Zhu Yuan enters the fray in ZZZ! Here’s a guide to her best builds, Bangboos, and teammates.
Zhu Yuan, the latest S Rank character in Zenless Zone Zero, has arrived! As a team leader of the Criminal Investigation Response Team in New Eridu Public Security, she boasts the second-highest DPS among all characters, just a notch below Ellen.
Her damage output can be further amplified when her attacks hit Stunned enemies, making her a formidable force.
Additionally, Zhu Yuan is the only Ether DPS agent on the roster so far, making her ideal for completing the more challenging Shiyu Defense levels. She’s also a great choice for Free-to-Play players, as some of her team combinations don’t require excessive pulls.
So if you want to build Zhu Yuan, here’s a guide on her combat, build, Bangboos, and best teammates.
Zhu Yuan’s kit
This New Eridu Public Security officer’s kit is centred around ‘Enhanced Shotshells’ and has two distinct modes: Assault Mode and Suppressive Mode. It's important to remember that Zhu Yuan's basic attack and dash attack will exhibit different abilities and bonuses depending on the active mode.
When first entering combat, she enters into assault mode. In assault mode, her basic attack si called “Don’t move”.
With this skill, she will unleash a flurry of bullets and Ether buckshots and up to five attacks. These will deal a mix of physical and Ether damage. After the 5th hit, she will obtain one Enhanced Shotshell.
Zhu Yuan's playstyle is all about collecting Enhanced Shotshells with her kit. These Enhanced Shotshells can be used to amp up Zhu Yuan's Basic Attacks, resulting in a significant amount of Ether damage dealt.
Zhu Yuan's Enhanced Shotshell count can be seen below her HP when she is the agent on the field.
Skill Priority
- Core Skill: Prioritize upgrading her Core Skill, which increases damage dealt to Stunned enemies.
- Basic Attack: Focus on her Basic Attack during Suppressive Mode, as it contributes most to her damage output.
- Dodge: Upgrade her Dodge to use Enhanced Shotshells on her Dash Attack.
After these, improve her Special Attack and Chain Attack to boost overall damage. Lastly, upgrade her Assist, as the Daze effect it provides is less impactful.
Best DPS build for Zhu Yuan:
W-Engines:
The best W-Engine for Zhu Yuan will definitely be the Riot Suppressor Mark VI.
This S Rank Attack W-Engine immediately boosts CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG, providing essential stats for any DPS unit.
Additionally, it enhances the wearer's Basic Attacks to deal more damage after using an EX Special Attack, with this effect activating only when the attack inflicts Ether DMG.
Since Zhu Yuan is the only Attack and Ether character in ZZZ, she is uniquely able to fully utilize the W-Engine.
Other W-Engine alternatives you can consider are ones that enhance CRIT or Attack which include: The Brimstone, Cannon Rotor, Starlight Engine, and Street Superstar.
Best Drive Discs
Look for Drive Discs that enhance Ether DMG or Attack stats, like the 4-piece Chaotic Metal and 2-piece Woodpecker Electro. Other stats that are helpful are CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, ATK%, and PEN.
Best teammates and Bangboos
Flexible Team Composition: Zhu Yuan, Lycaon, Rina
Zhu Yuan's optimal team compositions usually include one Stun unit and one Support unit. She excels at dealing increased damage to Stunned enemies, and any Support unit can trigger her Core Skill.
- Lycaon: The best Stun unit for Zhu Yuan, boosting the Stun Multiplier on enemies.
- Rina: Provides a valuable PEN Ratio buff to the entire party.
For Bangboos, consider:
- Booressure: Releases Ether bubbles that generate energy for agents.
- Sumoboo: Inflicts 18% more Daze on enemies with Daze above 50%.
Ether Team Composition: Zhu Yuan, Anby, Nicole
Zhu Yuan synergises well with Nicole, the only other Ether agent, making this the most F2P-friendly composition with both Anby and Nicole having been available as free agents since the game’s launch.
This team setup enhances Zhu Yuan's damage output through the Corrupted effect.
- Nicole: Activates Zhu Yuan's Core Skill and lowers enemy DEF.
- Anby: Serves as the Stun unit in this composition, which enhances Zhu Yuan’s attacks.
For Bangboos, use:
- Resonaboo: Activates abilities when there are two Ether agents in the team.
Other Bangboos to consider:
- Devilboo, Booressure, Sumoboo, and Amillion: Enhance Ether damage, Attack, or CRIT stats.
Zhu Yuan's unique Ether DPS capabilities and high damage output make her a standout addition to ZZZ. Hopefully, with this guide, you can start clearing harder stages in the game — and will help you build resources when version 1.1 rolls in. Zhu Yuan’s banner will run until 13 August.