Best Zhao Teams In Zenless Zone Zero (January 2026) Team Composition Guide

Are you looking to maximize Zhao’s incredible support potential in Zenless Zone Zero? As a free S-Rank Ice Defense agent who debuted in Version 2.5, Zhao has quickly become one of the most versatile support characters in the game. I’ve spent countless hours testing every possible team composition with her since her release on December 30, 2026, and I’m excited to share my findings with you.

Zhao’s unique Ether Veil: Wellspring mechanic provides massive teamwide buffs including ATK increases, HP boosts, and a scaling DMG bonus based on her Max HP. What makes her truly special is her universal compatibility – she works exceptionally well with Attack, Anomaly, and Support agents alike. Whether you’re running premium teams with Ye Shunguang or budget-friendly F2P compositions, this comprehensive guide will help you build the perfect team around Zhao to dominate every game mode in ZZZ.

Best Zhao Teams At A Glance

Before diving deep into each composition, here’s a quick reference table showing Zhao’s top team configurations:

Team Type	Main DPS	Sub-DPS/Support	Stun/Support	Best For	Investment Level
Premium Hypercarry	Ye Shunguang	Zhao	Dialyn	All Content	High
Anomaly Double	Miyabi	Yanagi	Zhao	Shiyu Defense	High
Ice Attack	Ellen Joe	Zhao	Lycaon/Dialyn	Boss Fights	Medium-High
F2P Friendly	Harumasa	Zhao	Pulchra/Anby	General Content	Low
Rupture Core	Yidhari	Lucia	Zhao	Guild Raids	Medium-High
Fire Anomaly	Evelyn	Astra Yao	Zhao	Diverse Content	Medium

Understanding Zhao’s Core Mechanics

How Zhao’s Ether Veil Works?

Zhao operates through a unique resource called Frostbite Points. She accumulates these points passively while off-field (6 points every 3 seconds when allies hit enemies) and can gain additional points through her EX Special Attack (+20), Chain Attack (+5), or Ultimate (+20). Once she reaches 100 Frostbite Points, switching her in triggers her Entry Skill automatically, consuming all points to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring.

While Ether Veil is active, your entire squad receives:

• 5% Max HP increase (40 second duration)
• +100 to +1,000 flat ATK bonus (50 second duration, scales with Core Skill level)
• DMG bonus scaling with Zhao’s initial Max HP (up to 40% at 27,000 HP)
• Additional CRIT Rate for Zhao herself (up to 1.4% per 1,000 HP with maxed Core)

Why Zhao Is Meta-Defining?

What sets Zhao apart from other support characters like Caesar or Astra Yao is her incredibly flexible buff conditions and long-lasting effects. Unlike supports that require specific setups or complex rotations, Zhao simply needs to reach 100 Frostbite Points and swap in. Her buffs last 40-50 seconds, providing almost permanent uptime with proper rotation management.

The 27,000 HP threshold is important but not mandatory – even at lower HP values, Zhao provides substantial team benefits. This makes her extremely F2P-friendly since you don’t need her signature W-Engine or perfect artifacts to see immediate value.

Best Zhao Team Compositions

1. Premium Hypercarry Team: Ye Shunguang Core

Team: Zhao + Ye Shunguang + Dialyn

This is Zhao’s absolute best-in-slot team composition and the primary reason many players consider her essential. Ye Shunguang’s kit is specifically designed to synergize with Ether Veil effects, and Zhao is currently the only support character who can consistently activate it for her.

Why This Team Dominates:

• Ye Shunguang’s Qingming Sword Force mechanic is restored repeatedly by Zhao’s Ether Veil activation
• Dialyn provides frequent Ultimate opportunities for burst windows
• Zhao’s massive ATK and DMG buffs amplify Ye Shunguang’s already exceptional multipliers
• Team achieves some of the highest single-target DPS in the game

Rotation Guide:

1. Build 100 Frostbite with Dialyn and Ye Shunguang attacks (approximately 16-17 hits)
2. Switch to Zhao to trigger Entry Skill + Ether Veil
3. Quick Assist into Ye Shunguang for her burst combo
4. Zhao auto-charges Final Verdict in the background
5. Use Dialyn’s stun windows for maximum Ye Shunguang damage
6. Repeat cycle when Frostbite reaches 100 again

Best Bangboo: Sprout (Ye Shunguang’s dedicated Bangboo) or Birkblick (Krampus faction bonus)

Investment Priority: Ye Shunguang > Zhao > Dialyn

F2P Viability: Low (requires pulling both Ye Shunguang and Zhao)

2. Disorder Anomaly Team: Miyabi + Yanagi

Team: Zhao + Miyabi + Yanagi

This composition leverages two of the strongest Anomaly agents in the game alongside Zhao’s universal buffs. Miyabi’s CRIT-focused Anomaly build benefits immensely from Zhao’s CRIT Rate passive, while Yanagi’s consistent Anomaly application creates devastating Disorder reactions.

Why This Team Works:

• Miyabi’s Frost anomaly and Yanagi’s Polarity anomaly trigger frequent Disorders
• Zhao’s ATK buff significantly boosts both agents’ Anomaly damage
• The DMG% buff from Zhao’s Additional Ability amplifies final damage output
• All three agents can maintain strong uptime without extensive field time requirements

Rotation Guide:

1. Start with Yanagi to apply initial Polarity stacks
2. Switch to Miyabi for Frost buildup
3. Once Frostbite reaches 100, swap to Zhao
4. Activate Ether Veil and Quick Assist back to Miyabi
5. Trigger Disorder with alternating Anomaly applications
6. Use Zhao’s healing from EX Special as needed

Best Bangboo: Knightboo (Ice bonus) or Robin (versatile support)

Investment Priority: Miyabi > Yanagi > Zhao

F2P Viability: Low (requires two limited S-Rank Anomaly agents)

3. F2P Powerhouse: Harumasa Core Team

Team: Zhao + Harumasa + Pulchra/Anby

This is the best completely free-to-play team composition featuring Zhao. Harumasa serves as your burst DPS, while Pulchra or Anby handles stunning duties. The beauty of this team is that every member is obtainable without gacha luck.

Why This Team Is F2P King:

• Harumasa is free from Version 2.4 (first A-Rank given free)
• Zhao is free through Version 2.5 event participation
• Anby is a starter character, and Pulchra is an A-Rank
• Zhao’s buffs transform Harumasa’s burst damage windows
• Minimal investment required for Shiyu Defense clears

Rotation Guide:

1. Use Pulchra/Anby to build Daze and Frostbite points
2. Trigger stun on elite enemies or bosses
3. Swap to Zhao when Frostbite maxes to activate Ether Veil
4. Quick Assist into Harumasa during stun window
5. Execute full Harumasa burst rotation with buffed damage
6. Zhao provides healing support between rotations

Best Bangboo: Sumoboo (Physical bonus for Anby) or Overtimeboo (general buff)

Investment Priority: Harumasa > Zhao > Pulchra/Anby

F2P Viability: Excellent (100% free team)

4. Ice Attack Team: Ellen Joe Composition

Team: Zhao + Ellen Joe + Lycaon/Dialyn

Ellen Joe remains one of the strongest Attack-type DPS characters in ZZZ, and pairing her with Zhao creates a devastating Ice-element focused team. Lycaon provides Ice RES shred and stunning, while Dialyn offers alternative support options.

Why This Team Excels:

• Zhao and Ellen share Ice element for resonance bonuses
• Ellen’s massive CRIT scaling benefits from Zhao’s HP-based CRIT Rate buff
• Lycaon’s Ice RES shred amplifies all Ice damage
• Zhao’s sustain keeps Ellen healthy during extended combos

Rotation Guide:

1. Lycaon initiates with Ice RES shred and Daze buildup
2. Build Frostbite to 100 through combined attacks
3. Zhao switches in for Ether Veil activation
4. Ellen enters during stun windows with full buffs active
5. Execute Ellen’s full combo sequence with enhanced damage
6. Refresh Ether Veil before it expires

Best Bangboo: Sharkboo (Ice specialist) or Brawlerboo (universal)

Investment Priority: Ellen > Zhao > Lycaon/Dialyn

F2P Viability: Medium (Ellen is standard banner, Lycaon requires luck or standard selector)

5. Rupture Revolution: Yidhari Focus

Team: Zhao + Yidhari + Lucia

Despite Zhao’s Additional Ability not triggering with Rupture agents, Yidhari still takes perfect advantage of Zhao’s other buffs. This composition represents the cutting edge of the current meta with Rupture mechanics.

Why This Team Stands Out:

• Yidhari’s Sheer Damage ignores enemy defenses completely
• Lucia provides excellent off-field support and Energy generation
• Zhao’s ATK and DMG buffs amplify Rupture burst windows
• Team excels against high-defense bosses where Rupture shines

Rotation Guide:

1. Lucia generates Energy and applies initial pressure
2. Build Rupture gauge through Yidhari combos
3. Accumulate Frostbite to 100 simultaneously
4. Zhao activates Ether Veil before Rupture burst window
5. Yidhari unleashes enhanced Rupture explosion
6. Cycle continues with Lucia support

Best Bangboo: Mercury (Rupture specialist) or Luckyboo (CRIT support)

Investment Priority: Yidhari > Lucia > Zhao

F2P Viability: Low (requires Version 2.3+ characters)

6. Alternative Ice Team: Soldier 0 Anby

Team: Zhao + Soldier 0 Anby + Trigger

Soldier 0 Anby represents an Ice Attack alternative to Ellen Joe with a more accessible kit. Combined with Trigger’s Aftershock mechanics and Zhao’s support, this team offers strong performance without requiring limited characters.

Why This Team Works:

• Soldier 0 Anby is more accessible than Ellen (had a rerun banner)
• Trigger’s Aftershock amplifies the Stun DMG multiplier
• All Zhao’s buffs benefit Soldier 0 Anby’s Attack-type kit
• Ice resonance provides additional elemental advantages

Rotation Guide:

1. Trigger builds Aftershock stacks and Daze
2. Continue attacking to reach 100 Frostbite
3. Zhao switches in for Ether Veil buff
4. Soldier 0 Anby enters during enhanced stun windows
5. Execute Soldier 0 Anby’s full combo with stun multiplier
6. Manage Ether Veil uptime between rotations

Best Bangboo: Birkblick (if available) or Agent Gulliver (CRIT focus)

Investment Priority: Soldier 0 Anby > Zhao > Trigger

F2P Viability: Medium (depends on Soldier 0 Anby and Trigger availability)

7. Fire Anomaly Alternative: Evelyn Core

Team: Zhao + Evelyn + Astra Yao

This composition swaps out the Ice/Anomaly focus for Fire element dominance. Evelyn serves as the main Fire Anomaly DPS, while Astra Yao provides additional support and Energy management.

Why This Team Delivers:

• Evelyn benefits from all of Zhao’s ATK and DMG buffs
• Astra Yao’s support mechanics layer with Zhao’s buffs
• Fire Anomaly provides alternative element coverage
• Team flexibility for various enemy weaknesses

Rotation Guide:

1. Astra Yao applies buffs and Energy support
2. Evelyn builds Fire Anomaly stacks
3. Zhao activates Ether Veil at 100 Frostbite
4. Enhanced Evelyn combos trigger buffed Anomaly damage
5. Astra Yao provides sustain and continues cycle
6. Maintain buff overlaps for maximum uptime

Best Bangboo: Luckyboo (universal) or Resonaboo (Energy Regen)

Investment Priority: Evelyn > Astra Yao > Zhao

F2P Viability: Medium (depends on character availability)

Zhao Build Optimization For Team Play

Best W-Engines For Team Support

Priority List:

1. Half-Sugar Bunny (Signature) – Best-in-slot for maximum team utility
   • Provides Energy Regen (0.46/s)
   • Grants 10% ATK and 10% Max HP to all squad members
   • 30% CRIT DMG buff for 60 seconds when activating/extending Ether Veil
2. Original Transmorpher (Caesar’s Signature) – Excellent alternative
   • Teamwide buffs similar philosophy
   • More accessible if you pulled for Caesar
3. Tusks of Fury (S-Rank) – Solid HP-scaling option
   • Good for HP threshold builds
   • Provides teamwide benefits
4. Bunny Band (A-Rank) – Best F2P option
   • Increases Max HP by 8%
   • ATK boost when shielded
   • Widely available

Drive Disc Configuration

Optimal Set:

• 4-Piece Astral Voice + 2-Piece Yunkui Tales
  • Astral Voice provides DMG buffs through Quick Assist (which Zhao triggers frequently)
  • Yunkui Tales grants +10% HP toward the 27,000 threshold

Alternative Set:

• 4-Piece Swing Jazz + 2-Piece Yunkui Tales/Moonlight Lullaby
  • Swing Jazz offers Energy Regen and team DMG boost
  • Better for energy-focused rotations

Main Stat Priority:

• Disc 6: HP% or Energy Regen
• Disc 5: HP%
• Disc 4: HP% or CRIT DMG

Substat Focus: HP%, Flat HP, CRIT DMG, Energy Regen

Reaching The 27,000 HP Threshold

To maximize Zhao’s Additional Ability DMG bonus (40% at cap), target 27,000 HP through:

• Base HP at level 60: ~9,117
• W-Engine HP bonuses: +10-15%
• Drive Disc main stats (Disc 4, 5, 6 with HP%): +8,000-10,000
• Drive Disc substats: +2,000-4,000
• Ether Veil self-buff: +5% Max HP

Reality Check: You don’t need exactly 27,000 HP to make Zhao effective. Even at 20,000-23,000 HP, she provides 30-35% DMG bonus, which is still exceptional. Focus on reaching 27K if you’re a min-maxer, but don’t stress if you’re slightly under.

Zhao Skill Priority For Team Play

When investing in Zhao’s skills, prioritize based on team benefit:

1. Core Skill (Max First) – Essential for passive and team buff values
2. Special Attack (High Priority) – Increases healing output for team sustain
3. Basic Attack (Medium-High) – Used frequently via Quick Assist follow-ups
4. Assist (Medium) – Affects Entry Skill and Assist Follow-up damage
5. Chain Attack (Medium-Low) – Affects Ultimate and Chain Attack scaling
6. Dodge (Lowest) – Zhao has minimal field time, least important

Best Bangboos For Zhao Teams

Top Tier Bangboos

Birkblick (S-Rank, Krampus Faction)

• Requires Level 3 for single Krampus agent activation
• Best-in-slot for Krampus teams
• Hard to obtain multiple copies

Sprout (S-Rank, Ye Shunguang Dedicated)

• Perfect for Ye Shunguang + Zhao teams
• Amplifies the core hypercarry strategy
• Limited availability

Resonaboo (A-Rank)

• Energy Regen focus helps maintain Ether Veil uptime
• Universal support option
• Easily accessible

Element-Specific Bangboos

Ice Teams: Sharkboo (S-Rank) or Knightboo (A-Rank) Physical Teams: Sumoboo (A-Rank) or Brawlerboo (A-Rank) Anomaly Teams: Robin (S-Rank) or Plugboo (A-Rank) Universal: Luckyboo (A-Rank) or Overtimeboo (A-Rank)

Advanced Team Building Strategies

Buff Stacking Mechanics

Zhao’s buffs can stack with other support character buffs multiplicatively:

• Lucy’s ATK buff + Zhao’s ATK buff = Multiplicative increase
• Caesar’s shields + Zhao’s HP buff = Enhanced survivability
• Rina’s PEN RES reduction + Zhao’s DMG buff = Multiplicative damage

Example Calculation: Base Damage × (1 + Zhao DMG Buff) × (1 + Other DMG Buffs) × (1 + PEN RES factors)

Energy And Rotation Management

Optimal Frostbite Building:

• Each enemy hit grants Zhao 6 Frostbite Points (3-second cooldown)
• Approximately 16-17 hits needed to reach 100 Frostbite
• Average build time: 15-20 seconds with proper rotation

Ether Veil Uptime Strategy:

• Ether Veil lasts 40-50 seconds depending on which buff component
• Frostbite build time: 15-20 seconds
• Effective uptime: ~70-80% with optimal play
• Goal: Refresh Ether Veil before it expires completely

Counter-Picking For Content

Shiyu Defense Focus:

• Prioritize teams with fastest Frostbite building
• Use Anomaly double teams for Disorder burst
• Optimize for time attack scoring

Deadly Assault Priority:

• Sustained damage teams work best
• Healing from Zhao’s Special Attack crucial
• Focus on buff uptime over burst windows

Hollow Zero/Lost Void:

• Balanced teams with survivability
• Zhao’s healing essential for long clears
• Flexible element coverage important

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Mistake #1: Forcing 27,000 HP Too Early

Many players sacrifice Energy Regen and CRIT DMG substats chasing the 27K HP threshold. Reality: 23K-25K HP with balanced substats often performs better than 27K HP with terrible substats.

Solution: Aim for 23K-25K HP with good Energy Regen first, then slowly upgrade to 27K as you get better Drive Discs.

Mistake #2: Using Zhao On-Field Too Long

Zhao is NOT a main DPS character. Her value comes from quick swap-ins, buff activation, and swap-outs.

Solution: Zhao’s optimal field time is 3-5 seconds per rotation. Switch in, trigger Entry Skill, charge Final Verdict, swap out.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Frostbite Point Generation

Not tracking when Zhao reaches 100 Frostbite leads to wasted rotations and downtime.

Solution: Watch the Frostbite gauge UI element. Plan your swap timing around hitting 100 points, not arbitrary intervals.

Mistake #4: Wrong Team Element Distribution

Trying to force Zhao into teams where she doesn’t complement the main DPS element.

Solution: While Zhao is universal, she works best with Ice, Physical, or Ether DPS characters who can benefit from her longer buff windows.

Mistake #5: Neglecting Healing Timing

Zhao’s Special Attack healing requires HP consumption (5% current HP). Using it at wrong times wastes the resource.

Solution: Trigger healing after Ether Veil activation, not before. The HP loss is minimal during buff windows, and healing applies to full team.

F2P Team Building Guide

Best F2P Team Progression

Early Game (Inter-Knot Level 1-30):

• Team: Zhao + Anby + Billy
• Focus: Learn basic Zhao mechanics
• Investment: Minimal, just level characters evenly

Mid Game (Inter-Knot Level 31-50):

• Team: Zhao + Harumasa + Pulchra
• Focus: Clear early Shiyu Defense floors
• Investment: Level 50 characters, +12 Drive Discs

End Game (Inter-Knot Level 50+):

• Primary: Zhao + Harumasa + Pulchra (max investment)
• Alternative: Build toward limited character pulls
• Investment: Level 60, +15 Drive Discs, max Core Skills

Resource Allocation Priority

Dennies Distribution:

1. Main DPS character (40%)
2. Zhao (30%)
3. Stun/Support (30%)

Drive Disc Farming:

1. Focus Routine Cleanup for main DPS sets first
2. Farm Zhao’s 4-pc Astral Voice once DPS equipped
3. Complete 2-pc Yunkui Tales last

Skill Material Priority:

1. Max Core Skills for main DPS and Zhao first
2. Level 7-8 minimum for support characters
3. Don’t over-invest in characters you’ll replace

Future-Proofing Your Zhao Teams

Upcoming Character Synergies

Based on current beta leaks and patterns, watch for:

• Angels of Delusion members – May have unique faction interactions
• Future Krampus agents – Direct synergy with Zhao and Dialyn
• HP-scaling supports – Could layer with Zhao’s HP buffs

Meta Evolution Predictions

Version 2.6-3.0 Expectations:

• More characters designed around buff extension mechanics
• Potential Ether Veil interactions with new abilities
• HP-scaling meta may expand beyond Defense specialty

Long-Term Investment Value: Zhao is a “future-proof” character because:

1. Universal support nature works with any new DPS
2. Buff mechanics are fundamental, not gimmicky
3. Free S-Rank status means accessible dupes (Mindscape Cinema)
4. HP-scaling provides unique building path

FAQs

Is Zhao Worth Pulling/Building As A Free Character?

Absolutely yes. As a free S-Rank support, Zhao offers exceptional value for zero Polychrome investment. She works in Attack, Anomaly, and hybrid teams, making her one of the most versatile characters in the game. Even if you have Caesar or Astra Yao, Zhao fills a different niche with her ATK-focused buffs.

Can Zhao Replace Caesar In My Teams?

Not exactly. Caesar and Zhao serve different purposes:

• Caesar: Shield-based protection, Impact (stun) support, Physical DMG bonus
• Zhao: HP/ATK buffs, healing, universal DMG bonus

Verdict: They complement each other rather than replace. In fact, Caesar + Zhao + DPS creates incredibly tanky teams for difficult content.

What’s The Minimum Investment For Zhao To Work?

Bare Minimum:

• Level 50
• Any HP-focused W-Engine (even B-Rank works)
• +9 Drive Discs with HP main stats
• Core Skill level 6

Recommended for End Game:

• Level 60
• A-Rank or higher W-Engine
• +12 to +15 Drive Discs
• Core Skill maxed

Should I Pull Ye Shunguang Just For Zhao Synergy?

Only if you need a top-tier Attack DPS. Ye Shunguang is incredible with Zhao, but Zhao works perfectly fine with other characters like Ellen, Soldier 0 Anby, or even F2P options. Don’t pull characters you don’t want just for team synergy.

How Does Zhao Compare To Other Support Characters?

vs. Caesar:

• Caesar: Better shields and stun support
• Zhao: Better ATK/DMG buffs and healing
• Winner: Depends on team needs

vs. Astra Yao:

• Astra: More versatile element support
• Zhao: Higher ATK buff values and HP sustain
• Winner: Zhao for Attack/Anomaly teams, Astra for pure Anomaly

vs. Lucy:

• Lucy: Faction-locked but powerful ATK buffs for Sons of Calydon
• Zhao: Universal with HP sustainability
• Winner: Lucy for Calydon teams, Zhao for everything else

Conclusion

Zhao represents one of the most flexible and powerful support characters in Zenless Zone Zero’s current meta. Whether you’re running premium teams with Ye Shunguang and Dialyn, or completely free-to-play compositions with Harumasa and Anby, Zhao’s universal buff mechanics elevate any team composition.

The key takeaways for optimal Zhao team building:

Universal Truths:

• Target 23K-27K HP for maximum DMG bonus, but don’t sacrifice other stats
• Maintain 70-80% Ether Veil uptime through proper Frostbite management
• Use Zhao’s healing strategically after Ether Veil activation
• Keep field time minimal (3-5 seconds per rotation)

Best Overall Team: Zhao + Ye Shunguang + Dialyn for pure performance

Best F2P Team: Zhao + Harumasa + Pulchra/Anby for accessibility

Most Versatile: Zhao + Any Anomaly DPS + Flexible third slot

Remember that team building in ZZZ rewards creativity and adaptation. While this guide provides proven team compositions, don’t be afraid to experiment with combinations that fit your playstyle and available characters. The beauty of Zhao’s universal support kit is that she genuinely works with almost any competent DPS character.

As Version 2.5 continues and future updates introduce new characters, bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates. I’ll continue testing new combinations and updating recommendations based on meta shifts and community discoveries.

Now get out there and start building your ultimate Zhao team – whether you’re chasing the highest Shiyu Defense clears or just enjoying the story content, Zhao will elevate your experience in Zenless Zone Zero!

Related Guides

Looking to optimize your Zenless Zone Zero experience further? Check out these related guides:

• Zenless Zone Zero Codes (December 2026) – Get free Polychrome for more pulls
• Ultimate ZZZ Banners Guide – Learn banner schedules and strategies
• Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) Tier List – See how Zhao ranks overall
• Best ZZZ Anomaly Characters – Build Anomaly teams with Zhao