Nineveh No-Hit Guide: Perfect Dodge Counter Timing (ZZZ)

Achieving no-hit S-Rank against Nineveh in Zenless Zone Zero's Withering Garden demands mastery of dodge counter mechanics and precise attack pattern recognition. This guide breaks down frame-perfect dodge timing, phase-specific strategies, and optimal team compositions for flawless runs.

Understanding Dodge Counter Mechanics

Dodge counters transform defensive maneuvers into devastating offensive opportunities. The system rewards precise timing with extended invulnerability windows and significant damage multipliers.

Two-Step Process:

1. Execute Perfect Dodge as attack connects (triggers greyscale effect, yellow/orange flashes, blue particles)

2. Input Basic Attack during invulnerability window

Perfect Dodge requires frame-precise timing: input window opens 3-5 frames before impact, extends through first 2-3 contact frames. Invulnerability lasts 25-30 frames plus slow-motion period—significantly longer than regular dodge's 10-15 frames.

Dodge Counter deals Attribute DMG, maintains invulnerability throughout animation, generates extra Ultimate gauge. Dodge Resonia enhancement adds 45% damage—critical for counter strategies.

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Perfect vs Regular Dodge

Regular Dodge:

• Consumes stamina

• Brief invincibility (10-15 frames)

• No offensive benefits

• Vulnerable after animation

Perfect Dodge:

• Extended invulnerability (25-30+ frames)

• Slow-motion confirmation window

• Enables Dodge Counter

• Yellow/orange flash indicators

Damage differential proves substantial. Dodge Counters with 45% Resonia bonus, Attribute DMG typing, and invulnerability throughout execution enable aggressive counter-focused playstyles with zero retaliation risk.

Frame Data and Positioning

Invulnerability operates on position snapshots at input registration. Perfect Dodge captures character position/hitbox, maintaining invulnerability regardless of subsequent movement. This allows forward dodges into attacks for counterintuitive but effective positioning.

Consecutive dodge usage triggers cooldown after two rapid dodges. During cooldown, dodges consume additional stamina and provide reduced invulnerability—making Perfect Dodge timing even more critical.

Counter Damage Scaling:

• Base multiplier: 150-250% of Basic Attack

• Scales with Attack, Attribute Mastery, Disk Drive/W-Engine bonuses

• +45% from Dodge Resonia

• Ultimate gauge generation +30-40% vs standard attacks

Nineveh Boss Overview

Requires Inter-Knot Level 45. Final area of Withering Garden, accessible after completing Core difficulty on three surrounding stages.

Critical: Nineveh's Ether Blasts and Lasers lack standard Gold/Red danger indicators. Rely on visual tells—light accumulation patterns provide only warning system.

Charging Patterns:

• Tail charging: Rear-area blasts

• Frontal charging: Forward cones

• Tentacle arm charging: Side-angle projectiles

Phase Transitions

75% HP: AOE Lasers (requires wall cover) 70% HP: Ether Waves (one-hit kill, requires rock cover) 35% HP: Constricting Vines + Ether Blast barrages 25% HP: Tentacle summons + Flower Form transformation

Phase 1 (100-70% HP)

Tail Ether Blasts:

• Purple-white light at tail base

• 1.5s charge time

• Perfect Dodge window: 8-10 frames

• Forward dodge through center for optimal counter position

Frontal Ether Blasts:

• Light at head/upper torso

• 1.2s charge, wider spread

• Forward dodge positions for immediate counter

Tentacle Charges:

• Light along limb structures

• Horizontal sweeps

• Lateral dodges required

• Multiple Perfect Dodge opportunities per sweep

Hornet Summons: Destroy immediately (2-3 hits). Prevents multi-threat scenarios, extends time limit.

Phase 2 (70-30% HP)

75% HP - AOE Lasers:

• 8-10s duration

• Must use wall cover (invulnerability frames don't work)

• Forced positioning break

70% HP - Ether Wave:

• Arena-wide one-hit kill

• 3s charge warning

• Rock cover mandatory

• Any exposure = instant death

Enhanced Patterns:

• Faster charge times

• Multi-projectile volleys (2-3 consecutive, 0.5s intervals)

• Wider frontal blast angles

• Increased Hornet spawn frequency

Enrage Phase (Below 30% HP)

35% HP - Constricting Vines:

• Random ground positions

• Restrict movement

• 3-5 hits to destroy

• Destroying extends time limit

• Ether Blast barrage during spawns

25% HP - Final Phase:

• Tentacle summons (independent attacks)

• Flower Form transformation

• Homing Missiles (maintain close range, forward dodge at 0.3s before impact)

Visual/Audio Telegraphs

Light Patterns: 1-2s advance warning

• Tail: rear threats, move forward

• Front: backward/lateral movement

• Tentacles: perpendicular dodges

Audio Cues:

• Ether Blast: rising-pitch energy sound

• AOE: deep bass rumble

• Hornets: high-pitched chittering

• Vines: earth-cracking sounds

Animation Wind-ups: Consistent frame counts before hitbox activation. Memorize through repetition for muscle memory Perfect Dodge timing.

Complete Dodge Counter Strategy

Single-Hit Ether Blasts

Tail Blasts:

• Forward dodge into blast as it enters hitbox

• Perfect Dodge window: 10 frames before contact, active 8-10 frames

• Input 0.2-0.3s before visual contact

• Positions at Nineveh's rear

• Follow with 2-3 Basic Attacks

Frontal Blasts:

• Forward dodge = aggressive positioning, vulnerable to follow-ups

• Lateral dodge = safer, longer counter distance

• Advanced: forward for max aggression

• Learning: lateral for safety

Tentacle Blasts:

• Extended hitbox duration

• Multiple Perfect Dodge opportunities

• Late dodge = safer counter window

Multi-Hit Combinations

Consecutive Volleys (Phase 2):

• 3 projectiles, 0.5s intervals

• Reset to neutral between dodges

• Single Dodge Counter hit between projectiles

• Full combos = animation lock = guaranteed damage

Tentacle Sweeps:

• 4-6 Perfect Dodge opportunities per sequence

• Choose: dodge every pass (max safety) or alternate passes (counter during gaps)

• Monitor stamina—two consecutive dodges trigger cooldown

Environmental Hazards

AOE Lasers (75% HP):

• Wall positioning mandatory

• Sprint to nearest wall immediately

• 8-10s duration

• No dodge/counter possible

Ether Waves (70% HP):

• Rock cover mandatory

• 3s charge warning

• Sprint to nearest rock

• Complete obstruction required

Maintain mental map of wall/rock locations. Position with escape routes during offense.

Vine and Hornet Priority

Vines (35% HP):

• 3-5 hits to destroy

• Extends time limit

• Destroy immediately before barrage intensifies

• Use Ultimate abilities for quick elimination

Hornets:

• 2-3 hits to kill

• Immediate priority (projectiles interfere with Perfect Dodge timing)

• Quick eliminations build Ultimate gauge

Simultaneous Spawns:

• Hornets firing = eliminate first

• Vines restricting movement = destroy problematic Vine first

Character Selection

S-Tier Counter Teams

Ellen Joe (Ice):

• Team: Ellen, Lycaon, Rina

• Ice resonance, defense shred, damage amplification

• Exceptional counter multipliers

• Burst damage can skip phase transitions

Soldier 11 (Fire):

• Team: Soldier 11, Grace, Koleda

• Fire resonance, shield generation

• Grace Electric reactions

• Koleda defensive utility

Nekomata (Physical):

• Team: Nekomata, Piper, Lucy

• Lucy/Piper buffs: 12-15s duration

• Time buffs with Ultimate/counter chains

• Damage rivals attribute teams

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Projectile Deflection Specialists

Deflection Characters:

• Alice, Anby, Banyue, Caesar, Ellen

• Miyabi, Komano, Nekomiya, Orphie & Magus, Qingyi

• Seth, Soldier 0 - Anby, Soldier 11

Qingyi: deflection + stun generation Miyabi: deflection + Ice damage Soldier 11: deflection + aggressive Fire playstyle

Deflection timing similar to Perfect Dodge. Provides redundant defensive options.

Dash Attack Integration

Press Basic Attack while dashing for movement-integrated damage. Maintains offensive pressure during repositioning.

Benefits:

• Damage during movement

• Vine destruction while repositioning

• Hornet elimination during movement

• Brief invulnerability frames (character-dependent)

Monitor stamina—dashing and attacking both consume stamina.

Dodge Resonia and Builds

Dodge Resonia: +45% counterattack damage. Multiplicative stacking with other bonuses.

Disk Drive Priorities:

• Attack %, Attribute DMG %, Crit Rate/Crit DMG

• Four-piece sets: Attribute DMG or dodge-triggered bonuses

• Hormone Punk set ideal

W-Engine Selection:

• Basic Attack damage, Attribute DMG bonuses

• Dodge/counter-triggered effects

• Signature W-Engines optimal (20-30% clear time reduction)

Team Buff Timing:

• Lucy/Piper buffs before major damage phases

• Rina amplification stacks multiplicatively

• Optimal windows: 2-3x normal damage

Phase-by-Phase Execution

Opening (100-75% HP)

Focus: rhythm building, Ultimate gauge generation, pattern learning.

• Consistent Perfect Dodge on single-target Ether Blasts

• Hornet elimination for practice, gauge building

• Medium range positioning (clear telegraph visibility)

• Build Ultimate to 100% before 75% threshold

Mid-Fight (75-35% HP)

75% HP - AOE Lasers:

• Position behind walls

• Mental reset, stamina check

• Ultimate immediately after lasers end

• 5-8s burst window during recovery

70% HP - Ether Wave:

• Rock positioning

• Mental reset

• Position with escape routes to additional rocks

Enhanced Patterns:

• Multi-projectile volleys demand rhythm-based chains

• First projectile Perfect Dodge → reset neutral → second projectile

• Avoid panic dodging

Critical Phase (35-25% HP)

35% HP - Vines:

• Immediate destruction (Ultimate abilities)

• Maintain Nineveh attack awareness

• Dash Attacks for Vine damage + mobility

• Peak Hornet frequency—prioritize active shooters

Stamina Management:

• Monitor gauge constantly

• Brief pauses between chains for regeneration

• Avoid depletion during critical sequences

Enrage (Below 25% HP)

Tentacles + Flower Form:

• Tentacles attack independently

• Prioritize dodging Nineveh over damaging tentacles

• Close-range positioning for Homing Missiles

Homing Missiles:

• Maintain close proximity

• Forward dodge 0.3s before impact

• Missile overshoots after dodge

Ultimate Usage:

• Focus on invulnerability frames + burst damage

• Time with dangerous attack combinations

• Emergency protection during complex patterns

Finishing Burst

Sub-15% HP:

• Maximize offensive pressure

• Continuous counter chains

• Ultimate rotations

Chain Attacks:

• Coordinate during stagger states

• Massive damage + invulnerability

• Can eliminate final HP% in seconds

Time Management:

• Monitor timer constantly

• Abundant time = conservative play

• Tight time = calculated risks

Final Adds (Sub-10% HP):

• Sufficient time = eliminate

• Critical time = ignore, focus Nineveh DPS

Advanced Techniques

Dodge Canceling

Interrupt attack animations with dodge inputs. Maintains DPS while preserving defensive options.

Timing: Cancel during final 30-40% of attack animation (after damage registration, before recovery frames).

Pseudo-Counter Loops: Alternate single counter hits with immediate dodge preparation. Constant offensive pressure + Perfect Dodge readiness.

Extended Toolkit:

• Dash Attack cancels (repositioning during offense)

• Ultimate cancels (skip recovery frames)

• Assist interrupts (invulnerability during danger)

Positioning Manipulation

Distance-Based Attack Selection:

• Close range: more tentacle sweeps, fewer Ether Blasts

• Medium range (2-3 character lengths): balanced variety

• Long range: heavy Ether Blast preference

Strategic Positioning:

• Excel at Ether Blasts? Maintain medium-long range

• Excel at tentacle sweeps? Stay close

Lateral Positioning:

• Sides: increased tentacle frequency, superior frontal telegraph visibility

• Rear: triggers tail blasts, reduces frontal visibility

Ultimate Phase Skipping

Target Skips: 35% HP Vines, 25% HP tentacles (highest difficulty spikes).

Strategy:

• Build all team Ultimates to 100% before 40% HP

• Coordinated Ultimate chain: 40% → 20% HP

• Completely bypass Vine phase

Assist Timing:

• Defensive Assists interrupt attack wind-ups

• Cancels entire attack sequences

• Valuable against multi-hit combinations

Stamina Management

Stamina depletion prevents dodges = guaranteed damage.

Regeneration: Occurs during periods without dodge/dash/sprint inputs. Use Nineveh's recovery frames for micro-pauses.

Dodge Cooldown: Two consecutive dodges increase stamina consumption. Avoid triggering during multi-hit sequences.

Stamina Builds: Disk Drive substats/W-Engine effects increase max stamina and regeneration. Lower damage but improved safety margins for learning.

Common Errors and Corrections

Panic Dodging

Problem: Rapid, uncontrolled dodge inputs → stamina depletion, cooldown triggers, failed Perfect Dodge timing.

Correction:

• Mental mantra/rhythm pattern (one... two... three...)

• Breathing rhythm (dodge on exhale)

• Practice single attack types until automatic

• Record attempts, identify panic triggers

Delayed Attack Timing

Problem: Extended wind-ups bait premature dodges. Dodge completes before hitbox activation.

Correction:

• Focus on animation keyframes (max brightness, acceleration moments)

• Practice intentional late dodges (recalibrate timing instincts)

• Train audio recognition (distinct sounds at hitbox activation)

Incorrect Dodge Direction

Problem: Wrong direction despite correct timing.

Hitbox Shapes:

• Straight-line Ether Blasts: forward dodge through center

• Sweeping tentacles: lateral perpendicular dodge

• AOE: any outward direction (backward = max distance)

• Homing Missiles: forward at close range (overshoot)

Correction: Experiment all directions against each attack type. Build empirical understanding.

Over-Committing Punish Windows

Problem: Extended combos → animation lock when next attack initiates.

Correction:

• Strict combo limits: 2-3 Basic Attacks after Dodge Counter

• Return to neutral, prepare next dodge

• Advanced: extend based on pattern recognition (long recovery frames)

• Practice artificial limits (single-hit counters only)

Training Methodology

Isolated Pattern Practice

1. Practice single attack type exclusively (e.g., only tail Ether Blasts)

2. Achieve 90%+ success rate

3. Progress to two-pattern combinations

4. Add-clearing drills (Hornets, Vines)

5. Phase-specific drills (use high-damage teams to reach thresholds quickly)

Progressive Difficulty

Scenario Scaling:

1. Solo Nineveh, no modifiers

2. Hay Fever I (40% increased damage, more Hornets)

Team Scaling:

1. Defensive teams (shields, healing)

2. Balanced teams

3. Pure offensive teams

Time Pressure:

1. Ignore time (focus no-hit execution)

2. Progressive goals (5min → 4min → 3min)

3. Approach S-Rank requirements incrementally

Recording: Review every attempt. Identify error patterns, timing inconsistencies, decision mistakes.

Mental Reset Protocols

Between Attempts:

• 2-3 minute break

• Physical movement (stretching, walking)

• 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4s, hold 7s, exhale 8s) × 3-4 cycles

Positive Reframing:

• ❌ I keep failing

• ✅ I'm learning through practice

Session Management:

• 60-90 minute max

• 5-10 minute breaks every 20-30 minutes

• Quality > quantity

Performance Metrics

Track:

• Perfect Dodge success rate by attack type

• Average HP threshold before first hit

• Time-to-kill (Hornets, Vines)

• Average stamina during critical phases

• Ultimate gauge generation rate

Practice Log:

• Document focus areas, achievements, weaknesses

• Weekly review for trends

• Specific session goals (80% Perfect Dodge on tentacle sweeps)

S-Rank Requirements

Time and Damage

Time Threshold: Under 3-4 minutes (varies by difficulty).

Damage Penalties: Any damage = substantial score deductions. No-hit runs eliminate penalties entirely.

Combat Rating: Accumulates through hits landed, counters, Ultimates, Chain Attacks. Constant offensive pressure maximizes rating.

Score Threshold: 90%+ of maximum. Demands near-perfect performance across all dimensions.

Combat Rating Maximization

Counter Frequency: Dodge Counters provide substantially more rating than standard attacks.

Counter Chain Length: 3-hit chains > three separate 1-hit counters (combo multipliers).

Ultimate Timing: Coordinate with high-damage windows + Chain Attack opportunities.

Chain Attacks: Massive rating bonuses. Trigger during stagger states.

Decibel and Ultimate Management

Decibel Rating: Measures overall combat performance. Counter strategies naturally generate high ratings.

Ultimate Gauge:

• Build during low-pressure phases (100-75% HP)

• Conservative early usage

• Preserve for late-phase bursts

Team Rotation: Use each character's Ultimate in sequence. Maintains constant burst availability.

Assist Ultimate Coordination: Chain in rapid succession. Invulnerability throughout + massive damage.

Pre-Attempt Checklist

Build Verification:

• Optimal Disk Drives (main stats, substats)

• Maximized W-Engine levels

• Agent skill levels (prioritize Basic Attack, Dodge Counter)

Consumables:

• Attack buffs

• Attribute DMG buffs

• Stamina regeneration items

Mental Preparation:

• Calm focus (not anxious pressure)

• Failed attempts = learning opportunities

• Confident calm approach

Environment:

• Stable internet

• Eliminate distractions

• Optimize display settings

• Adjust audio levels

Resource Preparation

Essential Upgrades

Agent Levels: Maximize to Inter-Knot Level caps. Prioritize main DPS → support.

Skill Priorities:

1. Basic Attack

2. Dodge Counter

3. Ultimate

4. Assist (unless Assist-focused comp)

W-Engines: Prioritize main DPS. Focus on Basic Attack damage, Attribute DMG, counter enhancements.

Disk Drives:

• Four-piece sets: Attribute DMG or dodge-triggered bonuses

• Main stats: Attack % (slot 4), Attribute DMG % (slot 5), Crit Rate/DMG (slot 6)

• Substats: Attack %, Crit Rate, Crit DMG, Attribute Mastery

Efficient Farming

Agent/W-Engine Materials: Weekday-specific stages. Plan around schedules. Prioritize highest-difficulty stages (max materials per energy).

Disk Drives: Designated stages, randomized drops. Target desired sets. Use tuning for substat rerolls.

Dennies: Currency stages. All upgrades consume substantial Dennies. Farm during double-drop events.

Event Optimization

Time-Limited Events: Enhanced resource rates, exclusive materials. Prioritize during active periods.

Event Currency: Purchase limited-availability items first → renewable resources.

Exclusive Items: Evaluate W-Engines/Disk Drives for counter strategy synergy.

Strategic Timing: Delay non-urgent farming before anticipated events. Preserve energy for event participation.

FAQ

What are exact invulnerability frame counts for Perfect Dodge?

25-30 frames plus slow-motion window (approximately 0.5-0.8s total protection). Regular dodge: 10-15 frames. Slow-motion provides visual confirmation and extended counter input window.

Best team for Nineveh no-hit runs?

Ellen, Lycaon, Rina. Ice damage, defense shred, damage amplification, superior counter multipliers. Alternative: Soldier 11, Grace, Koleda (Fire damage + shield generation).

How to recognize Nineveh's attacks without danger indicators?

Light charging patterns: tail (rear blasts), frontal (forward cones), tentacles (side angles). 1-2s warning. Audio cues supplement visual tells.

Can you S-Rank with damage taken?

Technically yes with exceptional performance elsewhere, but damage penalties are substantial. No-hit execution provides most reliable S-Rank path.

Optimal strategy for 35% HP Vine phase?

Destroy immediately with high-damage attacks/Ultimates before barrage intensifies. 3-5 hits per Vine. Extends time limit, removes movement restrictions. Prioritize over Nineveh damage.

How does Dodge Resonia 45% bonus calculate?

Multiplicative with other bonuses (Attack %, Attribute DMG %, Crit DMG, team buffs). Example: 1000 base × 1.5 Attack × 1.3 Attribute × 1.45 Resonia = 2,827.5 total damage.