Ultimate Zenless Zone Zero Tank Build Guide: Mastering Ben Bigger's Defense & Fire Support in 2026

In the high-octane world of Zenless Zone Zero, where speed and flashy combos often reign supreme, Ben Bigger stands as a unique and formidable pillar of defense. As the sole dedicated Defense Agent available at launch, this bear-like Thiren from Belobog Industries offers a brute-force playstyle centered on immense survivability and team-wide protection. While his lumbering movements might seem like a disadvantage, a properly optimized Ben transforms from a simple tank into the cornerstone of any squad, enabling more fragile, high-damage teammates to unleash their full potential. His value has only grown since the game's release, proving that a solid foundation is just as crucial as a sharp offense.

🔧 Best W-Engine for Ben: Defense or Offense?

Choosing the right weapon is the first step to unlocking Ben's true potential. For the quintessential support tank, Spring Embrace is the undisputed top choice. This A-rank W-Engine synergizes perfectly with his role, providing a consistent 7.5% damage reduction. Its unique effect is where it truly shines: damage taken by Ben is converted into a 10% boost to Energy Generation for 12 seconds. This buff persists and can be transferred to the next character when you switch Ben out, making him an incredible battery for your team's ultimate abilities.

• Primary Pick: Spring Embrace

• Effect: 7.5% DMG Reduction.

• Unique Trait: Converts taken damage into +10% Energy Generation for 12s. Buff is transferable on swap.

• Best For: Teams where Ben acts as a defensive anchor and energy funnel.

For players who want their Ben to pack more of a personal punch, his signature weapon, Big Cylinder, is a powerful alternative. It offers the same 7.5% damage reduction but trades team utility for personal power. Its effect turns damage received into a guaranteed Critical Hit on his next attack, alongside dealing bonus damage based on a percentage of his DEF. This turns him into a punishing counter-attacker.

• Offensive Alternative: Big Cylinder

• Effect: 7.5% DMG Reduction.

• Unique Trait: Converts taken damage into a guaranteed Crit on next hit, plus extra DEF-scaling DMG.

• Best For: A more aggressive, hybrid damage-dealing Ben build.

Don't worry if RNG hasn't blessed you with an A-rank engine! The B-rank "Identity - Base" is a stellar and accessible substitute. It provides a substantial 20% DEF boost for 8 seconds whenever Ben is hit, directly amplifying his tankiness and the damage from his DEF-scaling abilities.

💿 Optimal Drive Disc Set: Swing Jazz & Soul Rock

Your Drive Disc selection is crucial for maximizing Ben's supportive capabilities. The recommended setup combines two sets for the ultimate blend of utility and durability.

Core 4-Piece Set: Swing Jazz

• 2-Piece Effect: Increases Energy Regeneration by 20%. This is non-negotiable for ensuring Ben can use his team-shielding EX Special Attack as often as possible.

• 4-Piece Effect: After Ben uses his Chain Attack or Ultimate, your entire squad's damage is increased by 15% for 12 seconds. This transforms Ben from a pure tank into a powerful offensive buffer.

Essential 2-Piece Set: Soul Rock

• 2-Piece Effect: Straightforward and perfect: increases DEF by 16%. This stat is everything for Ben, as his Core Passive: Guardian converts 40% of his DEF into additional ATK. More DEF means he's tougher and hits harder.

This combination ensures Ben is constantly generating energy for shields while providing a significant damage buff to your main DPS characters. It's the perfect setup to tackle even the most daunting endgame challenges, like the notorious Twin Marionettes.

👥 Best Team Composition for Ben: The Firepower Core

Ben shines brightest when surrounded by teammates who can capitalize on his defenses and buffs. The ideal squad revolves around the Fire Attribute to activate his powerful synergy passive, Contractual Agreement.

🔥 Dream Team Core:

1. Ben Bigger - The Unbreakable Shield & Buffer.

2. Koleda - The Primary DPS & Debuffer.

3. Soldier 11 - The Secondary DPS / Sub-DPS.

Why This Team Works:

• Synergy Bonuses: With Koleda and Soldier 11 sharing the Fire Attribute, Ben's Contractual Agreement activates, granting him a 16% CRIT Rate boost after his shield is deployed. This makes his own counter-attacks more threatening.

• Koleda's Devastating Combo: Her passive, Belobog Management, is a game-changer. When she attacks a Stunned enemy, she applies a debuff that makes all squad members' Chain Attacks deal 35% more damage (stackable twice!). Ben's shields and buffs keep her safe to set up these massive bursts.

• Soldier 11's Pure Power: She simply deals 10% more Fire DMG, providing consistent, high damage output. Ben's presence allows her to play aggressively without fear.

This team creates a powerful cycle: Ben shields and buffs the team -> Koleda and Soldier 11 stun and demolish enemies -> Ben's energy recharges faster thanks to Swing Jazz to do it all again.

⚡ Playstyle & Rotation Tips

Mastering Ben isn't about complex combos; it's about timing and awareness.

• Your Primary Goal: Build energy to use your EX Special Attack as frequently as possible. This move is where Ben grants his valuable team-wide shield during follow-up attacks.

• Basic Rotation:

• Use Ben to parry, block, and absorb damage to build energy.

• When his EX Special is ready, switch to your main DPS (Koleda) and trigger the follow-up attack to apply the shield to the team.

• Unleash your DPS's skills while protected by Ben's shield and boosted by his Swing Jazz 4-piece effect.

• Switch back to Ben to repeat the cycle, using his Ultimate when available to trigger the team damage buff.

• Positioning is Key: Be mindful of your team's health. Ben's value is protecting them, so don't be afraid to swap him in to take a big hit intended for a weaker ally.

🏆 Final Build Summary

By 2026, this build has proven itself as the definitive way to master the gentle giant of New Eridu. Here’s your quick-reference checklist:

Component	Recommendation	Key Benefit
W-Engine	Spring Embrace (Best) / Big Cylinder (Offensive) / Identity-Base (F2P)	Team Energy / Personal DMG / DEF Boost
Drive Discs	4x Swing Jazz + 2x Soul Rock	Energy Regen & Team DMG Buff + High DEF
Team Core	Ben + Koleda + Soldier 11	Fire Synergy, Massive Debuffs, and High DMG
Stat Priority	DEF% > HP% > Energy Regen > CRIT Rate/DMG	Maximizes tankiness and Guardian passive.

With this setup, Ben Bigger transcends his role as a simple tank. He becomes an energy-generating, damage-buffing, shield-providing fortress that allows the rest of your squad to operate with fearless aggression. In a meta that continues to favor high-risk, high-reward play, a perfectly built Ben is the ultimate safety net and force multiplier. 🛡️💥