TL;DR
- Six S-rank characters available in standard banner: Lycaon, Nekomata, Rina, Grace, Koleda, Soldier 11
- Master Tape economy requires strategic planning with guaranteed 5-star at 50 pulls and selector at 300
- Lycaon and Nekomata offer highest immediate combat value for new players
- Free characters provide solid foundation while building S-rank collection
- Team synergy and elemental reactions crucial for maximizing character potential
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Building your dream team in Zenless Zone Zero requires strategic planning around the game’s gacha mechanics. The premium S-rank agents represent the pinnacle of combat effectiveness, capable of carrying your progression through the most challenging content. This comprehensive analysis will help you identify which characters deliver the best value for your resources.
As a free-to-play action RPG, Zenless Zone Zero demands careful currency management to avoid unnecessary spending. New players should prioritize understanding that several capable freebie characters become available through story progression and events, providing solid alternatives while you build your S-rank roster.
The Star-Studded Cast standard banner within the Signal Shop features six permanent S-rank options: Grace, Rina, Koleda, Nekomata, Soldier 11, and Lycaon. Each brings unique combat mechanics and team roles that we’ll explore in detail.
Key gacha mechanics to master:
Our detailed evaluation ranks these S-rank agents based on combat performance, team versatility, and long-term viability. Understanding each character’s strengths and optimal usage scenarios will maximize your investment returns.
Lycaon – S-Tier Ice Element Specialist
Lycaon dominates as a premier damage dealer with exceptional crowd control capabilities. His ice-based attacks freeze enemies consistently, creating openings for your team to unleash devastating combos. Perfect for players who prefer controlling the battlefield tempo while dealing sustained damage.
Nekomata – Electric Burst Damage Queen
Nekomata excels at delivering explosive electric damage through rapid attack sequences. Her ability to chain lightning effects between targets makes her incredibly effective against groups of enemies. Requires precise timing to maximize her potential but rewards skilled play handsomely.
Rina – Ultimate Support Powerhouse
Rina provides unparalleled team support through healing, buffs, and energy regeneration. Her presence dramatically increases squad survivability and enables more frequent ultimate ability usage across your entire team.
Grace – Anomaly Application Expert
Grace specializes in applying debilitating status effects that weaken enemies and amplify team damage. Her kit focuses on setting up combos rather than direct damage dealing.
Koleda – Fire Element Battlefield Controller
Koleda manipulates combat zones with area-denial fire attacks. She excels in controlling enemy positioning and creating advantageous engagement scenarios for your damage dealers.
Soldier 11 – Versatile Combat Adaptability
Soldier 11 offers remarkable flexibility with balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. Her straightforward playstyle makes her accessible for beginners while maintaining relevance in endgame content.
Building effective teams requires understanding character synergies beyond individual power levels. The most successful squads combine complementary elements, roles, and combat rhythms to create cohesive battle strategies.
Elemental Reaction Optimization
Mastering elemental interactions dramatically increases team damage output. Ice and Electric combinations can create superconduct reactions, while Fire teams benefit from consistent burning damage over time effects.
Role Distribution Planning
Balance your team with at least one primary damage dealer, one support character, and one flex slot based on specific content requirements.
Endgame Viability Assessment
While all S-rank characters perform well, Lycaon and Nekomata demonstrate the highest performance ceilings in challenging content due to their damage scaling and utility.
Common team-building mistakes to avoid:
Action Checklist
- Complete initial story missions to accumulate free Master Tapes and unlock base characters
- Utilize new player discounts for cost-effective 10-pulls on standard banner
- Evaluate your first 50-pull guaranteed S-rank and plan team composition accordingly
- Focus on building around your obtained S-rank while filling gaps with free characters
- Track progress toward 300-pull selector and research which character best complements your existing roster
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Zenless Zone Zero – Best S-Rank Or 5-Star Characters To Get For Free Essential guide to Zenless Zone Zero's top S-rank agents with strategic acquisition tips and team-building advice