In the ever-evolving world of Zenless Zone Zero, few agents command the same respect as Zhu Yuan. As the leader of the Criminal Investigation Unit within New Eridu Public Security, she embodies reliability and devastating close-quarters combat prowess. Her S-Rank status and Ether specialization make her a cornerstone for many team compositions in 2026, but unlocking her full potential demands a dedicated hunt for specific Zhu Yuan materials. This guide lays out every chip, data model, and boss drop required to ascend and upgrade her skills, ensuring she remains the stalwart protector of the city against formidable Ethereal threats.
Zhu Yuan is not merely a damage dealer; she is a versatile fighter who seamlessly blends Physical strikes with explosive Ether abilities. Her signature moves—"Buckshot Blast" and "Full Barrage"—unleash concentrated Ether energy, while her Chain Attack and Ultimate deploy lasers and missiles for massive area damage. These skills also grant her special ammo, enhancing subsequent basic attacks. To fuel this arsenal, a Proxies’ resource management must be meticulous. The following compilation covers everything from the entry-level Investigator Logs to the rarest Ferocious Grip components.
Core Ascension Materials
Before collecting Zhu Yuan materials, it’s important to understand the tiered structure of her promotion. Ascending her through levels 10 to 60 requires a combination of Certified Investigator Seals and the enemy drop, Anomaly Dust. As she climbs higher, the seals evolve from basic to advanced versions, culminating in the towering Certified Investigator Badge. The table below outlines the exact quantities for each ascension phase.
| Level Threshold | Certified Investigator Seals | Anomaly Dust (Unit) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 → 20 | 4 Basic Seals | 3,000 |
| 20 → 30 | 12 Advanced Seals | 9,000 |
| 30 → 40 | 20 Advanced Seals | 20,000 |
| 40 → 50 | 10 Elite Seals | 35,000 |
| 50 → 60 | 20 Elite Seals | 60,000 |
| 60 → 70 | 4 Badges | 120,000 |
💡 Pro tip: Elite Seals and Badges can be synthesized from lower-tier seals at the logistics terminal, but farming the “Criminal Investigation” drill stage remains the most stamina-efficient method.
Skill Enhancement Materials
Zhu Yuan’s combat effectiveness hinges on leveling her basic attack, dodge, special, chain, and core skills. Running parallel to ascension, these upgrades consume another set of Zhu Yuan materials: Tactical Data Models and the elusive Ferocious Grip. The data models are distributed across tiers—Base, Advanced, and Elite—while Ferocious Grips only become necessary for advanced skill nodes. Below is a snapshot of the total materials needed to max out all five skill branches.
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Base Tactical Data Model: 255 units
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Advanced Tactical Data Model: 180 units
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Elite Tactical Data Model: 120 units
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Ferocious Grip: 46 units
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Weekly Boss Material (Harmonious Core): 6 units
These items are primarily sourced from the “Notorious Hunt” weekly boss and the “Combat Simulation” domains. Since Ferocious Grips drop exclusively from the Dead End Butcher on Thursdays and weekends, planning your farming schedule around these windows is crucial.
Where to Find Every Zhu Yuan Material
Acquiring the necessary Zhu Yuan materials requires venturing into three distinct content pillars of the game.
1. Criminal Investigation Special Stage
Introduced alongside her banner in version 1.0, the “Unswerving Bullet” trial stage has since been integrated into the permanent Agent Story rotation. Completing this stage on varying difficulties rewards Certified Investigator Seals and the occasional Tactical Data Model. It is the primary source for ascension seals.
2. Notorious Hunt: Dead End Butcher
This weekly confrontation is non-negotiable. The Dead End Butcher materializes as a massive, corrupted Ethereal, and defeating it yields Ferocious Grips and a chance for a Harmonious Core. Without six Harmonious Cores, Zhu Yuan’s core skill enhancement remains incomplete, making this a long-term investment.
3. Combat Simulation: Agent Skill Materials
Inside the HIA Club’s VR pods, the Combat Simulation drills stand as the most consistent source for Tactical Data Models. The “Ether Device” stage directly targets the materials required for Ether-type agents. Higher interference levels within the simulation grant increased drop rates for Advanced and Elite models.
Maximizing Her Potential
After ascending to level 70 and maxing her skills, the final layer of optimization involves the Drive Disc system. Ideally, equipping a 4-piece Chaotic Metal set amplifies her Ether damage by a staggering 20% when attacking debuffed enemies, perfectly complementing her innate burst pattern. Paired with a 2-piece Woodpecker Electro for the critical rate boost, Zhu Yuan transforms into a relentless force.
Final Thoughts
Building Zhu Yuan is a marathon, not a sprint. The sheer volume of Zhu Yuan materials required can feel daunting, but the reward is an agent who excels in both story content and the most demanding Hollow Zero encounters. Her leadership buffs and mixed damage profile ensure she remains a meta-relevant choice well into 2026. By following this guide and chipping away at the weekly bosses and simulation stages, any Proxie can witness the full might of New Eridu’s finest investigator. Remember to log in daily, utilize the auto-clear function once stages are completed, and keep an eye out for seasonal events—they often provide rare material selection boxes that can ease the grind.