S-Rank Character Analysis
Not Recommended: Grace, Nekomata
Grace: An Electric Anomaly character who is currently overshadowed by the limited S-Rank, Tsukishiro Yanagi. Grace's gameplay feels clunky, and despite decent stats, she remains underutilized. It might be best to wait for potential buffs before considering her.
Nekomata: Lacks sufficient stats and is designed as an on-field DPS. However, her damage output is underwhelming, leading her to be paired with Qingyi in a burst-oriented playstyle, relying on Ultimate and Enhanced Special Attacks. Unless you're a dedicated fan who has already invested heavily in her, it's advisable to skip.
Worth Considering: Koleda, Rina, Soldier 11
Koleda: As an S-Rank Stun character, Koleda boasts a commendable quick-swap Daze mechanic. Her main drawback is limited utility. With up to a 70% Chain Attack damage buff during Daze periods, she fits well in Evelyn teams lacking Lycaon. However, her competitiveness in other lineups is limited. Evelyn players without Lycaon might consider selecting her.
Rina: Currently ranks lower among support characters in terms of buff strength. Generally, she's not recommended. However, if you have Rina at Base Resonance Level 0, selecting her to reach Level 1 can unlock her full potential.
Soldier 11: With Evelyn's introduction, Soldier 11's priority has decreased. Nonetheless, if you're in dire need of a permanent S-Rank main DPS to enhance early to mid-game experience, she remains a viable option.
Top Recommendation: Lycaon
Lycaon stands out as the undisputed top permanent S-Rank character. Functionally, he offers a 25% Ice Resistance reduction and a 35% Daze vulnerability increase for Ice teams. While these stats are exclusive to Ice compositions, his performance in specific lineups rivals that of limited S-Rank characters. Lycaon synergizes well with Ellen, Hoshiguma, and Miyabi teams, offering decent versatility. With Ellen's upcoming buffs, if you don't have Lycaon, he's a high-value pick.
S-Rank W-Engine Analysis
Not Recommended: Steel Cushion, Weeping Cradle
Steel Cushion: Nekomata's signature weapon suffers from limited versatility and underwhelming stats. While it offers a CRIT Rate boost, its effects are confined to Physical and Back Attack damage, benefiting only a few characters.
Weeping Cradle: Rina's signature weapon provides a PEN Ratio boost, which is already a niche stat. Its effect coverage is minimal, making it an unworthy selection
Worth Considering: Fusion Compiler, The Restrained
Fusion Compiler: Grace's signature weapon offers decent versatility. It provides a PEN Ratio boost and enhances Anomaly Proficiency, making it a suitable alternative for characters like Tsukishiro Yanagi and Jane. If you have the corresponding characters, it's worth considering.
The Restrained: As Lycaon's signature weapon, it primarily boosts Basic Attack damage and Daze value, fitting for characters like Qingyi and Trigger who rely on Basic Attacks. However, most Stun characters don't benefit significantly from it. Even Lycaon might be better off with Brimstone, limiting its applicability.
Top Recommendations: Brimstone, Brimstone
Brimstone: Soldier 11's signature weapon is an exceptionally versatile Attack W-Engine. Its stacking passive is easy to trigger, and combined with its bonus stats, it offers a substantial ATK% increase. It's suitable for most main DPS characters, including Ellen, Zhu Yuan, Evelyn, and Anby. If your main DPS lacks a proper W-Engine, Brimstone is an excellent choice.
Brimstone: Koleda's signature weapon boasts high versatility. Its off-field Energy regeneration and Impact boost benefit all Stun characters. Additionally, the Impact boost provides extra advantages for Qingyi and Lycaon. If you don't need Brimstone, Brimstone is the next best option.
Summary
In Zenless Zone Zero 2.0, when selecting a free S-Rank character and W-Engine:
Top Character Pick: Lycaon
Consider if Needed: Rina, Soldier 11, Koleda
Top W-Engine Picks: Brimstone, Brimstone
Which character and W-Engine are you planning to choose?
