How to Properly Counter Miasma Shield in Zenless Zone Zero?

Welcome, Proxies, to this article exploring the foundational mechanics of "Miasma Shield." As a new mechanic introduced in Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.0, Miasma Shield appears on various enemies, including the new boss "Bloodflame Devourer" and Version 2.0 Doppelganger enemies, etc. Let's now comprehensively analyze the mechanics and countermeasures for Miasmic Shield!

1. Self-Buffs of Miasma Shield in Zenless Zone Zero

1.1 High DEF & DMG RES

Enemies with active Miasma Shield gain significant DEF and DMG RES bonuses. Testing reveals an 80% DEF increase. In our previous PEN mechanics analysis, we detailed the DEF formula, including how DEF buffs function. The new boss's base DEF remains 60 at Lv1; with the 80% DEF buff, this effectively becomes 108. Thus, for characters without DEF reduction, PEN, or DEF ignore, damage is reduced to 70% of its original value.

This likely reminds everyone of the 100% DEF-ignoring Ether Sheer DMG from the "Rupture" class. Though Master Byron fears no DEF, Miasma Shield also grants enemies DMG RES. Testing shows most Miasma Shields provide 25% DMG RES, unaffected by Ether Sheer DMG. Note: The 80% DEF increase and 25% DMG RES are based on current enemy testing-official values may vary for specific enemies/scenarios.

1.2 Locking the Daze Accumulation

When enemies activate Miasma Shield, the Daze Accumulation is hidden and replaced by a Miasma Shield gauge. However, the number beside the gauge still indicates the Daze percentage. Daze values continue accumulating but cap at 99.5%-once reached, Daze cannot increase until Miasma Shield is cleared. Crucially, Daze Accumulation under Miasma Shield suffers no penalty. To stagger enemies, you must first deplete the Miasma Shield gauge.

1.3 Increased Stagger Resistance

Enemy Stagger Resistance increases by 2 levels. Small enemies typically have level 1 resistance, elites level 3-5, and bosses level 5 or Uninterruptible lv99. For example: Evelyn (Mindscape tier-2) can interrupt boss attacks with her chain skill normally, but not when the boss is under Miasma Shield.

1.4 Enhanced Miasma Contamination Accumulation

During exploration or when hit by enemies, a Miasma Contamination bar may appear. When full, it drains 15% of each Proxy's current HP. Against the new boss, contamination accumulation increases by 30% when Miasma Shield is active.

2. How to Clear Miasma Shield in Zenless Zone Zero?

2.1 Passive Drain

An enemy's Miasma Shield drains at 1% per second while between 100% and 10%, but ceases draining below 10%. We must remind all Proxies that enemies with non-draining Miasma Shields may exist.

2.2 Universal Miasma Shield Reduction via Attacks

All attacks reduce Miasma Shield values. Testing indicates: the new boss in Deadly Assault has approximately 3,500 shield points, while weekly bosses and the Bloodflame Devourer ("Red Brute") have around 2,000 shield points.

Different character skills provide fixed shield reduction values unrelated to damage attributes-similar to energy recovery or Decibels mechanics. As noted in-game, Ultimates, Defensive Assists, and Dodge Counters typically deliver higher reduction efficiency:

Ultimates reduce 500-900 points

Defensive Assists reduce 300-400 points

Dodge Counters reduce 100-300 points

In short: prioritize interactive combat actions.

2.3 Additional Mechanics

During exploration in limited arenas, alternative methods exist. For instance, when enemies remain passive (non-aggressive before engagement), locate surrounding Miasma Tumors and use Perception Techniques to reduce their Miasma Shield. Furthermore, material farming data confirms the Bloodflame Devourer consumes 4% of its Miasma Shield per skill activation.

3. The "Reward" After Clearing Miasma Shield

In addition to removing enemy buffs, clearing Miasma Shield deals instant percentage damage. Testing confirms this typically deals 15% of the target's Max HP. For the Deadly Assault boss, it inflicts 3% of Max HP damage, and this damage is unaffected by DEF reduction. Additionally, it restores half the Energy gauge for the entire team.

4. Zenless Zone Zero Miasma Shield Counter Strategy

Based on the above, the core combat approach is: Stun agents and Support agents can save their Ultimates for when enemies have Miasma Shields-this massively reduces shield value without compromising their primary effects. Additionally, prioritize Defensive Assists during yellow flash warnings and Dodge Counters during red flashes to accumulate energy. Once Miasma Shield breaks, the enemy enters Dazed state; leverage the team energy restored for burst damage.

That concludes all content regarding Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.0's new mechanic-Miasma Shield. Have these insights improved your combat skills? If not, don't worry! We've just embarked on Version 2.0 and need time to adapt. Stay tuned for more version guides and merchandise!