As Zenless Zone Zero approaches version 2.0, many Proxies are eagerly anticipating upcoming updates. With the release of Hugo in version 1.7, the performance of Strong Attack characters has stabilized. Here's an overview to help you plan your pulls and character development.
Physical DPS: Corin, Billy, and Nekomata
These three Physical DPS characters—Corin and Billy (A-Rank), and Nekomata (S-Rank)—have shown average performance. Corin excels in single-target scenarios but struggles with mob clearing. Billy and Nekomata lack sufficient on-field stats and are best paired with Qingyi for burst setups, which come with notable limitations. Given the current meta, investing in these characters isn't highly recommended. While they can achieve full stars with high investment, the cost is substantial. In Physical-weak environments, characters like Jane Doe or Piper are generally preferred.
Electric and Fire DPS: Anton, Soldier 11, and Ellen
Anton: Despite being an A-Rank Strong Attack character, Anton delivers impressive burst damage. With Qingyi's support, he performs well in Electric-weak scenarios, and at high investment levels, he can rival some limited S-Rank characters.
Soldier 11: While Soldier 11 has seen a decline in popularity post-Evelyn's release, her stats and mechanics remain solid. With Light's support, she can approach the strength of limited S-Rank characters. If you lack other Fire DPS options, Soldier 11 is still a viable choice.
Ellen: As the initial flagship DPS from version 1.0, Ellen has gradually fallen out of favor. The introduction of Zhu Yuan and Hugo has significantly impacted her viability. Designed with early-game exploration in mind, her damage output lags behind newer characters. Unless there's a resurgence of Ice-weak environments or a significant rework, Ellen is unlikely to reclaim her former prominence.
Burst DPS: Yuzhen and Zhu Yuan
Yuzhen: A free main DPS from version 1.4, Yuzhen specializes in single-target boss battles. With Qingyi's robust on-field presence, Yuzhen can deliver commendable performance. However, she requires a higher skill ceiling compared to other characters.
Zhu Yuan: Arguably the most rewarding main DPS to pull, Zhu Yuan has maintained consistent employment from versions 1.0 to 1.7. Her stats remain impressive, and as the sole Ether direct damage DPS, she boasts a high appearance rate and excels in speedruns.
Top-Tier DPS: Evelyn, Hugo, and Anby
Evelyn: Despite version 1.7 not being particularly favorable for Evelyn, she remains the most well-rounded Strong Attack main DPS. Her smooth attack flow and flexibility between on-field presence and burst damage ensure she remains competitive, even outside of meta-favorable versions.
Hugo: The standout of version 1.7, Hugo benefits from environments tailored to his strengths, with dual Ice-weak scenarios in both Formations and Crisis. His explosive damage output provides a satisfying gameplay experience, making him a popular choice among players.
Anby (Zero): Anby's pursuit team has seen significant improvements with the introduction of Trigger, enhancing overall strength. Recent environmental boosts have further elevated her performance. However, as a unique system, building a complete team around Anby requires a higher investment. For those who enjoy high-frequency on-field damage, Anby is an excellent choice.
Summary
Among the current Strong Attack characters, Evelyn stands out as the top-performing main DPS. Hugo and Anby also offer exceptional performance. Burst DPS characters like Zhu Yuan and Yuzhen remain solid choices. Conversely, characters like Ellen have seen a decline in popularity and are generally not primary options in the current meta.