Mastering Billy Kid in Zenless Zone Zero: Ultimate Guide

In the ever-evolving landscape of Zenless Zone Zero, few characters have captured players' attention quite like Billy Kid. As we move into 2025, this Physical Attack specialist continues to be a viable option for players seeking a reliable ranged damage dealer with impressive burst potential.

Billy Kid in Zenless Zone Zero stands out as an A-Rank Physical damage dealer who excels at maintaining distance while dealing consistent damage. His signature Crouching Shot mechanic allows him to unleash devastating attacks from afar, making him particularly effective against stationary targets.

Billy Kid's Core Abilities and Playstyle

Billy's combat prowess revolves around his unique Basic Attack mechanics. By holding down the attack button, he enters Crouching Shot mode, significantly boosting his damage output thanks to his Core Passive "Steady Shot." This passive increases his damage by up to 50% when fully upgraded, making it essential to master this stance for optimal performance.

However, players must be strategic with this mechanic, as any movement or interruption will immediately cancel the damage boost. This creates an interesting risk-reward scenario that defines Billy's playstyle.

His kit is further enhanced by his Additional Ability "Team Starlight," which provides a substantial 50% damage increase to his Ultimate after using his Chain Attack. This effect can stack twice, enabling devastating burst damage potential when properly executed.

Optimal Build and Equipment

When building Billy Kid in Zenless Zone Zero, prioritizing his damage output is essential. The recommended Drive Disc set is Dawn's Bloom, which perfectly complements his burst damage playstyle.

For W-Engines, the Starlight Engine Replica stands as his signature option, providing increased Physical DMG when attacking enemies from a distance—perfectly aligned with Billy's ranged combat style.

Main stats to prioritize on Drive Discs include:

• ATK in slot 6

• Physical DMG in slot 5

• CRIT Rate or CRIT DMG in slot 4 (depending on your existing stats)

For substats, focus on CRIT DMG, CRIT Rate, and ATK% to maximize his damage potential.

Team Compositions and Synergies

Billy Kid works best with teammates who can enhance his Physical damage output or provide utility through crowd control. In budget team compositions, pairing him with Nicole and Anby creates excellent synergy—Nicole reduces enemy DEF while Anby can inflict Daze and Shock effects.

For premium teams, replacing Anby with Lycaon adds significant crowd control through Stun effects, allowing Billy to freely attack immobilized enemies.

Skill Priority and Upgrade Path

When upgrading Billy Kid's abilities, focus on the following priority order:

1. Basic Attack - His primary source of consistent damage

2. Chain Attack - Essential for his burst damage combo

3. Core Skill - Provides substantial DMG boosts

4. Special Attack - Good damage but lower priority

5. Dodge - Useful for mobility and some damage

6. Assist - Lowest priority, primarily utility

Mastering Billy's Combat Rotation

The key to maximizing Billy's damage lies in executing his optimal combo:

1. Trigger Chain Attack

2. Use Ultimate (benefiting from Team Starlight boost)

3. Press Special Attack/EX Special Attack

4. Press Basic Attack

5. Hold for Crouching Shot to maintain consistent damage

This sequence allows Billy to unleash massive burst damage before transitioning into sustained DPS through his boosted Basic Attacks.

Mindscape Cinema Upgrades

Billy's Mindscape Cinema upgrades significantly enhance his capabilities, with M6 "Starlight Hero" being particularly valuable. This upgrade provides stacking DMG increases after accumulating hits or performing Perfect Dodges, synergizing beautifully with his kit.

M2 "Roaming Gunslinger" is also noteworthy, as it increases his Dodge Counter DMG and makes his Rolling Shots count as dodges with invulnerability frames, adding both defensive utility and offensive potential.

Final Thoughts on Billy Kid in Zenless Zone Zero

While Billy Kid may not top the tier lists in 2025's meta, he remains a solid choice for players who enjoy his ranged playstyle. His ability to deal consistent damage from a safe distance, combined with impressive burst potential through his Chain Attack and Ultimate combo, makes him particularly effective in certain team compositions.

The character continues to receive support through various Signal Searches, making him accessible to both new and veteran players. Whether you're just starting your journey in New Eridu or looking to expand your agent roster, Billy Kid offers a unique and satisfying playstyle that rewards careful positioning and thoughtful ability usage.

As Zenless Zone Zero continues to evolve with new content updates, Billy Kid's place in the meta may shift, but his fundamental strengths as a ranged Physical damage dealer ensure he'll remain a viable option for the foreseeable future.