Zhao

S-Rank Agent

Zhao

/Ice/Defense

Krampus Compliance Authority

Atier

Introduction

Zhao is an S-rank Ice character in Zenless Zone Zero. Zhao's specialty is Defense. Faction: Krampus Compliance Authority.

On our Zenless Zone Zero tier list Zhao is A tier, 29th of the 57 characters ranked, from where 9 current tier lists put Zhao.

Other Ice characters in Zenless Zone Zero: Ellen Joe, Hoshimi Miyabi, Hugo Vlad, Promeia, Sigrid de L'Azur, Soukaku and 2 more.

Is Zhao good?

Zhao heals through her Special Attack and buffs the whole squad's ATK with her Ether Veil, which lets her plug into just about any Attack or Anomaly team without much fuss, and her W-Engine options are easy to come by. We rank her A tier; her drawback is really just that she isn't the top pick for any one specific team, more of a solid generalist than a best-in-slot choice.

Stacking her toward 27,000 HP pushes her core passive's crit rate buff to its max, though it isn't required to make her work.

Pairs well with: Ye Shunguang; Dialyn; Vivian; Alice.

Strengths

  • Heals through her Special Attack
  • Ether Veil buffs the whole squad's ATK
  • Fits into nearly any Attack or Anomaly team
  • Easy to gear with accessible W-Engine options

Weaknesses

  • Not the best-in-slot pick for any specific team

Best build for Zhao

From 3 guides

W-Engine

3 options

Main stats

Disc 4
HP%
Disc 5
HP%
Disc 6
Energy Regen/HP%
Substats
HP% >Flat HP >CRIT DMG

Drive Disc (4-piece)

2 options
  1. 1
    Bunny in Wonderland(4)
    3 of 3
  2. 2
    Astral Voice(4)
    2 of 3

Drive Disc (2-piece)

3 options
  1. 1
    Yunkui Tales(2)
    2 of 2
  2. 2
    Moonlight Lullaby(2)
    1 of 2
Show 1 more set option
  1. 3
    Swing Jazz(2)
    1 of 2

Skill priority

  1. 1
    Basic AttackCore SkillSpecial Attack
  2. 2
    Assist
  3. 3
    Chain Attack
  4. 4
    Dodge

Profile

Zhao is a female Thiren. Her birthday is October 14, and she stands 118cm (3'10") tall. Zhao is voiced by Nuoya (诺亚) in Chinese, Oz Ryan in English, Ōzora Naomi (大空 直美) in Japanese, and Miso (미소) in Korean. Zhao was released on 30 December 2025.

Background

Zhao

Since you're here, how about we cut a deal?

is a playable Agent in Zenless Zone Zero, and one of the Judges of the Krampus Compliance Authority.

"You're calling these shady Dennies of unknown origins a 'gift of destiny'?"

"How romantic, but destiny ain't some poor fool you can push around and take what you want from."

"It only gazes upon worthy souls to bestow its rewards.

On the contrary, it will also reclaim everything from the unworthy."

"Do you think you have enough chips to face judgment?"

Agent Trust

Impressions

To someone like Xiao'Zhao, who cares deeply about value, a trading partner is a very dependable connection.

But when a partner offers help without asking for anything in return, Xiao'Zhao gets a bit uncomfortable.

It's not that she dislikes them — she just can't figure out what she's supposed to offer back to complete the "transaction."

As more partners like that appeared in her life, Xiao'Zhao eventually realized that being liked isn't a bad thing at all, and it has nothing to do with how much value she holds.

Stories

2
Details

Zhao, a Krampus Compliance Authority Judge, was one of the elite members who joined in the early days. Though she looks innocent and cute on the outside, she's actually sharp-minded, meticulous, and principled. She puts great importance on "value" and "equivalent exchange" — not in the sense of pricing things with money, but in analyzing someone's ability and potential, giving an objective and long-term assessment of the impact they can make. It's said this mindset didn't come from Zhao's work at Krampus, but had already taken root during her childhood. She evaluates not only others, but herself as well. "Only those with value deserve to be seen." Though she rarely shows it openly, Zhao remains cautious toward kindness that comes without reason. It conflicts with her belief in "equivalent exchange," and she tends to assume the other person must have a deeper motive for offering help. As such, when dealing with Zhao, it's best to focus on mutual benefit first. If you want to break through her defenses with sheer sincerity and goodwill, you'll be fighting an uphill battle. There's also one piece of intel that can't be fully confirmed: Zhao loves vegetables and dislikes meat, but she seems to be pretending she enjoys meat as well.

Increase Trust to Close to unlock more.

Zhao grew up in a large family that was both poor and struggling, where affection and trust never outweighed the rule of survival: "Whoever can bring the most benefit gets more to eat." She looked sweet and likeable, but that only made others think she was easy prey. In that harsh, predatory environment, people quickly labeled her as "low value." So her elders wrote her off as someone who'd never amount to anything, leaving her to a fate of being dismissed and abandoned. Everything changed when she met a Krampus official who saw her hidden potential instantly. From that moment on, she sealed away her past with her family, joined Krampus, and vowed to prove her true worth. "Once you have value, you'll be seen even if you're crawling in the mud."

Cooperation Notes:

Belle

I feel especially safe when I'm out investigating with Xiao'Zhao. Like... she's the kind of person who never loses out when dealing with others.

Wise

Whenever the group decides on something and Xiao'Zhao raises no objections, you can bet she's judged the pros and cons and found it worth attempting.

Stats

  • HP9,117
  • ATK690
  • DEF701
  • Impact93

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

Skills

21
  • Basic Attack: Glacial Judgment

    Basic Attack

    Press Basic Attack to activate: Launches up to five slashes forward, the first dealing Physical DMG, and the following four Ice DMG. 1st-Hit DMG Multiplier: 147.1% 2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 132% 3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier: 232.4% 4th-Hit DMG Multiplier: 371.5% 5th-Hit DMG Multiplier: 773.6% 1st-Hit Daze Multiplier: 83.7% 2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 74.5% 3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier: 127.3% 4th-Hit Daze Multiplier: 232.7% 5th-Hit Daze Multiplier: 440.5%

    At skill level 12

  • Basic Attack: Final Verdict

    Basic Attack

    Hold Basic Attack to activate: After getting ready, Zhao starts charging up, then launches a forward slash on release, dealing massive Ice DMG. While charging, Zhao accumulates up to 5s of charge time. When the Finishing Move of Basic Attack: Final Verdict, Chain Attack, or Assist Follow-Up hits, the stored charge time is consumed to deal additional DMG. For every 1 second of charge time, Zhao deals 13% of Max HP as additional DMG. When Zhao is in any Ether Veil, if she gets switched out while charging, the charge can continue. If Frostbite Points are maxed out when the skill activates, all Frostbite Points are consumed to trigger Ether Veil: Wellspring and a Quick Assist. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. During skill activation, Anti-Interrupt level increases, and DMG taken is reduced by 40%. While not the currently controlled character, the character is invulnerable while using this skill. *Stats shown are at Base level. DMG Multiplier: 140.1% Daze Multiplier: 78.7% Max Health Extra Multiplier at Full Charge: 24%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge: Bunny Hop

    Dodge

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

  • Dash Attack: Bouncing Dash

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a dodge to activate: Slashes forward, dealing Physical DMG and Ice DMG. DMG Multiplier: 173.2% Daze Multiplier: 65.2%

    At skill level 12

  • Dodge Counter: Swift Blink

    Dodge

    Press Basic Attack during a Perfect Dodge to activate: Performs a falling slash ahead, dealing Ice DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 677.6% Daze Multiplier: 429%

    At skill level 12

  • Entry Skill: Burst of Frost

    Assist

    When Zhao has maximum Frostbite Points, and is in combat, press Assist to activate: Launches consecutive attacks forward, followed by a slash, dealing massive Ice DMG. Upon activating this skill, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. Upon activating this skill, a Quick Assist is triggered. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. Activating this skill is considered as activating a Quick Assist. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

  • Quick Assist: Patch the Gaps

    Assist

    When the active character is launched, press Assist to activate: Launches a falling slash in front, dealing Ice DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 352% Daze Multiplier: 132%

    At skill level 12

  • Defensive Assist: Frostveil Suppression

    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: 514.4% Heavy Defensive Daze Multiplier: 514.4% Chain Defensive Daze Multiplier: 250.4%

    At skill level 12

  • Assist Follow-Up: Frostlight Reflection

    Assist

    Press Basic Attack after a Defensive Assist to activate: Launch multiple slashes in front, dealing massive Ice DMG. Upon activating this skill, if Frostbite Points are maxed out, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. Upon activating this skill while in any Ether Veil, a Quick Assist is triggered. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

  • Special Attack: Shatterfrost Surge

    Special Attack

    Press Special Attack to activate: Launches a forward slash, dealing Ice DMG. Upon activating this skill, consumes 5% of current HP to grant all squad members HP regeneration equal to 1.06% of Zhao's Max HP per second for 5s. The HP-consuming effects of Special Attack: Shatterfrost Surge and EX Special Attack: Frostflow Tundra can trigger at most once every 30s. *Stats shown are at Base level.

  • EX Special Attack: Frostflow Tundra

    Special Attack

    With enough energy, press EX Special Attack to activate: Launches multiple forward slashes, dealing massive Ice DMG. Upon activating this skill, consumes 5% of current HP to grant all squad members HP regeneration equal to 1.06% of Zhao's Max HP per second for 5s. The HP-consuming effects of Special Attack: Shatterfrost Surge and EX Special Attack: Frostflow Tundra can trigger at most once every 30s. Upon activating this skill, gain 20 Frostbite Points. If Frostbite Points are maxed out, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. Upon activating this skill while in any Ether Veil, a Quick Assist is triggered. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. *Stats shown are at Base level. DMG Multiplier: 2421.9% Daze Multiplier: 1215.9% Energy Cost: 80 Percent HP Recovered: 1.72%

    At skill level 12

  • Chain Attack: Temporary Alliance

    Chain Attack

    When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to activate: Launches multiple slashes in front, dealing massive Ice DMG. After using this skill, gains 5 Frostbite Points. If Frostbite Points are maxed out, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. Upon activating this skill while in any Ether Veil, a Quick Assist is triggered. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 1541.9% Daze Multiplier: 498%

    At skill level 12

  • Ultimate: Bunny Barrage

    Chain Attack

    When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press Ultimate to activate: Launches consecutive attacks in front, followed by a falling slash, dealing massive Ice DMG. After using this skill, gains 20 Frostbite Points. If Frostbite Points are maxed out, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. Upon activating this skill while in any Ether Veil, a Quick Assist is triggered. If a squadmate is then switched in via Quick Assist, Zhao automatically follows up with Basic Attack: Final Verdict and begins charging. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. DMG Multiplier: 4375.2% Daze Multiplier: 304%

    At skill level 12

  • Core Passive: Ideal Colleague

    Core Skill

    Zhao gains bonus CRIT Rate based on her initial Max HP, gaining 0.8% CRIT Rate for every 1,000 initial Max HP. Upon entering the battlefield, Zhao gains 100 Frostbite Points. This effect can trigger once every 180s in Investigation Zone mode. The maximum amount of Frostbite Points is 100. When the currently active character's attacks hit an enemy, Zhao gains 6 Frostbite Points. This can be triggered once every 3s. When Frostbite Points are maxed out, switching Zhao to the field while in combat will activate her Entry Skill. When Zhao activates her Entry Skill, all Frostbite Points are consumed to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. While Ether Veil: Wellspring is active, all squad members gain 5% Max HP for 40s. Re-activating Ether Veil: Wellspring ends the existing instance before applying a new Ether Veil: Wellspring. When Zhao activates Ether Veil: Wellspring, all squad members' ATK increase by 100 for 50s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. *Stats shown are at Base level. For every 1,000 initial Max HP, CRIT Rate increases: 1.4% During Ether Veil: Wellpring, all squad members' ATK increases: 1000

    At skill level 7 (F)

  • Additional Ability: Crystallization

    Core Skill

    When another character in your squad is an Attack, Anomaly, or Support character: When Zhao is within any Ether Veil, the whole squad's DMG increases by 10%. If Zhao's initial Max HP exceeds 15,000, every additional 400 initial Max HP increases this DMG bonus by an additional 1%, up to a total maximum increase of 40%. This bonus reaches its maximum when Zhao's initial Max HP reaches 27,000.

  • Righteous Verdict

    Mindscape 1

    When Zhao switches out of being the active character, all squad members' DMG ignores 15% of the target's All-Attribute RES for 50s.

  • Krampus Senior

    Mindscape 2

    When Zhao recovers HP, her ATK increases by 20%, and other squad members' ATK increases by 15% for 50s. Repeated triggers reset the duration.

  • Frostveil Edge

    Mindscape 3

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

  • Featherlight Footsteps

    Mindscape 4

    When Zhao activates an Ether Veil, she gains 250 Decibels. The CRIT DMG of her Ultimate, Chain Attack, and Basic Attack: Final Verdict increase by 40%.

  • Fuzzy Listener

    Mindscape 5

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

  • No Value Has Its Own Value

    Mindscape 6

    The CRIT Rate buff from Core Passive: Ideal Colleague increases to 125% of the original value. The extra DMG gained from charging during Basic Attack: Final Verdict increases to 140% of the original value, and accumulated charge time is no longer consumed when attacking.

How to get Zhao

Limited-time availability from the Special Visitor Event.

Zhao's signature weapon is Half-Sugar Bunny.

Art

Zhao key art

More Ice characters

All characters