As we navigate the bustling streets and dangerous Hollows of New Eridu in 2025, one Agent continues to be a cornerstone of many successful squads: Soukaku. The discussion around the Zenless Zone Zero soukaku zenless zone meta remains as relevant as ever, especially after her recent rate-up feature in the Version 2.1 "Sworn to Noble Courage" banner. This A-Rank Ice Support agent from Hollow Special Operations Section 6 isn't just a pretty face; she's a powerhouse buffer who can elevate any team's damage to staggering new heights. Her unique mechanics and incredible versatility make her a must-have for both new Proxies and seasoned veterans.
Who is Soukaku? A Pillar of Section 6
Soukaku is more than just a support character; she's an Executive Officer known for her calm demeanor and surprising strength. As an Ice-attribute agent wielding a Slash-style weapon, she brings a chilling presence to the battlefield. Don't let her A-Rank classification fool you; her utility rivals that of many S-Rank agents. Her entire kit is designed around a single, powerful goal: to set up her teammates for overwhelming success. She masterfully freezes enemies and, most importantly, provides one of the most significant and long-lasting ATK buffs in the game.
Demystifying Soukaku's Icy Arsenal
Understanding Soukaku's gameplay loop is the key to unlocking her true potential. It all revolves around her unique "Vortex" mechanic. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
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Gaining Vortex: Soukaku accumulates stacks of Vortex primarily by using her EX Special Attack or by launching Chain and Ultimate Attacks.
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Fly the Flag: Once she has 3 stacks of Vortex, holding her Special Attack activates "Fly the Flag." This is the heart of her kit. It consumes the stacks and puts her into the "Frosted Banner" state.
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The Payoff: While in the Frosted Banner state, her attacks are infused with Ice DMG. More crucially, her Core Passive, "Blade Banner," grants her a massive ATK buff that can be doubled when activating Fly the Flag with full Vortex stacks. This buff has an incredibly long duration of up to 45 seconds and can be passed to the next character that switches in!
This system transforms her from a simple support into a strategic linchpin for your squad. Are you maximizing her Vortex stacks before switching?
The Optimal Battle Rotation
Putting it all into practice is simpler than it sounds. For players looking to maximize their damage, the optimal combo with Soukaku is a devastatingly effective dance. First, keep Soukaku on the field and use her EX Special Attack until you've gathered three Vortex stacks, which are conveniently displayed below her health bar.
Next, hold down the Special Attack button to activate "Fly the Flag." This consumes the stacks and grants the powerful ATK buff. Now for the final step: immediately trigger a Chain Attack or a Quick Assist to switch to your main damage dealer. This transfers the enormous buff, allowing your DPS to unleash truly spectacular damage. Her Ultimate, "Jumbo Pudding Slash," is another fantastic tool that not only deals significant Ice DMG but also restores energy for the entire party. 😉
Crafting the Perfect Soukaku Build
To get the most out of Soukaku, equipping her with the right gear is essential. Her buff scales directly off her own ATK, so building her correctly makes a world of difference. For her W-Engine, the S-Rank "Bashful Demon" is an unparalleled choice, as it boosts both her Ice DMG and her ATK, further amplifying the buff she passes to allies.
For Drive Discs, the "Moonlight Lullaby" set is highly recommended. Focus on these stats:
| Drive Disc Slot | Recommended Main Stat |
|---|---|
| Position 1-3 | HP / ATK (Fixed) |
| Position 4 | ATK% |
| Position 5 | ATK% |
| Position 6 | Energy Regen |
For substats, prioritize ATK%, CRIT stats, and additional Energy Regen to ensure she can consistently use her EX Special Attack and have her Ultimate ready when needed.
Building a Winning Soukaku Team
Soukaku's flexibility allows her to slot into a wide variety of lineups, but she truly shines in a well-constructed soukaku team. Her ability to provide both an Ice DMG bonus and a universal ATK buff makes her a premier choice for Ice-focused squads. Pairing her with an Ice DPS like Miyabi creates a fearsome duo that can perma-freeze enemies while dealing massive damage.
However, her utility isn't limited to just Ice teams. A popular premium team composition pairs her with a shielder like Caesar and a hypercarry DPS like Ellen. Caesar provides interruption resistance and his own ATK buff, which stacks beautifully with Soukaku's. Even for free-to-play Proxies, Soukaku is a fantastic addition. She can support Cunning Hares members like Billy and Anby, significantly boosting their damage output despite the lack of elemental synergy.
Ultimately, Soukaku's value in Zenless Zone Zero in 2025 cannot be overstated. She is a top-tier enabler whose impact is felt across the entire squad, turning good teams into great ones. Whether you're tackling the deepest levels of the Hollow Zero or just clearing daily commissions, Soukaku has proven she has the power and strategy to lead any squad to victory.