Yixuan, the first Ether-type main DPS in Zenless Zone Zero, is set to debut soon. Her signature W-Engine, "Qingming Longshe," has been officially revealed. This article provides an in-depth analysis of its performance and offers recommendations for alternative W-Engines if you're considering skipping her signature.
Analysis of "Qingming Longshe"
Advanced Attributes
"Qingming Longshe" offers an HP bonus as its advanced attribute. For Yixuan, HP contributes to Penetration, making it a valuable stat. However, since Penetration also scales with Attack, the benefit from HP isn't as significant as that from Crit Rate or Crit Damage. Compared to other top-tier W-Engines that provide Crit-related stats, this is a slight drawback. Nonetheless, considering it's currently the only S-rank Ether-type W-Engine, the HP bonus is a reasonable choice to maintain balance.
W-Engine Effects
Crit Rate Boost: Addresses Yixuan's relatively low base Crit stats, enhancing her overall damage output.
Ether Damage Increase: Activating [Enhanced Special Skill] grants a 15-second "Qingming Companion" buff. At max stacks, this provides a 16% Ether damage bonus, ensuring consistent damage amplification throughout combat.
Ether Penetration Damage Boost: Each "Qingming Companion" stack also grants a 10% increase to Ether Penetration damage for [Enhanced Special Skill] and [Ultimate], totaling up to 20%. This bonus operates in a separate multiplier category, making it exceptionally potent and a primary source of Yixuan's damage potential.
Should You Pull for "Qingming Longshe"?
While its advanced attribute isn't top-tier, the W-Engine's effects—especially the unique Penetration damage boost—significantly enhance Yixuan's performance. Given that it's the only S-rank Ether-type W-Engine currently available, and considering the substantial gap between it and available A-rank alternatives, pulling for "Qingming Longshe" is highly recommended if you aim to maximize Yixuan's potential.
Best Alternative W-Engines Without "Qingming Longshe"
1. "Electric Wave Stroll" (A-Rank, Monthly Pass Exclusive)
Advanced Attribute: HP bonus, aligning well with Yixuan's scaling.
Effect: Gains stacks upon using [Chain Skill] and [Ultimate], each providing 128 Penetration at refinement level 5. Typically, Yixuan can maintain 1-2 stacks during regular play, with the potential for 3 stacks during burst phases. While the uptime isn't perfect, the burst potential makes it the best alternative to her signature W-Engine. However, as a Monthly Pass exclusive, it requires time and investment to fully upgrade.
2. "Phantom Cube" (Free A-Rank)
Advanced Attribute: Attack bonus, which offers moderate benefits to Yixuan.
Effect: Using [Enhanced Special Skill] grants a 25.6% Crit Damage boost for 12 seconds. Additionally, when enemies are below 50% HP, [Enhanced Special Skill] deals 32% more damage. While the HP-based bonus is situational, the Crit Damage increase provides consistent value. This W-Engine is a solid free-to-play option, especially for those not investing in Monthly Passes or her signature.
Conclusion
"Qingming Longshe" offers comprehensive enhancements across HP, Crit Rate, Ether Damage, and Penetration—making it an exceptional W-Engine for Yixuan. The unique Penetration bonus, in particular, sets it apart, operating in a separate multiplier category for significant damage gains. Given the limited and less synergistic alternatives, investing in her signature W-Engine is highly advisable for players looking to fully optimize Yixuan's capabilities.
Are you planning to pull for "Qingming Longshe"? If not, which W-Engine will you equip Yixuan with? Share your thoughts in the comments below!