Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan Guide: Anniversary Main DPS Analysis！

At the beginning of this month, as Zenless Zone Zero celebrates its first anniversary, the development team has revealed a heavyweight Agent-Yixuan. Many Proxies are undoubtedly still curious: How strong is Yixuan exactly? Follow this guide today as we dive into Yixuan's kit and analyze her key strengths.

1. Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - Skill Introduction

As the anniversary's premier Main DPS, Yixuan boasts a formidable arsenal. Her unique Rupture class prioritizes Sheer Force-an exclusive stat that enables Sheer DMG ignoring enemy DEF. Unlike foundational stats like ATK, Sheer Force has no base value, significantly simplifying calculations. Note: Current Sheer Force mechanics are exclusive to Yixuan; future Rupture agents may differ.

The new Auric Ink attribute, while less novel, functions identically to Ether, differing only in its distinct golden damage numbers.

Yixuan's core mechanics extend beyond this: she replaces traditional energy systems with a tri-resource framework comprising Adrenaline, Technique Points, and Auric Ink Points.

Adrenaline: Yixuan-exclusive energy regenerating at 2/s; restored when her skills hit.Technique Points: Consumed to cast enhanced skills. Spending Adrenaline converts to Technique Points at a 1:0.67 ratio.Auric Ink Points: Gained via alternate Ultimates. Used to deploy the Auric Array-a vital energy-restoring and rotation-syncing skill.

1.1 Yixuan Adrenaline Circulation

Adrenaline circulation forms the foundation of Yixuan's combat flow, making thorough analysis of its sources essential. Simulation results show her Adrenaline gains stem from three components:

1. Natural regeneration
2. Buff-based restoration
3. Normal attack hit recovery

Buff-based restoration includes five primary sources:

1. Fixed Adrenaline recovery upon activating Elemental Abnormalities;
2. Adrenaline restoration buff from casting "Auric Array";
3. Triggering Perfect Dodge;
4. Teammate's Perfect Assist;
5. Extra Adrenaline reward for successful Defensive Assist with enhanced skills.

These five sources collectively account for 31% of total Adrenaline recovery, a significant portion. Having covered Adrenaline, let's examine Technique Point conversion. Yixuan mainly consumes Adrenaline to generate Technique Points through two methods: EX Special Attack combos and using Cloud-Shaper.

1.2 Yixuan EX Special Attack - Ink Manifestation

Let's first introduce the combo-form EX Special Attack-Ink Manifestation. This enhanced attack comprises three segments: the first and third segments consume 40 and 20 Adrenaline respectively. The initial segment can be charged; completing the charge grants bonus multipliers. If struck during this segment, it triggers a Perfect Defensive Assist, instantly completing the charge. Cloud-Shaper consumes Adrenaline faster while dealing higher DPS and gathering enemies, but requires stationary casting and may miss highly mobile targets-pros and cons coexist.

1.3 Yixuan Ultimate

Having covered the two Technique Point conversion skills, we now examine the next resource conversion phase: Ultimates. Yixuan possesses two Ultimates-one consuming Decibels and the other consuming Technique Points. Numerically, the Decibel-consuming Ultimate deals ~25% higher damage multipliers than the Technique Point-consuming version.

Mechanically, both Ultimates equalize ally HP. The Technique Point Ultimate additionally grants 1 Auric Ink Point for deploying the Auric Array. While the Auric Array's damage contribution is minor, its 7 Adrenaline/s restoration buff is vital for energy recovery. It also serves as Yixuan's primary rotation-syncing window, making it a high-priority ability. We recommend deploying it at the end of a burst phase, just before initiating the next rotation. Ultimately, the Auric Array represents the culmination of Yixuan's resource conversion.

With this, all Yixuan's active skills have been detailed. Finally, her Additional Ability activates when the team includes Stun, Support, or Defense agents-an easily met condition. Beyond the aforementioned Adrenaline recovery, this passive grants "+30% DMG" to Cloud-Shaper during Dazed states and provides her core self-buff: Meditation. After casting an Ultimate, Yixuan gains Meditation, boosting CRIT DMG by 40% for 15s. This significantly enhances burst quality, especially during early-game progression.

2. Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - Core Mechanics Breakdown

In the first section of this chapter, we thoroughly dissect several core mechanics introduced with Yixuan. We present key conclusions upfront before detailed explanations:

1. Sheer DMG ignores DEF, making the DEF zone permanently constant for 1; DEF reduction and PEN Ratio yield zero benefit.
2. Sheer DMG bonus attributes belong to an independent damage zone, not the DMG Bonus zone.
3. Adrenaline is not Energy, thus incapable of interacting with the legacy energy system.
4. Auric Ink Corruption functions identically to Ether Corruption, differing only in visual color.

2.1 Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan: Sheer DMG Mechanics

Regarding the first two points: As the signature mechanic of Rupture agents, Sheer DMG calculation resembles standard damage, differing only in base multipliers and DEF handling. Its base multiplier shifts from "ATK × Skill Multiplier" to "Sheer Force × Skill Multiplier". The DEF zone is fixed at 1 due to Sheer DMG ignoring enemy DEF. This is functionally equivalent to 100% DEF ignore or PEN. Consequently, DEF reduction and PEN Ratio attributes are completely useless for Rupture agents.

Moving to Adrenaline: While superficially similar to Energy, Adrenaline is a fundamentally distinct system. Neither fixed Energy restoration (e.g., team skills) nor Drive Disc slot-6 auto-recovery affects Adrenaline. Thus, Yixuan has no synergy with Lighters-consuming Adrenaline doesn't boost Lighter Morale. Remember: never select Energy Regeneration buffs for Yixuan in Hollow Zero!

Finally, the most deceptive mechanic: the "Auric Ink" attribute. Despite its uniqueness, Auric Ink operates identically to standard Ether in Anomaly systems. During Anomaly snapshots, Auric Ink Corruption scales from Yixuan's ATK (not Sheer Force). Though its damage numbers mimic Sheer DMG's gold text, it remains affected by the DEF zone, proving Auric Ink differs from ordinary corrosion only visually.

2.2 Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan Gameplay Analysis

Having covered core mechanics, we now examine Yixuan's playstyle. Despite her complex systems, her core loop resembles standard DPS: accumulate resources → unleash burst. Begin by securing prerequisites: when initiating burst, ensure Yixuan has full Technique Points and at least enough Adrenaline for one Cloud-Shaper.

The burst opener is straightforward: when enemies enter Daze, ensure Yixuan triggers a Chain Attack before using her Technique Point Ultimate to activate the 40% CRIT DMG buff. Follow this immediately with Cloud-Shaper. This sequence rapidly stacks 3 layers of Yunkui Tales' Drive Disc 4-piece buff, activating its second effect: "+10% Sheer DMG".

As established, Sheer DMG bonuses are independent multipliers. Thus, maximizing Yunkui Tales' effect is essential. With her signature W-Engine, perform one EX Special Attack before Daze to maintain two W-Engine buff stacks throughout the burst phase. After this fixed opener, prioritize skill usage freely. Crucially, deploy Auric Array at burst end-it's Yixuan's only optimal rotation-syncing tool, allowing smooth teammate swaps for the next cycle.

Overall, Yixuan's burst is flexible. Exact thresholds for Adrenaline/TP/Decibels aren't rigid; deficits can be mitigated by adjusting skill order mid-burst. Outside burst phases, her role is simple: on-field normal attacks for resource generation, spending excess Adrenaline while retaining at least 60 for Cloud-Shaper readiness.

The key decision lies in choosing between Cloud-Shaper and EX Special Attack. Both are enhanced skills, with EX Special having slightly higher multipliers but longer animations. Our simulations reveal:

1. Spending all Adrenaline on charged EX Special Attacks reduces total consumption by 9% versus Cloud-Shaper usage.
2. With perfect Assist triggers during charge, efficiency surpasses Cloud-Shaper by 2%.

Based on this simulation, we recommend adjusting your use of Adrenaline according to enemy attack patterns when fielding Yixuan. If enemies aren't attacking, deploy Cloud-Shaper; if initiating attacks, prioritize EX Special Attack to trigger Perfect Assist and complete its full combo sequence. Additionally, note that Perfect Dodge remains accessible during Cloud-Shaper casting. Consequently, against enemy yellow-attack signals, Yixuan has three strategic options: "Cloud-Shaper", "EX Special Attack" or "Character Swap + Assist".

During combat, Proxies should holistically evaluate the enemy's Daze gauge progression and current Technique Point reserves to flexibly select countermeasures for each incoming attack.

2.3 Yixuan - Character Limitations

Now we address this guide's final topic: Yixuan's limitations. While her personal stats and mechanics show few flaws, her primary constraints involve team composition restrictions and resource-intensive investment.

Firstly, Sheer DMG's DEF-ignoring nature invalidates all DEF-reduction and PEN Ratio supports-specifically Nicole and Rina. This doesn't render them unusable, but drastically diminishes their value, resulting in suboptimal team performance. Excluding these popular supports leaves Yixuan with highly homogenous ATK-buffing Agents like Astra Yao, Caesar, and Lucy. Their ATK buffs undergo conversion to Sheer Force, suffering significant efficiency loss after scaling calculations.

Beyond limited team options, Yixuan demands heavier investment costs. Her optimal Drive Disc stats-CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and HP%-deviate from conventional main DPS requirements. Most legacy universal Drive Discs prove incompatible or useless, forcing players to farm entirely new sets. With these points covered, our mechanics analysis concludes.

3. Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - Mindscape Benefits

Next, let's examine Yixuan's Mindscape bonuses!

3.1 Yixuan Mindscape I - "Spiritual Path"

With Mindscape I, Yixuan gains 10% Crit Rate and full Technique Points at battle start, equivalent to an opening Ultimate. Additionally, whenever any ally hits an enemy, it triggers a lightning strike restoring 5 Adrenaline, with this effect having a 6s cooldown.

The free opening Ultimate seems appealing but delivers minimal full-rotation impact. Primary reasons include: this effect triggers only once per prolonged battle, and Yixuan typically lacks buffs at battle start, resulting in low-damage Ultimates. The value of this bonus diminishes significantly over extended engagements.

In practice, Mindscape I's usability exceeds its numerical performance. While providing roughly 11% personal damage increase in long fights, its effectiveness can reach 20%+ in short skirmishes.

3.2 Yixuan Mindscape II - "Ward Off Misfortune"

Yixuan's Mindscape II grants her Ultimate and EX Special Attack 15% Ether RES PEN, and the Decibel-consuming Ultimate extends Daze duration by 3s. The Technique Point Ultimate applies "Condensed Ink", enabling a follow-up strike after Normal or EX Special Attacks with 1200% multipliers**. Despite the seemingly impressive multiplier, this attack contributes merely 1.7% to total damage in practice due to its strict trigger condition (requiring a TP Ultimate), severely limiting its activation frequency.

The core value of Mindscape II lies in the 15% RES PEN and extended Daze window, significantly enhancing burst quality. This eidolon provides ~11% personal damage increase in long engagements, rising to over 15% in short rotations.

3.3 Yixuan Mindscape IV - "The One Path of Mysticism"

Mindscape IV grants one stack of "Tranquility" per Ultimate cast (max 2 stacks). Each stack boosts the next Cloud-Shaper or EX Special Attack by 30% DMG. Tranquility has no duration but depletes upon triggering.

Though 60% total DMG bonus appears substantial, Yixuan's inherent DMG Bonus zone often exceeds 200% (peaking near 250%). Thus, the 60% bonus translates to just 24-30% actual damage gain per use. Combined with its low uptime (<30%), Mindscape IV yields only 6.8% overall improvement in extended fights.

3.4 Yixuan Mindscape VI - "Swift Yet Still"

Mindscape VI causes her Decibel Ultimate to automatically grant a Technique Point Ultimate charge, and boosts Sheer DMG by 20% during Meditation. This creates resource surplus: one burst phase cannot exhaust all skills, allowing more frequent TP Ultimates. Simply landing one Decibel Ultimate during Daze guarantees high-quality bursts.

Simulations show ~19.7% damage increase for Mindscape VI-a conservative estimate. Accounting for rigid simulation rotations, its actual performance likely reaches ~35%.

3.5 Conclusion

Yixuan delivers massive burst damage via dual Ultimates during Daze windows while generating sustained minor burst phases with Cloud-Shaper and EX Special Attacks during resource buildup-truly an Agent balancing sustained and burst DPS. Her high field time demand and limited rotation windows intensify with Mindscape upgrades, warranting quickswap/off-field hybrids as teammates to avoid conflicts.

Regarding Mindscapes: Base Yixuan already performs at top-tier level, with Mindscape I and VI offering the most significant upgrades.

4. Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan Agent Development

4.1 Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - Skill Priorities

For skill upgrades, prioritize: Core Passive first, followed by Ultimate and EX Special Attack equally, then Normal Attack, Assist skills, and finally Dodge skills. Since Yixuan rarely uses Dodge Counters, Dodge skills require minimal leveling.

Regarding stat value: With PEN Ratio offering zero benefit for Sheer DMG, we exclude it. Among remaining stats, CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG provide substantially higher returns than other attributes. DMG Bonus slightly outperforms HP%, followed by ATK%, while Anomaly Proficiency ranks last.

4.2 Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - W-Engine Selection

Given the Rupture mechanic's restrictions, current options are limited to her signature W-Engine, two A-rank options, and B-rank alternatives. The signature weapon offers:

1. Main stat: 30% HP
2. Effect: 20% CRIT Rate, 16% DMG Bonus, and 20% Sheer DMG to Ultimate and EX Special Attacks. This Sheer DMG bonus holds exceptional value-currently only obtainable from Mindscape VI (20%), Drive Discs (10%), and this weapon (20%).

The exclusive W-Engine delivers over 30% advantage versus alternatives. In combat simulations, Radiowave Journey performed below expectations.

4.3 Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan - Drive Disc Selection

Equip the 4-piece Yunkui Tales set without hesitation. Pair with 2-piece Branch & Blade Song or Woodpecker Electro. Yixuan easily exceeds optimal CRIT Rate thresholds-particularly with her signature weapon-due to multiple CRIT sources: Yunkui Tales at full stacks provides 12% CRIT Rate, the signature weapon contributes 20%, and her base CRIT Rate totals over 37% before additional substats.

For main stats:

Slot 4: Choose CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG based on current deficiencySlot 5: Select Ether DMG Bonus or HP%Slot 6: Prioritize HP%

5. Zenless Zone Zero Yixuan Practical Team Compositions

As established, Yixuan remains a resource-accumulation burst Attack DPS at her core. Her ideal team follows the classic structure: Yixuan + Stun Agent + Support Agent. Given her extensive on-field time, both teammates should ideally function off-field.

Furthermore, Sheer DMG's immunity to DEF reduction/PEN drastically limits viable allies. The optimal Stun Agent is currently Trigger, with the upcoming Ju Fufu also being a strong contender. For Support, Astra Yao remains top-tier, followed by Pan Yinhu, Caesar, and Lucy.

Trigger currently fails to activate Yixuan's Additional Ability in this team. Her signature W-Engine's DEF reduction also provides zero benefit to Yixuan, resulting in suboptimal yields. Astra Yao's ATK-focused buffs suffer severe efficiency loss on Yixuan, while Nicole and Rina offer no meaningful gains. Therefore, comprehensive evaluation identifies Pan Yinhu + Trigger as Yixuan's optimal pairing.

Testing reveals that Mindscape VI Pan Yinhu significantly outpaces Astra Yao in support effectiveness for Yixuan. Moreover, Astra Yao contributes substantially more to legacy teams than Yixuan-centric compositions. Thus, liberating Astra Yao for other teams represents a more optimal strategy.

As the anniversary's premier DPS, Yixuan possesses a unique combat role, attribute system, and resource mechanics. Her Void Hunter-tier attack range, crowd control, and invincibility frames-coupled with Void Hunter-caliber scaling-allow her to solo at top-tier strength with substantial future potential.

However, her innovative systems create poor synergy with legacy buffers like Rina and Nicole. ATK buffs suffer severe efficiency loss on her, drastically narrowing viable teammate options currently.

Nevertheless, Yixuan's formidable capabilities cement her place in the meta. Regardless of constraints, she warrants Proxies' focused investment. We hope this guide illuminated her mechanics-stay tuned for more ZZZ content and different merchandise!