Zenless Zone Zero's version 2.5 closed beta has spilled exciting details on Zhao (also called Xiao Zhao or Little Zhao), a highly anticipated S-Rank Ice Defense agent from the Krampus Compliance Authority faction. Leaks portray her as a versatile free-to-play friendly support who scales off Max HP for personal ATK, provides team-wide healing via self-damage, and deploys "Ether Veil: Health" for role-specific buffs and Max HP boosts. Her kit emphasizes survivability, universal team enhancement, and sub-DPS potential through charged attacks.
Basic Attack: Five-Slash Combo with Charged Option
Press to unleash up to five forward slashes dealing Ice DMG (multipliers: 147.1% / 132% / 232.4% / 371.5% / 740.4% at Lv. 12; Daze: 83.7% / 74.5% / 127.3% / 232.7% / 421%). The fifth hit builds [Ice Points].
Charged Slash (Hold): Builds up to 5 seconds of charge time. Release for massive Ice DMG (1501.9% ATK; 104.9% Daze). Consumes charge for bonus DMG equal to 33.6% Max HP per second accumulated. Chains from Quick Assist switches or Assist Follow-Ups. M6 guarantees Crit and extends accumulation to 8 seconds without consumption during attacks.
Dodge, Dash Attack, and Dodge Counter deal standard Ice DMG with invulnerability frames.
Assist Mechanics: Daze, Follow-Ups, and Entry Skill
- Defensive Assist: Parries attacks for massive Daze (514.4% Light/Heavy; 250.4% Chain).
- Assist Follow-Up: Massive Ice DMG (732.4% ATK; 477.6% Daze) + [Ice Points].
- Quick Assist: Launches for 279% ATK; 104.9% Daze.
- Entry Skill: Triggers at full [Ice Point] gauge (built via on-field ally actions, EX Specials, etc.). Deals massive Ice DMG, builds points, and activates Ether Veil: Health (+5% team Max HP for 30 seconds; extends on repeat). Invulnerable.
Special Attack and EX Special Attack: Self-Sacrifice Healing
Special Attack: Forward slash (114.1% ATK; 85.5% Daze). Consumes 6% Max HP (if >50% current HP) to heal team at 1% Zhao's Max HP per second for 5 seconds (15-second CD).
EX Special Attack (40 Energy): Enhanced slashes (1688.9% ATK; 1078% Daze). Same heal + [Ice Points] buildup. Triggers Quick Assist under Ether Veil and activates team buffs. Invulnerable.
Chain Attack and Ultimate: Point Builders and Veil Activator
Chain Attack: Massive Ice DMG (1119.8% ATK; 181.5% Daze) + 15 [Ice Points]. Invulnerable.
Ultimate (Max Decibels): Forward attack + falling slash (4234.7% ATK; 539.8% Daze). Builds 20 [Ice Points] and activates/extends Ether Veil: Health (30 seconds). Invulnerable.
Core Passive: HP-to-ATK Scaling and Role Buffs
Zhao gains 0.05 ATK per 1 Max HP. Under Ether Veil, squad gets specialty buffs:
| Specialty | Buff |
|---|---|
| Attack | +40% CRIT DMG |
| Rupture | +650 Sheer Force |
| Anomaly | +60 Anomaly Proficiency |
| Support | +540 ATK |
| Stun | +30 Impact |
| Defense | +0.72 Energy Regen Speed |
Earlier betas had 1000 ATK flat + role tweaks; current emphasizes universality.
Additional Ability: Team DMG Amp
On EX Special or Veil active: +30% squad DMG for 12 seconds (extends). Requires Attack/Anomaly/Rupture teammate.
Mindscape Cinema Highlights
- M1: Interruption resistance over 50% HP; off-field 12% RES ignore (30-50s).
- M2: +10% Healing Received; overfull HP grants +15% ATK (15-25s).
- M3/M5: +2 levels to Basics/Dodge/Assist/Special/Chain.
- M4: +15% Core ATK (extra +15% in Veil); or +25% CRIT DMG on key skills.
- M6: Charged Slash auto-Crit; bonus DMG to 150% Max HP, non-consuming.
Signature W-Engine
S-Rank Defense (713 ATK, 30% HP): +0.26 ER/s; team +10% ATK/HP. On EX Special/Veil: +40% squad CRIT DMG (35s, extends).
Zhao positions as a top flex support, replacing archetype-specific units like Astra Yao in Anomaly or providing F2P access to strong buffs. Pair her with Ye Shunguang for synergy. Watch for final patches!
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