Zenless Zone Zero Specialtys Analysis: Anomaly Agents Still Dominate!

The number of agents in Zenless Zone Zero continues to grow, and the performance of various specialtys has seen some changes in the current meta. Today we'll analyze the current state of agents' specialtys in Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.6, helping players understand which specialtys are more popular and worthwhile to invest in and develop.

1. Attack Specialty Agents in ZZZ

Currently, Attack roles in Zenless Zone Zero are primarily defined as team cores focused on direct damage. In combat strategies, two main playstyles have emerged. Taking the two major DPS agents from Version 1.0 as examples: Ellen Joe represents pure on-field DPS with smoother output and decent burst during Daze phases, offering better environmental adaptability but being more reliant on stat scaling. Conversely, Zhu Yuan embodies quick-swap burst damage, currently synergizing with Qingyi, emphasizing firepower during Daze phases, typically requiring higher mechanical skill ceilings while demonstrating stronger boss-killing capabilities.

Recently, the Attack role has successively received several high-quality main DPS characters. The free character Asaba Harumasa from Version 1.4 expanded Zhu Yuan's options in the quick-swap burst playstyle, offering strong operability and high skill ceilings. Version 1.5's Evelyn Chevalier features a more versatile playstyle, capable of both sustained on-field damage and Daze-phase burst, demonstrating exceptional flexibility. As for Version 1.6's new agent Soldier 0-Anby, she introduced an entirely new pursuit system, with substantial reinforcements for follow-up attack strategies planned in future updates.

Specialty Analysis

Currently, it appears that the Attack role has achieved significant breakthroughs compared to previous versions. The consecutive release of two new limited S-rank main DPS characters has greatly improved Attack characters' deployment rate in actual combat. With subsequent plans to create favorable battle environments tailored for Attack roles, their status is poised to make a notable breakthrough.

2. Anomaly Specialty Agents in ZZZ

The performance of Anomaly characters has slightly declined in recent versions, primarily due to environmental shifts, as the current meta isn't focused on Anomaly mechanics. However, this doesn't diminish the versatility of Anomaly main DPS units in team-building strategies.

With the addition of Anomaly sub-DPS Burnice, main DPS of other attributes now gain viability in Fire-weak scenarios. For instance, despite the absence of Physical-weak environments recently, Jane has excelled in Tsukishiro Yanagi's Fire/Electro-resistant stages, demonstrating the adaptability of Disorder teams.

Tsukishiro Yanagi and Hoshimiya Miyabi demonstrate even greater tactical flexibility. Yanagi's adaptability lies in role positioning: while pairing with Burnice in Disorder teams remains the optimal choice, she can also utilize dual buffers for solo DPS setups against Fire Resistance, or serve as Miyabi's premier sub-DPS, balancing damage output with energy recharge.

Miyabi's versatility manifests in team compositions. As an Anomaly agent specializing in direct damage, she enables both Disorder synergies with other Anomaly units and Daze-focused strategies with Stun characters. High-investment builds can even deploy Yaori's dual buffers for sustained on-field dominance, making her the most comprehensively adaptable agent in the roster.

Specialty Analysis

The Anomaly role remains largely unchanged compared to previous versions. Despite not being strongly promoted in current updates, Anomaly maintains its position as the dominant force in the current meta due to its solid foundation. Furthermore, Version 1.7 will introduce Vivian, a new Anomaly sub-DPS character, with Anomaly's performance expected to further improve upon her release.

3. Stun Specialty Agents in ZZZ

The Stun role has finally achieved substantial development in Version 1.6. The first half introduced A-grade off-field Stun character Pulchra Fellini, followed by the limited S-rank Trigger in the latter half, completely fulfilling all scenario requirements for Stun teams.

Qingyi from Version 1.1 remains the gold standard for pure on-field Stun, providing up to 80% Daze Vulnerability that synergizes exceptionally well with quick-swap burst characters. Lighter specializes in Ice/Fire attribute Stun mechanics, boasting top-tier numerical values with 75% damage boost and 15% resistance reduction buffs, while his quick-swap playstyle perfectly complements on-field main DPS units across multiple team compositions. As for Trigger releasing in the second half of 1.6, this pure off-field unit requires virtually no field time, delivering optimal synergy with zero-downtime characters like Soldier 0-Anby, and even shows potential to enhance Version 1.0's top DPS Ellen Joe.

Specialty Analysis

The Stun role currently holds the most stable position in the meta. Their viability largely depends on the performance of Attack characters. With the recent rise of Attack roles, these high-quality Stun units are beginning to shine, showing promising potential for future performance.

4. Support Specialty Agents in ZZZ

Support characters are the most in-demand role, being mandatory in nearly all team compositions. Astra Yao stands uncontested as the supreme Support, providing exceptional ATK boosts, teamwide quick Support, bonus link skills, and party-wide healing, delivering maximized practicality.

Among other Support units, Lucy and Nicole currently excel. Lucy reigns as the Queen of Versatility, fitting seamlessly into any team, though many Rope Artisans prioritize allocating her signature W-Engine to Astra Yao, slightly impacting Lucy's usage rates. However, this issue is mitigated by W-Engine switching availability in Deadly Assault mode.

Nicole's meteoric rise is primarily attributed to her synergy with Astra Yao, forming the formidable Astra-Nicole duo that finds viability in teams featuring popular main DPS like Hoshimi Miyabi, Evelyn Chevalier, and Soldier 0-Anby, achieving maximized strength and versatility. Nicole herself boasts exceptional capabilities, with peerless crowd-gathering mechanics that significantly improve clear efficiency, complemented by first-tier DEF reduction effects.

Specialty Analysis

The Support role requires minimal analysis as it maintains the most stable employment in Zenless Zone Zero. Every viable team composition necessitates Support characters' buffs, given their critical importance. Moreover, the varied buff attributes of different Support units are precisely tailored to complement diverse team builds.

5. Defense Specialty Agents in ZZZ

The Defense role currently has only one standout unit: Caesar, who provides super-armor-level shields alongside Support-tier buffs including a 1000-point ATK boost and 25% damage increase, achieving maximum versatility and strength that makes him a blessing for casual players. As for Ben and Seth, their performance remains mediocre and not worth in-depth analysis. Future updates are expected to introduce more powerful Defense characters.

Specialty Analysis

The Defense role was initially designed with a conservative approach, resulting in the first two Defense characters being underwhelming. Fortunately, Caesar has salvaged the role's viability, though its presence remains insufficient and heavily reliant on future reinforcements.

Overall, all roles currently demonstrate solid performance in the meta. The gap between Attack and Anomaly roles is gradually narrowing, while Stun characters are primarily paired with Attack units, occasionally finding utility in Anomaly teams. Support and Defense roles remain essential components when situationally appropriate. Which agents are you using most frequently?