Nangong Yu

S-Rank Agent

Nangong Yu

/Ether/Stun

Angels of Delusion

Stier

Introduction

Nangong Yu is an S-rank Ether character in Zenless Zone Zero. Nangong Yu's specialty is Stun. Faction: Angels of Delusion.

On our Zenless Zone Zero tier list Nangong Yu is S tier, 7th of the 57 characters ranked, from where 9 current tier lists put Nangong Yu.

Other Ether characters in Zenless Zone Zero: Aria, Astra Yao, Lucia Elowen, Nicole Demara, Pyrois, Vivian Banshee and 2 more.

Is Nangong Yu good?

An Ether stunner who doubles as a pseudo-Anomaly damage dealer, with very high Daze, strong team buffs and real personal damage. Her Downbeats power a charged Basic Attack whose last hit applies Misstep, which adds 30% to the target's Stun DMG multiplier and 3 seconds to each stun, and she adds perks like faster Chain triggers, free EX Specials and cheaper Defensive Assists.

Few Anomaly agents have Additional Abilities that accept an Anomaly stunner, her signature W-Engine has no close substitute, and her heavy Anomaly buildup can cause dilution or Disorder timing trouble.

Strengths

  • Very high Daze, buffs and sub-DPS damage
  • Longer stuns and a bigger Stun multiplier
  • Opens new routes for Anomaly teams
  • Many small utility perks

Weaknesses

  • Few Anomaly agents match her Additional Ability
  • Heavily reliant on her signature
  • High Anomaly buildup can cause dilution and ICD trouble

Best build for Nangong Yu

From 3 guides

W-Engine

6 options

Main stats

Disc 4
Anomaly Proficiency
Disc 5
ATK%/Ether DMG/PEN Ratio
Disc 6
Anomaly Mastery
Substats
Anomaly Proficiency >ATK% >PEN >ATK

Drive Disc (4-piece)

2 options
  1. 1
    Phaethon's Melody(4)
    3 of 3
  2. 2
    Freedom Blues(4)
    3 of 3

Drive Disc (2-piece)

8 options
  1. 1
    Freedom Blues(2)
    2 of 2
  2. 2
    Phaethon's Melody(2)
    2 of 2
Show 6 more set options
  1. 3
    Chaos Jazz(2)
    1 of 2
  2. 4
    Chaotic Metal(2)
    1 of 2
  3. 5
    Shining Aria(2)
    1 of 2
  4. 6
    Astral Voice(2)
    1 of 2
  5. 7
    Hormone Punk(2)
    1 of 2
  6. 8
    Shockstar Disco(2)
    1 of 2

Skill priority

  1. 1
    Basic AttackCore SkillSpecial Attack
  2. 2
    Chain Attack
  3. 3
    AssistDodge

Profile

Nangong Yu is a female Thiren. Her birthday is September 29th, and she stands 156cm (5'1") tall. Nangong Yu is voiced by Du Qingqing (杜晴晴) in Chinese, Michelle Marie in English, Takao Kanon (高尾 奏音) in Japanese, and Lim Ji-yeon (임지연) in Korean. Nangong Yu was released on 24 March 2026.

Background

Next, it's punishment time, reserved only for well-behaved kids~ Oh my, looks like someone's already getting excited?

is a playable Agent in Zenless Zone Zero, and the leader and lead dancer of Angels of Delusion.

Agent Tabs

"Pfft— That's not crying, Xiao'Yu! That's just a whole performance piece with your face!"

SUNNA

The hot sauce on her fingers can elicit tears, but it can also turn her bandmates' tears into laughter

"N—Nangong! Don't tell me... That dance move is actually much easier for humans?!

I don't buy it!"

ARIA

Even Constructs seem rushed and frantic before a genius who moves with such effortless grace.

"I'm jealous of little Nangong... When pulling all-nighters, her feathers and halo don't fall off...

Now that's what I call a real 'creator's advantage,' huh?"

UNKNOWN

The only "real" halo and wings in the group, such that even the vocal coach was moved by it

"My biggest headache? It's gotta be 'keeping those two in check'...

My greatest joy? I already told you that too~"

NANGONG YU

At the Angels of Delusion, everyone's got their own responsibilities, and she's the one that dictates those responsibilities

"It's just a meet-and-greet, why so nervous?

Worried you'll fall for me?"

"Okay, okay. I'll stop messing with ya~"

"I'll let it slide this time. But we'll be 'old pals' the next time we meet, so when that happens, try to loosen up a bit!"

"Otherwise... I could make things even more 'tense' for you too~"

She's an exceptionally capable idol team captain and a "winner at life."

She knows exactly what it takes to make a stage shine, including the sacrifices that never stand in the spotlight.

The ability to grasp a borrowed dream and never let go is a talent all its own.

Etymology

Her last name, 南宫, is an uncommon Chinese surname that overlaps with the Korean surname "Namgung." Her given name, 羽, means "wing" or "feather."

The word on Nangong's wings, Sariel, is an angel mentioned in the Book of Enoch and other traditional Judaic texts.

Stories

2
Details

Nangong Yu, the captain and choreographer of the idol group the "Angels of Delusion," is a rare prodigy blessed with exceptional Ether aptitude, a sharp business acumen, and outstanding idol talent. Though she always presents herself with a laid-back air — teasing her teammates and joking around — she consistently receives the fewest negative reviews in the group. Although she often claims that her dream is merely "borrowed," she pours far more effort and emotion into this small stage than anyone would believe. Nangong possesses a rare gift for making the difficult look effortless — whether it's dancing, rapping, making investments, or reading people. That gift once served as the mask that allowed her to easily play the role of "captain," yet it also kept her isolated from her true desires. Yet whether it started as responsibility toward a close friend or later turned into an irreplaceable love for the stage, beneath the stage lights and the audience's gaze she has already forged those borrowed sparks into a light of her own.

Increase Trust to Close to unlock more

"Talent" is the halo that lets Nangong move through everything with ease, but it once also served as the fog that dulled her sense of her true feelings. She's skilled at evaluating and planning for everything, yet when it comes to the seemingly intangible concept of "dreams," she can't put a price on it. When the Angels of Delusion formed, Nangong Yu found herself dealing with a stingy agency that even charged its trainees for training. For the first time, she felt that her talent for "always spotting a business opportunity" had failed her. She could calculate the optimal choreography and predict which stocks would rise, yet she couldn't figure out how to keep this fragile group, built around Sunna's dream, alive. When their last savings ran dry and their only lead vocalist was about to quit under financial pressure, a dangerous "opportunity" appeared: use their unregistered Ether aptitude to enter a Hollow and carry out a high-paying "material recovery" job. It wasn't a dance studio — it was a real fight for survival. The makeshift weapon in her hand felt worlds heavier than any stage prop. And the rapid, frightened breaths Sunna took beside her set her nerves on edge far more than the roar of any crowd. In the end, they were lucky enough to complete the commission and bring back payment that could keep the group afloat. But when they stumbled back into the safe zone and looked at the dust-covered reward in their hands, what Nangong felt wasn't joy. She realized that what she was willing to risk her life and endure fear for was no longer the abstract duty of "helping a friend achieve her dream." It was the melody Sunna had written in that shabby rehearsal room, and the songs Aria had sung, the voices, and the stage that would one day belong to them. That longing itself had gained a weight no investment return could ever measure. From that day forward, she continued to calculate how to guard this "bargain dream" — one she had pulled into motion with her own hands and could no longer abandon — at the smallest possible cost.

Cooperation Notes:

Belle

Nangong can do anything effortlessly and flawlessly. If only Wise had that kind of talent, things would be so much easier for me, too. I'm kidding, Wise is great~

Wise

I'm truly to blame for not being able to back you up, Belle... I'll have to learn more from Nangong!

Skills

20
  • Basic Attack: Shooting Star Step

    Basic Attack

    Press Basic Attack to activate: Perform up to three attacks forward, dealing Ether DMG.

  • Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact

    Basic Attack

    Hold Basic Attack to launch a charged attack, dealing Ether DMG. Release the button at the right moment to trigger precise charging, increasing the Daze dealt by the skill by 20%. Nangong Yu can perform up to three hits. The second and third hits each must consume 50 Downbeats. After using a Chain Attack, Ultimate, or EX Special Attack, if enough Downbeats are available, hold Basic Attack to skip the first hit and directly perform the second and third hits, which always trigger precise charging. When Nangong Yu is the active character, Chain Attacks, Ultimates, and EX Special Attacks do not interrupt the combo count of Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact. While charging the first hit, Anti-Interrupt Level increases and DMG taken decreases by 60%. While charging the second and third hits, the character is Invulnerable. During the dash phase of the first hit, enemy attacks can be Blocked. On a successful Block, the attack is treated as a precise charging attack. Character is invulnerable during all attacks. 1st-Hit DMG Multiplier: 208.5% 2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 609.1% 3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 1022.3% 3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier (Coordinated): 1022.3% + 153.7% 1st-Hit Daze Multiplier: 66% 2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 316.4% 3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 616.5% 3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier (Coordinated): 616.5% + 31.6%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge: Natural Dancer

    Dodge

    Press Dodge to activate: A quick dash dodge. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

  • Dash Attack: Spinning Meteor

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a dodge to activate: Deliver a quick attack forward, dealing Ether DMG. DMG Multiplier: 382.1% Daze Multiplier: 38.9%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge Counter: Asteroid Waltz

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a Perfect Dodge to activate: Launch a series of attacks on the target, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 710.6% Daze Multiplier: 385.4%

    At skill level 12

  • Quick Assist: Emergency Save

    Assist

    When the active character is launched, press Assist to activate: Launches a series of attacks on the target, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 149.6% Daze Multiplier: 95.2%

    At skill level 12

  • Defensive Assist: Perfected Choreography

    Assist

    When the on-field character is about to be attacked, press Assist to activate: Parries the enemy's attack, dealing massive Daze. This skill excels at parrying enemy attacks and reduces the consumption of Assist Points when the character is under intense attacks. 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: Improvised Performance

    Assist

    Press Basic Attack after a Defensive Assist to activate: Launches a series of attacks on the target, dealing massive Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

  • Special Attack: The Weight of Love

    Special Attack

    Press Special Attack to activate: Delivers a morning star attack, dealing Ether DMG. DMG Multiplier: 167.1% Daze Multiplier: 107%

    At skill level 12

  • EX Special Attack: The Unbearable Weight of Love

    Special Attack

    With enough Energy, press EX Special Attack to activate: Delivers a morning star attack, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 1066.5% Daze Multiplier: 622.2% Energy Cost: 40

    At skill level 12

  • Chain Attack: Comet Gravity

    Chain Attack

    When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to activate: Launch a series of attacks forward, dealing massive Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 1596.8% Daze Multiplier: 355.3%

    At skill level 12

  • Ultimate: Meteor Shower

    Chain Attack

    When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press Ultimate to activate: Launch multiple attacks forward, dealing massive Ether DMG. Upon activating this skill, Nangong Yu activates Ether Veil: Delusion Reprise. While Ether Veil: Delusion Reprise is active, all squad members gain an additional 50 ATK for 30s. If Nangong Yu activates Ether Veil: Delusion Reprise again, the current Ether Veil: Delusion Reprise will first deactivate. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 4203.8% Daze Multiplier: 1794.5%

    At skill level 12

  • Core Passive: Prodigious Idol

    Core Skill

    Nangong Yu's Anomaly Proficiency increases by 60. When Nangong Yu's initial Anomaly Mastery exceeds 110, each point of initial Anomaly Mastery above that increases her Impact by 1. When an enemy is Stunned, each time any character triggers Abloom DMG, Disorder DMG, or inflicts an Attribute Anomaly on the enemy, the enemy gains 1 stacks of Vibrato. A single enemy can have up to 4 stacks of Vibrato. If Vibrato reaches the maximum stacks and the enemy is afflicted with an Ether, Electric, Fire, Physical, or Ice Anomaly, or if the enemy has Vibrato and recovers from being Stunned, all Vibrato stacks will be cleared. When Vibrato is cleared, if the enemy is suffering an aforementioned Attribute Anomaly, Nangong Yu triggers an instance of Abloom DMG on the target, dealing an additional instance of Attribute Anomaly DMG equal to 720%/360%/900%/63%/90% of the original Attribute Anomaly DMG. Each stack of Vibrato on the enemy increases this Abloom DMG ratio by an additional 25%. During the same Stun period, once Vibrato has been cleared, the enemy cannot gain Vibrato again. When Nangong Yu's Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact or EX Special Attack: The Unbearable Weight of Love hits an enemy, her Anomaly Buildup Rate increases by 17%, and her Daze dealt increases by 11%, and all squad members' DMG dealt increases by 13% for 30s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. While in combat, Nangong Yu restores 3.8 Downbeats/s. When any squad member inflicts an Attribute Anomaly on an enemy, Nangong Yu restores an additional 12 Downbeats. This effect can trigger once every 6s. Nangong Yu can hold up to 100 Downbeats, and starts with 30 Downbeats upon entering the battlefield. *Stats shown are at Base level. Nangong Yu's Anomaly Proficiency increases: 120 Nangong Anomaly Buildup Rate increases: 35% Nangong Daze increases: 20% All squad member's DMG increases: 25%

    At skill level 7 (F)

  • Additional Ability: Angel Captain

    Core Skill

    When another character in your squad is an Anomaly character or shares the same Faction: Any squad member's attack against a Stunned enemy has 30% increased Anomaly Buildup. Chain Attacks against a Stunned enemy have an additional 30% increased Anomaly Buildup. When any squad member Stuns an enemy, Nangong Yu gains 2 stacks of Dance Prowess, up to a maximum of 2 stacks, lasting 15s, repeated triggers reset the duration. With Dance Prowess, when a heavy attack from Nangong Yu's EX Special Attack: The Unbearable Weight of Love, Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact, or Quick Assist: Emergency Save hits an enemy that is both Stunned and affected by an Attribute Anomaly, 1 stack of Dance Prowess is consumed to trigger the special Disorder effect Polarity Disorder against all enemies who meet the conditions. This deals DMG equal to 25% of the original Disorder DMG, and triggers the previous squad member's Quick Assist. Polarity Disorder does not clear the target's Attribute Anomaly. If the skill fails to trigger Polarity Disorder, Dance Prowess will not be consumed. When Nangong Yu has Dance Prowess, the next time she switches to the field, she will immediately perform the first charged hit of Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact, which will always trigger precise charging. When any squad member Stuns an enemy, Nangong Yu's next EX Special Attack will not consume Energy. This effect lasts 15s and can trigger once every 15s. When Nangong Yu and Aria are in the same squad, if Aria's Basic Attack: Perfect Pitch heavy attack hits an enemy that is both Stunned and affected by an Attribute Anomaly, and Nangong Yu fully participates in the attack, 1 stack of Dance Prowess will also be consumed to trigger Polarity Disorder on all enemies who meet the conditions. When the third hit of Nangong Yu's Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact or Ultimate: Meteor Shower hits an enemy, the enemy suffers Misstep. Under this effect, Stun DMG Multiplier increases by 30% and when an enemy becomes Stunned, their Stun duration increases by 3s. Before recovering from Stun, Misstep can only trigger once on the same target. The increased Stun duration cannot stack with similar effects. When an enemy with Misstep recovers from Stun, the Misstep effect ends.

  • Lazy Spotlight

    Mindscape 1

    When EX Special Attack: The Unbearable Weight of Love or Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact hits an enemy, the enemy's All-Attribute RES decreases by 18% for 40s. Repeated triggers refresh the duration. When entering the battlefield, Nangong Yu's Downbeat is restored to the maximum. In Investigation Zone Mode, this effect can trigger once every 180s.

  • Painless Tears

    Mindscape 2

    Each stack of Vibrato's additional Abloom DMG ratio increase from Core Passive: Prodigious Idol increases by an additional 10%. The Stun DMG Multiplier provided by Additional Ability: Angel Captain increases by an additional 30%. When the active character's Chain Attack heavy attack hits an enemy that is both Stunned and affected by an Attribute Anomaly, it triggers Polarity Disorder, dealing DMG equal to 25% of the original Disorder DMG. Each enemy can only trigger this effect once during the same Stun period.

  • Chips on the Scales

    Mindscape 3

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

  • Accomplice's Dance Step

    Mindscape 4

    Anomaly Proficiency increases by 40. The Anomaly Buildup of Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact when hitting an enemy increases by 35%.

  • Center Stage

    Mindscape 5

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

  • An Angel's Delusion

    Mindscape 6

    Nangong Yu's attacks deal 50% more Daze. When the enemy is not Stunned, each time any character triggers Abloom DMG, Disorder DMG, or inflicts an Attribute Anomaly on them, the enemy gains 1 stacks of Vibrato: Modified. When hit by the heavy attack of EX Special Attack: The Unbearable Weight of Love or Basic Attack: Adorable Explosive Impact, they gain 2 stacks of Vibrato: Modified. When hit by the heavy attack of Ultimate: Meteor Shower, they gain 2 stacks of Vibrato: Modified. Vibrato: Modified can stack up to 4 times. When the enemy becomes Stunned, all Vibrato: Modified stacks are cleared. When Vibrato: Modified is cleared, if the enemy is under an Ether, Electric, Fire, Physical, or Ice Anomaly, Nangong Yu triggers an instance of Abloom DMG on the target, dealing an additional instance of Attribute Anomaly DMG equal to 800%/400%/1,000%/70%/100% of the original Attribute Anomaly DMG. Each stack of Vibrato: Modified on the enemy increases this Abloom DMG ratio by an additional 25%. Vibrato: Modified cannot stack with Vibrato.

Art

Nangong Yu key art

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