Lighter

S-Rank Agent

Lighter

/Fire/Stun

Sons of Calydon

Atier

Introduction

Lighter is an S-rank Fire character in Zenless Zone Zero. Lighter's weapon type is Strike and specialty is Stun. Faction: Sons of Calydon.

On our Zenless Zone Zero tier list Lighter is A tier, 23rd of the 57 characters ranked, from where 12 current tier lists put Lighter.

Other Fire characters in Zenless Zone Zero: Banyue, Ben Bigger, Burnice White, Evelyn Chevalier, Ju Fufu, Koleda Belobog and 5 more.

Is Lighter good?

Lighter stuns enemies reliably and boosts the party's Fire and Ice damage at the same time, with his skills chaining smoothly into each other. He's Evelyn's best Stun partner since his Fire damage buff directly increases her output, and Astra can round out that team by buffing both characters and letting them use Chain Attacks more often.

We rank him A tier, though his kit only really pays off in Fire or Ice-focused teams, and he's best paired with premium damage dealers rather than budget ones.

Pairs well with: Evelyn; Astra; Ben.

Strengths

  • Reliable stun capability with smooth skill transitions
  • Boosts the party's Fire and Ice damage at once
  • Works well as Evelyn's dedicated Stun partner

Weaknesses

  • Only effective in Fire or Ice-focused teams
  • Best results need premium damage dealers, not budget picks

Best build for Lighter

From 3 guides

W-Engine

4 options

Main stats

Disc 4
CRIT DMG/CRIT Rate
Disc 5
Fire DMG/ATK%
Disc 6
Impact
Substats
CRIT DMG=CRIT Rate >ATK% >ATK=PEN

Drive Disc (4-piece)

2 options
  1. 1
    King of the Summit(4)
    3 of 3
  2. 2
    Astral Voice(4)
    2 of 3

Drive Disc (2-piece)

3 options
  1. 1
    Shockstar Disco(2)
    2 of 2
  2. 2
    Swing Jazz(2)
    2 of 2
Show 1 more set option
  1. 3
    King of the Summit(2)
    1 of 2

Skill priority

  1. 1
    AssistCore SkillSpecial Attack
  2. 2
    Basic AttackChain Attack
  3. 3
    Dodge

Profile

Lighter carries the title "The Champion". Lighter is a male Human. His birthday is December 27th, and he stands 185cm (6'1") tall. Lighter is voiced by Zhang Pei (张沛) in Chinese, Aleks Le in English, Takahashi Hiroki (高橋 広樹) in Japanese, and Chung Eui-han (정의한) in Korean. Lighter was released on 27 November 2024.

Background

Lighter is a playable Agent in Zenless Zone Zero, and the Champion of the Sons of Calydon.

"I admit there's no one he can't beat, but it's not because I've lost to him!"

— Luciana Auxesis Theodoro de Montefio

"Overwhelming force can solve many problems in the Outer Ring, but not all of 'em."

— Big Daddy

"An ominous 'Red Scarf,' just as eye-catching as the rumors say"

— A fighter from the Outer Ring

"Even without cheers and applause, he's still a true champion"

— A retired mercenary

It’s Mr. Lighter from the Sons of Calydon.

I’ve heard that Lighter is known as the "The Champion" of the Sons of Calydon.

But what does that mean?

"The so-called 'The Champion' means I'm the strongest.

So, who's up for challenging me next?"

"Is anyone up for challenging the undefeated Champion?"

Lighter

"You may not have the skill to defeat me, but could you not bleed so much?"

"I know, fainting at the sight of blood isn't very impressive for 'The Champion.'"

"Or is this your way of bringing us both down?"

So... how many people has Lighter defeated?

His shades make him look cool, but also bring trouble.

I hope time heals all wounds.

Lighter was once a smoker, but his mercenary friends helped him drop that habit by giving him lemon candies instead.

He still keeps a flip lighter on his person.

Lighter's dog tags belong to the three mercenaries he worked with: Dane, Nick, and Ratena.

It was all he could find of them after searching in the Hollow they disappeared into.

Lighter's last name was "Lorenz" in a previous phase of character development, according to the original texture of his W-Engine Blazing Laurel.

However, this reference was removed upon the W-Engine's release, since him being called "Lighter Lorenz" had presumably been scrapped.

Lighter's bike bear a striking resemblance to the BMW Boxer Engine bikes, notably the BMW R 18.

Stories

3
Agent Profile: Lighter

Lighter, the Champion of the Sons of Calydon and an ex-mercenary.

In the Outer Ring, the Champion of a team refers to the one responsible for dealing with the opponent's strongest fighter in a gang fight, and they often need to participate in one-on-one duels. Their victory is crucial, as it brings glory and morale to the entire team.

"The Champion can perish, but cannot lose."

A red scarf is what identifies the Champion of the Sons of Calydon.

Even if the opponent doesn't know Lighter, they'll know who he is just from seeing that red scarf.

From what is currently known, Lighter is actually very low profile. He only steals the spotlight on the battlefield when he acts on his obligations as Champion.

Note: Lighter is the second Red Scarf of the Sons of Calydon. He teasingly refers to the previous Red Scarf as "Brother" or "predecessor."

Increase Trust to Close to unlock more

Lighter was once the leader of a mercenary troupe.

After a certain accident, Lighter disbanded his group of mercenaries and ended up in serious debt. Lighter chose to fight in an underground arena to pay back what he owed.

Later, Lighter was discovered by Big Daddy, who paid a huge sum to hire him to join the Sons of Calydon and take Billy's previous position.

Cooperation Notes:

Belle

Didn't Lighter say that he'd faint at the sight of blood? And that's why he always keeps his shades on?

Can someone who faints at the sight of blood really be a Champion? And even fight underground boxing matches...?

Wise

This feels like a poorly crafted excuse...

Knock Knock - Impressions of Lighter:

- So... how many people has Lighter defeated?

- His shades make him look cool, but also bring trouble.

Stats

  • HP8,253
  • ATK722
  • DEF612

At level 60. Each bar is measured against the highest value in the Zenless Zone Zero roster.

Skills

19
  • Basic Attack: L-Form Thundering Fist

    Basic Attack

    Press or hold Basic Attack to activate: Perform up to five forward strikes, dealing Physical DMG and Fire DMG. During the 3rd hit of the Basic Attack, drag the the movement stick, and repeatedly press or hold Basic Attack to unleash a series of melee follow-up attacks. Release the the movement stick to follow up with the 4th hit of the Basic Attack. While performing the startup light punch in the 5th hit of the Basic Attack, drag the the movement stick and repeatedly press or hold Basic Attack to keep alternating between the light punch and 4th hit of the Basic Attack. Release the the movement stick to follow up with the subsequent jab combo. Continue repeatedly pressing or holding Basic Attack to extend the duration of the jab combo. When you stop pressing or holding Basic Attack, or when the combo reaches its maximum duration, launches a Finishing Move forward. Lighter is invulnerable during the Finishing Move. During the 5th hit of the Basic Attack, Lighter takes 40% less DMG. While in the Morale Burst state, Anti-Interrupt Level is increased during the 5th hit of his Basic Attack, and the DMG reduction effect is increased to 80%. 1st-Hit DMG Multiplier: 78.8% 2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 96.4% 3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 111.4% Follow-Up 1st-Hit DMG Multiplier: 173.8% Follow-Up 2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 96.1% Follow-Up 3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 116.4% Follow-Up 4th-Hit DMG Multiplier: 65.8% Follow-Up 5th-Hit DMG Multiplier: 178.1% 4th-Hit DMG Multiplier: 158.1% 5th-Hit Startup DMG Multiplier: 327.5% 5th-Hit Combo DMG Multiplier: 246.1% 5th-Hit Finisher DMG Multiplier: 210.2% 5th-Hit Startup DMG Multiplier (Morale Burst): 355.4% 5th-Hit Combo DMG Multiplier (Morale Burst): 729.5% 5th-Hit Finisher DMG Multiplier (Morale Burst): 239.6% 5th-Hit Powerful Finisher DMG Multiplier (Morale Burst): 871% 1st-Hit Daze Multiplier: 29.5% 2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 49.4% 3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 70.9% Follow-Up 1st-Hit Daze Multiplier: 91.3% Follow-Up 2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 50.8% Follow-Up 3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 61.3% Follow-Up 4th-Hit Daze Multiplier: 34.9% Follow-Up 5th-Hit Daze Multiplier: 93.8% 4th-Hit Daze Multiplier: 114.6% 5th-Hit Startup Daze Multiplier: 194.4% 5th-Hit Combo Daze Multiplier: 122% 5th-Hit Finisher Daze Multiplier: 120.2% 5th-Hit Startup Daze Multiplier (Morale Burst): 204.5% 5th-Hit Combo Daze Multiplier (Morale Burst): 128.4% 5th-Hit Finisher Daze Multiplier (Morale Burst): 138.3% 5th-Hit Powerful Finisher Daze Multiplier (Morale Burst): 199.5%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge: Shadowed Slide

    Dodge

    Press Dodge to activate: A quick dash dodge. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. Press Dodge while the character is attacking to activate: Perform a quick shuffle dodge in the direction of the the movement stick. This skill will not interrupt the combo count for Basic Attacks. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

  • Dash Attack: Charging Slam

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a dodge to activate: Rapidly strikes enemies in front, dealing Physical DMG. DMG Multiplier: 180.1% Daze Multiplier: 68.1%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge Counter: Blazing Flash

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a Perfect Dodge to activate: Strike enemies in front, dealing Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After using the skill, press or hold Basic Attack to immediately follow up with the 5th hit of the Basic Attack. DMG Multiplier: 373.3% Daze Multiplier: 253.4%

    At skill level 12

  • Quick Assist: Blazing Flash - Guard

    Assist

    When the on-field character is launched, press Assist to activate: Strike enemies in front, dealing Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After using the skill, press or hold Basic Attack to immediately follow up with the 5th hit of the Basic Attack. DMG Multiplier: 140.1% Daze Multiplier: 104.9%

    At skill level 12

  • Defensive Assist: Swift Break

    Assist

    When the on-field character is about to be attacked, press Assist to activate: Parries the enemy's attack, dealing massive Daze. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. Light Defensive Daze Multiplier: 407.7% Heavy Defensive Daze Multiplier: 514.4% Chain Defensive Daze Multiplier: 250.4%

    At skill level 12

  • Assist Follow-Up: Charging Slam - Stab

    Assist

    Press Basic Attack after a Defensive Assist to activate: Strike enemies in front, dealing Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After using this skill, press or hold Basic Attack to immediately follow up with the 5th hit of the Basic Attack. DMG Multiplier: 439.8% Daze Multiplier: 273.6%

    At skill level 12

  • Special Attack: V-Form Sunrise Uppercut

    Special Attack

    Press Special Attack to activate: Strikes enemies in front with an uppercut, dealing Fire DMG. Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill. Press Special Attack during a shuffle dodge to activate: Strike forward with a series of punches, dealing Fire DMG. This skill will not interrupt the combo count for Basic Attacks. Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 72.6% Daze Multiplier: 55%

    At skill level 12

  • EX Special Attack: V-Form Sunrise Uppercut - Full Distance

    Special Attack

    With enough Energy, press EX Special Attack to activate: Leaps into the air with a powerful uppercut, striking enemies in front and dealing massive Fire DMG. Press EX Special Attack again during this skill to spend additional Energy to perform a powerful follow-up attack, dealing massive Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After using this skill, press or hold Basic Attack to follow up with the 4th hit of the Basic Attack. With enough Energy, press EX Special Attack during the shuffle dodge to activate: Strike forward with a powerful punch combo, dealing massive Fire DMG. This skill will not interrupt the combo count for Basic Attacks. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After using this skill, press or hold Basic Attack to immediately follow up with the 5th hit of the Basic Attack. DMG Multiplier: 973.6% Follow-Up DMG Multiplier: 586.4% Daze Multiplier: 605.9% Follow-Up Daze Multiplier: 372% Activation Energy Cost: 40 Follow-Up Energy Cost: 20

    At skill level 12

  • Chain Attack: V-Form Scorching Sun

    Chain Attack

    When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to activate: Unleashes a powerful strike at enemies in front in a small area, dealing massive Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 1424.9% Daze Multiplier: 410.7%

    At skill level 12

  • Ultimate: W-Form Crowned Inferno

    Chain Attack

    When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press Ultimate to activate: Unleashes a powerful strike in a large area around, dealing massive Fire DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 3016.1% Daze Multiplier: 1421.5%

    At skill level 12

  • Core Passive: Accelerant

    Core Skill

    Lighter automatically gains Morale over time, at a rate of 2.9 points per second. For each point of Energy consumed by any squad member, Lighter recovers an additional 0.26 Morale, up to a maximum of 100. When Morale reaches 80, the next time Lighter switches into battle he immediately launches a Quick Assist. Once Morale is 80 or higher, executing the 5th hit of his Basic Attack puts Lighter in the Morale Burst state, enhancing the power of the startup light punch, jab combo, and the Finishing Move of the 5th hit of his Basic Attack. When a skill hits an enemy with its power increased, it will continuously consume Morale. With every 10 points of Morale consumed, Lighter's Impact increases by 1%, up to a maximum increase of 10%, and lasting 6s. In the Morale Burst state, Lighter will no longer automatically gain Morale over time. If his Morale is exhausted during a startup light punch or jab combo, he will automatically follow up with a more powerful Finishing Move. In the Morale Burst state, when startup light punches or jab combos hit enemies, the target's Ice RES and Fire RES are reduced by 15%, lasting 30s. In the Morale Burst state, when the Finishing Move hits an enemy, it applies the Collapse effect on the target, extending its Stunned duration by 3s. The Collapse effect can trigger only once on the same target before they recover from Stun. When the Finishing Move of the 5th hit of his Basic Attack hits an enemy, when he switches off field, or when his Morale runs out, Lighter will leave the Morale Burst state, keeping any unspent Morale. *Stats shown are at Base level. Interval Impact Increase: 2% Maximum Increase Limit: 20%

    At skill level 7 (F)

  • Additional Ability: Fighting Spirit

    Core Skill

    When another character in your squad is an Attack character or shares the same Faction: While under the Morale Burst state, when the 5th hit of Lighter's Basic Attack hits an enemy, all squad members gain a stack of Elation, stacking up to 20 times and lasting 30s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. For each stack of Elation, an Agent's Ice DMG and Fire DMG increase by 1.25%. When obtaining Elation, if Lighter's Impact exceeds 170, every additional 10 points of Impact will increase the buff effect provided by each stack of Elation by an extra 0.25%. When any squad member launches a Chain Attack, it will refresh the duration of all squad members' Elation. Elation can increase the Ice DMG and Fire DMG of Agents by a maximum of 75%.

  • The Champion

    Mindscape 1

    Among the debuffs imposed by Core Passive: Accelerant, the Collapse effect increases Stun duration by 5s, while further reducing Ice RES and Fire RES by 10%. The more powerful Finishing Move that follows when Lighter's Morale is completely exhausted during a startup light punch or jab combo deals 30% increased DMG.

  • Red Scarf

    Mindscape 2

    When applying Collapse via Core Passive: Accelerant to enemies, the target's Stun DMG Multiplier increases by 25%. The increase to Ice DMG and Fire DMG provided by Elation from Additional Ability: Fighting Spirit increases to 120% of the original.

  • Mercenary Leader

    Mindscape 3

    Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2.

  • Sunglasses

    Mindscape 4

    When Lighter is off-field, the Energy Regen for the on-field character is increased by 10%. Upon entering the Morale Burst state, Lighter restores 4 Energy for off-field characters. This effect can trigger once every 18s.

  • Decision Maker

    Mindscape 5

    Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2.

  • Survivor

    Mindscape 6

    Lighter's Morale recovery efficiency is increased to 200% of its original value. When Lighter lands a heavy strike on enemies during a Basic Attack, Dodge Counter, Special Attack, EX Special Attack, Quick Assist, Assist Follow-Up, Chain Attack, or Ultimate, it will trigger the Blazing Impact effect, dealing 250% of ATK as Fire DMG. This effect can trigger once every 8s on each enemy. If Lighter's Impact exceeds 170 points, each additional point will further increase the multiplier of Blazing Impact by 5%, up to a maximum increase of 500%. The more powerful Finishing Move that follows when Lighter's Morale is completely exhausted during a light punch or jab combo will trigger an additional activation of Blazing Impact when hitting an enemy, ignoring the effect's cooldown.

Art

Lighter key art

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