Case File #zero
A TierZero Build Guide
Zero's main selling point is frontloading their damage into Ultimate and Skill, providing scaling burst DMG potential through natural Awakening acquisition. However, damage is heavily concentrated in these abilities, making Zero a strong Sub-DPS for early-to-mid game but less effective in endgame content. Consequently, Zero is placed in A tier.
Strengths
- Frontloaded burst damage with Ultimate and Skill
- Scales well with Awakening effects
- Skill instantly fills Cycle Energy for quick Esper Cycle triggers
Weaknesses
- Damage heavily relies on Ultimate and Skill
- Endgame damage potential is limited
- Requires proper team support and rotation to maximize output
Best Arcs
Hypervortex: Deals 30% increased Cosmos DMG with the wearer's Redirect Skill and Ultimate. Increases the wearer's Cycle Intensity by 36 for 15s after casting a Redirect Skill. Resets the duration when triggered again.
Eclipse: Increases wearer's ATK by 30%. Unlocks Arc: Eclipse. The wearer creates a 40s Eclipse. During the Eclipse, each enemy defeated restores 6 Ultimate Energy, up to 5 times. (Cooldown: 300s).
Picture Frame: Increases ATK by 20% when the wearer's HP is above 50%; increases DEF by 20% when HP is below 50%.
Best Cartridge
Epic (2): Cosmos DMG +10%. Legendary (4): Ignores 25% of enemies' DEF for 20s after the wearer casts Ultimate. Effect does not stack.
Best Main Stat: CRIT Rate or Cycle Intensity
- CRIT Rate is general pick for consistency in short combos.
- Cycle Intensity is viable in full quickswap teams where multiple cycles occur.
Module Layout
Required Modules
Bonus: Type III
Total Bonus: +40% Attack
Substat Priority
- This layout activates Lost Radiance's 4-piece effect while maximizing bonus Module bonuses. Prioritize sub stats listed for improved damage output.
Best Teams
In this team, Zero acts as a Sub-DPS alongside Jiuyuan, supporting Main DPS Nanally. They can trigger the Blossom Esper Cycle, which Jiuyuan empowers for extra damage. Sakiri provides crowd control and ATK buffs while enabling the Hexed Esper Cycle. If Nanally is unavailable, Mint can substitute as Main DPS; Adler can replace Sakiri for a defense-oriented support.
Alternatives
Jiuyuan Skill → Sakiri Hold Skill → Sakiri Ultimate → Esper Zero Skill → Esper Zero Ultimate → Swap to Nanally (Blossom Trigger) → Nanally Skill → Nanally Ultimate → Spam Normal Attacks → Jiuyuan Ultimate
- This rotation ensures Nanally receives maximum power-up and maintains Jiuyuan's Lethal Rose Pact uptime.
- If using Mint, the rotation is the same but Mint's low cooldown allows spamming her Skill.
Skill Priority
Appraisal (Basic Attack)
Can be leveled later if using Zero as Sub-DPS, but good to level alongside Skill if Main DPS.
Rift Blossom (Support Skill)
Level last as most damage comes from other sources.
Appraise and Engrave (Skill)
Level next as it is used as frequently as Ultimate.
Divice by Zero (Ultimate)
Max out first since most damage comes from frequent Ultimate use.
Awakening Priority
Anomalies Record
Amazing Awakening that sets up his Ultimate to do more damage due to having more CRIT Rate. Get this first.
Undecided Factors
Second-priority Awakening that improves the damage of Zero's Ultimate.
Deceptive Liberation
Improves Zero's Skill damage, making it more reliable. Get this third.
Finding the Calling
Helps facilitate using Zero's Ultimate more. Get this fourth.
Theopneustos
Provides some bonus ATK when Zero's Support Skill is triggered. Good Quality-of-Life.
Blooming Gaze
Deals additional damage to low-level enemies. Good to have, but low-priority.
How to Play
1. Start combat with a Lakshana or Anima character if they have full Cycle Energy, then swap to Zero to trigger Remora or Bloom immediately. 2. Use Zero's Skill to fill Cycle Energy quickly, then use Ultimate for massive damage. 3. After using Skill, swap to a Lakshana or Anima teammate to trigger Remora or Bloom respectively. 4. If both Lakshana and Anima are in the team, trigger both to activate Charge and gain Ultimate Energy.
Rotations
- 1 Standard rotation: Jiuyuan Skill → Sakiri Hold Skill → Sakiri Ultimate → Esper Zero Skill → Esper Zero Ultimate → Swap to Nanally (Blossom Trigger) → Nanally Skill → Nanally Ultimate → Spam Normal Attacks → Jiuyuan Ultimate
Tips
- Use Skill to quickly trigger Esper Cycles by fully charging Cycle Energy instantly.
- Team up with Lakshana and Anima characters to access Remora, Blossom, and Charge Esper Cycles.
- Use Ultimate to deal massive damage, especially with appropriate Awakening effects.