Komano Manato has quickly established himself as one of the most powerful Fire Rupture Agents in Zenless Zone Zero since his release in Version 2.3. As an A-Rank Agent from Spook Shack, my Manato has become a cornerstone of my team compositions thanks to his unique playstyle that balances risk and reward. If you're looking to maximize your Manato's potential, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

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Who is Komano Manato?

Manato is an A-Rank Fire Rupture Agent who joined the Zenless Zone Zero roster in October 2025. What makes him particularly interesting is his unique gameplay mechanic that converts his HP into raw damage output. His Core Passive "Mighty Molten Edge" allows all his Fire DMG to become Sheer DMG, completely ignoring enemy DEF stats.

As a member of Spook Shack, Manato brings both high damage potential and surprising sustainability to your team. His playstyle rewards skilled players who can balance his health management with aggressive offensive moves.

Best Manato Builds for 2025

Optimal W-Engine: Grill O'Wisp

After extensive testing with my Manato, I've found that Grill O'Wisp remains his best W-Engine in 2025, providing the perfect balance of offensive capabilities while supporting his HP-consuming mechanics.

Drive Disc Recommendations

For Drive Discs, Yunkui Tales remains the premier choice with the following main stats:

  • 6: HP

  • 5: Fire DMG

  • 4: CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG (depending on your substats)

For substats, prioritize CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, HP, and ATK in that order.

Best Teams for Manato in 2025

Manato performs exceptionally well in Rupture-focused teams. My personal favorite composition includes:

  1. Komano Manato (Main DPS)

  2. Ju Fufu (Support)

  3. Stun unit (preferably one that can inflict off-field Daze)

This team composition maximizes Manato's damage potential while providing the support he needs to manage his health consumption. Remember that Manato's Additional Ability "Rekindled Heart" provides bonuses when teamed with Support or Stun characters, so team composition is crucial.

Have you tried pairing your Manato with other agents? What combinations have worked well for you?

Skill Priority and Upgrade Path

When building your Manato, follow this skill upgrade priority:

  1. Core Skill ★★★★★ - Highest priority as it increases his CRIT Rate and DMG buffs

  2. Basic Attack ★★★★★ - Essential since Manato will be on-field most of the time

  3. Special Attack ★★★★★ - Source of major damage output

  4. Chain Attack ★★★★☆ - Powerful Ultimate, upgrade when possible

  5. Assist ★★★★☆ - Valuable for Defensive Assist and Follow-Up damage

  6. Dodge ★★★☆☆ - Lowest priority, upgrade last

Mastering Manato's Gameplay Mechanics

Molten Edge State Management

The key to playing Manato effectively is managing his Molten Edge state. When Manato accumulates 75 Blazing Heart (gained through Special Attacks or Defensive Assists), he enters the Molten Edge state which provides:

  • 10% CRIT Rate increase

  • 10-20% Fire DMG increase (depending on Core level)

  • Enhanced Basic Attacks that deal Fire DMG

  • Access to his EX Special Attack

HP Management Techniques

Playing Manato effectively requires careful HP management. Here are some strategies I've developed:

  1. Utilize Special Attack healing: If you get hit while performing Special Attack: Return to Ashes, you'll restore 20% of missing HP

  2. EX Special Attack for emergency healing: His EX Special Attack: Return to Ashes - Fall restores 33% of Max HP

  3. Leverage Remnant Flame stacks: With Mindscape unlocks, Manato gains Remnant Flame stacks from Ultimate and Chain Attacks that can be consumed to restore HP

Optimal Attack Combos

For maximum DPS, I've found these attack sequences most effective:

  1. Basic Attack + Special Attack button (for Scorchwind) to deal Fire DMG with normal attacks

  2. During Molten Edge, use Basic Attack: Blazing Wind - Misty Slash for consistent Fire DMG

  3. After a Perfect Dodge, use Dodge Counter to deal Fire DMG and maintain invulnerability

Mindscape Cinema Recommendations

If you're investing in Manato's Mindscape Cinema, prioritize these awakening levels:

  • M1: ★★★★★ - Increases Fire DMG of Assist Follow-Ups and Basic Attacks

  • M4: ★★★★★ - Increases Max HP and prevents fatal damage during Special Attacks

  • M6: ★★★★★ - Provides easier Assist Follow-Up triggers and Fire DMG boosts

My manato's performance improved dramatically after unlocking his M4 Mindscape, as it provided that crucial safety net during challenging content.

Future Prospects for Manato

There have been rumors circulating about a potential S-Rank version of Manato in future updates. While nothing has been confirmed officially, the community speculation is interesting to follow. For now, the A-Rank Manato remains extremely competitive in the current meta.

Conclusion

Komano Manato offers a unique and rewarding playstyle that balances risk and reward. With proper investment and team building, he can easily become one of your most valuable agents in Zenless Zone Zero.

Have you been enjoying your Manato experience? What builds and team compositions have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Remember that mastering Manato takes practice - his HP consumption mechanics require careful management, but the payoff in terms of Sheer DMG output makes him well worth the effort.