As I stand in the neon-drenched streets of New Eridu in 2026, my fingers dancing across the controller, I realize that mastering Zenless Zone Zero isn't just about reaction time—it's about composing a symphony. Each Agent is a unique instrument, and building a team is an art form. My journey, my obsession, has been conducting the perfect orchestra for one singular star: Zhu Yuan, the Ether virtuoso from the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team. She's not just a character; she's a statement. A statement I've learned to amplify through precise, poetic team-building. Let me share the composition that makes her truly sing.
When I first pulled Zhu Yuan, her potential felt like a locked melody. The game's system, where characters unlock an Additional Ability from shared Attributes or Factions, seemed to box her in. With only two Ether Agents in the initial 1.0 roster, the options felt slim. But ah, here's the beautiful twist, the 'aha!' moment that defines her genius. Zhu Yuan's Additional Ability doesn't demand a fellow Ether wielder. Instead, it sings to life with the presence of a support character or a faction ally. That single condition opens up a universe of harmony. Unlocking it grants her a staggering 30% Crit Rate—a gift that transforms her from a precise shooter into a critical-hit maestro. Pair this with her Core Skill, which deals extra damage against Stunned enemies, and her team requirements compose themselves: one support to unlock her potential, and one stun specialist to set the stage for her crescendo.
The Essential Ensemble: Building Zhu Yuan's Core Trio
This isn't about slapping any support and stun unit together. This is about finding the perfect rhythmic partners for her Ether cadence. Based on my countless hours in the Hollows, here are the instrumentalists who never miss a beat:
| Role | Character | Why They Shine with Zhu Yuan |
|---|---|---|
| 🎵 Supreme Support | Nicole (Ether) | The perfect sync! Same faction for ability unlock AND top-tier buffs/debuffs. A no-brainer. |
| 🎵 Supreme Support | Rina | Her buffs are like a perfect backing track—reliable, powerful, and always on tempo. |
| 🎵 Supreme Support | Soukaku | Brings a chill vibe that perfectly contrasts Zhu Yuan's explosive beats. |
| 💥 Stun Specialist | Anby | The queen of Daze. Her electro rhythm sets up stuns like clockwork. |
| 💥 Stun Specialist | Lycaon | An absolute beast for staggering enemies. He doesn't just stun; he commands the stage. |
| 💥 Stun Specialist | Koleda | Raw, fiery power that breaks enemy posture with a satisfying crunch. |
The Proven Setlists: My Go-To Team Compositions
Theory is one thing, but the mosh pit of combat is another. These are the teams I've taken to the top of the leaderboards. They're not just effective; they feel right. Each one unlocks every Additional Ability, creating a seamless flow of power.
-
The Classic Power Chord: Zhu Yuan + Anby + Nicole
- The Vibe: Raw, efficient, and incredibly synergistic. This is my bread and butter. Anby stuns 'em, Nicole debuffs 'em, and Zhu Yuan erases 'em. It's poetry in motion.
-
The Frost & Ether Symphony: Zhu Yuan + Lycaon + Soukaku
- The Vibe: Control and precision. Lycaon's freeze and Soukaku's support create a frozen canvas for Zhu Yuan to paint her Ether masterpiece upon. Absolutely devastating against aggressive bosses.
-
The Faction Fusion: Zhu Yuan + Lycaon + Rina
- The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated power. This team is all about big numbers. Rina's buffs supercharge Zhu Yuan's damage to astronomical levels after Lycaon does the dirty work.
-
The Off-Meta Riff: Zhu Yuan + Koleda + Lucy
- The Vibe: The sleeper hit. It's unconventional, but the rhythm works. Lucy's support is underrated, and Koleda's stun is immensely satisfying. A team for the true connoisseur.
The Performance: Executing the Perfect Rotation 🎸
A great team with poor execution is just noise. Here's the step-by-step rhythm I follow to make every run a flawless performance:
Step 1: The Setup (The Stun Unit)
I always, always start with my Stun specialist—be it Anby, Lycaon, or Koleda. My goal is singular: build up that Daze meter. I weave basic attacks with their skill, watching the enemy's posture bar like a hawk. The moment it turns from yellow to red, that's my cue. The stun lands, and the screen flashes—Chain Attack time! This is the pre-chorus that makes the drop so sweet.
Step 2: The Buildup (The Support Unit)
As soon as the Chain Attack prompt appears, I don't immediately trigger it. First, I quick-switch to my Support. This is the critical bridge. I unleash their buff or debuff skill—Nicole's defense shred, Rina's attack boost, Soukaku's buff. The enemy is vulnerable, and now they're also weakened or my team is empowered. The stage is literally set.
Step 3: The Crescendo (Zhu Yuan's Solo)
Now I activate the Chain Attack. The world slows down. Zhu Yuan takes the field, bathed in the glow of her support's buff and facing a helpless, stunned foe. This is her moment. This is showtime. I unleash her full combo, watching those massive, critical-hit numbers flood the screen. The 30% Crit Rate from her unlocked ability means nearly every hit is a brilliant flash of yellow. It's not just damage; it's catharsis. It's the perfect resolution to the symphony we've been building.
In the end, playing Zhu Yuan is about understanding rhythm and harmony. She's a soloist who needs the right band to truly shine. In the ever-evolving meta of 2026, these principles remain timeless. So find your rhythm, assemble your ensemble, and go conduct some chaos. Trust me, when it all comes together, it's music to your ears. 🎶