Mastering Soldier 11: The Ultimate Guide to Optimal Builds and Team Compositions in Zenless Zone Zero

Soldier 11 is an S-Rank Fire character specializing in Attack within the game Zenless Zone Zero. She can be obtained through the Star-Studded Cast Banner or by losing a 50/50 chance on a limited-time character's Banner. Alternatively, you can choose Soldier 11 as your free regular S-Rank character after pulling 300 times on the Star-Studded Cast Banner. Understanding the best Soldier 11 build is essential to maximize her abilities, including the best Drive Discs, weapons, and team compositions suitable for her.

Understanding Soldier 11

To make the most out of Soldier 11's skill set, it is crucial to become familiar with her unique combat style. At its core, her gameplay revolves around triggering her Fire Suppression Core Passive as frequently as possible. This involves performing a precise four-hit combo or hitting an enemy after a successful dodge.

Mastering Her Attack Pattern

At first glance, Soldier 11 may appear challenging to play. However, mastering her Basic Attack combo will help you get into the rhythm of her unique attack pattern. Specifically, players need to time their taps of the Basic Attacks just right. The optimal timing is approximately half a second between taps, though it's often easier to rely on audio cues associated with each hit.

For example, the first cue sounds like a regular sword slash, the second like a gunshot or sharp wind, and the third like a whip. Listening to these sound effects will help you master Soldier 11's combo timing. For a visual guide, check out YouTuber MyBed Ch's tutorial on these sound effects.

Moreover, Soldier 11 deals additional damage against Stunned enemies. After activating her Ex Special Attack and Ultimate, all her Basic and Dash Attacks trigger Fire Suppression for up to 15 seconds or eight times, whichever occurs first.

Optimal Soldier 11 Teams

Given her special abilities, Soldier 11 thrives best in specific team compositions. Currently, her best team setup includes Koleda and Ben, although Lucy can also fit into Ben's position without sacrificing much team synergy.

Key Team Members

Koleda and Ben

Koleda is highly recommended for her Fire stun capabilities, which align perfectly with Soldier 11's Fire damage boost against Stunned enemies. Ben complements this setup by boosting Koleda's attack damage and Daze multiplier, making him an essential part of the team.

Lucy as an Alternative

In absence of Ben, Lucy can fill in due to her team-wide attack buff and sub DPS abilities, compensating for Koleda's missed Ben boost.

Alternative Characters

Other Stun characters like Lycaon or Anby can also be valuable team members if Koleda is unavailable. However, it is worth noting that another Fire or Obols Squad Faction character with Stun capabilities will eventually outperform Lycaon or Anby.

Additionally, Soldier 11's additional Core Passive requires another Fire or Obols Squad character on the team to be activated. For instance, using Anby and Soldier 11 together won’t be as effective if your third character doesn’t belong to the Fire or Obols Squad Faction. This limitation arises because Anby’s Electric stun capabilities and Cunning Hares Faction alignment do not activate Soldier 11's additional Core Passive.

Drive Discs for Soldier 11

4-piece Inferno Metal Set

The 4-piece Inferno Metal set stands out as the best Drive Disc setup for Soldier 11. Its 2-piece effect increases Fire damage, while its 4-piece effect boosts Soldier 11’s Crit Rate for eight seconds when hitting a Burning enemy. Since triggering Fire attacks is central to Soldier 11's gameplay, this setup provides a substantial boost.

Alternative Drive Discs

Another viable option is the 4-piece Hormone Punk set, which offers a general attack buff if it has better substats. When it comes to the 2-piece Drive Disc set, choices include Hormone Punk, Inferno Metal, Puffer Electro (for increased Penetration Ratio), or 2-piece Swing Jazz (for Energy Regeneration), depending on your 4-piece set and available substats. Generally, prioritize the set with the best substats.

Top Weapons for Soldier 11

S-Rank The Brimstone

S-Rank The Brimstone is considered the best weapon for Soldier 11 due to its passive boost to her attack and a stackable increase when using Basic Attacks, Dash Attacks, or Dodge Counters.

Additional Weapon Options

The S-Rank Steel Cushion can serve as a Crit Rate 'stat stick,' but a fully upgraded A-Rank Starlight Engine performs equally well with its boost to Soldier 11's attack during Dodge Counters or Quick Assists. Other acceptable A-Rank options include Street Superstar for teams focused on Chain Attacks, and Cannon Rotor for its increased damage when Soldier 11 lands a critical hit, assuming she has a high Crit Rate.

Before acquiring these top-tier weapons, players can utilize the B-Rank Lunar Pleniluna for increased damage on Basic Attacks, Dash Attacks, or Dodge Counters. Alternatively, Lunar Decrescent can improve Soldier 11's damage following a Chain Attack.

Understanding and utilizing the best build for Soldier 11 in Zenless Zone Zero can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, allowing you to unlock her full potential and dominate the battlefield.