Zhao’s Top Teams in Zenless Zone Zero: Meta Core or Flexible
Explore the best teams for Zhao in Zenless Zone Zero, from meta-focused trios to free-to-play value, with analysis on her synergy and role across the
Max Johnson Zhao's Top Teams in Zenless Zone Zero: Meta Core or Flexible
As of Patch 1.0 (live since 2024-07-04 UTC+8), team-building in Zenless Zone Zero has quickly gravitated to a handful of dominant archetypes—but for many, the real question is how much value generalist supports like Zhao offer compared to premium, specialized units. Unlike some units that fit only within narrow roles, Zhao's utility as an F2P-available support means she regularly factors into both meta clears and budget lineups—especially if you're optimizing for resource efficiency this patch.
At a Glance: Current Zhao Team Context
- Patch: 1.0 (launched 2024-07-04; server time UTC+8)
- Banner phase: Details not explicitly stated in official materials; refer to EarlyGG's banner schedule breakdown
- Key role: Universal support; provides DMG% and flat ATK buffs
- Core partners: Ye Shunguang, Dialyn, Miyabi, Yanagi
- Budget/F2P path: Works with Harumasa and Pulchra for accessible clears
Meta Review: Zhao's Place in the Current Team Landscape
Thesis on Meta Impact:
While not the absolute best-in-slot for every meta core, Zhao's versatility and ease of fit make her a mainstay in both high-level and budget compositions. Her DMG buffs scale generically, with little field time required—a premium in any Abyss-style endgame or for players skipping high-spend supports.
Testing Notes/Consensus:
Across community clears and data-verified theorycrafts since launch, Zhao consistently ranks in the upper B to low A-tier as a generalist. Her presence is especially felt in teams built around Ye Shunguang (who leverages Energy and DMG%), but she's meaningfully outperformed by ultra-rare, team-specific support units if those are available and invested.
For detailed character synergy and power analysis, see EarlyGG’s character tier lists.
Banner and Team Building Overview
Quick Table: Banner (Phase 1, Patch 1.0)
| Phase | Period (UTC+8) | Headline Agent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0-1 | 2024-07-04 — TBA | Ye Shunguang + Zhao | Banners rotate biweekly (see EarlyGG) |
| 1.0-2 | Unconfirmed | Not stated | Check official site for updates |
"Not stated in official materials" where applicable. For live rates and cycling, refer to the official HoYoverse schedule.
Should You Pull Zhao? (1.0, Resource Optimization)
- F2P/low-spend: Zhao is one of the most accessible universal supports, with significant value in early accounts. Her best value is as a no-nonsense backbone while you build up premium units.
- Optimal/meta: Only deploy Zhao as best-in-slot when you lack (or refuse to invest in) niche S-tier supports tied tightly to other teams or event-limited banners.
- Opportunity cost: Pulling for Zhao is low risk if you value flexible comp-building, but consider saving pity for strictly higher-tier exclusive supports if you already have functional teams.
Teams & Synergies: Core and Budget Paths
1. Zhao + Ye Shunguang + Dialyn (Meta, Generalist)
- Why it works: Maximizes Ye Shunguang’s damage output. Dialyn’s Stun DMG and Ultimate acceleration couple with Zhao’s Ether Veil generation, allowing Ye Shunguang to remain on-field nearly full time and rapidly cycle Enlightened Mind state.
- Rotation: Dialyn quickly applies Stun, swaps out; Zhao’s buffs sustain in background; Ye Shunguang consistently triggers enhanced skills.
- Limitation: Outperformed if you have a more specialized (limited) support available, but few teams match its accessibility and reliability.
- Visual suggestion: Team screen with Ye Shunguang active, Zhao and Dialyn in backline (alt text: "Team selection UI showcasing Ye Shunguang, Zhao, and Dialyn for high damage and seamless rotations.")
2. Zhao + Miyabi + Yanagi (Frost/Anomaly Synergy)
- Why it works: Zhao’s passive buffs heighten the output of both Miyabi (who relies on uptime for her crit-boosted Anomaly triggers) and Yanagi, who syncs with Frostburn via strong EX Special Attacks.
- Rotation complexity: Requires careful sequencing to stack Frostbite and maximize both Anomaly and Crit triggers.
- Critical note: Miyabi is highly crit-dependent; Zhao’s support role is especially valuable if you lack Crit-boosting artifacts/weapons for Miyabi.
- Visual suggestion: Showcase combo attack indicator overlay (alt text: "Frost Anomaly effects in combat highlighting Zhao's buffs for Miyabi and Yanagi.")
3. Zhao + Harumasa + Pulchra (Accessible F2P Option)
- Why it works: All core agents are F2P-obtainable, minimizing resource strain. Pulchra enables quick Stun without major field time; Zhao covers offensive buffing; Harumasa takes primary field for burst rotations.
- Clear-speed: Adequate for all regular content and entry-tier challenges; will struggle against late-stage Abyss or Challenge modes but offers stable progression.
- Visual suggestion: Progression map showing F2P team deployment (alt text: "Harumasa, Pulchra, and Zhao team selection geared for free-to-play progression.")
Key Build Notes for Zhao (Patch 1.0 Reference)
Sets: Focus on DMG% or Support sets (set bonuses not stated in current official materials; prioritize max HP and DMG boosting).
Main stats:
– HP%/ATK% or DMG%, substats prioritizing Energy Regen if needed for rotation
– Crit not required; invest in field uptime for damage dealers instead
Eidolons/Constellations:
– For Zhao, as an F2P base unit, no Eidolons are required to perform her key role; any additional Eidolon copies offer only marginal boost.
Stat thresholds/energy requirements not stated in official materials for Zhao as of Patch 1.0. Monitor future patch notes for adjustments.
Preparation & Materials Checklist
- Daily tasks: Prioritize resource farming for HP/Damage enhancing gear
- Materials: Requires common support materials (not specified in official database yet)
- Monitor EarlyGG materials tracker for updates as new drops/gear sets are added
Takeaway & What to Watch Next
Zhao remains a highly efficient choice in Zenless Zone Zero Patch 1.0, especially if you’re optimizing for flexibility, budget spending, or simply lacking SSR-limited supports. Her universal buffs ensure a home in a wide variety of teams, with Ye Shunguang/Dialyn as her best synergy now. While min-maxers might eventually swap her out for team-specific five-stars, her value as an account-staple support is hard to dispute—especially for F2P and new players.
Watch for:
– Upcoming banner phases (official site or EarlyGG banner tracker)
– Future balance adjustments altering the value of universal supports
– Event-specific team requirements that may boost Zhao’s relative ranking further
For ongoing updates, visit internal EarlyGG resources on banner cycles and character guides. For official changes, refer directly to the HoYoverse Zenless Zone Zero site.