Depths slider.

    Each Hunt presents five difficulty levels—30, 40, 50, 60, and 65. If you’re only interested in collecting the unique materials, it’s best to battle the level 30 variant, as it provides the quickest farming opportunity.

    In addition to these exclusive materials, Notorious Hunt bosses also yield Inter-Knot Credit, Master Copy Tuning materials, and varying amounts of Dennies. Before each fight, players can choose one of three Resonia buffs for their team or inflict debuffs on the boss to make the encounter more manageable. You also receive a single-use Ether Droplet for reviving downed characters.

    Here’s a breakdown of the bosses and their associated rewards:

    Boss Weakness Resistance Resonia Available Rewards
    Newborn Dead End Butcher Ice, Ether None Increase Agent Ice damage by 15%, longer stun duration, Anomaly boost. Inter-Knot Credit: 600
    1 Ferocious Grip
    various Master Copies
    Dennies: 3,000-4,500
    Unknown Corruption Complex Electric, Ether None Increase Agent Electric damage by 15%, longer stun duration, Anomaly boost. Inter-Knot Credit: 600
    1 Living Drive
    various Master Copies
    Dennies: 3,000-4,500
    Twin Marionettes Ice, Ether None Increase Agent Ether damage by 15%, longer stun duration, Anomaly boost. Inter-Knot Credit: 600
    1 Final Dance Shoes
    various Master Copies
    Dennies: 3,000-4,500
    Corrupted Overlord – Pompey Fire Electric Increase Agent Fire Anomaly buildup by 30%, longer stun duration, Anomaly boost. Inter-Knot Credit: 600
    1 Scarlet Engine
    various Master Copies
    Dennies: 3,000-4,500
    Sacrifice – Bringer Ice Physical Increase Agent Ice damage by 15%, longer stun duration, Anomaly boost. Inter-Knot Credit: 600
    1 Sycophant’s Refinement
    various Master Copies
    Dennies: 3,000-4,500

    Optimal Teams for Each Notorious Hunt Boss

    Facing Notorious Hunt bosses can become overwhelming, especially if your characters are at a lower level during endgame scenarios. Therefore, assembling a strong team that can exploit the boss’s weaknesses is crucial for success.

    Engaging in a brute-force strategy isn’t advisable, particularly against bosses that resist specific damage types. If you only have one reliable team, it may be worth toughing it out until you can form a second one for consistent farming.

    Here’s a suggested team setup for each boss:

    Boss Team Team Description
    Newborn Dead End Butcher Main DPS: Ellen Joe
    Sub-DPS: Lycaon
    Support: Nicole    		 Ellen Joe excels as the main Ice DPS while Lycaon adds strong stun capabilities and debuffs Ice resistance. Nicole supports with Ether damage.
    Unknown Corruption Complex Main DPS: Grace
    Sub-DPS: Burnice
    Support: Lucy    		 Grace applies Shock Anomaly efficiently. Burnice complements this with her burn abilities, while Lucy enhances team damage and versatility.
    Twin Marionettes Main DPS: Zhu Yuan
    Sub-DPS: Qingyi
    Support: Nicole    		 Zhu Yuan serves as powerful single-target DPS. Qingyi boosts Stun window damage, and Nicole adds defense debuffs and Ether damage.
    Corrupted Overlord – Pompey Main DPS: Burnice
    Sub-DPS: Lighter
    Support: Lucy    		 Burnice maximizes damage potential with her burn application. Lighter provides strong buff capabilities while Lucy ensures quick team swaps.
    Sacrifice – Bringer Main DPS: Miyabi
    Sub-DPS: Yanagi
    Support: Astra Yao    		 Miyabi delivers massive Ice damage and excels in mobility. Yanagi enhances opportunities for creating Disorders, while Astra Yao provides key support.

    All Characters Linked to Their Notorious Hunts

    Every character in Zenless Zone Zero relies on unique Notorious Hunt materials for upgrading their passive skills. Although each character requires nine materials, only one drops per boss encounter, regardless of difficulty.

    • Dead End Butcher: Ellen Joe, Nekomata, Jane, Lucy, Anby, Nicole, Billy
    • Unknown Corruption Complex: Koleda, Qingyi, Yanagi, Zhu Yuan, Grace, Anton, Ben, Seth
    • Twin Marionettes: Astra Yao, Soldier 11, Rina, Lycaon, Piper, Soukaku, Corin
    • Corrupted Overlord – Pompey: Burnice, Caesar, Lighter
    • Sacrifice – Bringer: Harumasa, Miyabi

    Now that you’re equipped with all the knowledge about Notorious Hunts, it’s time to gear up and dive into the challenge!

  • Harmonic Pact: Key Details, Tips, and Exciting Rewards!

    Harmonic Pact: Key Details, Tips, and Exciting Rewards!

    Harmonic Pact Event in Zenless Zone Zero

    Overview of Activities
    In Zenless Zone Zero, players can engage in a variety of entertaining events to earn Polychromes and other valuable rewards. Some events may take longer than others, while a few can be completed in just one day.

    With the version 1.5 update, the Harmonic Pact event has been introduced, featuring two new 5-star characters: Astra Yao and Evelyn. If you want to make the most of this event and collect all the rewards, this guide is here to help.

    Eligibility for Harmonic Pact

    The Harmonic Pact event kicked off on January 22, 2025, and will wrap up on March 10, 2025. To get started, players must achieve Inter-Knot Level 15 and complete the Soldier 11 Agent Story.

    You can join the event even if you haven’t finished other story quests. However, completing them is advisable, as there are spoilers that could impact your experience.

    Keep in mind that while the story quest will still be accessible after the event ends, all other parts will be gone, meaning you might miss out on Polychromes that could benefit future characters.

    Event Breakdown

    The Harmonic Pact event consists of two main components: Story and Special. The Story section features a special episode titled "Astra-nomical Moment" starring Astra and Evelyn. Completing this is necessary for full event progression.

    The Special section is further divided into four subsections: Fugitive March, Trembling Temptation, Requiem, and Hollow Concerto. Each of these involves combat missions where players are limited to using only Astra and Evelyn while defeating all enemies.

    The combat sections aim to familiarize players with how the new 5-star characters function in battle.

    Important Tips for Combat

    If any agent is defeated during the combat stages (Fugitive March, Trembling Temptation, Requiem, or Hollow Concerto), the stage will fail, and you’ll need to restart.

    Fugitive March

    This is the first part of the event, with the following mandatory requirements:

    • Complete the stage.
    • No character should be defeated.
    • Keep Agent HP above 30 percent.

    In this stage, a significant buff called Perfect Pitch activates. When Astra’s attacks hit an enemy, they will receive 50% additional damage for 12 seconds. Activate her Idyllic Cadenza State with her Special Attack to mark enemies, then switch to Evelyn to finish them off.

    Trembling Temptation

    In the second part, you must again:

    • Complete the stage.
    • No character should be defeated.
    • Maintain Agent HP above 30 percent.

    Here, you’ll receive two buffs. Astra’s Perfect Pitch is unchanged, but Evelyn gains a new buff, Stars and Strings in Harmony. This buff allows Astra to make an extra attack when a Chain Attack or Ultimate is executed on a marked enemy, increasing damage output.

    Continuously use Evelyn’s Chain Attacks and Ultimates to clear the stage quickly.

    Requiem

    This third part also has the same three requirements:

    • Complete the stage.
    • All characters must stay alive.
    • Ensure Agent HP is above 30 percent.

    In addition to the previous buffs, Astra gains Heavy Metal, generating 500 Decibels for the whole team, allowing you to use Evelyn’s Ultimates more frequently for faster stage clearance.

    Hollow Concerto

    As the final part of the event, it shares the same requirements. The buffs for both characters remain unchanged. Here, defeating targets quickly is key, as players must hit 2,000 points to earn all rewards. You can replay as necessary until you achieve the required score.

    Rewards from Harmonic Pact

    The rewards include:

    • Polychromes x260
    • Specialized Ether Chip x9
    • Senior Investigator Log x16
    • Dennies x80,000

    Make sure to maximize your participation in the Harmonic Pact event to gather valuable resources for your characters!

  • Creating Astra Yao in Zenless Zone Zero: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Creating Astra Yao in Zenless Zone Zero: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Astra Yao: The Supportive Singer in Zenless Zone Zero

    Zenless Zone Zero has added a new character named Astra Yao, a singer who serves as a Support unit on the battlefield. Equipped with her unique weapon and powerful off-field buffs, Astra is designed to enhance the capabilities of your entire team.

    Astra Yao shines with her ability, Idyllic Cadenza, activated through her Special Attack. This skill allows her to deliver significant support and a major Attack Boost off the field, enabling your Main DPS units to deal massive damage. Let’s dive deeper into her potential.

    Best W-Engines for Astra Yao

    To maximize Astra Yao’s capabilities, you’ll want to pair her with the right W-Engines that enhance her supportive nature. The standout choice is Elegant Vanity, her signature weapon, which boosts all Squad members’ Damage and recycles Energy effectively. Other solid options include Bashful Demon and Kaboom The Cannon.

    • Elegant Vanity: This weapon is a top-tier pick, delivering a base Attack of 713 and adding a 30% Attack bonus. Each time a squad member enters the field via Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, the equipping character gains seven Energy, up to once every five seconds. Additionally, if the equipper uses 25 or more Energy, it increases all squad members’ Damage by 16%, stacking up to twice for 20 seconds.

    • Bashful Demon: This engine provides a base Attack of 624 along with a 24% increase to Ice Damage. With an EX Special Attack, all squad members’ Attack rises by 3.2% for 12 seconds, up to four times, although the Ice Damage increase won’t be as impactful for most setups.

    • Kaboom The Cannon: Also offering a base Attack of 624, this engine boosts Attack by 4% for all friendly units for eight seconds after any squad member successfully attacks an enemy.

    Optimal Drive Disks for Astra Yao

    When choosing Drive Disks for Astra, the primary option is Astral Voice. Its Damage boost, combined with an extra 10% Attack for Astra, significantly benefits her performance. You might also consider adding two pieces of Swing Jazz for additional Energy regeneration.

    • Astral Voice Setup:
      • Pieces 4 & 5: Attack%
      • Piece 6: Energy Regen or Attack%

    The two-piece bonus gives a 10% Attack increase. The four-piece bonus stacks provide extra Damage to characters entering the field via Quick Assist.

    Skill Prioritization for Astra Yao

    When upgrading Astra Yao’s skills, follow this sequence for optimal results: Special Attack > Chain Attack > Assist > Basic Attack > Dodge. Since her Special Attack offers the most significant buff, prioritizing this skill is crucial before enhancing her Chain Attack and Assist options.

    Team Recommendations for Astra Yao

    Astra can fit into almost any team composition due to her versatility. Here are two suggested team setups to consider:

    Premium Team

    For a top-tier team, consider pairing Astra Yao with S-Rank agents like Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi. These characters deliver extraordinary DPS with Miyabi’s Icefire and Frostburn damage alongside Yanagi’s continuous Disorder triggers. With Astra’s support, this deadly combination can reach new heights.

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Hoshimi Miyabi S-Rank Anomaly Main DPS
    Tsukishiro Yanagi S-Rank Anomaly Sub-DPS
    Astra Yao S-Rank Support Off-field Support

    Free-to-Play Team

    For players utilizing free agents, Harumasa is a strong choice for Main DPS, complemented by Anby Demara as a Sub-DPS capable of stunning enemies. Astra Yao will enhance their offensive potential while also providing valuable healing.

    Agent Rank Type Role
    Harumasa S-Rank Attack Main DPS
    Anby Demara A-Rank Stun Sub-DPS
    Astra Yao S-Rank Defense Off-field Support

    In conclusion, Astra Yao is a powerful Support character who can significantly enhance your team’s performance in Zenless Zone Zero. With the right weapons, Drive Disks, and skill priorities, she can help create a formidable battle lineup.

  • Ultimate Astra Yao Setup: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs Guide

    Ultimate Astra Yao Setup: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs Guide

    Astra Yao is set to become the leading Ether support character in Zenless Zone Zero. But what are her best features and optimal roles? As the second 5-Star Ether agent added to ZZZ, Astra is poised to push Nicole out of her position. While their abilities differ, the advantages of a 5-Star character compared to a 4-Star are always significant. Nevertheless, Nicole remains a solid option for secondary teams, particularly for those who might opt to bypass Astra.

    Astra’s capabilities include Quick Assists, Chain Attacks, and her unique Idyllic Cadenza state. She can access this state through her EX Special, Ultimate, or Chain Attack, which boosts her team’s damage, attack power, and critical damage. Additionally, if she possesses any Chords—composed of 25 energy—Astra can help her teammates activate Quick Assists sooner. This all leads up to a powerful Ultimate that not only heals her allies but also unleashes an initial wave of Ether damage.

    Top W-Engine Choices for Astra Yao in ZZZ

    Limited Yet Effective Options

    Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

    As expected, Astra’s optimal W-Engine is Elegant Vanity. This engine provides essential flat Attack and Attack percentage bonuses, which are critical since Astra’s Attack buffs are dependent on her stats. The first ability part gives the user 5 energy each time a teammate enters via an Assist or Chain Attack. Moreover, when the user consumes 25 energy or more—which corresponds to what Astra’s Chord uses—it grants the team a 10% damage boost that can stack twice.

    Unfortunately, the alternatives for her are somewhat limited; the only other S-Rank engine does not suit her well. Bashful Demon is a decent substitute, offering a 10% Attack increase and a passive that boosts damage, but its Ice Damage bonus would not be utilized. For those less concerned with having maximum Attack, viable options include Kaboom The Cannon, which offers energy regeneration alongside some Attack boosts, or The Vault, which regenerates energy and enhances damage when dealing Ether damage.

    Optimal Drive Discs for Astra Yao

    Tailored for the Star Herself

    Astral Voice Zenless Zone Zero Drive Disc with description.

    The ideal Disc set for Astra Yao was introduced in Zenless‘s 1.4 update with Astral Voice. The two-piece setup grants a 10% Attack boost, further enhancing her buffs, and the four-piece allows for a stacking team-wide damage increase whenever Quick Assists are activated. Although this design typically deviates from usual early character sets, it perfectly aligns with Astra’s abilities and her goals for optimally supporting her team.

    If personal damage output is a priority, Hormone Punk or Chaotic Metal would be excellent choices. Both provide 10% Attack boosts at two pieces for enhanced damage, benefiting both Astra and her team. Hormone Punk’s four-piece bonus delivers an additional Attack boost of 25%, but only for ten seconds. Meanwhile, Chaotic Metal’s four-piece enhances critical hits and Corruption damage, which may not aid Astra’s supportive role as effectively as other options. The two-piece bonuses from either of these two sets can serve as the additional slots for Astra Yao, regardless of the selected main set.

    Disc 4

    ATK%, (Crit If Desired)

    Disc 5

    ATK%

    Disc 6

    ATK% or Energy Regeneration

    To maximize her stats, focusing on raising Astra Yao’s Attack as high as possible is vital. Critical stats can largely be deprioritized, although investing some effort in them could enhance her damage output. Sub-stats are more flexible and can reflect personal preference; critical stats can boost personal damage, while HP or Defense can help sustain Astra Yao on the battlefield longer.

    Top Teams for Astra Yao in ZZZ

    A Versatile Agent with Long-Term Potential

    Though Astra Yao has clear optimal placements, she demonstrates considerable versatility. Her primary and most effective pairing will likely emerge alongside her bodyguard, Evelyn, in the latter part of Version 1.5. Evelyn, a Fire Attack character focused on Assist and Chain attacks, can dominate field time when necessary, fitting perfectly with Astra’s playstyle, which requires less field time and includes some stasis-like buffing abilities. However, this combination may be the most resource-intensive as it necessitates acquiring both updated characters.

    Another fantastic option for Astra Yao is Zhu Yuan, especially with well-crafted builds. As a premier Ether DPS character, Zhu Yuan benefits significantly from Astra’s buffs compared to those from Nicole while concurrently fulfilling her core passive. Astra’s style encourages Quick Assists, which can help Zhu Yuan activate her Enhanced Shotshells more rapidly. In summary, without the release of Evelyn, Zhu Yuan would serve as the strongest ally for Astra teams.

    The choice of Stun agent will depend on which DPS character is selected and who synergizes best with them.

    Beyond these two, the range of effective choices diminishes, but any character that benefits from Attack scaling can collaborate well with Astra Yao. The buffs she provides make her an asset that cannot be overlooked. While other units may exhibit better synergy, deploying Astra Yao instead would not greatly detract from the team’s effectiveness. Notable figures to consider include Harumasa and Miyabi. Ultimately, Astra Yao’s impressive kit suggests she is poised to be a character that endures in Zenless.

    Overall, Astra Yao has been designed to be a groundbreaking support character in Zenless. HoYoverse consistently creates strong support units that stand up to the test of time, as seen in the most effective Harmony units in Honkai: Star Rail. Thus, even if she doesn’t find an immediate role, securing Astra Yao is a strategic move for the future. When she becomes available, these strategies offer the best approach to build and utilize Astra Yao in Zenless Zone Zero.

  • Asaba Harumasa: Ultimate Agent Build and Team Strategy Guide

    Asaba Harumasa: Ultimate Agent Build and Team Strategy Guide

    Attack Units in Zenless Zone Zero

    In Zenless Zone Zero, Attack units are crucial for launching powerful offensives and significantly damaging opponents. These units typically become the cornerstone of your team. To maximize their effectiveness, it’s essential to balance stats, including Attack (ATK), Crit Rate, and Crit Damage (Crit DMG).

    One noteworthy Attack unit is Asaba Harumasa, who joined the game in version 1.4, alongside Hoshimi Miyabi. If you’re looking to optimize him for late-game challenges like Hollow Zero or Shiyu Defense, this guide will provide all the information you need.

    Best Builds for Asaba Harumasa

    Stats and Upgrades

    As an Attack unit, Asaba Harumasa requires well-rounded stats. Players should invest time in farming Drive Discs and equipping him with W-Engines while leveling his skills. Below is a comprehensive checklist to ensure Harumasa is ready to tackle the toughest bosses.

    Best W-Engines for Asaba Harumasa

    Rank Name Synergy with Harumasa
    1 Zanshin Herb Case The top choice for Harumasa, offering substantial stats and damage bonuses, including Crit DMG and Crit Rate, alongside a 40% boost to Electric DMG.
    2 Mercato Desire An A-rank W-Engine that you can earn for free from the featured event of version 1.4, providing a 20% Crit Rate and a 19.2% ATK boost.
    3 Brimstone A solid option that gives ATK boosts through its secondary stats and passive, but being an S-rank W-Engine makes it harder to obtain.
    4 Cannon Rotor Available through the Battle Pass, this A-rank W-Engine boosts both Crit Rate and ATK, but it needs enhancement to level five for optimal performance.

    Best Drive Discs for Asaba Harumasa

    Set Synergy With Harumasa
    Thunder Metal (4-pc) Ideal for Harumasa, offering an Electric DMG Bonus and a 28% ATK increase when enemies are shocked. Pairing him with Electric characters effectively triggers this boost.
    Woodpecker Electro (2-pc) A basic set providing an 8% Crit Rate, essential for Harumasa’s performance.

    Asaba Harumasa Drive Disc Stat Priority

    Disc Slot Main Stat Sub Stat
    1 HP Crit DMG > Crit Rate > ATK
    2 ATK Crit DMG > Crit Rate > PEN
    3 DEF Crit DMG > Crit Rate > ATK
    4 Crit DMG or Crit Rate Crit Rate > Crit DMG > ATK
    5 Electric DMG Bonus Crit DMG > Crit Rate > ATK
    6 ATK Crit DMG > Crit Rate > PEN

    Best Bangboo for Asaba Harumasa

    The right Bangboo can enhance your team composition for Harumasa's performance. Below are top recommendations for optimal synergy:

    Bangboo Description
    Plugboo The top Bangboo for Harumasa, it not only deals Electric DMG but greatly boosts Anomaly Build-up by 100% with multiple Electric characters.
    Electroboo Similar to Plugboo, it also provides Electric DMG and assists with Anomaly Build-up, but with a 60% boost when paired with multiple Electric allies.

    Skill Overview and Priority for Asaba Harumasa

    While Harumasa is user-friendly, new players may initially find it a bit tricky. Here’s a simplified rotation for maximizing his damage output:

    • Basic Attacks: Begin with your Basic Attack, up to the fifth hit, which generates an Electro Quiver on the field.
    • EX Special Attack: Utilize Harumasa’s EX Special Attack to create more Electro Quivers (maximum of six).
    • Marking Enemies: Use your Special or Basic Attack once there are enough Electro Quivers active to put an X-mark on the enemy.
    • Melee Damage: Once marked, Harumasa gains the ability to dash towards the enemy and inflict melee damage.

    Skill Priority:

    1. Core Skill
    2. Dodge
    3. Special Attack
    4. Ultimate

    Tips for Using Asaba Harumasa:

    • Regularly use your Basic and EX Special Attacks to create Electro Quivers.
    • Ensure that Electro Quivers are consistently active on the battlefield.
    • Harness Charged Attacks to mark enemies effectively.
    • Dash to deal significant damage once an enemy is marked.
    • Switch characters to ensure enemies receive a Shock status effect.
    • Activate Harumasa’s Ultimate strategically for maximum impact.

    Best Team Compositions for Asaba Harumasa

    Harumasa pairs well with teams featuring Electric characters capable of inflicting Shock and facilitating Anomaly Build-up. Here are some recommended team setups for various player levels.

    Premium Team Composition

    Character Role
    Asaba Harumasa Main DPS
    Qingyi Stun
    Rina Support
    Bangboo (Plugboo) Utility

    This premium team utilizes Harumasa as the main damage dealer, with Qingyi stunning foes and Rina providing much-needed support to bolster Anomaly build-up and increase damage.

    Anomaly Buildup Team

    Character Role
    Asaba Harumasa Main DPS
    Yanagi Sub-DPS
    Rina Support
    Bangboo (Plugboo) Utility

    This setup leverages quick Anomaly Build-up to trigger significant ATK bonuses, with Yanagi contributing additional Electric DMG before swapping to Rina for strategic plays.

    Free-to-Play Team

    Character Role
    Asaba Harumasa Main DPS
    Anby Enabler
    Nicole Support
    Bangboo (Electroboo) Utility

    This F2P team offers a solid option for players who lack premium units, featuring Anby as a primary Electric source to stun enemies and boost Harumasa’s damage output.

    With proper preparation and strategic gameplay, you can excel as Asaba Harumasa and tackle the game’s most challenging aspects effectively.

  • Ultimate Miyabi Configuration: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs

    Ultimate Miyabi Configuration: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs

    Miyabi in Zenless Zone Zero: A Comprehensive Guide

    With the introduction of the latest update, version 1.4, in Zenless Zone Zero, Miyabi has emerged as a powerful new contender. Understanding how to effectively build and utilize her character is essential for any aspiring player. This update not only adds fresh units but also unfolds an intriguing narrative that enhances the gaming experience. Players can expect a smoother gameplay journey thanks to a range of quality-of-life improvements designed for newcomers.

    At first glance, Miyabi’s dual-element abilities may appear complex, but they are surprisingly straightforward. The key component of her skill set is the Fallen Frost stacks, which can accumulate up to six. These stacks can be expended to unleash her Shimotsuki basic attack, dealing impressive damage. She gains two stacks when executing her Ex-Special Attack or when any team member activates a Disorder effect, and one stack is awarded when she inflicts Frostburn on an enemy. This Frostburn element is crucial because it increases the Anomaly Buildup for her foes.

    Best W-Engine for Miyabi

    The ideal W-Engine for Miyabi is her signature piece, the Hailstorm Shrine. At its base level, it grants a 24% increase in critical hit chance and a 50% boost to critical damage. These bonuses are significant for Miyabi, who functions as a hybrid Anomaly-focused DPS character. Additionally, her Anomaly Buildup benefits from 100% of her critical rate—capping at a maximum of 80%. The engine also provides a bonus of 20% Ice damage that can stack up to two times whenever an Ex-Special is executed or an Anomaly is triggered.

    While Miyabi’s Frost element is unique, it interacts similarly to Ice in terms of buffs and debuffs.

    The second-best option, albeit a considerable downgrade, would be Grace’s Fusion Compiler. It offers a 12% Attack boost along with a stacking Anomaly Proficiency buff of 25. Although Anomaly Proficiency isn’t critical for Miyabi—who already has sufficient power in her basic abilities and Drive Discs—it can still enhance her effectiveness. This choice primarily serves as a reliable stat booster, providing her with a healthy Attack increase and a 24% extra Penetration.

    Drive Discs for Miyabi

    For optimal performance, Miyabi should equip the new Branch & Blade Song disc set. This two-piece set increases critical damage by 16%, and when expanded to four pieces, it can deliver an additional 30% if her Anomaly Mastery reaches 115 or higher. It also grants a 12% critical rate enhancement for 15 seconds after shattering an enemy. The benefits align perfectly with Miyabi’s playstyle, giving her the necessary stats to thrive.

    If acquiring this new set is not feasible, another strong choice is the Woodpecker Electro, a classic Drive Disc that offers an 8% boost to critical rate and a 9% Attack increase upon landing critical hits. This alternative is easier to maintain than others and suits her high crit rate build, making it a practical option even if it doesn’t reach the same damage output as Branch & Blade Song.

    For Discs 4, 5, and 6, prioritize Critical Rate, Ice Damage, and Attack% respectively to maximize her Anomaly Buildup bonus. Substat priority should include critical rate (up to 80%), critical damage, and Attack%. After that, focus on Anomaly Proficiency or Penetration.

    Disk Stat
    Disk 4 Critical Rate
    Disk 5 Ice Damage Bonus
    Disk 6 Attack%

    Best Teams for Miyabi

    Miyabi’s optimal team composition currently includes fellow Section 6 member Yanagi. This pairing maximizes her potential, allowing her to deal significant damage without requiring excessive field time, thus enabling Yanagi to shine. A support character like Caesar can fit well into this setup, but a regular Stunner can also suffice. This collaboration works effectively because Yanagi’s ability to trigger Regular Disorder and her Special Polarity Disorder can quickly generate all the Fallen Frost stacks Miyabi needs.

    An alternative team configuration would involve swapping Yanagi for Bernice. However, this choice may limit Miyabi’s effectiveness, forcing her into a more active role, as Bernice should ideally function off-field. Including support units like Lucy or Soukaku can enhance this team by providing attack benefits and managing field time efficiently.

    Although Miyabi can participate outside of Disorder setups, she performs less effectively. In these scenarios, she acts as a more potent variant of Ellen Joe’s strongest builds, utilizing the same teams along with characters like Lycaon or Lighter for stuns, and Soukaku for substantial attack and Ice damage enhancements. While this team composition may not maximize Miyabi’s unique strengths, it remains a viable option for players not heavily invested in Anomaly strategies.

    In conclusion, Miyabi appears poised to be a standout DPS character in Zenless Zone Zero moving forward. Her adaptability and synergy with top-tier team setups can propel her beyond other characters. The upcoming updates may introduce powerful support units that could further elevate her game, enhancing the overall experience within Zenless Zone Zero.

  • Ultimate Harumasa Build: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs Guide

    Ultimate Harumasa Build: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs Guide

    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.

  • Top Lightweight Assembly: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs

    Top Lightweight Assembly: W-Engine, Teams & Drive Discs

    As Lighter prepares to join the action-packed world of Zenless Zone Zero, learning the optimal build for this versatile character will be essential for unlocking his full potential. Lighter is the latest member of the Sons of Calydon faction, and while he might appear more subdued than his biker companions, he is just as formidable. Although the current meta seems to favor Anomaly units, Stun units will always hold an important place in ZZZ, thanks to their S-Rank stunners who can enhance damage in significant ways.

    Lighter’s damage-oriented abilities are closely tied to his passive skills and the Morale Eruption state. He accumulates Morale points—up to a maximum of 100—through dealing damage or utilizing energy. Once he reaches 80 Morale points, he transitions into the Morale Eruption state, which amplifies both his Impact and overall effectiveness. Enemies struck by Lighter during this phase will experience a decrease in both Fire and Ice resistance, while their stun duration will also be extended. This mechanic is vital, as Lighter’s additional passive skill allows him to stack Uplifting on allies—up to 20 stacks—each time he attacks foes, boosting his team’s Fire and Ice damage output.

    Best W-Engine for Lighter

    The Optimal Choice Among Limited Options

    If the initial details are accurate, Lighter’s optimal W-Engine, Blazing Laurel, stands out as his best option. Currently, it’s known that utilizing Quick or Defensive Assists will amplify the user’s Impact, and landing basic attacks can generate stacks—up to 20—that enhance critical damage for any Fire or Ice attacks made by the team. This engine perfectly complements Lighter’s playstyle and team synergy.

    Grace Howard from Zenless Zone Zero with W-Engines around her

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    When it comes to the other Stun W-Engines available, Lighter has a mixed bag of choices, with his second best option being Lycaon’s signature engine, The Restrained. While this engine provides a 6% increase in Daze for Basic Attacks on hit for a period of eight seconds—stacking up to five times—it lacks further benefits. Moreover, it’s one of the many S-Rank engines featured in the Standard Banner, which makes it less desirable.

    For A-Rank options, Lighter is best suited with either Six Shooter or Precious Fossilized Core.

    Six Shooter offers a significant boost to Lighter’s EX Special Attack with added Daze once charges are filled, whereas Precious Fossilized Core grants Daze bonuses against high-health targets. Given his skill set and limited choices, it’s advisable to go for Lighter’s main W-Engine if he’s going to be fully utilized and developed.

    Top Drive Discs for Lighter

    Shockstar Stands Out

    One of the Shockstar Disco Drive Discs for the best Qingyi build in Zenless Zone Zero

    To match top Stun Unit Qingyi, Lighter will also benefit from using the Shockstar Disco set. This set increases Impact by 6% when two pieces are equipped and enhances Daze damage for Basic Attacks, Dash Attacks, and Dodge Counters by 20%. Until a more favorable option arrives, this set is the definitive choice for any Stun Unit. It provides crucial stats while still allowing for further gains with the additional two-piece effect.

    As for the two-piece set, it’s largely a matter of preference, but Swing Jazz is frequently chosen to boost Energy Regeneration for Stun units. Other viable options for Lighter include Hormone Punk for Attack boosts or Inferno Metal to amplify Fire damage. Any other choices would be nearly ineffective for Lighter and should only be reserved for minor stat improvements.

    Disk 4

    Critical Rate

    Disk 5

    Fire Damage

    Disk 6

    Impact

    Sub-stats

    Critical Rate, Critical Damage, Attack%, Penetration

    As a Stun Unit, Impact should be prioritized on Disk 6. Disk 4 needs to focus on Crit Rate, while Disk 5 should include a Fire Damage Bonus, allowing Lighter to contribute some damage of his own. The sub-stats should continue this emphasis, focusing on Crits, Penetration, and Attack Percentage.

    Ideal Teams for Lighter

    The Fire and Ice Expert

    Stun units offer a unique dynamic in team compositions, functioning in both universal and niche roles. For instance, Lycaon excels with Ice teams, while Qingyi can adapt to multiple setups. In this context, Lighter is best teamed with Fire or Ice Attack units. This makes him an ideal asset for players who enjoy using characters like Ellen Joe or Soldier 11.

    Anby, Lycaon, and Lucy from Zenless Zone Zero

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    Combining Lighter with the best Ellen Joe build alongside Soukaku creates an exceptionally strong team, as a well-constructed Lighter can surpass Lycaon’s effectiveness. Furthermore, he adds significant value to Soldier 11 teams and any newly released Fire Attack units, who previously relied on Koleda or Caesar for stunning capabilities. However, Koleda’s slower stun durations can make her less efficient, while Caesar, as a limited-access Defender, depends heavily on counter-attacks for swift stunning.

    Lighter’s strengths allow him to integrate easily into a variety of teams, utilizing his rapid Daze application and unique gameplay. However, he will shine brightest in a team that leverages his passive advantages along with those contributed by his W-Engine. Fortunately, Lighter also remains adaptable for any upcoming Fire or Ice Attack units. His synergy with ZZZ‘s leading Fire support character, Lucy, provides both of them easy access to their beneficial passives.

    Overall, Lighter is another exciting addition to Zenless, demonstrating the game’s shift toward characters with diverse playstyles that go beyond narrow niches. Although his team possibilities may currently seem limited, the future looks bright for Lighter, making it a priority for players to focus on cultivating and building him effectively in Zenless Zone Zero.