Step aside, every other agent in New Eridu, because the queen of the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team has arrived, and she’s not here to play games—well, except for the game of absolute domination. Since her explosive debut, Zhu Yuan, the S-Rank Ether virtuoso, has been the talk of Hollow Zero, and in 2026, her reign is more absolute than ever. With a combat style that’s as fast as a thought and hits like a freight train, this public security officer doesn't just clear anomalies; she erases them from existence. But to unlock that true, world-ending potential? Oh, darling, you need the right gear. Forget everything you thought you knew; this is the definitive guide to building the ultimate Zhu Yuan.
The Heart of the Beast: W-Engine Selection
At the very core of any legendary Zhu Yuan build throbs her W-Engine, the extension of her will. Let's cut to the chase: there’s one king, and then there’s everything else.
The Undisputed Champion: Riot Suppressor Mark VI
This isn't just a weapon; it's her soulmate. Crafted specifically for her elegant fury, this beast offers:
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A Base ATK of 48 (Foundational power? Check.)
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A monstrous 19.2% base CRIT DMG stat.
But the real magic happens when she unleashes it. It gifts her a cool 15% CRIT Rate boost straight out of the gate. And then, just when the enemy thinks they've seen it all, she consumes her Charge Stacks to make her Basic Attacks deal an additional 35% Ether DMG. It's like giving a master painter an even brighter palette—the results are simply devastating. This engine doesn't just play to her strengths; it is her strength.
The Solid Contender: Cannon Rotor
Okay, okay, not everyone has pulled her signature weapon (yet!). No sweat! The A-Rank Cannon Rotor is here to save the day and pack a serious punch. This beauty takes advantage of Zhu Yuan's naturally high CRIT Rate and says, "Let's have some fun." On a critical hit, it inflicts a staggering 200% of ATK as bonus DMG. Plus, it throws in a 7.5% ATK boost for good measure. It's a fantastic budget option that still lets her crit like a maniac. If you're lucky enough to have both, slap the Cannon Rotor on a brute like Anton and watch your team's damage soar.
The Symphony of Stats: Drive Discs Deep Dive
If the W-Engine is her heart, the Drive Discs are the nervous system that makes every move a masterpiece. In 2026, the meta has been refined, and the combo is clearer than ever.
The God-Tier Combo: Chaotic Metal (4-Piece) + Woodpecker Electro (2-Piece)
This combination isn't just good; it's chef's kiss perfection.
Chaotic Metal Set (4-Piece) gives her:
| Effect | Description | Impact on Zhu Yuan |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Piece | Boosts Ether DMG by 10%. | Straight damage increase. Simple, effective. |
| 4-Piece | Increases the equipper's CRIT Rate by 20%. | Massive boost to her most important stat. |
| 4-Piece (Bonus) | When any squad member inflicts Corruption, CRIT Rate increases by an extra 5.5% for 8s. | Synergy heaven with the right team! |
So, you're looking at a potential 25.5% CRIT Rate boost just from this set alone. Talk about stacking the deck!
Woodpecker Electro Set (2-Piece) adds:
- Another 8% CRIT Rate. Because why stop when you're on a roll?
Do the math, people! Between her signature weapon, her innate abilities, and this disc combo, Zhu Yuan's CRIT Rate isn't just high—it's practically guaranteed. Every shot becomes a headline. When farming for these discs, you gotta keep your eyes peeled for substats. Prioritize CRIT DMG and ATK% to turn those frequent crits into earth-shattering explosions. A disc with both? Now you're speaking her language.
The Dream Team: Orchestrating Chaos
Zhu Yuan is a superstar, but even superstars need a killer backup band. In 2026, the ideal squad has been perfected through fire and data.
The Core Duo: Zhu Yuan & Nicole
This partnership is the stuff of legends. Nicole isn't just a teammate; she's a force multiplier.
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DEF Shred: Nicole can reduce an enemy's DEF, which basically means Zhu Yuan's attacks ignore a chunk of their armor. It's like cutting butter with a hot knife.
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Passive Synergy: They trigger each other's abilities effortlessly, creating a feedback loop of pain for enemies.
Building a top-tier Nicole is non-negotiable here. It's an investment that pays dividends in shattered enemy health bars.
The Flexible Third Slot: Anby (For Now)
Anby rounds out the classic trio beautifully.
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She acts as a superb Stun unit, creating openings for Zhu Yuan to unleash hell.
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Her "Parallel Connection" with Nicole generates extra Energy, keeping the team's ultimate train running on time.
But here's the 2026 twist: With new Ether agents hitting the banners, the third slot is evolving. The future is all about maximizing team-wide Ether DMG. While Anby is fantastic, be ready to swap her out for a new Ether support that buffs the entire element. The core of Zhu Yuan + Nicole, however? That's eternal.
Putting It All Together: The 2026 Zhu Yuan Experience
So, what does the finished masterpiece look like? Picture this:
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Zhu Yuan, armed with the Riot Suppressor Mark VI, feeling its power hum in sync with her own.
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Her body adorned with the 4-Piece Chaotic Metal and 2-Piece Woodpecker Electro discs, stats glowing with critical potential.
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Nicole by her side, weakening foes with a smirk.
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A third agent, perfectly tuned to the latest meta, ready to amplify the Ether symphony.
This build doesn't just make Zhu Yuan strong; it makes her transcendent. She becomes a precision instrument of chaos, deleting enemy HP bars before they even realize the fight has started. Her "Tactical Coordination" ability, granting 30% CRIT Rate on EX, Chain, and Ultimate attacks, becomes less of a bonus and more of a victory lap.
In the end, building Zhu Yuan is about embracing her identity: a long-range, rapid-fire crit monster who operates with cold, calculated grace. With this 2026-optimized setup, she's not just part of your team—she is the strategy. Everyone else is just cleaning up the glittering Ether dust she leaves in her wake. Now go forth, Proxy, and let New Eridu know who's boss.