Mastering Nekomata: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your S-Rank Physical Powerhouse in Zenless Zone Zero

In the intriguing world of *Zenless Zone Zero*, Nekomata stands out as an S-Rank Physical character renowned for her attack specialization. She can be obtained through the Star-Studded Cast Banner or by capitalizing on the 50/50 feature in a limited-time character's Banner. Players who invest significant time and effort into the game can also select Nekomata as a free regular S-Rank character after 300 pulls on the Star-Studded Cast Banner. If you’ve secured Nekomata or are planning to, understanding the best build is essential to optimizing her capacity in battles. This comprehensive guide delves deep into the best ways to build Nekomata, including recommended Drive Discs, weapons, and team configurations.

Best Nekomata Build

Nekomata’s prowess in combat largely revolves around her speed and agility. More detailed explanations and alternative picks are discussed below, but at a glance, here’s the recommended build strategy for Nekomata in *Zenless Zone Zero*.

How to Play Nekomata

Nekomata embodies the spirit of a feline, delivering rapid, powerful attacks. Her damage increases by 30% for six seconds upon utilizing a Dodge Counter or Quick Assist. This mechanic emphasizes maximizing these two skills to ensure her Core Passive attack buff remains active throughout encounters. The Quick Assist occurs when a Support character executes a move, such as Nicole’s EX Special Attack, which highlights the next character's picture on the screen's bottom right.

In a well-rounded squad, partnering with another Physical or Cunning Hares squadmate to apply the Assault effect regularly is beneficial. This ensures that Nekomata's EX Special Attack gets a damage buff for subsequent uses. Additionally, capitalize on Nekomata's 33.33% chance to repeat attacks, amplifying damage by completing her Basic Attack combo or holding the attack button during the initial hits.

Best Nekomata Teams

Primary Team Strategy

Nekomata thrives in a team with Piper and Nicole. Piper provides a Physical buff and aids with the Assault application on enemies, triggering Nekomata's additional Core Passive skill. This synergy amplifies the damage of Nekomata’s EX Special Attack, stacking twice. Nicole, on the other hand, offers the Cunning Hares Faction buff, adding another layer of support.

Alternative Team Options

If Piper or Nicole are unavailable, other characters can fill the gaps, though Nekomata's support options are relatively limited compared to other Attack characters. Anby, with her Stun abilities, can activate the Cunning Hares Faction boost, but integrating Billy may pose challenges as he is also an attacker. Nevertheless, Billy can serve as a decent substitute for Assault application if Piper isn't an option.

Key to Nekomata’s efficiency is having a support character that activates Quick Assist. If not using Nicole, characters like Soukaku, Rina, and Lucy are excellent alternatives to ensure this mechanism remains functional.

Best Nekomata Drive Discs

Nekomata can utilize various Drive Disc sets. Among these, the 4-piece Fanged Metal set is deemed best provided Assault can be triggered swiftly and consistently by a squad member like Piper. The 2-piece set boosts Physical Damage, while the 4-piece set enhances overall damage when Assault is inflicted on an enemy.

In instances where Assault activation is delayed, the 4-piece Puffer Electro or Woodpecker Electro sets are preferable. Puffer Electro’s 2-piece set increases Nekomata’s Penetration Ratio, while its 4-piece set boosts Ultimate damage and attack for 12 seconds post-Ultimate use. Conversely, Woodpecker Electro's 2-piece set increases Crit Rate, with its 4-piece set boosting attack for six seconds following a critical hit via Basic Attack, Dodge Counter, or EX Special Attack.

Your 2-piece Drive Disc configuration can be mixed and matched depending on your 4-piece selection and which substats provide the greatest benefit. Options include Fanged Metal, Puffer Electro, Woodpecker Electro, or Hormone Punk.

Best Nekomata Weapons

Nekomata’s optimal weapon choice is the S-Rank Steel Cushion due to its enhanced Crit Rate and Physical Damage. The Steel Cushion also increases damage output even further when attacking enemies from behind, a feat made easier by Nekomata’s swift movements.

Alternatively, the S-Rank W-Engine weapon, The Brimstone, offers a passive attack boost and compounding attack increases when Nekomata uses a Basic Attack, Dash Attack, or Dodge Counter. For A-Rank weapons, consider the Starlight Engine for its attack boost via Dodge Counter or Quick Assist, and the Street Superstar if Chain Attacks are your squad’s focus and Nekomata’s Ultimate is frequently utilized.

If Nekomata’s Crit Rate is adequately high, the Cannon Rotor can be an effective weapon due to its passive attack and Crit Rate boosts. It also increases damage upon landing a critical hit. Until these weapons are acquired, the B-Rank Lunar Pleniluna serves as a reliable placeholder, enhancing damage based on Basic Attack, Dash Attack, or Dodge Counter, with the Lunar Decrescent offering a damage increase following Chain Attacks.

By adhering to this detailed building guide, players can maximize Nekomata’s efficiency and power in *Zenless Zone Zero*, making her an indispensable asset in the game’s dynamic and challenging battles.