Ellen and Zhu Yuan, Who Is More Worth Drawing?

As the first two exclusive agents in Zenless Zone Zero and both being [Attack] type agents, Ellen and Zhu Yuan are naturally subject to comparison. Today, we will discuss their respective features and provide some suggestions. Given that the mechanics in the test server may differ from those in the official release, this comparison will focus on mechanics, ease of use, and team composition requirements.

Conclusion first: Based on these three aspects, Ellen comprehensively surpasses Zhu Yuan.

Zhu Yuan resembles a specialist, with skills that demand rapid and concise DMG, whereas Ellen is well-rounded and vey suitable for beginners to explore the game. Let's delve into each aspect to validate this conclusion.

DMG Mechanism

Both characters are [Attack] type and are expected to handle frontline DMG most of the time. Therefore, enhancing DMG efficiency is our primary concern. Conveniently, both characters utilize a buff accumulation mechanism to boost their DMG.

Ellen's buff accumulation methods:

1. Long press or double-tap Dodge to activate [Roaming Hunt], then tap Attack to accumulate one buff.
2. While in [Roaming Hunt], long press Attack to charge attack, accumulating three buffs.
3. Use enhanced heavy attack when energy is available, with each enhanced heavy attack accumulating one buff.

It's important to note that these attacks must hit enemies to accumulate buffs; missing attacks, especially with enhanced heavy attacks, wastes energy. The accumulated buffs enhance Ellen's subsequent normal attacks, which can deal Ice DMG that can accumulate abnormal attribute values, consuming one buff per normal attack.

Ellen's attack strategy involves entering the battlefield in [Roaming Hunt], choosing between tapping or charging attacks based on the accumulation of buffs. Charging attacks have a brief invulnerable period, making them ideal for initiation unless pursuing flawless execution. The range expansion of charging attacks aids in pushing and grouping enemies. The three buffs from a charging attack can cover the damage boost of a complete set of normal attacks. If small enemies attack during this process, you may need to interrupt the combo and use Dodge to evade. Quickly double-tap dodge to return to [Roaming Hunt], thus resetting the attack cycle. Enhanced heavy attacks can be integrated based on energy accumulation, adding invincibility frames and wide attack ranges, ideal for crowd control and mitigating interruptions.

In terms of feel, Ellen's abilities, except for the charging attack in [Roaming Hunt], can be executed by tapping. The [Roaming Hunt] significantly improves maneuverability and positioning, saving time compared to other characters. Overall, Ellen's skill mechanics are simple, with low learning and operational thresholds, making her an excellent S character for beginners.

Zhu Yuan's Buff Accumulation Methods:

1. Tap normal attack, accumulating 1 buff at the fifth segment.
2. Use enhanced heavy attack, accumulating 3 buffs.
3. Use combo skill, accumulating 3 buffs.
4. Use ultimate, accumulating 3 buffs.
5. Consume 1 block point for extreme support, accumulating 3 buffs (oddly not described in the skill details).

The accumulated buffs can be consumed by long-pressing the light attack to enter the [Suppressive Mode] shotgun state, increasing damage output. Despite five accumulation methods, the cycles are relatively long and sometimes depend on enemy attacks, making them passive. The most stable accumulation method involves normal attacks to accumulate enhanced heavy attack energy, releasing it immediately upon full charge, and entering [Suppressive Mode] to use up buffs, then returning to normal attacks. This cycle ensures stable buff accumulation and straightforward gameplay.

However, Zhu Yuan's efficiency in buff accumulation significantly lags behind Ellen's. This delay in reaching peak damage is a major difference in output mechanisms. Moreover, Zhu Yuan's movements resemble melee characters, despite wielding firearms. Her initial kick attack can miss if too far from the enemy, and her small attack range limits crowd control and mob clearing, unsuitable for prolonged frontline presence. Additionally, the noticeable attack animation delays in [Suppressive Mode] result in a sticky feel, making her less ideal in multi-enemy scenarios.

Zhu Yuan's most stylish yet controversial feature is her gun kata, executed by tapping light attack. This continuous attack has short range and small attack radius, complicating precise positioning and frequent movement, leading to misjudged enemy attack evasion timings.

Despite both being [Attack] type characters, Zhu Yuan's gameplay revolves around resource accumulation for explosive power, positioning her as a backline damage dealer rather than a frontline clearer. Her team should include a character capable of clearing mobs and quickly accumulating enemy imbalance values for combo attacks, providing buffs for Zhu Yuan. With full charge enhanced heavy attack energy during combo switches, Zhu Yuan can unleash her devastating burst power.

Team Composition

In terms of team composition, the core skill requirements for team members are either the same attribute or faction. Currently, the disclosed characters for Ellen-centric teams are:

And the disclosed characters for Zhu Yuan-centric teams are:

Based on the backline output theory, only one suitable choice exists for Zhu Yuan:

but more compatible teammates are expected in the official release. Therefore, Zhu Yuan's high output requires substantial team support.

Final Conclusion

If you can only draw one limited S-tier character with your resources, my recommendation is to draw Ellen without hesitation.