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Should You Pull for Astra Yao or Ellen Joe in 1.5 Phase 1 of Zenless Zone Zero

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Astra Yao and Ellen Joe - Icy Veins

Zenless Zone Zero’s Patch 1.5 is here, bringing with it exciting new banners and tough decisions for players planning their pulls. The spotlight in Phase 1 falls on the new S-Rank support Astra Yao and the Ice DPS Ellen Joe.

Both are featured in the first half of Patch 1.5 banner alongside two A-Rank characters, Corin Wickes and Anby Demara. Let’s break down the pros and cons of these characters to help you decide where to spend your resources!

Astra Yao: A Universal S-Rank Support

Astra Yao, the headline character of Patch 1.5, is a versatile S-Rank support with powerful abilities that bolster a wide range of teams. Her kit provides excellent utility, including the following:

  • Team-Wide Healing
  • DMG Buffs
  • CRIT DMG Buffs
  • ATK Buffs
  • Crowd Control

These make her a highly flexible addition to many teams. Astra shines as a centrepiece support who can enhance your overall effectiveness.

Moreover, Astra has excellent synergy with Evelyn Chevalier, the Fire DPS releasing in Phase 2 of this patch. Players looking to invest in a long-term support option that should remain relevant can strongly consider pulling for Astra.

Check out our Astra Yao Build Guide!

Ellen Joe: A Solid Ice DPS with Competition

Ellen Joe, a returning Ice DPS, offers consistent damage output with a fun playstyle that has increased mobility. While she remains a strong choice for those who lack an Ice element damage dealer, Ellen has been overshadowed by Hoshimi Miyabi, the Ice DPS introduced in Patch 1.4. Hoshimi’s ability to dish out higher damage both in single target and AoE has made Miyabi a powerful Agent.

That said, Ellen is still a capable DPS and can serve well in teams that need reliable Ice damage. If you missed Hoshimi’s banner and are looking to shore up your Ice DPS lineup, Ellen remains a solid, albeit slightly less optimal, option. 

Check out our Ellen Joe Build Guide!

Who Should You Pull For in Patch 1.5?

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your current needs and preferences:

  • If you want a relatively universal support who can fit into a range of teams team you build, Astra Yao is the clear winner. She’s more future-proof, versatile, and pairs exceptionally well with upcoming characters like Evelyn Chevalier.
  • If you’re in need of an Ice DPS and missed Hoshimi Miyabi, Ellen Joe can still perform admirably and fill that role effectively.

However, as with any gacha game, the best advice is to pull for the characters you enjoy the most. Choosing based on your favourite playstyle or character design will always be the most satisfying decision. For the most powerful Agents, check out our Tier List.

Read our Zenless Zone Tier List Here

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