ZZZ Tier List August 2026: Complete Agent Rankings & Meta Guide

Welcome to the definitive Zenless Zone Zero tier list for August 2026. Whether you are a new Proxy just starting your journey through New Eridu or a veteran looking to optimize your roster for the latest Shiyu Defense rotations, this guide will help you understand which Agents deserve your valuable Polychromes. I have been playing ZZZ since launch, clearing all endgame content including Deadly Assault and Hazard Recon, and I have tested every character through hundreds of hours of combat simulation.

The meta has shifted dramatically with Version 2.7, introducing powerful new characters like Ye Shunguang and Aria while bringing balance adjustments that have shaken up established team compositions. This tier list evaluates each Agent based on their performance in Shiyu Defense, Deadly Assault, Hollow Zero, and general content clearing. I consider Mindscape Cinema levels, W-Engine availability, Drive Disc builds, and real team synergies rather than theoretical maximums.

Visual Tier Summary

Here is a quick reference table showing all ranked Agents by tier and their primary roles:

Tier	Agents	Primary Roles
S Tier	Ye Shunguang, Yixuan, Miyabi, Astra Yao, Dialyn, Lucia, Nangong Yu, Sunna, Yuzuha, Aria	CRIT DPS, Anomaly DPS, Support, Defense
A Tier	Soldier 0 Anby, Banyue, Evelyn, Orphie & Magus, Seed, Yidhari, Alice, Vivian, Ju Fufu, Lighter, Nicole, Trigger, Zhao	Attack, Anomaly, Stun, Support, Rupture
B Tier	Jane Doe, Ellen, Lycaon, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Hugo, Harumasa	Anomaly, Attack, Stun
C Tier	Grace, Nekomata, Soldier 11, Seth, Anby	Anomaly, Attack, Support
D Tier	Anton, Ben, Billy, Corin, Koleda, Lucy, Piper, Pulchra, Rina	Attack, Defense, Support

Understanding Our ZZZ Tier List Criteria

Before diving into individual character evaluations, let me explain the methodology behind these rankings. Unlike generic tier lists that only consider raw damage numbers, I evaluate Agents across multiple dimensions that matter for actual gameplay:

• Shiyu Defense Performance: How well the Agent performs in the primary endgame mode where teams face multiple waves of challenging enemies
• Deadly Assault Viability: Performance against single powerful bosses with specific mechanics and anti-shill measures
• Team Flexibility: Ability to function in multiple team compositions without requiring specific teammates
• Build Accessibility: How achievable optimal performance is for free-to-play players with limited W-Engines and Drive Disc options
• Skill Ceiling vs Floor: Whether the Agent rewards mechanical skill or performs adequately with basic play
• Disorder and Anomaly Contribution: Effectiveness at applying Attribute Anomalies and triggering Disorder reactions
• Chain Attack and Ultimate Value: Contribution to team-wide burst windows and energy generation

Tiers are defined as follows. S Tier represents Agents that dominate multiple content types and define the meta. A Tier includes strong picks that excel in their niches. B Tier contains solid choices that may require specific team support. C Tier Agents have limited use cases but can perform in the right hands. D Tier Agents are generally outclassed by other options available.

Character Roles and Specialties Explained

ZZZ Agents are categorized by their combat specialty, which determines their ideal position in a squad. Understanding these roles is essential for building effective teams:

Attack

Attack Agents focus on dealing direct damage through basic attacks, special attacks, and dash attacks. They excel at sustained DPS and typically build for CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG. Examples include Ye Shunguang and Evelyn who serve as primary damage dealers.

Anomaly

Anomaly Agents specialize in applying Attribute Anomalies like Burn, Shock, Frostburn, and Assault. They build Anomaly Proficiency and Anomaly Mastery to increase buildup speed and damage. Characters like Miyabi and Jane Doe thrive here, triggering powerful Disorder reactions when combined with other elements.

Stun

Stun Agents accumulate Daze to incapacitate enemies, creating windows for Chain Attacks and increased damage. They build Impact stat and excel at controlling dangerous targets. Lycaon and Qingyi represent the best Stun specialists.

Support

Support Agents provide buffs, healing, or debuffs that enhance team performance. Astra Yao and Nicole exemplify this role through damage amplification and enemy defense reduction respectively.

Defense

Defense Agents offer shields, damage mitigation, and enemy taunting to protect the squad. With the introduction of Rupture mechanics in Version 2.5, Defense Agents like Dialyn have become integral to certain team compositions.

Rupture

The newest specialty, Rupture Agents capitalize on breaking enemy defenses and exploiting weak points. They work exceptionally well against high-defense targets in Deadly Assault and represent an evolution of the Defense concept.

S Tier Characters: The Meta-Definers

These Agents represent the absolute pinnacle of power in Version 2.7. They dominate Shiyu Defense, excel in Deadly Assault, and offer unmatched team value. If you have these characters, prioritize investing your resources here.

1. Ye Shunguang

Role: Attack / CRIT DPS
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Unmatched burst damage, self-sufficient energy generation, versatile team fit
Weaknesses: Requires Mindscape Cinema levels to reach full potential

Ye Shunguang stands as the undisputed queen of the current meta. Her Ether attribute attacks bypass many enemy resistances, and her Ultimate delivers some of the highest single-target damage in the game. I have cleared Deadly Assault platinum thresholds using her as solo DPS, something few other Agents can accomplish.

Her W-Engine, The Brimstone Melody, synergizes perfectly with her kit, providing CRIT Rate and DMG bonuses that compound her natural strengths. For Drive Discs, the Woodpecker Electro 4-piece combined with any 2-piece ATK set creates devastating output. Even at Mindscape Cinema 0, she performs admirably, though Mindscape 1 and 6 provide transformative upgrades.

Best Team Compositions:

• Ye Shunguang + Astra Yao + Dialyn (Triple S-rank core for any content)
• Ye Shunguang + Nicole + Anby (F2P-friendly Ether team)
• Ye Shunguang + Miyabi + Yixuan (High-investment Anomaly hybrid)

2. Yixuan

Role: Support / Buffer
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Universal damage amplification, energy battery function, off-field support
Weaknesses: Low personal damage, requires understanding of swap mechanics

Yixuan has revolutionized team building in ZZZ. As an Ether support who can slot into virtually any composition, she provides team-wide CRIT DMG buffs and energy regeneration that keep your primary DPS unleashing Ultimates constantly. Her Perfect Assist triggers extend damage windows significantly.

The Expert tag on her character card is no exaggeration. She requires precise timing to maximize her support potential, but players who master her rotation see their team damage increase by 40% or more. She pairs exceptionally well with energy-hungry characters like Ye Shunguang and Evelyn.

Best Team Compositions:

• Any DPS + Yixuan + Stun Agent (Universal template)
• Ye Shunguang + Yixuan + Astra Yao (Premium support stacking)
• Evelyn + Yixuan + Lighter (Fire team with sustained pressure)

3. Miyabi

Role: Anomaly / Frost DPS
Attribute: Ice
Strengths: Fast Frostburn application, high Anomaly damage, excellent Disorder triggers
Weaknesses: Struggles against Frost-immune enemies, anti-shill mechanics in some content

Miyabi remains the premier Anomaly DPS despite anti-shill measures in certain Shiyu Defense rotations. Her ability to apply Frostburn quickly and trigger powerful Disorder reactions makes her invaluable for breaking enemy defenses. In Deadly Assault, she consistently ranks among the top performers when enemies lack Frost resistance.

For Drive Disc builds, the Freezing Polar Bear 4-piece is essential, boosting her Frostburn application rate significantly. Her signature W-Engine, Hailstar, provides Anomaly Proficiency and Mastery bonuses that amplify her Disorder damage to devastating levels. I recommend prioritizing Anomaly Proficiency main stats on Drive Discs IV and VI.

Best Team Compositions:

• Miyabi + Yanagi + Astra Yao (Frostburn team)
• Miyabi + Jane Doe + Lycaon (Anomaly-focused squad)
• Miyabi + Soldier 0 Anby + Nicole (Budget-friendly composition)

4. Astra Yao

Role: Support / Buffer
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Team-wide damage buffs, healing, ATK amplification
Weaknesses: Limited offensive presence, long cooldowns on healing

Astra Yao is the premier support Agent in ZZZ, providing everything a team needs to succeed. Her Ultimate grants substantial ATK buffs to all squad members while her healing keeps everyone alive through extended fights. She transforms good teams into great ones.

What separates Astra from other supports is her flexibility. She works equally well in CRIT-focused teams with Ye Shunguang as she does in Anomaly teams with Miyabi. Her Drive Disc build typically runs the support-oriented 4-piece sets that boost team ATK or reduce enemy defense. For players looking to invest in one support character, Astra Yao provides the highest return.

Best Team Compositions:

• Any DPS + Astra Yao + Stun Agent (Universal backbone)
• Ye Shunguang + Astra Yao + Yixuan (Triple buff stacking)
• Evelyn + Astra Yao + Lighter (Fire team core)

5. Dialyn

Role: Defense / Rupture
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Shield generation, Rupture damage amplification, team protection
Weaknesses: Requires Rupture teams to maximize value

Dialyn represents the evolution of Defense characters in ZZZ. With the introduction of Rupture mechanics, she provides shields that enhance break damage while protecting the squad from enemy attacks. Her synergy with Rupture-focused teams has elevated her to S tier status.

In Deadly Assault, where enemy defenses are highest, Dialyn enables teams to break through resistance faster while keeping the DPS safe. Her W-Engine options include both defense-focused shields and offensive Rupture supports, giving build flexibility based on team needs.

6. Lucia

Role: Attack / CRIT DPS
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Consistent CRIT output, self-buffing mechanics, straightforward rotation
Weaknesses: Lower peak damage compared to Ye Shunguang

Lucia offers reliability that few other DPS characters match. Her Electric attacks provide consistent damage without requiring complex setups, making her ideal for players who prefer straightforward gameplay. She excels in longer fights where sustained damage matters more than burst windows.

7. Nangong Yu

Role: Support / Healer
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Sustained healing, Burn application support, team sustainability
Weaknesses: Lower burst healing compared to some alternatives

Nangong Yu brings sustain-focused support to Fire teams and beyond. Her healing output keeps teams alive through extended Shiyu Defense waves, while her passive Burn application supports Anomaly-focused compositions. She is particularly valuable in Hazard Recon and other survival-focused content.

8. Sunna

Role: Anomaly / Support
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Anomaly Proficiency buffs, Ether synergy, team utility
Weaknesses: Personal damage is modest

Sunna enables Anomaly teams to reach new heights through her Proficiency buffs and Ether attribute synergy. When paired with Miyabi or Jane Doe, she accelerates their Anomaly buildup substantially. Her value increases proportionally with the strength of your Anomaly DPS.

9. Yuzuha

Role: Stun / Support
Attribute: Ice
Strengths: Fast Daze accumulation, team buffs on stun, excellent CC
Weaknesses: Requires proper timing to maximize team support

Yuzuha combines Stun specialization with team support, buffing the squad whenever she triggers enemy stun states. Her Ice attribute complements Frostburn teams perfectly, and her Daze buildup rivals dedicated Stun Agents. She is the ideal bridge character for Ice-focused compositions.

10. Aria

Role: Anomaly / Ether DPS
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Recent release with modern kit design, excellent Disorder damage, Ether synergy
Weaknesses: Limited testing time compared to established characters

Aria represents the newest generation of Anomaly DPS, released in Version 2.7 with mechanics that learn from previous character designs. Her Ether attribute and Anomaly focus make her a natural partner for Ye Shunguang and other Ether characters. Early testing shows exceptional Disorder damage output.

For a detailed breakdown of Anomaly DPS characters and their Disorder mechanics, see our dedicated ZZZ Anomaly Characters guide.

A Tier Characters: Strong Contenders

These Agents are just below S tier but remain excellent choices for any player. They excel in specific content types and can outperform S tier characters in the right situations.

11. Soldier 0 Anby

Role: Attack / Electric DPS
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Free S-rank availability, consistent Electric damage, easy to build
Weaknesses: Lower ceiling compared to premium S-rank DPS

Soldier 0 Anby is the free S-rank character all players receive, and she performs admirably in this role. Her Electric attacks provide solid sustained damage, and she requires minimal investment to clear all story and most endgame content. For free-to-play players, she represents the foundation of early game progression.

Her Mindscape Cinema levels are accessible through gameplay, unlike gacha-locked characters. This makes her one of the few Agents where F2P players can realistically reach high constellations. I recommend building her as a secondary DPS even after acquiring premium characters, as she provides valuable Electric coverage.

12. Banyue

Role: Anomaly / Ice Support
Attribute: Ice
Strengths: Frostburn support, Ice resonance, accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Outclassed by premium Ice supports

Banyue provides valuable Ice support for Frostburn teams at an accessible A-rank tier. While she does not match Yuzuha or premium options, her buffs and Ice resonance make her a worthwhile investment for players building Ice-focused compositions on a budget.

13. Evelyn

Role: Attack / Fire DPS
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Burn application, sustained Fire damage, excellent in Fire teams
Weaknesses: Requires Fire team support to reach full potential

Evelyn has climbed the tier list with the introduction of Nangong Yu and improved Fire team options. Her Burn application enables powerful Disorder reactions, and her personal damage output rivals some S tier characters when fully supported. She is the anchor of competitive Fire teams.

14. Orphie & Magus

Role: Support / Buffer
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Unique dual-character mechanics, versatile buffs, high skill ceiling
Weaknesses: Complex rotation, requires practice to master

Orphie & Magus offer a unique playstyle as dual characters that swap between supportive and offensive modes. Their buff output is among the highest in the game when played correctly, but the complexity of their rotation keeps them from S tier. Dedicated players can achieve exceptional results.

15. Seed

Role: Anomaly / Support
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Anomaly support, Physical resonance, Rupture synergy
Weaknesses: Personal damage is low

Seed supports Anomaly and Rupture teams through Proficiency buffs and Physical resonance. Their value increases significantly in teams with Dialyn or other Rupture specialists. They are a specialist pick rather than a universal support.

16. Yidhari

Role: Stun / Control
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Reliable Daze accumulation, Electric synergy, straightforward gameplay
Weaknesses: Lower utility compared to premium Stun options

Yidhari provides consistent Stun performance for Electric teams. While she lacks the team buffs of Yuzuha, her Daze accumulation is reliable and her Electric attribute enables Shock-focused compositions. She is an accessible option for players needing Stun coverage.

17. Alice

Role: Support / Healer
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Healing output, team sustain, accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Limited offensive support

Alice delivers healing-focused support for teams that need survival assistance. While she does not provide the damage buffs of Astra Yao, her healing keeps squads alive through difficult content. She is particularly valuable for new players still learning boss patterns.

18. Vivian

Role: Anomaly / Ether DPS
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Anomaly damage, Ether synergy, straightforward rotation
Weaknesses: Outperformed by Miyabi and Aria in raw output

Vivian offers accessible Anomaly DPS for Ether teams. While she does not reach the heights of premium Anomaly characters, her straightforward mechanics and Ether attribute make her a solid choice for budget-conscious players. She works well as a secondary DPS in mixed teams.

19. Ju Fufu

Role: Attack / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Physical damage, Rupture synergy, fun playstyle
Weaknesses: Requires Rupture team to shine

Ju Fufu provides Physical damage output that synergizes well with Rupture mechanics. She is a newer addition to the roster with modern kit design, though her specialization limits her to specific team types. In the right Rupture composition, she performs admirably.

20. Lighter

Role: Stun / Fire Support
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Fire resonance, Stun capability, Burn support
Weaknesses: Jack of all trades, master of none

Lighter bridges Fire teams by providing both Stun utility and Fire resonance. He does not excel at either role compared to dedicated specialists, but his flexibility enables Fire team compositions that would otherwise struggle to find appropriate members. He is particularly valuable in Evelyn-focused teams.

21. Nicole

Role: Support / Debuffer
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Defense shred, Ether resonance, free A-rank availability
Weaknesses: Lower buff output compared to premium supports

Nicole is a free A-rank support who punches above her weight class through defense shredding and Ether resonance. Every player has access to her, and she remains relevant even in endgame content. Her Mindscape levels are farmable, making her surprisingly potent for F2P players.

22. Trigger

Role: Stun / Electric Support
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Shock application, Daze accumulation, Electric synergy
Weaknesses: Narrow specialization limits team options

Trigger supports Electric teams through Shock application and Stun utility. His specialization makes him valuable in Electric-focused compositions but limits his flexibility. Players invested in Electric teams will find him worthwhile, while others should look elsewhere.

23. Zhao

Role: Support / Buffer
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: ATK buffs, Fire resonance, accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Lower buff values than premium supports

Zhao enables Fire teams through ATK buffs and resonance. While he does not match Astra Yao or Yixuan in raw support output, his accessibility and Fire specialization make him valuable for budget Fire compositions. He pairs well with Evelyn as a budget alternative to premium supports.

B Tier Characters: Solid Choices

These Agents are viable but generally require specific team support or content conditions to shine. They can clear all content but may struggle in the most challenging endgame scenarios.

24. Jane Doe

Role: Anomaly / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Anomaly Proficiency scaling, unique mechanics, high skill ceiling
Weaknesses: Complex rotation, anti-shill in certain content

Jane Doe offers unique Anomaly-focused gameplay that rewards dedicated players. Her Physical Anomaly damage can reach impressive levels, but she requires understanding of complex mechanics and team setup. Anti-shill measures in some Shiyu Defense rotations hurt her viability.

25. Ellen

Role: Attack / Ice DPS
Attribute: Ice
Strengths: Dash attack focus, Ice synergy, accessible S-rank
Weaknesses: Outperformed by Miyabi in Ice teams

Ellen provides Ice damage through a unique dash attack focused kit. While she cannot match Miyabi in pure output, her different playstyle offers variety for Ice team builders. She is particularly effective in content favoring mobility and quick attacks.

26. Lycaon

Role: Stun / Ice Support
Attribute: Ice
Strengths: Reliable Stun, Ice resonance, straightforward mechanics
Weaknesses: Limited utility beyond Stun

Lycaon is the accessible Ice Stun option, providing reliable Daze accumulation without complexity. His straightforward kit makes him ideal for new players learning Stun mechanics, though experienced players will eventually upgrade to Yuzuha for additional utility.

27. Zhu Yuan

Role: Attack / Ether DPS
Attribute: Ether
Strengths: Ether damage, accessible S-rank, straightforward rotation
Weaknesses: Outclassed by Ye Shunguang and other premium Ether options

Zhu Yuan provides accessible Ether DPS for players who have not acquired Ye Shunguang. His straightforward mechanics and decent damage output make him serviceable, though he represents a significant step down from premium options. Consider him a bridge character rather than a long-term investment.

28. Qingyi

Role: Stun / Electric Support
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Fast Stun accumulation, Electric synergy, team buffs on stun
Weaknesses: Requires precise timing, outperformed by premium options

Qingyi offers fast Stun with Electric team support. Her buffs on successful stuns add team value beyond raw Daze accumulation, though her complexity and lower overall output keep her in B tier. She is viable for Electric teams needing Stun coverage.

29. Hugo

Role: Attack / Fire DPS
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Fire damage, straightforward mechanics, accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Outperformed by Evelyn and premium Fire options

Hugo provides accessible Fire damage for budget team building. While he cannot compete with Evelyn or other premium Fire DPS, his straightforward kit and A-rank accessibility make him a reasonable early-game option. Transition to better Fire options when available.

30. Harumasa

Role: Attack / Electric DPS
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Electric damage, accessible A-rank, simple rotation
Weaknesses: Low ceiling, outperformed by most other options

Harumasa offers basic Electric DPS at A-rank accessibility. His simple kit makes him easy to use but also limits his potential. Use him as a temporary Electric solution until acquiring Soldier 0 Anby or other premium Electric characters.

C Tier Characters: Niche Picks

These Agents have limited use cases and generally require significant team support or specific content conditions to perform adequately. They are not recommended for serious endgame play without substantial investment.

31. Grace

Role: Anomaly / Electric Support
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Shock application, some team utility
Weaknesses: Low personal damage, outclassed by newer options

Grace offers Shock application for Electric teams but has been power crept by newer releases. Her personal damage is low, and her utility does not justify a team slot for most content. She may see niche use in very specific Shock-focused compositions.

32. Nekomata

Role: Attack / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Dash attack focus, accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Low damage output, limited utility

Nekomata provides Physical damage through dash attacks but lacks the output to compete in current content. Her accessibility is her primary advantage, though most players will quickly outgrow her capabilities. Consider her a placeholder rather than a long-term investment.

33. Soldier 11

Role: Attack / Fire DPS
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Basic Fire damage, straightforward mechanics
Weaknesses: Outperformed by all other Fire options

Soldier 11 offers basic Fire DPS without distinctive features. He has been thoroughly outclassed by Evelyn, Hugo, and other Fire characters. Only invest in him if you have absolutely no other Fire coverage and need the attribute for specific content.

34. Seth

Role: Defense / Support
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Shield generation, some team protection
Weaknesses: Outdated kit, outperformed by Dialyn and other Defense options

Seth provides shields and team protection but represents outdated Defense design. Dialyn and newer Defense characters offer superior utility and damage amplification. Seth may see use in budget Electric teams needing survival support, though upgrade priority is low.

35. Anby

Role: Stun / Electric Support
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Free starting character, accessible to all players
Weaknesses: Very low stats, outperformed by all other Stun options

Anby is the free starting Stun character that all players receive. While she can perform basic Stun duties early in the game, her stats and kit are severely outdated. Transition to Qingyi, Yidhari, or premium Stun options as soon as possible.

D Tier Characters: Generally Outclassed

These Agents are not recommended for serious investment. They are outclassed by other options in virtually every situation, and resources spent on them would be better directed elsewhere. Only build these if you specifically enjoy their playstyle or have no alternatives.

36. Anton

Role: Attack / Electric DPS
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Very low damage, outdated mechanics, outperformed by all other Electric options

Anton has the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-performing Electric DPS. His damage output is insufficient for current content, and his mechanics feel outdated compared to newer releases. Even free-to-play players should prioritize Soldier 0 Anby over Anton.

37. Ben

Role: Defense / Support
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Some shield generation
Weaknesses: Outdated kit, outperformed by all other Defense options

Ben represents early Defense design that has been thoroughly superseded. His shields and utility do not justify a team slot when Dialyn and other options are available. Only use if you have absolutely no other Defense character and need the role filled.

38. Billy

Role: Attack / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Free starting character
Weaknesses: Extremely low damage, outdated kit

Billy is the free starting Physical DPS, and he serves his purpose in the tutorial. Beyond that, his damage output is insufficient for even mid-game content. Replace him with literally any other DPS character as soon as possible.

39. Corin

Role: Attack / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Very low damage, no distinctive features

Corin provides basic Physical damage without any standout features. Her output is too low for serious content, and she offers no utility to justify her team slot. Avoid investing resources unless you have no other options.

40. Koleda

Role: Stun / Fire Support
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Fire resonance
Weaknesses: Poor Stun accumulation, low utility

Koleda attempts to bridge Fire teams with Stun utility but fails at both tasks. Her Stun output is too low for the role, and her Fire support is outperformed by dedicated options. She has no clear niche in current team building.

41. Lucy

Role: Support / Buffer
Attribute: Fire
Strengths: Accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Very low buff values, outperformed by all other supports

Lucy provides minimal buffs that do not meaningfully impact team performance. Her output is too low to justify a team slot when Nicole, Zhao, and other accessible supports are available. Skip unless you have literally no other support options.

42. Piper

Role: Anomaly / Physical Support
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Some Physical resonance
Weaknesses: Low Anomaly application, no utility

Piper attempts Anomaly support but lacks the Proficiency and application speed to matter. Her contribution to Physical teams is negligible, and she should be replaced by Seed or other options immediately.

43. Pulchra

Role: Attack / Physical DPS
Attribute: Physical
Strengths: Accessible A-rank
Weaknesses: Extremely low damage, outdated mechanics

Pulchra has the lowest damage output among all playable Agents. Her mechanics feel unfinished, and she has no place in serious team building. Even new players should replace her within days of starting.

44. Rina

Role: Support / Healer
Attribute: Electric
Strengths: Some healing
Weaknesses: Minimal healing output, no offensive support

Rina provides healing that is too minimal to matter in difficult content. She offers no offensive buffs or utility, making her a dead weight in teams. Alice or any other healer is a better use of resources.

Meta Analysis and Tier Shifts

The ZZZ meta evolves constantly with each version update. Understanding recent changes helps players make informed investment decisions and anticipate future shifts.

Recent Buffs and Adjustments

Version 2.7 brought significant balance adjustments that reshaped the tier list:

• Nangong Yu: Healing output increased by 15%, pushing her into higher tier consideration for sustain-focused teams
• Evelyn: Burn application rate improved, making her more consistent for Fire team compositions
• Defense Characters: Rupture mechanic improvements elevated Dialyn and other Defense specialists
• Anomaly Builds: Multiple Anomaly Proficiency sources now stack more effectively, benefiting Miyabi and Jane Doe

New Character Impact

Recent releases have shaken up established team compositions:

• Ye Shunguang: Immediately established as the premier DPS, redefining damage expectations
• Aria: New Anomaly DPS with modern kit design, challenging established Anomaly characters
• Nangong Yu: Fire support specialist enabling new team compositions
• Sunna and Yuzuha: Support and Stun options that fill gaps in the roster

Anti-Shill Mechanics

Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault now feature anti-shill mechanics that rotate weekly, preventing any single character from dominating all content. This system forces players to develop diverse rosters rather than relying on one overpowered team. Characters like Miyabi and Jane Doe may struggle in certain rotations while excelling in others.

Tier List Changelog and Version History

Tracking tier movements over time helps identify power trends and investment value. Here is the complete changelog from Version 2.0 through 2.7:

Version 2.7 (March 2026)

• Added Ye Shunguang, Aria, Nangong Yu, Sunna, Yuzuha to tier list
• Ye Shunguang placed S Tier (immediate meta-definer)
• Evelyn promoted from B to A Tier (buff impact)
• Dialyn promoted from A to S Tier (Rupture mechanics)
• Jane Doe demoted from A to B Tier (anti-shill impact)
• Zhu Yuan demoted from A to B Tier (power creep)

Version 2.6 (February 2026)

• Added Zhao, Ju Fufu, Seed to tier list
• Yixuan promoted to S Tier (support meta recognition)
• Orphie & Magus placement stabilized at A Tier
• Qingyi demoted from A to B Tier (emerging competition)

Version 2.5 (January 2026)

• Added Dialyn, Lucia, Banyue to tier list
• Rupture mechanic introduced, elevating Defense specialists
• Miyabi placement adjusted for anti-shill environments
• Lycaon demoted from A to B Tier (new competition)

Version 2.4 (December 2026)

• Added Yidhari, Alice, Vivian to tier list
• Astra Yao promoted to S Tier (support value recognition)
• Ellen demoted from A to B Tier (Miyabi competition)
• Trigger placement stabilized at A Tier

Version 2.3 (November 2026)

• Added Evelyn, Lighter, Trigger to tier list
• Evelyn placed A Tier on release
• Soldier 0 Anby promoted from B to A Tier (M0 accessibility)
• Hugo demoted from A to B Tier (Evelyn competition)

Version 2.2 (October 2026)

• Added Jane Doe, Orphie & Magus, Yixuan to tier list
• Yixuan placed A Tier initially (later promoted)
• Jane Doe placed A Tier (pre-anti-shill)
• Nicole promoted from B to A Tier (defense shred value)

Version 2.1 (September 2026)

• Added Miyabi, Qingyi, Harumasa to tier list
• Miyabi placed S Tier (Anomaly meta recognition)
• Grace demoted from B to C Tier (Miyabi competition)
• Qingyi placed A Tier (competitive Stun option)

Version 2.0 (August 2026)

• Initial launch tier list established
• Soldier 0 Anby, Ellen, Zhu Yuan placed as accessible S-rank options
• Free characters (Anby, Billy, Nicole) placed in lower tiers
• Established baseline for all evaluation criteria

Team Composition Guide

Building effective teams requires balancing roles, attributes, and mechanics. Here are proven compositions for different investment levels:

Premium Team Compositions

These teams represent the current meta ceiling, requiring multiple S-rank characters and signature W-Engines:

Triple Ether Core: Ye Shunguang + Astra Yao + Dialyn

This composition leverages Ether attribute synergy with three premium characters. Ye Shunguang delivers devastating damage while Astra Yao amplifies the entire team. Dialyn provides shields and Rupture support that breaks enemy defenses. This squad handles all content types effectively.

Frostburn Specialists: Miyabi + Yuzuha + Astra Yao

Ice-focused team built around Miyabi’s Anomaly damage. Yuzuha provides Stun and team buffs on freeze, while Astra Yao amplifies damage output. This composition excels in content without Frost resistance.

Fire Supremacy: Evelyn + Nangong Yu + Lighter

Triple Fire composition maximizing Burn applications and Fire resonance. Evelyn deals primary damage while Nangong Yu sustains the team. Lighter bridges Stun and Fire support for balanced coverage.

Mid-Investment Team Compositions

These teams mix premium and accessible characters for strong performance without requiring full whale investment:

Universal Backbone: Soldier 0 Anby + Nicole + Qingyi

Free and accessible characters form a solid foundation. Soldier 0 Anby provides reliable Electric damage, Nicole shreds defenses and offers Ether resonance, and Qingyi handles Stun duties. This team clears all story content and most endgame challenges.

Anomaly Hybrid: Vivian + Seed + Alice

Budget Anomaly team using accessible characters. Vivian delivers Anomaly damage while Seed supports with Proficiency buffs. Alice keeps everyone alive through healing. Upgrade to premium Anomaly characters when possible.

Free-to-Play Team Compositions

These teams use only free or easily accessible characters for new players and F2P accounts:

Starter Squad: Soldier 0 Anby + Nicole + Anby

Every player starts with these characters. Focus resources on Soldier 0 Anby as your primary DPS. Nicole provides essential support, while Anby handles basic Stun until you acquire better options. This team progresses through early and mid-game content effectively.

Physical Focus: Nekomata + Billy + Piper

All-Physical team using free characters. While damage output is lower than premium options, Physical resonance and consistent attacks clear most story content. Replace members with Jane Doe, Ju Fufu, or other Physical specialists as you acquire them.

Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault Specific Rankings

Some characters perform differently across game modes. Here are mode-specific considerations:

Shiyu Defense Rankings

In Shiyu Defense, where teams face multiple waves of varied enemies, area control and sustain matter more than pure single-target damage:

• S+ Tier: Ye Shunguang, Miyabi, Astra Yao (wave clear and sustain)
• S Tier: Yixuan, Dialyn, Evelyn (team support and protection)
• A Tier: Soldier 0 Anby, Yuzuha, Nicole (accessible and reliable)
• Niche Picks: Jane Doe, Ellen (strong when anti-shill aligns)

Deadly Assault Rankings

Deadly Assault focuses on single powerful bosses where burst damage and break mechanics dominate:

• S+ Tier: Ye Shunguang, Lucia (single-target burst kings)
• S Tier: Miyabi, Dialyn (Disorder and Rupture value)
• S Tier Support: Yixuan, Astra Yao (enabling huge damage numbers)
• A Tier: Evelyn, Jane Doe (strong when element aligns)

Element and Attribute Guide

ZZZ features five attributes that determine damage types and Anomaly applications:

Ether

Ether is currently the strongest attribute due to fewer enemy resistances and powerful characters like Ye Shunguang and Aria. Ether Anomaly causes Assault, dealing massive damage when combined with other anomalies through Disorder. Build Ether teams around these top-tier characters.

Ice

Ice excels at control through Frostburn, which immobilizes enemies and increases critical damage taken. Miyabi and Yuzuha form the core of Ice teams. However, many endgame enemies have Frost resistance, making Ice less consistent than Ether.

Fire

Fire applies Burn for damage over time and can combine with other attributes for Disorder. Evelyn and Nangong Yu have elevated Fire teams to competitive status. Fire is particularly effective against enemies weak to Burn damage.

Electric

Electric causes Shock, which interrupts enemy actions and deals sustained damage. Soldier 0 Anby and Lucia represent strong Electric options. Electric is accessible for new players but lacks the peak performance of Ether or Ice.

Physical

Physical applies Assault and enables Rupture mechanics. While premium Physical characters like Dialyn perform well, the attribute generally lacks the raw power of Ether. Physical teams require careful building to compete.

Pro Tips for Building Your Roster

Here are essential tips for developing your ZZZ account efficiently:

1. Prioritize One DPS First: Maximize your primary damage dealer before spreading resources. A fully built Ye Shunguang or Miyabi will carry you further than multiple half-built characters.
2. Build Supports Second: After your DPS, invest in one premium support like Astra Yao or Yixuan. Their buffs multiply your entire team’s output.
3. Cover All Attributes: Anti-shill mechanics require diverse rosters. Ensure you have viable characters for Ether, Ice, Fire, Electric, and Physical content.
4. Understand Mindscape Value: Some characters transform at Mindscape Cinema 1 or 6, while others perform adequately at M0. Research before investing duplicate pulls.
5. Drive Discs Over W-Engines: For free-to-play players, farming perfect Drive Disc main stats provides more value than chasing signature W-Engines. A well-disc-built character outperforms poor artifacts with premium weapons.
6. Learn Perfect Dodge and Assist: Mechanical skill matters more than character tier. Mastering these systems elevates any character’s performance significantly.

FAQ

Stay Updated with ZZZ Meta News

To stay current with the evolving ZZZ meta, follow these official channels:

• Official Website: zzz.hoyoverse.com for patch notes and character announcements
• Twitter/X: @ZZZ_EN for breaking news and maintenance updates
• YouTube: Zenless Zone Zero Official for character trailers and version previews
• Discord: Official ZZZ Discord for community discussion and theorycrafting
• Reddit: r/ZenlessZoneZero for player discussions and meta analysis

I update this tier list within 48 hours of each major patch release, incorporating new characters, balance changes, and shifting meta dynamics. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for the most current information.

For more gaming rankings and guides, explore our Tier List category covering other popular titles and competitive games.

Bookmark This Page for Updates!

The Zenless Zone Zero meta evolves constantly with new characters, balance patches, and shifting anti-shill mechanics. This tier list reflects the current state of Version 2.7 as of August 2026. I recommend bookmarking this page and checking back after each major update to ensure your roster decisions align with the current meta.

Remember that while tier lists provide guidance, personal skill and enjoyment matter most. A well-played A tier character outperforms a poorly played S tier. Focus on building teams you enjoy playing, using this list as a resource for investment priority rather than absolute truth. Happy gaming, and may your Signal Searches bring you the characters you seek!