In the ever-evolving world of Zenless Zone Zero, Soldier 11 remains one of the most reliable DPS characters two years after the game's release. As a standard banner S-Rank Agent, she continues to be a cornerstone for many players' teams, combining accessibility with powerful combat capabilities. Her straightforward playstyle makes her perfect for newcomers while still offering depth for veterans looking to maximize her potential.
"Soldier 11 is like that reliable friend who never lets you down," remarked one top player at the recent New Eridu Championship. "Even with all the new characters released in 2024, she still holds her own in the meta."
The Perfect Arsenal: W-Engines for Soldier 11 in 2025
Selecting the right W-Engine for Soldier 11 can dramatically enhance her performance on the battlefield. The meta has shifted slightly since last year, but some classics remain powerful options:
| Rank | W-Engine | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Brimstone | As Soldier 11's signature weapon, it provides unmatched synergy with her kit, boosting fire damage and critical hit potential |
| 2 | Heartstring Nocturne (2025 Version) | The updated version offers a staggering 55% CRIT DMG boost, making her critical hits devastating |
| 3 | Cannon Rotor | A reliable alternative that enhances her normal attack damage sequence |
| 4 | Starlight Engine | Great for players who utilize dodge counters, with its ATK boost triggering on evasive maneuvers |
| 5 | Lunar - Noviluna | A solid F2P option for players still building their arsenal |
Drive Disc Optimization: Powering Up Your Soldier 11
The Drive Disc meta has evolved since the 2024 updates, but Soldier 11's preferences remain relatively consistent. The newest combinations provide even more firepower:
| Set | Benefits for Soldier 11 |
|---|---|
| Inferno Metal (4-pc) | The absolute best set, increasing fire damage by 15% and providing an additional 25% damage boost when hitting enemies affected by Burn |
| Woodpecker Electro (2-pc) | Complements Inferno Metal perfectly with its 12% CRIT Rate bonus |
| New Horizon (2-pc) | A 2025 alternative that offers 10% CRIT Rate and 5% ATK speed |
"I've tested dozens of combinations," says ZZZ theorycrafting expert SoldiersGirl11. "The Inferno/Woodpecker combo still outperforms even the newest sets for pure damage output."
For main stats, prioritize:
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Slot 4: CRIT Rate
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Slot 5: Fire DMG%
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Slot 6: ATK%
For substats, aim for CRIT Rate > CRIT DMG > ATK% > PEN > flat ATK.
Skill Priority: Maximizing Combat Efficiency
Soldier 11's skill upgrade path remains consistent in 2025, with her offensive capabilities taking precedence:
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Basic Attack - Your bread and butter
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Chain Attack - Essential for combo extension
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Special Attack - Powerful burst damage
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Dodge - Improved survivability
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Assist - Team utility
The April 2025 balance patch slightly improved her Chain Attack scaling, making it even more valuable than before.
Team Compositions: Unlocking Soldier 11's Full Potential
Budget-Friendly Team (2025)
| Agent | Rank | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier 11 | S-Rank | Attack | Main DPS |
| Koleda | S-Rank | Stun | Stun/Support |
| Lucy | A-Rank | Support | Sub-DPS/Support |
| Rocketboo | S-Rank | Bangboo | Support |
This accessible team works wonderfully for players who haven't invested heavily in the gacha system. Koleda provides reliable Daze application, while Lucy's attack buffs significantly boost Soldier 11's damage output.
"This team carried me through all of the 2025 Hollow Zero challenges," shares F2P player FireSoldier. "You don't need the latest premium characters to succeed."
Premium Team (2025 Meta)
| Agent | Rank | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier 11 | S-Rank | Attack | Main DPS |
| Lighter | S-Rank | Stun | Stun/Support |
| Burnice | S-Rank | Anomaly | Sub-DPS/Support |
| Red Moccus | S-Rank | Bangboo | Support |
This premium composition maximizes Soldier 11's damage potential through perfect synergy. Lighter's fire damage buff (now 35% after the 2025 update) and enemy debuff create the ideal environment for Soldier 11 to unleash her full potential. Burnice's Fire Anomaly application creates a devastating cycle of damage amplification.
The Sons of Calydon faction bonus through Red Moccus adds another layer of optimization that makes this team particularly deadly against the new Hollow bosses introduced in the March 2025 update.
People Also Ask
Q: Is Soldier 11 still worth investing in for 2025 content?
A: Absolutely! Despite being one of the original S-Rank characters, Soldier 11 remains competitive with newer DPS units thanks to her consistent damage output and straightforward playstyle. The recent balance adjustments have kept her relevant in the current meta.
Q: What's better for Soldier 11 - CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG?
A: Aim for a 1:2 ratio. Ideally, you want to reach about 70% CRIT Rate before focusing heavily on CRIT DMG. With the new Drive Disc system introduced in 2025, achieving this balance is easier than ever.
Q: How does Soldier 11 compare to the newest fire DPS character, Ember Knight?
A: While Ember Knight has higher burst potential, Soldier 11 offers more consistent damage output and is significantly easier to play. For most content, Soldier 11 remains the more reliable option, especially for players who don't want to master complex rotation mechanics.
A Personal Glimpse into the Future
As someone who has mained Soldier 11 since the early days of Zenless Zone Zero, I can't help but feel excited about her future prospects. The developers have consistently shown love to legacy characters, and with the rumored "Legacy Awakening" system coming in late 2025, I believe we'll see Soldier 11 reach new heights of power.
The recent datamines suggest a potential alternate costume that might come with gameplay modifications – perhaps a shift toward more AOE-focused damage that would address her only real weakness in the current meta. If these rumors prove true, Soldier 11 could cement herself as one of the most versatile DPS units in the game's history.
Whether you're a day one player or just starting your journey in New Eridu, investing in Soldier 11 remains one of the wisest decisions you can make. Her combination of accessibility, power, and straightforward gameplay ensures she'll remain relevant for years to come.
As the Hollow threats continue to evolve and new challenges emerge from the shadows of New Eridu, Soldier 11 stands ready – a beacon of reliable firepower in an ever-changing battlefield. 🔥