Are you ready to dominate the Hollows and climb the ranks in Zenless Zone Zero? As a Proxy navigating the dangerous world of New Eridu, choosing the right Agents can make or break your success in both Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault modes. I’ve spent countless hours testing and analyzing every Agent to bring you the most comprehensive and up-to-date tier list for Version 2.3 “Memories of Dreams Bygone.”
This tier list will help you understand which Agents are worth investing in, which ones fit specific team compositions, and how to build the most effective squads for endgame content. Whether you’re a seasoned Proxy or just starting your journey, this guide will give you the insights you need to make informed decisions about your Agent investments.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Tier List System (2026)
Before diving into the rankings, it’s essential to understand how this tier list works and what each tier represents. Unlike other games where raw power might be the only factor, Zenless Zone Zero requires a more nuanced approach to character evaluation.
Tier List Criteria
Our tier list is based on extensive testing across both major endgame modes:
- Shiyu Defense (SD): Similar to Spiral Abyss in Genshin Impact, this mode requires 2 teams of 3 Agents to clear waves of enemies within 5 minutes. We focus on the ability to clear within 2.5 minutes for maximum reward efficiency.
- Deadly Assault (DA): A boss-focused mode where you need 3 teams to maximize rewards, though only 2 well-geared teams are necessary for premium currency. The goal is achieving 20,000+ score points across 2 stages.
Tier Definitions
| Tier | Description | Investment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 0 | The absolute best Agents. Must-haves that significantly impact your account’s power. | High priority |
| Tier 1+ | Excellent Agents that perform at near-Tier 0 levels with proper investment. | High priority |
| Tier 1 | Solid performers that require more investment but can still excel. | Medium priority |
| Tier 2 | Niche picks that require specific team compositions to shine. | Low priority |
| Tier 3+ | Below average even with heavy investment. Early game only. | Avoid |
Complete ZZZ Tier List (July 2026)
Tier 0: The Meta-Defining Agents
These Agents represent the pinnacle of performance in Zenless Zone Zero’s current meta. They offer exceptional value across multiple team compositions and content types.
| Agent | Role | Key Strengths | Best Team Compositions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miyabi | DPS/Anomaly | Massive Frostburn damage, excellent Basic Attack scaling | Frost teams, Anomaly compositions |
| Yixuan | DPS/Rupture | Sheer Force DMG that ignores enemy DEF, high technical ceiling | Rupture-focused teams, mixed compositions |
| Astra Yao | Support | ATK/DMG buffs, Chain Attack assistance, HP restoration | Universal support, works with any DPS |
| Yuzuha | Support | Best Anomaly support, buffs ATK/Anomaly DMG/Buildup Rate | Anomaly teams, especially mixed-element |
| Lucia | Support | Ether buffs, Aftershock triggers, healing capabilities | Ether teams, universal support |
| Ju Fufu | Stun/Support | Off-field stunning, CRIT DMG buffs, Chain Attack/Ultimate buffs | Teams needing quick stuns, mixed compositions |
| Trigger | Stun/Support | Long-range stunning, Aftershock Daze application, versatile | Ranged teams, compositions needing off-field support |
Why These Agents Are Tier 0:
- Miyabi: Her Frostburn application combined with devastating Basic Attack damage makes her unmatched in sustained DPS scenarios. With the Hailstorm Shrine W-Engine, she reaches damage ceilings that few others can touch.
- Yixuan: While technically demanding, his ability to ignore enemy DEF with Sheer Force DMG makes him invaluable against high-DEF bosses. His Special Attack and Ultimate can delete health bars when executed perfectly.
- Astra Yao: The ultimate universal support. Her ability to buff both ATK and DMG while enabling Chain Attack assistance makes her a force multiplier for any team composition.
- Yuzuha: As the premier Anomaly support, she transforms any Anomaly-focused team from good to exceptional. Her multi-faceted buffs make her irreplaceable in Anomaly compositions.
- Lucia: The newest addition to Tier 0, Lucia brings Ether-specific buffs that were previously missing from the meta. Her ability to trigger Aftershocks while providing healing makes her incredibly versatile.
- Ju Fufu: Revolutionizes stun-focused teams with her off-field capabilities. The CRIT DMG buff alone makes her worth building, but her utility extends far beyond that.
- Trigger: Offers unique long-range stunning capabilities that no other Agent can match. Her versatility in both stun and support roles makes her incredibly flexible for team building.
Tier 1+: Excellent Performers
These Agents offer excellent performance and versatility, though they may have more specific requirements or slightly lower ceilings than Tier 0.
| Agent | Role | Key Strengths | Best Team Compositions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evelyn | DPS | Exceptional Chain Attack damage, excellent mob grouping | Boss-focused teams, mob-clearing compositions |
| Vivian | DPS/Anomaly | Off-field Ether damage, Disorder DMG enhancement | Mixed Anomaly teams, Ether compositions |
| Soldier 0 Anby | DPS | White Thunder stack damage, sustained on-field DPS | Electric teams, prolonged fight scenarios |
| Alice | DPS/Anomaly | Frequent Assault triggers, Disorder damage amplification | Physical teams, mixed-element compositions |
| Seed | DPS/Support | Powerful Basic Attack, interrupt resistance, Attack buffing | Attack-focused teams, universal compositions |
| Yanagi | DPS/Anomaly | Disorder DMG amplification, mixed-element synergy | Multi-element Anomaly teams |
| Orphie & Magus | DPS/Support | Fire off-field damage, DEF ignore, ATK buffing | Fire teams, mixed compositions |
| Lighter | Stun | High Daze output, Fire/Ice DMG buffs | Fire/Ice teams, stun-focused compositions |
| Hugo | DPS | Increased damage vs stunned enemies | Stun-focused teams, boss compositions |
| Burnice | DPS/Anomaly | Burning application, off-field Afterburn damage | Fire teams, DoT compositions |
Notable Mentions:
- Evelyn: Her Chain Attack potential is unmatched, making her exceptional for boss-focused content. The ability to group mobs while dealing massive single-target damage makes her versatile.
- Vivian: As an off-field Ether Anomaly unit, she enables incredible Disorder damage when paired with a second Anomaly unit. Her Abloom mechanic is unique and powerful.
- Soldier 0 Anby: While requiring significant on-field time, his White Thunder stacks can lead to devastating Aftershock damage that few can match.
Tier 1: Solid Performers
These Agents require more investment but can still excel in the right hands and team compositions.
| Agent | Role | Key Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane | DPS/Anomaly | High mobility, Assault damage | Requires specific team synergy |
| Ellen | DPS | Strong Normal Attack, powerful Ultimate | Needs stun support for maximum potential |
| Manato | DPS/Rupture | HP-sacrifice mechanic, strong A-Rank | High risk, high reward playstyle |
| Zhu Yuan | DPS | Ranged Enhanced Shotshells | Very stun-dependent |
| Harumasa | DPS | Strong Anomaly potential | Inconsistent without proper support |
| Caesar | Stun/Support | Shielding, ATK buffing | Better as support than primary stun |
| Qingyi | Stun | High Daze output, versatile | Outclassed by newer stun options |
Building Tier 1 Agents:
- Jane: Her mobility makes her feel great to play, but she requires either another Assault unit or a different element Anomaly unit to trigger Disorder effectively.
- Ellen: While her Normal Attack damage is impressive, she truly shines when paired with a strong stun unit to take advantage of her stunned enemy damage bonuses.
- Manato: As an A-Rank unit, he’s surprisingly powerful but his HP-sacrifice mechanic requires careful play and good healing support.
2026 Advanced Team Building Strategies
Understanding individual Agent strength is only half the battle. In Zenless Zone Zero, team composition and synergy are what separate good players from great ones.
Core Team Building Principles
- Role Balance: Every effective team needs:
- 1 Primary DPS (main damage dealer)
- 1 Secondary DPS/Support (damage enhancement/utility)
- 1 Stun/Support (crowd control/buffs)
- Elemental Synergy: Consider:
- Same-element teams for focused damage
- Mixed-element teams for Disorder triggers
- Element-specific buffs and supports
- Mechanical Synergy: Look for:
- Agents that complement each other’s cooldowns
- Supports that enhance your DPS’s primary damage type
- Stun units that enable your DPS’s bonus mechanics
Top Team Compositions for July 2026
Composition 1: The Universal Powerhouse
- Primary DPS: Miyabi
- Secondary DPS: Vivian
- Support: Astra Yao
Why it works: Miyabi provides devastating main damage while Vivian enables Disorder triggers. Astra Yao’s universal buffs amplify both damage dealers significantly.
Composition 2: The Anomaly Specialist
- Primary DPS: Yanagi
- Secondary DPS: Burnice
- Support: Yuzuha
Why it works: Yuzuha’s Anomaly buffs transform both Yanagi and Burnice into monsters. The mixed elements enable frequent Disorder triggers for massive damage.
Composition 3: The Stun-Focused Destroyer
- Primary DPS: Hugo
- Stun: Lighter
- Support: Ju Fufu
Why it works: With two stun units, Hugo rarely fights unstunned enemies, maximizing his damage potential. Ju Fufu provides additional buffs and off-field utility.
Investment Priorities and Resource Management
With limited resources, knowing who to invest in is crucial. Here’s my recommended priority list:
S-Rank Agent Priority
- Miyabi – Highest ceiling, versatile
- Astra Yao – Universal support, fits any team
- Yixuan – DEF-ignoring damage, valuable against tough content
- Lucia – New meta support, incredible utility
- Yuzuha – Best Anomaly support, essential for Anomaly teams
A-Rank Agent Priority
- Manato – Surprisingly strong for an A-Rank
- Soldier 0 Anby – Excellent damage potential
- Seed – Great utility and damage
- Orphie & Magus – Unique mechanics, strong off-field damage
W-Engine Investment Tips
- Prioritize your main DPS’s signature W-Engine first
- Support W-Engines generally provide more value than DPS alternatives
- Consider A-Rank W-Engines for budget options – many are surprisingly competitive
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After analyzing hundreds of player teams and clears, I’ve identified several common mistakes that hold players back:
1. Ignoring Support Investment
Many players focus all resources on DPS units while neglecting supports. A well-built support often provides more team value than an underbuilt second DPS.
2. Overlooking Mechanical Synergy
Don’t just build the “highest tier” Agents without considering how they work together. Some lower-tier Agents have incredible synergy with specific compositions.
3. Neglecting Stun Units
In the current meta, having at least one well-built stun unit is essential for maximizing DPS potential, especially for Agents like Ellen and Hugo.
4. Chasing “Meta” Without Understanding Playstyle
The “best” Agents aren’t always the best for YOU. Consider your preferred playstyle and build teams you enjoy playing consistently.
Future-Proofing Your Account
With Version 2.3 established and future updates on the horizon, here’s how to ensure your account remains competitive:
Agents to Watch
- Yidhari and Komano Manato: The newest Agents show promise but need more testing
- Future Electric units: The element seems poised for a meta shift
- More hybrid supports: The trend toward versatile supports will likely continue
Resource Conservation Tips
- Keep at least 100 pulls saved for new banners
- Don’t dismiss A-Rank Agents – many are meta-relevant
- Focus on building versatile Agents first, niche specialists later
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
What’s the difference between Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault tier lists?
Shiyu Defense emphasizes quick clear times and mob-clearing ability, while Deadly Assault focuses on sustained boss damage and score optimization. Our tier list combines both considerations with a slight bias toward Deadly Assault, as it’s generally more challenging.
Are A-Rank Agents worth building in July 2026?
Absolutely! Agents like Manato, Soldier 0 Anby, and Seed can compete with S-Ranks when properly built. Don’t sleep on A-Ranks – they’re often more accessible and can be just as effective.
How often does this tier list get updated?
I update this tier list after every major version update and whenever significant balance changes occur. With Version 2.3 just released, the next update will likely come with Version 2.4.
Should I pull for Agents just because they’re high tier?
Not necessarily. Consider your existing roster, playstyle preferences, and whether the Agent fills a gap in your teams. Tier lists are guides, not absolute rules.
What’s the best team for new players?
For new players, I recommend: Miyabi (if available) + Astra Yao + any solid stun unit. This composition is versatile, powerful, and teaches good team-building fundamentals.
How important are W-Engines compared to Agent levels?
W-Engines are crucial but not as important as Agent levels and core skills. Prioritize getting your main Agents to max level with enhanced core skills before investing heavily in W-Engines.
Will this tier list be relevant for future updates?
While individual Agent positions may shift with balance changes, the fundamental evaluation criteria and team-building principles will remain relevant. I’ll keep this updated with the latest meta developments.
Conclusion: Building Your Path to Victory
Zenless Zone Zero is a game that rewards both strategic thinking and mechanical skill. This tier list provides you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about Agent investments and team building, but remember that personal skill and enjoyment are equally important.
The Agents listed in Tier 0 and Tier 1+ represent the current meta’s pinnacle, but don’t be afraid to experiment with compositions that suit your playstyle. Some of the most effective teams I’ve seen have been creative combinations that aren’t necessarily “meta” but work perfectly for the player using them.
As New Eridu continues to evolve with new Agents and challenges, I’ll be here to keep you updated with the latest tier list information and strategies. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates as new versions release and the meta shifts.
Remember, Proxy: the Hollows are dangerous, but with the right Agents and strategies, you’ll conquer anything they throw at you. See you in the streets of New Eridu!
Stay tuned for more Zenless Zone Zero guides and strategies. The meta is always evolving, and I’ll be here to help you stay ahead of the curve.