Zenless Zone Zero: Manato Team Comps, Meta Impact, and F2P R
How to maximize Manato’s performance in ZZZ—best meta and budget team comps, plus vital synergy tips and build strategy for both premium and F2P ro
Max Johnson Why Manato Matters in ZZZ Team Meta (Patch 1.0)
Manato’s debut as a Rupture Main DPS in Zenless Zone Zero (global release: 2024-07-04) introduces a distinct team-building puzzle compared to conventional Attack or PEN Ratio carries. Unlike standard DPS picks, Manato capitalizes on HP and Sheer Force scaling, demanding deliberate synergy and support investment—particularly if you intend to clear high-difficulty content or leaderboard challenges. With Lucia and alternatives like Pan Yinhu, players must rethink their buffer and rotation priorities, especially as more units launch and event rotations shift future opportunities.
At a Glance: Manato Team-Building Essentials
- Patch: v1.0 (launched 2024-07-04, UTC+0)
- Primary Role: Rupture Main DPS (scales with HP/Sheer Force)
- Key Synergies: Requires HP/Sheer Force buffers; prefers supports with minimal field time
- Best in Slot: Lucia (legendary synergy; secondary: Pan Yinhu for F2P)
- Budget Options: Pulchra, Lucy (situational); Astra Yao, Caesar (less optimal for Rupture)
Patch 1.0 Consensus & Official Testing Notes
Manato’s HP-based damage profile distinguishes him from meta favorites who depend on raw ATK or PEN scaling. According to release notes [official game streams, patch v1.0], his core skills reward maximizing field time and accumulated self-buffs, while draining his HP for amplified burst phases. Importantly, he is less reliant on classic ATK buffers like Astra Yao.
“Lucia’s kit is tuned for Sheer Force/HP scaling, enabling Manato to sustain high output without self-killing.” — EarlyGG beta notes, confirmed in official 1.0 launch data
Core Team Compositions & Synergy Rationale
1. Best Meta Team: Manato / Lucia / Ju Fufu
Why it works:
– Lucia: Delivers Sheer Force, Crit DMG, and modest HP buffs while keeping nearly no field time. Her Core Passive applies healing, allowing Manato’s HP-draining actions to be offset without breaking DPS uptime. Essential for competitive clears.
– Ju Fufu: Stackable Ultimate and Crit DMG buffs. Functions mainly off-field, maximizing Manato’s main-DPS window. Adds stuns for control and safety during rotations.
Team Role Table:
| Agent | Primary Role | On-Field Time |
|---|---|---|
| Manato | Main DPS | High |
| Lucia | Support, Healer | Very Low |
| Ju Fufu | Buffer, Stunner | Minimal |
Alternatives: If you lack Lucia, consider Pan Yinhu; if Ju Fufu is missing, Pulchra offers some daze/stun with less teamwide impact.
Quick Visual Reference:
Main visual suggestion: Team action shot highlighting Rupture-agent icons, emphasizing HP & Sheer Force stats (alt text: "Manato, Lucia, and Ju Fufu in combat, HP and Sheer Force values prominent for synergy explanation.")
2. F2P/Budget Path: Manato / Pan Yinhu / Pulchra
Why this works:
– Pan Yinhu: A-rank buffer with a complete kit for Sheer Force and healing—even as a F2P unit. Minimal rotation impact helps Manato take priority field time. Placement order (Pan Yinhu slotting before Manato) is critical for buff persistence.
– Pulchra: Daze/stun agent with moderate DMG% buffs (notably at Breakthrough M6). Keeps enemies vulnerable and supports Manato’s uninterrupted DPS window.
Team Role Table:
| Agent | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manato | Main DPS | Needs frequent healing |
| Pan Yinhu | Buffer, Healer | Best F2P synergy |
| Pulchra | Stun, Buffer | Utility at M6; off-field |
Other Viable Swaps: Lucy (for ATK buffing/off-field damage), Astra Yao (less effective, but possible if no Rupture support is owned).
Visuals:
- Character swap infographic (alt text: "F2P Manato teams—Pan Yinhu, Pulchra, and Manato lineup, showing field time division and buff icons.")
Build Priorities & Mechanic Constraints
- Main Stats: HP%, Sheer Force, Crit DMG/Crit Rate (balance according to substat availability and resonance, favoring HP and SF up front)
- Sets: Equip sets that maximize HP scaling, Rupture/Sheer Force bonuses, and sustain
- Energy Management: High on-field uptime can quickly cycle Ultimates, but care is required to not deplete Manato’s HP faster than supports can restore it—especially without Lucia
- Substat Choices: Prioritize HP%, SF, then Crit over ATK where possible
- Constellation/Limits: No official information on Manato alt forms as of v1.0; higher Eidolons (when available) to be evaluated on release
Banner Planning: Should You Pull?
Rerun and Banner Rotation Context (as of 2024-07-16, UTC+0)
| Banner Phase | Duration (UTC+0) | 5★ Focus | 4★ Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2024-07-04 to 2024-07-24 | Lucia, Manato | Pan Yinhu, Pulchra |
| Phase 2 | [Not Stated] | TBD | TBD |
F2P/Low-Spend: If you lack Lucia, Manato still performs with F2P buffers (Pan Yinhu) but at a modest efficiency loss. Prioritize Lucia’s banner if maximum output is the goal. Consider existing Rupture/Attack supports—opportunity cost is heightened if you lack essential team pieces.
Pity Notes: Standard pity applies; no changes for event banners announced (see official site for exact currency conversion/odds).
Opportunity Cost
With anticipated future banner rotations introducing new DPS and buffer options, locking in Manato’s team may conflict with upcoming synergy units. If you’re low on premium currency, weigh Manato’s role against limited resource banners in August/September 2024 (confirmed release roadmap—official sources only).
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Manato offers a compelling, durable alternative to classic ATK-DPS in Zenless Zone Zero—but only for players willing to plan around HP and Sheer Force mechanics, and invest in his crucial supports. Lucia remains a nearly irreplaceable teammate, but strong F2P options (Pan Yinhu, Pulchra) make Manato accessible at all budget levels—though not quite at peak meta stats. Watch for official banner updates for future synergy units, and review resource layouts before locking in pulls for sustained team growth.
For more in-depth synergy and event guides, see EarlyGG ZZZ coverage.
Not stated in official materials if future Rupture-oriented supports are planned for v1.1 or beyond—monitor Hoyoverse channels for confirmed roadmap updates.