Given her ability to deal massive amounts of Physical damage while also synergizing well with Anomaly-focused agents, it wouldn’t be a stretch to call Nekomata the best Physical DPS in Zenless Zone Zero.
But just like a meal always tastes better with friends, she needs to be well accompanied to perform at her best. For all looking to show why Cat Thirens are the best, here’s the best Nekomata build in Zenless Zone Zero.
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The best W-Engines for Nekomata in Zenless Zone Zero
As expected, the best W-Engine for Nekomata in Zenless Zone Zero is her signature Steel Cushion. Apart from its 684 base attack and 24% Crit Rate boost at level 60 —the latter which will allow you to double down on Crit DMG— the S-Ranker will boost her Physical DMG by 20% and increase her overall DMG by another 25% when hitting targets from behind.
If her signature is not an option for you, the best pick for Nekomata is The Brimstone. Although lacking its Crit Rate substat, the W-Engine will offer the same base attack as Steel Cushion plus a 30% ATK substat. While at one star, equipping the item will also allow you to gain another 3.5% ATK after each Normal/Dash Attack and Dodge Counter performed within 0.5-second intervals (to a maximum of 8 stacks or 28%). Each stack is calculated separately.
Best A-Rank W-Engine for Nekomata
Among the A-Rankers, the BP-exclusive Cannon Rotor is my main pick for Nekomata. The item earns the spot given its 20% Crit Rate boost at level 60 and makes up for its 594 ATK value by providing a permanent 7.5% boost to the stat. The W-Engine will also allow Nekomata to deal 200% Extra ATK as damage when scoring a Critical hit within eight-second intervals. All the values above are related to the weapon at one star.
Best F2P W-Engine
If you have yet to acquire any of the above, the best F2P pick for Nekomata in Zenless Zone Zero is Starlight Engine. The reason lies in its massive attack boost, as apart from its level 60 594 base stat and 25% ATK substat, the W-Engine will allow Nekomata to gain a 12% ATK buff by performing a Quick Assist. Like with all F2P engines, try to get Starlight Engine to at least three stars if you plan on using it.
Although featuring a less all-rounder approach, Street Superstar is also a solid F2P pick. Featuring the same level 60 base attack and ATK% substat values as Starlight Engine, the W-Engine will allow you to boost Nekomata’s Ultimate DMG by 15% (at one star) for each Chain Attack performed by the party before its activation (up to 3-stacks or 45%). Upon using the Ultimate, all stacks will be cleared.
Best Drive Discs for Nekomata in ZZZ
The best Drive Disc set for Nekomata in Zenless Zone Zero is a mix of a 4-piece Fanged Metal and a 2-piece Woodpecker Electro. A must for all standard Physical DPSs, the full Fanged Metal set will provide her with a 10% increase in Physical DMG and allow her to deal 35% more DMG against targets affected by Assault. The 35% boost will last for 12 seconds after the effect takes place.
The latter is massive for Nekomata, as it will add even more weight to her Additional Ability’s passive. We will then use the 8% Crit Rate courtesy of Woodpecker Electro to easily reach the 50% Crit Rate threshold all damage dealers must abide by.
Recommended stats and best substats
As with most main DPSs, I recommend that you go with Crit Rate for your fourth disk partition, Attribute DMG Bonus (in this case Physical) for your fifth, and ATK% for your sixth. If you are using Steel Cushion or Cannon Rotor, go with Crit DMG for the fourth disk. To add to that, prioritize the following substats, in this order:
- CRIT Rate (until 50%) > CRIT DMG > ATK
Going with Anomaly Mastery for your sixth disc can also work when using ATK + ATK% W-Engines. Doing so will allow you to mitigate the need for an Anomaly sub-DPS.
The best Nekomata teams in Zenless Zone Zero
Team-wise, Nekomata shines the most when paired with a Physical Anomaly sub-DPS and either a Stun agent or an offensive support. For the roles, my main picks will be Anby and Piper, as while Anby will excel at applying Daze, Piper’s ability to buff the party and quickly trigger Assault will allow Nekomata to deal as much damage as possible in every rotation. Using Koleda in Anby’s place can also work, although she won’t have access to her Chain Attack debuff.
Having another member of the Cunning Hares (Gentle House) or another Physical agent is a must when using Nekomata, as her Additional ability’s DMG increase cannot be overlooked. On that note, if you don’t have Piper, I recommend using a team featuring Anby and Lucy, the latter given her massive ATK buff and ability to trigger Quick Assist. Using Soukaku or Nicole in the supporting slot can also work.
Best Bangboos for Nekomata
As a Physical DPS who gains a lot through the Assault Anomaly effect, the best Bangboo for any Nekomata team is Bangvolver. That is even more true if you are using a team not featuring Piper, as the Bangboo shines through its ability to apply large sums of Physical Anomaly Buildup. Thanks to their ability to deal a good amount of Physical DMG, both Bagboo and Amillion are my main picks among the A-Rankers —the latter only when in teams featuring at least one more Cunning Hares agent.
Published: Jul 18, 2024 10:56 am