Zenless Zone Zero’s Latest S-Rank Character Brings Game-Changing Combat Mechanics

HoYoverse continues to expand its urban action RPG with the introduction of Astra Yao, a highly anticipated S-Rank character coming to Zenless Zone Zero. This new addition to the roster brings unique support capabilities and a powerful signature weapon system that promises to reshape team strategies.

As an Ether Support Agent, Astra Yao specializes in enhancing team performance through utility and damage amplification. Her versatile kit allows her to synergize with both Anomaly and Attack characters, making her an adaptable choice for diverse team compositions.

The highlight of Astra Yao’s arsenal is her signature W-Engine, dubbed “Elegant Vanity.” This weapon system boasts impressive specifications, including a maximum base ATK of 713 at Level 60 and a substantial 30% ATK bonus as its main substat. The weapon’s unique “Untold Beauty” effect provides strategic energy management and team-wide damage amplification.

Key features of the Elegant Vanity W-Engine include:

• Base ATK: 713
• ATK: 30%
• W-Engine Effect: Untold Beauty: When any squad member enters the field through a Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, the equipper gains 5 Energy. This effect can trigger once every 5s. When the equipper consumes 25 Energy or more, the damage dealt by all squad members increases by 10%, stacking up to 2 times, and lasting 20s. Repeated triggers refresh the duration. Only one instance of this effect can exist in the same squad.

This weapon system particularly benefits quick-swap support characters and those who rely heavily on ultimate abilities. Characters like Soukaku and Lucy stand to gain significant advantages from the W-Engine’s mechanics, as their playstyles align well with its rapid-switching bonuses.

Version 1.5 of Zenless Zone Zero brings additional content beyond Astra Yao’s debut. Players can look forward to Evelyn, a new Fire Attack character, arriving in the second half of the update. The patch also marks a milestone with the game’s first rerun banners, featuring the return of Ellen and Qingyi to the limited banner selection.