Zhu Yuan
Zhu Yuan is currently the premier Ether damage dealer in Zenless Zone Zero, offering unparalleled burst potential against stunned enemies. Her ability to consistently generate Enhanced Shotshells makes her essential for top-tier endgame content.
Zhu Yuan functions as an Ether-based Attack character who cycles between an agile Assault Mode and a high-damage Suppressive Mode. She utilizes unique Enhanced Shotshells to unleash massive Ether DMG, which are primarily replenished through EX Special Attacks, Chain Attacks, and Ultimate abilities. Her gameplay loop emphasizes managing these shotshells to maximize her burst windows during stun phases.
Overview
Quick Build
W-Engine
Cordis Germina
S-rank — CRIT Rate, best in slot
Disk Set
Chaotic Metal(4-PC)
4-PC · Best in slot
Disk 4
CRIT DMG% = CRIT Rate%
Main stat
Disk 5
ATK% > Ether DMG% = PEN Ratio%
Main stat
Disk 6
ATK%
Substats
CRIT Rate >= CRIT DMG = ATK%
Strengths
- High burst damage potential when enemies are stunned
- Invulnerability frames during core animations like EX Special and Ultimates
- Strong synergy with Ether-based support units
- Suppressive Mode provides excellent ranged damage output
- Versatile shotshell generation mechanics
Weaknesses
- Damage output drops significantly outside of Suppressive Mode
- Requires careful management of shotshell resources
- Heavily reliant on specific support teammates to trigger additional abilities
- Vulnerable to movement interruptions when not in Suppressive Mode
- Optimal damage output is strictly tied to stun windows
Skill Priority
Primary damage source.
EX delivers strong damage.
Chain burst.
Passive enhancement.
Negligible.
Stat Priority
Prioritize Nicole for Ether RES shred before swapping to Zhu Yuan for full EX Special burst.
Use Astra Yao to maintain team synergy buffs before initiating Zhu Yuan's Enhanced Shotshell chain.
Review and adjust rotations based on your specific team composition.
W-Engines
S-Rank W-Engines
CRIT Rate
Increases CRIT Rate by 15/17/19/21/23%. When the equipper deals DMG with a Basic Attack or EX Special Attack, they gain 1 stack of a buff. Each stack increases the equipper's Electric DMG by 12.5/14.5/16.5/18.5/20%, up to 2 stacks. Each stack lasts 40s. The duration of each stack is calculated separately. Can trigger once per use of a skill. At 2 stacks, the wearer's Basic Attack and Ultimate DMG ignore 20/23/26/29/32% of enemy DEF.
Why it works —Cordis Germina offers superior CRIT Rate and direct DEF ignore, perfectly matching her high-damage requirements.
ATK%
Upon hitting an enemy with a Basic Attack, Dash Attack, or Dodge Counter, the equipper's ATK increases by 3.5/4.4/5.2/6/7% for 8s, stacking up to 8 times. This effect can trigger once every 0.5s. The duration of each stack is calculated separately.
Why it works —The Brimstone provides essential ATK scaling and consistent damage stacking for extended fights.
CRIT Rate
Increases CRIT Rate by 15%. Launching an EX Special Attack grants the equipper 8 Charge stacks, up to a maximum of 8 stacks. Whenever the equipper's Basic Attack deals Ether DMG, consumes a Charge stack and increases the skill's DMG by 35%.
Why it works —Riot Suppressor Mark VI provides a reliable shotshell-based multiplier but trails behind the top two options.
A-Rank W-Engines
CRIT Rate
When an EX Special Attack or Chain Attack hits an enemy, the equipper's ATK increases by 6/6.9/7.8/8.7/9.6% for 8s. While the target is under an Attribute Anomaly, this effect is increased by an additional 6/6.9/7.8/8.7/9.6%.
ATK%
Launching a Dodge Counter or Quick Assist increases the equipper's ATK by 12/13.8/15.6/17.4/19.2% for 12s.
Disk Drives
Disk 4
CRIT DMG% = CRIT Rate%
Disk 5
ATK% > Ether DMG% = PEN Ratio%
Disk 6
ATK%
Disk 4
CRIT DMG% = CRIT Rate%
Disk 5
ATK% > Ether DMG% = PEN Ratio%
Disk 6
ATK%
Disk 4
CRIT DMG% = CRIT Rate%
Disk 5
ATK% > Ether DMG% = PEN Ratio%
Disk 6
ATK%
Team Compositions
Zhu Yuan
DPS
Dialyn
Stun
Nicole
Support
Solid shell for Zhu Yuan: Zhu Yuan, Dialyn, Nicole. Keeps a clear stun / support / damage split around Zhu Yuan.
Primary DPS — owns this squad's damage identity.
Opens stun windows for Zhu Yuan's burst.
Buffs and enables Zhu Yuan with low field time.
Skills & Mindscapes
Skills
When Zhu Yuan is under Suppressive Mode, using Enhanced Shotshells increases her DMG by **20%**. When attacking Stunned enemies, this DMG buff is increased by an additional **20%**. When Zhu Yuan enters the battlefield, she immediately gains **6** Enhanced Shotshells.
When another character in your squad is a Support character or shares the same faction: Zhu Yuan's CRIT Rate is increased by **30%** for **10s** after using an EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, or Ultimate. [L23-L25]
Unleash a flurry of martial arts, bullets, and Ether Buckshots in a series of up to 5 attacks, dealing Physical DMG and Ether DMG. When the 4th or 5th hits strike an enemy, obtain 1 Enhanced Shotshell. A max of 1 can be obtained per skill use. While using this skill, drag the stick/joystick and press Basic Attack to activate Dash Attack: Firepower Offensive and readjust to face the selected direction. While under Assault Mode, hold Basic Attack to switch to Suppressive Mode. [L47-L53]
Hold Basic Attack to activate. Unleash up to 3 Shotshell piercing attacks, dealing Physical DMG. If Zhu Yuan has Enhanced Shotshells upon firing, 1 Enhanced Shotshell will be consumed, dealing massive Ether DMG. While using this skill, drag the stick/joystick to activate her Dash Attack: Overwhelming Firepower and readjust to face the selected direction. While in Suppressive Mode, release Basic Attack to return to Assault Mode. [L63-L69]
A rapid dodge. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L79-L81]
Uses handgun to attack, dealing Physical DMG.
Shoots enemies in front with an Ether Buckshot, dealing Ether DMG. Gain 1 Enhanced Shotshell on skill use. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L101-L105]
Unleashes a Shotshell piercing attack, dealing Physical DMG. If Zhu Yuan has Enhanced Shotshells when firing, 1 Enhanced Shotshell will be consumed, dealing massive Ether DMG.
Shoots Ether Buckshots that deal Ether DMG. This can be repeated 3 times by repeatedly pressing Special Attack. Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill. [L127-L129]
Shoots a series of Ether Buckshots, that explode and deal massive Ether DMG. Upon activation, gain 3 Enhanced Shotshells. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L139-L143]
Uses Modified Master Firearm to execute a saturated attack, firing lasers and seeking missiles to deal massive Ether DMG. Upon activation, gain 3 Enhanced Shotshells. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L153-L157]
Uses Modified Master Firearm to execute a saturated attack, firing lasers and seeking missiles to deal massive Ether DMG. Upon activation, gain 3 Enhanced Shotshells. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L167-L171]
Attack with a combination of martial arts and shotshells, dealing Physical DMG and Ether DMG. Upon activation, gain 3 Enhanced Shotshells. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L181-L185]
Dodges the enemy's attack and activates the Vital View. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. [L195-L197]
Shoots enemies in front with an Ether Buckshot, dealing Ether DMG.
Mindscapes
When Zhu Yuan activates Chain Attacks/Ultimates, gain the Quick Reload effect. When Zhu Yuan has the Quick Reload effect and uses up all Enhanced Shotshells, the Quick Reload effect will be consumed to instantly gain 6/9 Enhanced Shotshells.
Is it worth getting?
Significant quality of life and burst extension by instantly replenishing shotshells.
In Suppressive Mode, Zhu Yuan’s Anti-Interrupt level is increased and DMG taken reduced by 10%. When Zhu Yuan hits an enemy with Enhanced Shotshells, the target takes 10% more Ether DMG from Basic Attack: Please Do Not Resist and Dash Attack: Overwhelming Firepower DMG, stacking up to 5 times and lasting for 5s. Each shot adds one stack of this effect, and repeated triggers reset the duration.
Is it worth getting?
Strong mid-early upgrade — a common first vertical stop when you like this agent.
Basic Attack, Assist, Dodge, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2
Is it worth getting?
Skill-level bump only — fine on the path to higher Mindscapes, not a pull goal by itself.
When Zhu Yuan hits an enemy with Enhanced Shotshells, her Basic Attack: Please Do Not Resist and Dash Attack: Overwhelming Firepower ignore 25% of the target’s Ether RES.
Is it worth getting?
Solid mid-tier Mindscape — worth picking up if you're already invested, not a must-pull alone.
Basic Attack, Assist, Dodge, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2
Is it worth getting?
Skill-level bump only — fine on the path to higher Mindscapes, not a pull goal by itself.
When Zhu Yuan consumes a total of 12 Enhanced Shotshells, she receives the Ether Afterglow effect, and the Energy cost of the next EX Special Attack is reduced by 30. Launching an EX Special Attack will consume Ether Afterglow and shoot an additional 4-bullet Ether Buckshot. Each extra bullet deals DMG equal to 220% of Zhu Yuan's ATK.
Is it worth getting?
Massive damage spike through reduced EX energy costs and additional buckshot follow-ups.
Zhu Yuan is viable and competitive at M0. First stop: M2. Endgame target: M2.
Alternatives to Zhu Yuan
Not sure Zhu Yuan is right for you? Compare against other Attack agents to find your best pull.
You need a Ether Attack agent and Pyrois's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Electric Attack agent and Anby: Soldier 0's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Electric Attack agent and Anton's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Physical Attack agent and Billy's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Electric Attack agent and Cissia's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Physical Attack agent and Corin's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Ice Attack agent and Ellen's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Fire Attack agent and Evelyn's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Electric Attack agent and Harumasa's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Ice Attack agent and Hugo's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Physical Attack agent and Nekomata's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Fire Attack agent and Orphie & Magus's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Electric Attack agent and Seed's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Fire Attack agent and Soldier 11's kit matches your account gap.
You need a Physical Attack agent and Ye Shunguang's kit matches your account gap.