Heartstring Nocturne is an S-Rank W-Engine in Zenless Zone Zero, and it carries a very specific reputation: it is Evelyn's signature weapon, a crit-hungry powerhouse, and a limited banner trophy that makes Attack Agents sit up straighter. For Proxies checking in during 2026, the important question is not whether the engine is strong — it is — but whether it fits a roster now that the last known rerun has come and gone.
The Short Version
Heartstring Nocturne is built for damage dealers who enjoy seeing big crit numbers. It offers massive CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG boosts, and it adds a Fire RES bypass that makes Fire Attack Agents especially happy. That combination explains why Evelyn is the primary recommended user, while Soldier 11, Orphie, and Magus also deserve a mention.
The catch is availability. This is an exclusive S-Rank W-Engine, not a casual standard-pool pickup. Its latest known rerun appeared on the Dazzling Melody W-Engine banner during Phase 2 of Version 2.2, which ran from September 24, 2025 to October 14, 2025, alongside Evelyn's rerun banner. That banner has ended. As of 2026, Proxies should treat Heartstring Nocturne as a limited luxury rather than a guaranteed long-term goal.
Why It Feels So Good
Honestly, Heartstring Nocturne is not subtle. It likes to show off. The W-Engine practically purrs when a Fire Attack Agent steps onto the field, because the crit package and Fire RES bypass work together like a well-rehearsed duet. Evelyn and this W-Engine finish each other's sentences ... and the result is a very comfortable damage profile.
Here is the practical breakdown:
| Feature | What It Means for Players |
|---|---|
| S-Rank W-Engine | High-end stat budget and premium value |
| CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG boosts | Makes crit builds easier to tune |
| Fire RES bypass | Extra value for Fire Attack Agents |
| Signature fit | Designed around Evelyn's kit |
| Limited acquisition | Missable during inactive banners |
For any Attack Agent, Heartstring Nocturne is a plausible option simply because crit stats are universally useful. But the Fire RES bypass gives Fire units a clearer edge. That is why the recommendation list starts with Evelyn and then moves toward other Fire-flavored damage dealers.
Best Characters
The recommended users are arranged from most to least recommended, and the top spot is not a mystery.
Evelyn
Evelyn is the signature Agent for Heartstring Nocturne, so she is the obvious first pick. The W-Engine and her kit speak the same language: crit, Fire damage, and aggressive offense. Proxies who main Evelyn should treat this weapon as a premium target rather than a sidegrade.
Soldier 11
Soldier 11 is an excellent alternative. She benefits from the crit boosts and appreciates the Fire-oriented bonus. If a player already has Soldier 11 built and missed Evelyn, Heartstring Nocturne can still put in serious work.
Orphie and Magus
Orphie and Magus are also strong considerations. They may not be the signature match that Evelyn is, but the raw crit value keeps the W-Engine relevant. In a roster with multiple Attack Agents, it can feel like a very shiny toy that several characters want a turn with.
How to Get It in 2026
This is where patience matters. Heartstring Nocturne had its latest known rerun on the Dazzling Melody W-Engine banner during Version 2.2 Phase 2, from September 24, 2025 to October 14, 2025. That window is closed. Since this is an exclusive S-Rank W-Engine, Proxies cannot expect to find it anywhere else based on the reference information.
A future rerun may occur sometime in the near future, but there is no confirmed permanent home for it. The smart approach is to watch official banner schedules and keep a reserve ready. There is no shame in waiting; limited weapons often reward the patient more than the impulsive.
Materials and Preparation
Ascension preparation follows the usual W-Engine ladder: players need phase-by-phase materials and Dennies. The reference material chart groups materials per ascension level, but it does not provide a clean text list, so exact counts should be checked in-game before spending resources. The chart is still useful for planning which material families to stockpile.
A practical prep plan looks like this:
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🧰 Stockpile W-Engine ascension components before the next rerun.
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💰 Keep a Dennie buffer, because upgrades never stay cheap.
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🔥 Prioritize Fire Attack Agents if the roster is split between options.
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📅 Track official banner phases instead of chasing rumors.
Final Take
Would a Proxy pull for Heartstring Nocturne in 2026? If Evelyn is a main, the answer is easy: yes, this is her signature and it fits like a glove. If Soldier 11, Orphie, or Magus is the centerpiece of a team, it remains a high-value option. For everyone else, Heartstring Nocturne is a luxury purchase with a limited door.
The W-Engine is loud, proud, and very good at what it does. The only real question is whether a player's roster is ready to give it a stage. Until another rerun appears, Proxies can admire the stats, plan the materials, and keep one eye on the schedule ... because limited weapons rarely stay quiet forever.