In the dystopian world of Zenless Zone Zero, the landscape has been irrevocably shaped by the apocalyptic event known as the Hollows. This cataclysm unleashed a corrupting force that twisted people into Ethereal monsters, leaving the original city of Eridu in ruins. From the ashes of this disaster, a new society, New Eridu, was forged by the survivors. Remarkably, the denizens of this new metropolis have not only endured but have learned to exploit the very source of their peril. They now industrially extract vital resources, including the mysterious substance known as Ether, directly from the Hollows, fueling their civilization’s survival and growth. However, this monetization of peril has a dark side, attracting opportunistic gangs and dangerous fanatics who seek to profit from the chaos. To combat this rising tide of disorder, the city administration relies on the New Eridu Public Security (N.E.P.S.), and within its ranks, a key figure stands out: Captain Zhu Yuan of the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team.
The Arrival of Captain Zhu Yuan
Captain Zhu Yuan made her official debut in the world of Zenless Zone Zero on July 24, 2024. This release came precisely three weeks after the game’s global launch on July 4, 2024, marking a significant early addition to the roster of available Agents. Players had the opportunity to recruit her through her dedicated Signal Search banner, which remained active until the conclusion of Version 1.0 on August 13, 2024. As a leader within the N.E.P.S., her introduction was a major event for players building their teams and delving deeper into the lore of New Eridu’s law enforcement.
Zhu Yuan’s Role and Abilities
Zhu Yuan is classified as an Ether-Attack character, a specialization that makes her a formidable damage dealer utilizing the enigmatic energy sourced from the Hollows. Her faction affiliation is clearly with the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team, a specialized branch of the Public Security force. Her position isn’t merely that of a member; she holds the prestigious and demanding role of team leader, underscoring her authority and combat proficiency within the city’s defensive structures. This designation also made her the second Ether-focused Agent to be introduced in the game, following the trailblazing path of Nicole.
An interesting note from the game’s development history is her initial categorization during beta testing. Zhu Yuan was originally marked as a Pierce-type character under an older combat classification system. While that system has since been streamlined into the current character specialties (Attack, Anomaly, Defense, Stun, Support), the legacy label can sometimes still be referenced, particularly for interactions with certain support entities like specific Bangboo whose abilities activate when a team includes a character with that historical designation.
Team Synergies and Banner Companions
Zhu Yuan’s debut banner was strategically curated to offer players strong team-building options. The featured 4-star characters accompanying her were:
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Nicole (Ether-Support): The first Ether Agent, who synergizes exceptionally well with Zhu Yuan.
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Ben (Fire-Defense): A sturdy defensive unit from the Belobog Heavy Industries faction.
The synergy between Zhu Yuan and Nicole is particularly potent. Nicole’s support capabilities are tailor-made to amplify an Ether-centric team composition. Her skills can buff Ether-based damage and reduce enemy DEF, directly enhancing Zhu Yuan’s offensive output and making them a classic damage-dealer-and-support pair. Ben, while not having direct synergy with Zhu Yuan’s Ether focus, remains a valuable asset. He excels as a defensive support, especially in teams that incorporate other Fire units or characters from his own Belobog Heavy Industries faction, providing durability for more aggressive squad members.
Strategic Importance in New Eridu
As of 2026, Zhu Yuan remains a cornerstone character for players who favor a powerful, direct-damage approach using the Ether element. Her dual identity as a capable leader in the game’s lore and a high-impact attacker in gameplay solidifies her status. In a city like New Eridu, where danger emanates from both human greed and supernatural Hollow corruption, a reliable Ether-Attack captain like Zhu Yuan is an invaluable asset for any Proxy. Her release set an early standard for 5-star Attack Agents, combining a compelling narrative presence with straightforward, effective combat mechanics centered on overwhelming the opposition with purified Hollow energy.