Zhao Best Build In Zenless Zone Zero (January 2026) Ultimate Rank Guide
If you’re looking to build the best Zhao setup in Zenless Zone Zero, you’ve landed in the right place. I’ve spent countless hours testing every combination since Zhao’s release on December 30, 2026, and I’m excited to share my findings with you today.
Zhao is a FREE S-Rank Ice Defense agent who excels as a universal support buffer, converting her massive HP pool into devastating teamwide offensive buffs. What makes her exceptional is her accessibility—everyone gets a free copy through the Special Visitor event, and her kit works seamlessly with almost any Attack or Anomaly team composition.
Zhao Overview: Quick Stats & Role
Before diving into builds, let’s establish what makes Zhao special:
| Zhao Character | Information |
|---|---|
| Rarity | S-Rank (FREE via Special Visitor Event) |
| Attribute | Ice |
| Specialty | Defense |
| Combat Role | Support/Buffer |
| Faction | Krampus Compliance Authority |
| Release Date | December 30, 2026 (Version 2.5) |
| Base Stats (Lv. 60) | HP: 9,117 / ATK: 690 / DEF: 701 |
Why Zhao Matters in the Meta?
Zhao represents a paradigm shift in how Defense agents function in ZZZ. Unlike traditional defensive specialists, she converts her survivability into team-wide offensive power:
- HP-Scaling Buffs: Up to 40% DMG bonus based on her Max HP
- Teamwide Utility: Provides ATK, HP, and CRIT DMG to entire squad
- Universal Compatibility: Works with Attack, Anomaly, and Support agents
- Healing Capability: Passive HP recovery for the entire team
- Entry Skill Mechanic: New gameplay system introduced with Zhao
How to Get FREE Zhao?
Here’s the best part—Zhao costs ZERO Polychrome to obtain:
Event Details:
- Event Name: Special Visitor
- Start Date: December 30, 2026
- Duration: Through end of Version 2.6
- Requirements: Simply log in during the event period
- Rewards: 1x FREE Zhao (S-Rank)
This makes Zhao one of the most accessible S-Rank agents in the game, rivaling even the starter characters in terms of availability. Every player, regardless of spending habits, can add this powerful support to their roster.
Understanding Zhao’s Core Mechanics
The Frostbite Point System
Zhao’s entire kit revolves around a unique resource called Frostbite Points:
How to Generate Frostbite Points:
- On-field agent attacks hit enemies: +6 points (3s cooldown)
- Zhao uses EX Special Attack: +20 points
- Zhao uses Chain Attack: +5 points
- Zhao uses Ultimate: +20 points
- Zhao enters battle: +100 points (180s cooldown, once per combat zone)
Maximum Capacity: 100 Frostbite Points
When Frostbite Points reach 100, switching to Zhao automatically triggers her Entry Skill: Burst of Frost, consuming all points to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring.
Ether Veil: Wellspring Explained
This is Zhao’s signature buff state that provides:
- +5% Max HP to all squad members (40s duration)
- +1,000 Combat ATK to all squad members (50s duration)
- Up to +40% DMG Bonus based on Zhao’s initial Max HP (scales from 15,000 to 27,000 HP)
- +30% CRIT DMG when using Half-Sugar Bunny (signature W-Engine)
Critical HP Threshold: Zhao needs 27,000 initial Max HP to maximize the DMG bonus buff. This is your primary building goal.
Additional Ability: Crystallization
When Zhao teams with Attack, Anomaly, or Support agents:
- While in ANY Ether Veil, squad gains 10% base DMG
- Every 400 HP above 15,000 adds +1% DMG (caps at 40% total at 27,000 HP)
- This multiplies with other damage buffs for exponential scaling
Zhao Best Build: HP Support Configuration
After extensive testing, this is the optimal build for maximizing Zhao’s team support capabilities:
Best W-Engine (Weapon)
1. Half-Sugar Bunny (Signature S-Rank) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Stats | Effects |
|---|---|
| Base ATK | 713 |
| Bonus Stat | HP +30% |
| Passive Effect | Energy Regen +0.46/s |
| Team Buff | +10% ATK / +10% Max HP to all squad members |
| Ether Veil Bonus | +30% CRIT DMG for 60s when activating/extending Ether Veil |
Why It’s Best: Half-Sugar Bunny was designed specifically for Zhao’s HP-scaling mechanics. The 30% HP bonus gets you significantly closer to the 27,000 HP threshold, while the teamwide buffs and CRIT DMG amplification make it irreplaceable for maximizing her support value.
Alternative W-Engines:
2. Tusks of Fury (S-Rank – Caesar Signature) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Base ATK: 713
- Bonus Stat: Impact +18%
- Shield value +30%; +18% DMG / +12% Daze on Interrupt/Perfect Dodge
- When to Use: If you already have this from pulling Caesar and can’t afford Half-Sugar Bunny
3. Original Transmorpher (A-Rank) ⭐⭐⭐
- Base ATK: 594
- Bonus Stat: HP +25%
- Max HP +8-12.5%; Impact +10-16% when attacked for 12s
- When to Use: Best F2P option; obtainable from all banners
4. Bunny Band (A-Rank) ⭐⭐
- Base ATK: 594
- Bonus Stat: HP +25%
- Max HP +8%; ATK +10% when shielded
- When to Use: Budget alternative if you lack Original Transmorpher
Best Drive Disc Sets
Drive Discs dramatically impact Zhao’s effectiveness. Here’s the optimal configuration:
Primary Recommendation: 4pc Astral Voice + 2pc Yunkui Tales ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Astral Voice (4-Piece):
- 2pc: ATK +10%
- 4pc: Quick Assist grants all squad members 1 stack of Astral (max 3 stacks, 15s duration)
- Each Astral stack: +8% DMG to character entering via Quick Assist
Yunkui Tales (2-Piece):
- 2pc: HP +10%
Why This Combo Works: Zhao triggers Quick Assist frequently due to her Ether Veil mechanics, making Astral Voice’s 4pc effect consistently active. The additional HP from Yunkui Tales pushes you toward the 27,000 HP threshold.
Alternative Option: 4pc Proto Punk + 2pc Yunkui Tales ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Proto Punk (4-Piece):
- 2pc: Impact +6%
- 4pc: DMG +15% for all squad members for 12s after using Defensive/Evasive Assists
When to Use?
If you prefer a more defensive playstyle with frequent Defensive Assists. Slightly less consistent than Astral Voice.
Drive Disc Main Stats Priority
Your main stat choices directly determine whether you reach the critical 27,000 HP threshold:
| Disc Slot | Primary Stat | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Disc 4 | HP% | CRIT DMG (only if HP goals met) |
| Disc 5 | HP% | None |
| Disc 6 | HP% or Energy Regen | Choose based on total HP |
Important: If you’re using Half-Sugar Bunny and proper sub-stats, you can afford Energy Regen on Disc 6. Otherwise, prioritize HP% to reach 27,000.
Drive Disc Sub-Stats Priority
Not all sub-stats are created equal for Zhao:
Priority Ranking:
- HP% – Essential for reaching 27,000 threshold
- Flat HP – Every point counts toward your goal
- CRIT Rate / CRIT DMG – Zhao gains CRIT Rate from her Core Passive (1.4% per 1,000 HP)
- Energy Regen – Improves rotation smoothness
- ATK% – Minimal priority; focus on HP first
Target Sub-Stat Distribution: Aim for at least 2-3 HP% rolls per disc, with additional flat HP wherever possible.
Reaching the 27,000 HP Breakpoint
This is the single most important goal when building Zhao. Here’s how to achieve it:
Calculation Breakdown
Base HP at Level 60: 9,117
With Half-Sugar Bunny (+30% HP):
- 9,117 × 1.30 = 11,852 HP
With 3x HP% Main Stats (Discs 4, 5, 6):
- Each disc provides approximately +40-50% HP at max level
- Combined: +120-150% HP
- 9,117 × 2.20 (average) = 20,057 HP
With 2pc Yunkui Tales (+10% HP):
- Additional +10% HP
- 9,117 × 2.30 = 20,969 HP
With Ether Veil: Wellspring Active (+5% HP):
- Team buff provides additional +5%
- 20,969 × 1.05 = 22,017 HP
With Sub-Stat HP% Rolls (target: +40% additional):
- Quality sub-stats can add another +40-50% HP
- 22,017 × 1.40 = 30,824 HP ✅
Total Estimated HP: 28,000-31,000 with optimal investment
Is 27,000 HP Mandatory?
Short answer: No, but highly recommended.
Zhao functions at any HP value, but the DMG bonus scaling creates significant performance differences:
- 15,000 HP: 10% DMG bonus
- 21,000 HP: 25% DMG bonus
- 27,000 HP: 40% DMG bonus (maximum)
That 30% difference between minimum and maximum translates to substantial team DPS increases in challenging content like Shiyu Defense.
Zhao Skill Priority & Upgrade Path
Not all skills deserve equal investment. Here’s my tested priority order:
Upgrade Priority Ranking
| Skill | Priority Level | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Core Skill | ★★★★★ (MAX FIRST) | Increases ATK buff from 100 to 1,000; unlocks Additional Ability |
| Special Attack | ★★★★★ (MAX SECOND) | Enhances healing output (scales with Max HP) |
| Basic Attack | ★★★★☆ (HIGH) | Frequently used via Quick Assist follow-ups |
| Assist | ★★★☆☆ (MEDIUM) | Improves Entry Skill and Assist Follow-Up damage |
| Chain Attack | ★★★☆☆ (MEDIUM) | Buffs Ultimate damage; moderate priority |
| Dodge | ★☆☆☆☆ (LOW) | Minimal field time makes this least important |
Leveling Strategy
Phase 1 (Levels 1-40):
- Core Skill to Level 8 immediately
- Special Attack to Level 6
- Basic Attack to Level 4
Phase 2 (Levels 40-60):
- Core Skill to MAX (Level 12)
- Special Attack to MAX (Level 12)
- Basic Attack to Level 10
Phase 3 (Endgame Optimization):
- Assist to Level 8
- Chain Attack to Level 8
- Dodge remains at Level 1-2
Zhao Best Teams & Compositions
Zhao’s universal support capabilities make her viable in numerous team archetypes:
Premium Team: Hypercarry Attack
Core Composition:
| Role | Agent | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Main DPS | Ye Shunguang | Hypercarry damage dealer |
| Stun | Dialyn | Daze application + synergy |
| Support | Zhao | Buffs + healing |
Why This Works?
Zhao’s Ether Veil specifically benefits Ye Shunguang by accumulating Qingming Sword Force stacks. This is Zhao’s absolute best-in-slot team where she maximizes her potential.
Rotation:
- Build Frostbite Points with Ye Shunguang attacks (~16-17 hits)
- Switch to Zhao → Entry Skill activates Ether Veil
- Trigger Quick Assist → Dialyn stuns enemy
- Swap to Ye Shunguang during vulnerability window
- Execute burst combo with all buffs active
Alternative Stun Options:
- Qingyi: Increases Stun DMG multiplier
- Trigger: Aftershock synergy
- Lighter: Fire/Ice team compatibility
Budget Team: F2P Attack
Core Composition:
| Role | Agent | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Main DPS | Billy Kid (FREE) | Physical Attack damage |
| Stun | Anby (FREE) | Electric Stun specialist |
| Support | Zhao (FREE) | Buffs + healing |
Why This Works?
Completely free team that’s accessible to every player. Billy benefits massively from Zhao’s ATK and DMG buffs, while Anby provides reliable stun windows for maximizing burst damage.
Bangboo Recommendation: Sumoboo (S-Rank) or Bagboo (A-Rank)
Anomaly Team: Disorder Specialists
Core Composition:
| Role | Agent | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Anomaly 1 | Vivian | Burn application |
| Anomaly 2 | Alice | Slash/Assault buildup |
| Support | Zhao | Buffs + healing |
Why This Works? Zhao’s universal buffs amplify Disorder damage. Double Anomaly setups proc Disorder consistently, and Zhao’s healing keeps the team healthy during extended engagements.
Rotation Focus:
- Alternate Anomaly agents to build dual elemental buildup
- Activate Zhao’s Ether Veil before triggering Disorder
- 40% DMG buff applies to Disorder proc damage
Alternative Anomaly Options:
- Jane Doe: Physical Anomaly specialist
- Piper: Spin-to-win Anomaly
- Grace: Electric Anomaly coverage
For more team building strategies, explore our guide on the Best ZZZ Anomaly Characters to see how Zhao synergizes with top-tier Anomaly agents.
Ice-Focused Team: Elemental Mastery
Core Composition:
| Role | Agent | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Main DPS | Ellen | Ice Attack specialist |
| Stun | Lycaon | Ice Stun synergy |
| Support | Zhao | Ice buffs + healing |
Why This Works: Full Ice team benefits from elemental resonance against Ice-weak enemies. Zhao’s Ether Veil keeps Ellen buffed during her burst windows.
When to Use: Content with Ice vulnerability (specific Shiyu Defense stages, Notorious Hunt bosses)
How to Play Zhao: Rotation Guide?
Understanding Zhao’s optimal gameplay loop separates good players from great ones:
Standard Rotation (Non-Ultimate)
Step 1: Frostbite Generation Phase
- Keep Zhao off-field
- Use your main DPS to deal damage
- Each hit generates 6 Frostbite Points (3s cooldown)
- Aim for 16-17 total attacks to reach 100 points
Step 2: Entry Skill Activation
- When Frostbite reaches 100, switch to Zhao
- Entry Skill automatically triggers
- Activates Ether Veil: Wellspring (40s duration)
- Triggers Quick Assist prompt
Step 3: Quick Assist Follow-Up
- Use Quick Assist to swap to DPS
- Zhao automatically performs charged Final Verdict slash
- Continues charging for up to 5 seconds while off-field
- Deals 120% of Max HP as bonus damage when fully charged
Step 4: Burst Window
- All buffs now active on main DPS
- Execute combo rotation during buff window
- Repeat cycle as Frostbite regenerates
Ultimate Rotation (High-Impact)
Alternative Method with Ultimate:
- Build energy via normal attacks
- Activate Zhao Ultimate (grants +20 Frostbite Points)
- Immediately triggers Entry Skill if at 100 points
- Extended buff duration from Ultimate activation
- Swap to DPS during enhanced state
Pro Tip: Time Zhao’s Ultimate activation to coincide with boss vulnerability windows or team burst phases for maximum efficiency.
EX Special Attack Healing
When to Use?
- Team HP below 70%
- Before challenging boss phases
- During extended encounters
How It Works?
- Consumes 5% of Zhao’s current HP
- Grants all squad members HP regeneration (1.1% of Zhao’s Max HP per second for 5s)
- With 27,000 HP: ~297 HP/second healing to entire team
- 30-second cooldown between HP consumption triggers
Zhao Mindscape Cinema (Duplicates) Guide
While Zhao is free, you may pull additional copies from her banner:
Mindscape Priority
| Level | Effect | Value Rating | Pull Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| M0 | Base Zhao | ★★★★★ | FREE – Claim immediately |
| M1 | All RES -15% for 50s on switch-out | ★★★★★ | Best stopping point |
| M2 | +20% Zhao ATK, +15% squad ATK on heal | ★★★★☆ | Good but not essential |
| M4 | +250 Decibels; +40% CRIT DMG on Ult/Chain/Final | ★★★☆☆ | Moderate improvement |
| M6 | CRIT buff ×1.25; Final DMG ×1.4, no charge consume | ★★★★☆ | Whale territory |
Recommendation: M0 Zhao is fully functional for all content. M1 provides the best value if you’re willing to invest, but don’t chase higher Mindscapes unless you’re a dedicated spender.
For F2P players, save your Polychrome for limited-time DPS characters instead of Zhao dupes.
Zhao Materials & Pre-Farming Guide
Total Materials Required (Level 1 → 60, All Skills Maxed)
Promotion Materials:
- Basic Defense Certification Seal: 4
- Advanced Defense Certification Seal: 32
- Defender Certification Seal: 30
- Denny: 800,000
Skill Upgrade Materials:
- Basic Freeze Chip: 5
- Advanced Freeze Chip: 15
- Specialized Freeze Chip: 50
- Hamster Cage Pass: 1
- Denny: 500,000
Core Skill Upgrade Materials:
- Clouded Crystalline Substance: 9
- Higher Dimensional Data – Spiked Corruption Core: 60
- Denny: 400,000
Total Denny Required: 1,700,000
Farming Locations
Defense Certification Seals:
- Expert Challenge: Defensive Trials
- Frequency: Available Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday
Freeze Chips:
- Expert Challenge: Ice Specialization
- Frequency: Available Tuesday/Friday/Sunday
Hamster Cage Pass:
- Shiyu Defense rewards
- Battle Pass rewards
Clouded Crystalline Substance & Higher Dimensional Data:
- Hollow Zero: Lost Void mode
- Weekly boss encounters
Pro Farming Tip: Start collecting materials at least one week before Zhao’s release to instantly level her upon acquisition.
Common Zhao Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen many players underutilize Zhao. Here are the biggest mistakes:
Mistake #1: Ignoring the HP Threshold
The Problem: Building Zhao with DEF or ATK main stats instead of HP
Why It’s Bad: You miss out on 20-30% teamwide DMG bonus at higher HP values
The Fix: Always prioritize HP% on Discs 4, 5, and 6 until reaching 27,000 HP
Mistake #2: Using Zhao as Main DPS
The Problem: Keeping Zhao on-field for extended periods
Why It’s Bad: Zhao’s personal damage is significantly lower than actual DPS agents; her value comes from buffing allies
The Fix: Use Entry Skill → Quick Assist → immediately swap to your carry. Zhao should have minimal field time.
Mistake #3: Not Timing Entry Skill Properly
The Problem: Activating Ether Veil outside of team burst windows
Why It’s Bad: The 40-50s buff duration gets wasted if your DPS isn’t ready to capitalize
The Fix: Communicate buff timing in co-op; in solo play, ensure your carry has energy/resources ready before switching to Zhao
Mistake #4: Skipping Core Skill Upgrades
The Problem: Leveling Basic Attack or Dodge before Core Skill
Why It’s Bad: Core Skill increases the ATK buff from 100 to 1,000—a 10× improvement
The Fix: ALWAYS max Core Skill first, followed by Special Attack for healing
Mistake #5: Neglecting Energy Regen
The Problem: Zero Energy Regen in build, leading to rotation delays
Why It’s Bad: Slower Ether Veil activation means less buff uptime
The Fix: If using Half-Sugar Bunny, its inherent Energy Regen is sufficient. Otherwise, consider Energy Regen on Disc 6 once HP goals are met.
Zhao vs. Other Support Agents
How does Zhao compare to established supports?
Zhao vs. Caesar (Shield Support)
Caesar Strengths:
- Powerful shields prevent damage
- Impact buffs enhance Stun specialists
- Better for teams that lack survivability
Zhao Advantages:
- Universal 40% DMG buff outscales Caesar’s Impact buffs in most scenarios
- Healing provides sustained recovery vs. one-time shields
- Works with ALL team types (Caesar favors Physical/Stun teams)
Winner: Zhao for versatility, Caesar for specific Stun-heavy compositions
Zhao vs. Rina (Electric Support)
Rina Strengths:
- Best-in-slot for Electric teams
- PEN Ratio buffs synergize with specific DPS agents
- Energy regeneration support
Zhao Advantages:
- Element-agnostic support works with any team
- Larger HP and ATK buffs
- Accessible for free
Winner: Rina for Electric teams, Zhao for general use
Zhao vs. Nicole (Ether Support)
Nicole Strengths:
- Completely free (A-Rank)
- DEF Shred debuff stacks with other buffs
- Lower investment requirement
Zhao Advantages:
- S-Rank scaling provides superior buffs
- Healing capability Nicole lacks
- 40% DMG bonus significantly exceeds Nicole’s DEF Shred in high-investment scenarios
Winner: Nicole for early-game, Zhao for mid-to-late game optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zhao worth building if I already have Caesar?
Yes! Zhao and Caesar fulfill different support roles. Caesar excels at preventing damage through shields and enhancing Stun teams, while Zhao amplifies your team’s offensive output. In fact, they can work together in triple-support compositions for ultra-safe Shiyu Defense clears.
Can I use Zhao in Stun-focused teams?
Absolutely. While Zhao doesn’t apply Daze, her buffs still benefit Stun specialists during vulnerability windows. Team compositions like Zhao + Qingyi + Ellen work exceptionally well, with Qingyi handling Stun duties and Zhao amplifying Ellen’s damage during Stun phases.
How much HP is “good enough” for Zhao?
Functional minimum: 20,000 HP provides ~30% DMG bonus
Comfortable target: 24,000 HP provides ~36% DMG bonus
Optimal maximum: 27,000 HP provides 40% DMG bonus (cap)
If you can’t reach 27,000 immediately, don’t worry—Zhao remains strong at lower HP values. Gradually optimize toward the cap through Drive Disc improvements.
Should I pull Zhao’s signature W-Engine?
If F2P: Only if you have excess Polychrome and no upcoming DPS characters interest you. Original Transmorpher (A-Rank) provides ~80% of Half-Sugar Bunny’s effectiveness.
If light spender: Half-Sugar Bunny is an excellent investment due to its universal support utility and future-proofing for potential HP-scaling characters.
If whale: Absolutely pull it; the CRIT DMG buff is substantial for optimized teams.
Does Zhao work with Anomaly teams?
Yes! Zhao is one of the best supports for double-Anomaly compositions. Her 40% DMG buff applies to Disorder damage, and her healing keeps squishy Anomaly agents alive during extended rotations. The combination of Jane Doe + Burnice + Zhao creates a powerful Disorder-focused team.
Can Zhao replace a dedicated healer?
In most content, yes. Zhao’s EX Special Attack provides sufficient healing for standard missions, Hollow Zero, and lower-difficulty Shiyu Defense stages. However, in highest-difficulty endgame content with heavy incoming damage, a dedicated healer like Lycaon’s teamwide shielding or Nicole’s defensive buffs might be preferable.
How does Zhao’s CRIT Rate passive work?
Zhao gains 1.4% CRIT Rate per 1,000 initial Max HP (fully upgraded Core Skill). At 27,000 HP, she has ~37.8% CRIT Rate before gear. This makes her personal damage respectable, but remember—Zhao’s primary role is buffing allies, not dealing damage herself.
Is Zhao time-limited?
No. Despite being a Version 2.5 featured character, Zhao will be added to the standard banner pool after her debut banner ends. However, the FREE copy from Special Visitor event IS time-limited (ends with Version 2.6), so claim it during the event period!
What Bangboo works best with Zhao?
Top choices:
- Resonaboo (A-Rank): Energy Regen support for faster rotations
- Sharkboo (S-Rank): Ice DMG amplification for Ice teams
- Sumoboo (S-Rank): Physical DMG boost for Physical teams
- Brawlerboo (A-Rank): Budget option with ATK buffs
Choose based on your main DPS element—Zhao doesn’t demand a specific Bangboo since she’s element-agnostic.
Conclusion
Zhao stands as one of Zenless Zone Zero’s most valuable free characters, offering unparalleled team support capabilities. Her versatility makes her an excellent investment for any player, whether you’re focusing on Ye Shunguang teams or need a universal buffer for your other compositions.
Remember these key points:
- HP is king – aim for 27,000 to maximize her potential
- Half-Sugar Bunny W-Engine is her best investment
- Maintain Ether Veil uptime as your top priority
- Quick rotations – get in, buff, burst, get out
With this comprehensive build guide, you’re ready to unlock Zhao’s full potential and dominate the battlefield. Her combination of team buffs, healing, and damage potential makes her an invaluable addition to any roster.