Zenless Zone Zero: Zhao Best Build, W-Engines & Drive Discs
An in-depth, current analysis of Zhao’s optimal build in Zenless Zone Zero (Patch 1.0): best W-Engines, Drive Disc sets, stat priorities, and team fit
Alex Rodriguez Zhao Best Build Guide (Patch 1.0) — Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero is rapidly evolving, and the latest Patch 1.0 has solidified Zhao as a premier universal support. Released globally on 2024-07-04 (UTC+0), Zhao's impact on meta team compositions is stirring debate across high-level play. Whether aiming for time-clearing challenges or maximizing synergy in standard rotations, understanding Zhao’s ideal build is critical for players seeking a consistent, low-friction path to success.
This guide delivers a 360° evaluation of Zhao’s optimal weapons, Drive Disc sets, and stat priorities after extensive player testing and patch adjustments. All recommendations are based on verified Patch 1.0 data as of the time of writing; regional differences and future reruns are noted when relevant.
At a Glance: Zhao (Patch 1.0)
- Role: Universal Support / Defense Agent
- Launch Date: 2024-07-04 (global, all platforms)
- Key Buff Mechanics: ATK%, HP%, Crit DMG, Energy Regen
- Required Investment for Max Buff: ≥27,000 HP
- Signature Weapon: Half-Sugar Bunny (W-Engine)
- Drive Disc Focus: Energy Regen, HP%, Team Utility
Zhao Banner Schedule & Acquisition
Not stated in official materials: The precise rerun schedule for Zhao or her signature weapon. For latest banners, refer to EarlyGG’s current ZZZ Banner Guide.
Current 5-star (S-Rank) Banner Practice
- HoYoverse rotates banners roughly every 3 weeks, with one S-Rank (5-Star) and two featured A-Rank (4-Star) units per phase.
- Pity Details: Standard 80-wish hard pity and 50/50 soft-pity rules apply as in other HoYoverse titles. Currency usage, pitty [sic] carry-over, and banner currency rates are confirmed identical across servers.
Zhao: Build Fundamentals
Zhao’s kit thrives on HP scaling and rapid Energy Recovery, making her a plug-and-play support for teams valuing both durability and consistent EX Special Attack uptime. Unlike niche supports limited to specific Factions or damage types, Zhao’s buffs—ATK%, HP%, Crit DMG—are broadly applicable, driving her value across nearly all meta teams post-1.0.
Key Task: Achieve ≥27,000 HP to unlock full DMG buffs from her Additional Ability.
Best W-Engines for Zhao
| W-Engine | Notes |
|---|---|
| Half-Sugar Bunny | Signature, top option. Grants Energy Regen, buffs ATK%+HP%, and provides a 30% team Crit DMG buff on Ether Veil triggers. |
| Tusks of Fury | Viable if Half-Sugar Bunny unavailable. Decent DMG and Daze buffs, though less support-focused. |
| Original Transmorpher | Budget-friendly; enormous HP stacking from passive and sub-stat boosts her HP threshold. Good stopping gap for F2P. |
| Spring Embrace | Emergency pick. Offers minor Energy Regen; situational at best. |
All W-Engines are platform-agnostic. No region-locked effects as of 1.0.
Best Drive Disc Sets
For Patch 1.0 meta optimization:
| Drive Disc Set | Effect & Use Case |
|---|---|
| 2pc Moonlight Lullaby + | Prioritizes Energy Regen for frequent EX Special Attacks. |
| 2pc Swing Jazz | Buffs synergistically with Lullaby, further improving uptime. |
| 2pc Yunkui Tales | HP stacking to secure ≥27,000 HP more efficiently. |
| 4pc Astral Voice (alternate) | Viable, but requires more field time—use only if comfortable swapping. |
Stat Priorities:
Primary: HP%, Energy Regen (on Disc 6 if possible). Sub-stats: HP%, flat HP.
Material Preparation & Farming Roadmap
| Category | Best Stats |
|---|---|
| Disc 4 | HP% |
| Disc 5 | HP% |
| Disc 6 | Energy Regen or HP% |
Sub-stats: HP% > flat HP.
- Material Sources:
- Weekly bosses (for W-Engine ascension, not stated in official materials for Zhao specifics)
- Drive Disc farming (drop tables rotate daily; consult EarlyGG’s materials schedule)
- Daily/weekly shop resets: Track time zone for server reset (commonly UTC+8 for Asia, UTC-5 for NA; verify via in-game clock)
Team Synergy & Example Compositions
Zhao’s universal toolkit means she fits seamlessly into a range of meta and budget lineups.
Core Meta Comps:
- Ye Shunguang + Zhao + Any Main DPS: Zhao’s EX Special Attack triggers Ether Veil buffs, amplifies ATK%/Crit, flexibly supporting both burst and quickswap teams.
- Triple Survival/Balanced Setups: Any Main DPS + Zhao + another support/tank. Minimizes team death and improves survivability.
F2P Note: Original Transmorpher and double two-piece Drive Disc sets are entirely accessible for non-payers. Reaching the ≥27,000 HP threshold is possible with standard leveling and reasonable artifact RNG.
Troubleshooting & Common Pitfalls
- Failing HP Threshold: If Zhao’s HP is below 27,000, DMG buff is reduced. Stack two Yunkui Tales pieces and prioritize HP% main/sub-stats in rollover.
- EX Special Attack Uptime: If burst window feels inconsistent, verify Energy Regen rolls. Consider swapping in Energy Regen main-stat Disc 6.
- Team Buff Overlap: Using multiple buffing supports? Zhao’s Crit DMG and ATK% can partially overlap with other buffers—avoid redundancy by adjusting team lineup.
FAQ
Q: Does Zhao require constellation/dupe levels for meta viability?
- A: No. All core buffing utilities are available at base pull. Higher Eidolons/duplicates increase personal tankiness and add minor utility.
Q: Is Half-Sugar Bunny mandatory for Zhao?
- A: No, but it dramatically increases her ceiling. F2P can safely run Original Transmorpher or similar HP/utility W-Engines.
Q: Can Zhao’s build shift with future patches?
- A: Yes. Players should track Drive Disc set or Energy Regen stat adjustments in major patch notes. Always refer to EarlyGG’s build hub for up-to-date changes.
Conclusion & Next Steps
As of Patch 1.0, Zhao is one of the most flexible, value-dense supports in Zenless Zone Zero, shaping team success for both F2P and heavy spenders. Focusing on HP threshold, core W-Engines, and including regular Energy Regen will guarantee her buffs fire consistently in challenging content.
Next: After building Zhao, optimize her team placement for upcoming content. Monitor official server announcements and EarlyGG’s event schedule for rerun banners, limited events, or meta shifts that may change her build recommendations.
Visual Suggestion:
– Infographic or overlay: Zhao surrounded by W-Engine icons and Drive Discs, visually denoting stat/gear connections (alt text: "Visual showing Zhao with her optimal W-Engine and Drive Disc set recommendations for Patch 1.0").
For more details and updates on Zhao and other supports, follow the Zenless Zone Zero build guides on EarlyGG.