Ellen Joe does not do subtle. The S-rank ice agent from Victoria Housekeeping Co. glides into battle with a shark tail, a pair of comically oversized scissors, and a work ethic that says clean this Hollow, then nap. In 2026, Zenless Zone Zero has more agents than ever, but Ellen remains a terrifyingly effective DPS if you build her right. This guide covers her best teams, W-Engines, Drive Discs, stats, skills, and even the voices behind the shark. So grab a mop, because things are about to get messy.

Ellen's Role: Ice DPS with a Maid's Manners

Ellen is a straightforward on-field DPS. She wants to be the star, the one dealing damage while her teammates set the stage. Pair her with a stunner to break enemy ankles and a support to keep her alive and buffed. Her fellow Victoria Housekeeping mate Lycaon is a natural fit, but Dialyn is also a top-tier choice for stunning. For support, Astra Yao or Sunna bring healing and buffs that make Ellen's damage skyrocket. If you are wondering whether to pull for her on a 2026 banner, the answer is yes—especially if you like characters who can alternate between adorable and absolutely feral.

Role	Best Partners	Why
Stunner	Lycaon, Dialyn	Break enemies fast so Ellen can go to town
Support	Astra Yao, Sunna	Healing, buffs, and general babysitting
Flex	Any defensive option	Keep the shark alive

Best W-Engines for Ellen

Ellen's signature W-Engine, Deep Sea Visitor, is still her best-in-slot. It is a limited S-rank, so if you have it, congratulations—you are officially a shark owner. If not, The Brimstone from the standard pool is a solid consolation prize. For budget builds, Cannon Rotor from the Battle Pass or Starlight Engine, an A-rank, will get the job done. She will not complain, mostly because she is too busy napping.

W-Engine	Rarity	Notes
Deep Sea Visitor	Limited S-rank	Signature, best damage
The Brimstone	Standard S-rank	Great alternative
Cannon Rotor	Battle Pass A-rank	Solid budget pick
Starlight Engine	A-rank	Free-ish and effective

Drive Discs: Polar Metal Is Still Cool

The best relic set for Ellen is a full four-piece Polar Metal. It boosts ice damage and rewards hitting frozen or shattered enemies, which is exactly what Ellen does. For the remaining two slots, Woodpecker Electro or Puffer Electro offer excellent stat boosts. Do not overthink it—unless you enjoy spreadsheets, in which case, go wild.

Set	Pieces	Effect
Polar Metal	4	Ice DMG up, bonus vs frozen
Woodpecker Electro	2	Crit rate up
Puffer Electro	2	ATK up

Stat priority is simple: Crit Damage, Crit Rate, Ice Damage, then Attack. If a piece has all four, frame it. If it has three, use it. If it has none, feed it to the shark.

Skill Priority: Core and Basic First

Ellen's core skill and basic attack are her bread and butter. Upgrade those first, then her special and chain attacks. After that, you can sprinkle upgrades on the rest of her kit like seasoning. She is not a complicated agent, but she does appreciate efficiency—probably because it leaves more time for sleeping.

1. Core Skill

2. Basic Attack

3. Special Attack

4. Chain Attack

5. Assist, Dodge, etc.

Voice Actors: The People Behind the Shark

If you have ever wondered who gives Ellen her sleepy yet deadly voice, here is the cast. Giselle Fernandez voices her in English, and you might recognize her from Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario Tennis Fever, and Mario Kart World. The other language casts are equally talented.

Language	Voice Actor
English	Giselle Fernandez
Chinese	Xiao Qingyuan
Japanese	Wakayama Shion
Korean	Lee Ji-na

Final Thoughts for 2026

Zenless Zone Zero in 2026 has no shortage of shiny new agents, but Ellen Joe remains a reliable ice DPS with a unique style. She is not the absolute top of the meta in every single mode—powercreep is real, and the shark has some fierce competition—but with the right build, she can still clear endgame content and look fantastic doing it. Plus, she is a maid with a shark tail and giant scissors. What more do you need?

So there you have it: the best Ellen build for 2026. Go forth, equip Polar Metal, grab Deep Sea Visitor if you can, and let the shark maid clean house. Just do not ask her to work overtime. She will not.