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Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) Tier List (October 2025)
By: Osama
Updated On: October 8, 2025
Zenless Zone Zero's competitive endgame requires strategic team building for Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault modes. Our comprehensive tier list ranks all agents based on their performance in Version 2.2, combining data from Prydwen, Game8, PCGamesN, Icy Veins, and Genshin Lab to provide the most accurate rankings available.
Tier
Key Characters
Best For
Update Date
S+
Miyabi, Astra Yao, Lighter
Endgame content, meta teams
October 2025
S
Vivian, Yixuan, Yuzuha
High-performance teams
October 2025
A
Ellen, Jane, Zhu Yuan
Balanced team compositions
October 2025
B
Soldier 11, Lycaon
Specific team synergies
October 2025
Understanding ZZZ Tier List Methodology
Our tier list synthesizes data from five authoritative sources, each with unique evaluation criteria:
Contents
Prydwen.gg's Approach
Prydwen focuses exclusively on Shiyu Defense (SD) and Deadly Assault (DA) - the game's most demanding content. Their methodology emphasizes:
150-second clear times for Shiyu Defense (out of 300-second total)
20,000+ score thresholds for Deadly Assault
Automatic Chain Attack mode (not manual)
Good but not perfect substats on Disk Drives
S-Rank agents at Mindscape 0, A-Rank at Mindscape 6
Game8's Comprehensive System
Game8 uses a Tier 0 to Tier 4 system with separate categories for Overall, DPS, Stun, and Support roles. Their Version 2.2 list (October 2025) includes recent additions like Orphie and Magus.
PCGamesN's S+ to D Ranking
PCGamesN employs a traditional S+ to D tier system with detailed character analyses focusing on practical performance and team synergies.
Icy Veins' Role-Specific Tiers
Icy Veins organizes agents by role-specific excellence (T0 to T4) across DPS, Stun, and Support categories, emphasizing team-building importance.
Genshin Lab's Character Analysis
Genshin Lab provides detailed pros and cons for each character rather than traditional tiers, focusing on practical gameplay considerations.
Complete ZZZ Tier List Rankings 2025
S+ Tier: Meta-Defining Agents
These agents represent the pinnacle of performance in Zenless Zone Zero's current meta, offering exceptional value across multiple team compositions and content types.
Best Teams: Teams benefiting from off-field Stun application
Investment: High - requires 90% Crit Rate for maximum effectiveness
Key Consideration: Excellent support capabilities beyond stunning
A Tier: Solid Performers
These agents provide reliable performance and can excel in specific team compositions, though they may require more investment or have more niche applications.
Caesar (Defense/Stun/Support)
Sources: A (PCGamesN), T1 Support (Icy Veins), Tier 1+ (Game8)
Key Consideration: Excellent in Ice teams but limited elsewhere
Nicole (Support)
Sources: A (PCGamesN), T1 Support (Icy Veins), Tier 1 (Game8)
Strengths: Free support unit, enemy gathering, DEF reduction
Best Teams: Teams needing crowd control and debuffs
Investment: Low - provides value even as free unit
Key Consideration: Excellent F2P option with good utility
C and D Tiers: Limited Use Cases
These agents generally require significant investment or have very specific niches where they can perform adequately.
C Tier Examples: Anton, Billy, Grace, Harumasa, Koleda, Nekomata, Seth D Tier Examples: Anby, Ben, Corin
Meta Analysis and Team Building Strategies
Current Meta Trends October 2025
The Version 2.2 meta has shifted significantly with several key developments:
Anomaly Dominance: Anomaly characters (Miyabi, Vivian, Alice, Yanagi, Jane) dominate the highest tiers, with Disorder compositions becoming increasingly powerful.
Support Evolution: Traditional supports have evolved into hybrid roles, with characters like Astra Yao and Yuzuha providing unprecedented utility beyond simple buffs.
Stun Utility Expansion: Stun characters now provide significant damage utility beyond just stunning enemies (Lighter's Fire/Ice buffs, Ju Fufu's CRIT DMG increase).
Element Specialization: Characters are increasingly specialized for specific elements, making team composition more strategic.
Optimal Team Compositions
S+ Tier Meta Teams:
Miyabi + Astra Yao + Lighter
Strengths: Maximum damage output with excellent support and utility
Content: Excels in both Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault
Investment: High but provides the best clear times
Vivian + Yuzuha + Trigger
Strengths: Incredible Anomaly synergy with off-field damage
Content: Dominates Shiyu Defense with rapid anomaly application
Investment: Moderate to High
Yixuan + Astra Yao + Ju Fufu
Strengths: Unique Rupture damage with unparalleled support
Content: Excellent for Deadly Assault with high single-target damage
Investment: Very High but rewarding
Budget-Friendly Alternatives:
Ellen + Nicole + Lycaon
Strengths: Strong Ice composition with accessible characters
Content: Solid performance in both endgame modes
Investment: Low to Moderate
Jane + Qingyi + Ben
Strengths: Anomaly-focused with reliable Stun support
Content: Good for Shiyu Defense with consistent damage
Investment: Moderate
Role-Specific Analysis
DPS Agents
Top Tier DPS: Miyabi, Yixuan, Vivian, Ellen, Jane Key Considerations:
Anomaly DPS generally outperforms traditional Attack DPS in current meta
Frost element (Miyabi) represents the new power ceiling
Investment requirements vary significantly between characters
Stun Agents
Top Tier Stun: Lighter, Ju Fufu, Trigger, Qingyi, Lycaon Key Considerations:
Modern Stun agents provide significant damage utility
Element-specific Stun agents (Lighter for Fire/Ice) offer additional benefits
Off-field Stun capability is increasingly valuable
Support Agents
Top Tier Support: Astra Yao, Yuzuha, Caesar, Nicole Key Considerations:
Hybrid support/DPS roles are becoming standard
Healing capability (Astra Yao) is extremely valuable
Buff specialization vs. general utility varies by character
Investment Priorities and Resource Management
Pull Priority Guide
Priority 1 (Must Pull):
Miyabi (highest damage ceiling)
Astra Yao (best support, only healer)
Lighter (best Stun/Support hybrid)
Priority 2 (Strong Value):
Vivian (excellent Anomaly synergy)
Yixuan (unique Rupture damage)
Yuzuha (top-tier buffer)
Priority 3 (Situational):
Alice, Evelyn, Jane (strong but more specialized)
Trigger, Ju Fufu (excellent if you need Stun)
Resource Allocation
Disk Drive Investment:
S-Rank Agents: Prioritize main stats first, then substats
A-Rank Agents: Focus on key substats, can use good S-Rank drives
Resource Efficiency: Build 2-3 main teams rather than spreading resources thin
W-Engine Priority:
Signature Engines: Best for S-Rank agents you plan to main
Standard Options: Often sufficient for A-Rank and support characters
F2P Considerations: Standard banner engines can work well with proper investment
Future Meta Predictions
Upcoming Characters to Watch
Based on current trends and developer patterns:
Additional Rupture Agents: Yixuan's success suggests more Rupture characters coming
Element Expansion: Frost element introduction hints at more new elements
Hybrid Roles: Continued blurring of traditional role boundaries
Support Specialization: More specialized supports for specific team types
Meta Shift Indicators
Current Trends Suggesting Future Changes:
Anomaly dominance may face counterplay options
Power creep likely to continue with new releases
Support characters may gain more damage capabilities
Role specialization vs. versatility balance shifts
Community Resources and Official Channels
Official Resources
Official Website:zenless.hoyoverse.com - Patch notes, events, and official announcements
S+ tier characters typically excel in multiple areas: high damage output, team utility, flexibility in team compositions, and performance in both Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault modes. They often define the current meta and provide the best return on investment.
How often does the ZZZ meta change?
The meta typically shifts significantly with major version updates (every 6-8 weeks) and new character releases. Minor balance patches can also affect tier positions, but major meta shifts usually accompany new content updates.
Should I pull for characters based on tier lists?
While tier lists provide valuable guidance, consider your playstyle, existing roster, and personal preference. A character you enjoy playing will often perform better than a higher-tier character you don't like using.
What's the difference between Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault?
Shiyu Defense requires 2 teams of 3 agents to clear waves of enemies within 150 seconds (for optimal rewards), while Deadly Assault focuses on 3-minute boss damage sessions where you need 20,000+ points across 2 stages.
How important are Mindscape levels for tier placement?
Most tier lists evaluate characters at Mindscape 0 for S-Rank and Mindscape 6 for A-Rank characters. Higher Mindscapes can improve performance but don't typically change tier placements dramatically.
What role do Bangboos play in tier lists?
Most tier lists focus exclusively on Agents (characters), but Bangboos can significantly impact team performance. Consider them as force multipliers that can enhance your chosen Agents' effectiveness.
How do I build a team on a budget?
Focus on 2-3 core characters, prioritize their Disk Drives and W-Engines, and use free A-Rank characters (Nicole, Ben, etc.) as supports. Many S and A tier characters perform excellently with proper investment even at lower rarities.
Will my current investments become obsolete?
While power creep exists, ZZZ generally maintains good value for investments. Most characters remain viable for extended periods, and new content often provides opportunities for different team compositions rather than completely invalidating existing ones.
Conclusion and Next Steps
This comprehensive Zenless Zone Zero tier list for October 2025 provides the most current and detailed rankings available, synthesizing data from five authoritative sources to give you the complete picture of the Version 2.2 meta.
Key Takeaways:
Miyabi, Astra Yao, and Lighter represent the current S+ tier pinnacle
Anomaly characters dominate the highest tiers with strong Disorder potential
Support evolution has created hybrid roles with unprecedented utility
Team composition matters more than individual character strength
Next Steps for Players:
Assess your current roster and identify gaps in your team compositions
Plan your pulls based on the priority guide and your specific needs
Invest strategically in 2-3 main teams rather than spreading resources thin
Stay updated with official channels for meta changes and new character releases
Remember that while tier lists provide excellent guidance, your enjoyment of the game and personal playstyle should ultimately guide your character choices and investments. The best team is one that you enjoy playing and can execute effectively.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as the Zenless Zone Zero meta continues to evolve with new content releases and balance changes. For the most current discussions and theorycrafting, join the official Discord community and participate in the active Reddit communities.
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