Summary
While there are plenty of inherently stylish elements in HoYoverse’s newest game, the coolestZenless Zone ZeroBangboos are a cut above the rest.As the de facto mascot of the world of New Eridu, the Bangboos are as cute as they are ubiquitous, with plenty of different outfits and gameplay variation to go around. Theheroes ofZZZmay be Belle and Wise, functioning together as the legendary proxy, Phaethon - but the most memorable character might be their partner, adorned with his orange handkerchief and staring out with his lime green, ringlight-esque eyes.
Bangboos serve a function inZZZ, with each team able to equip one before they tackle content. Their effects range from obvious ones, like simply boosting an attribute’s damage, to more nuanced or unique options, like energy recharge. They also show up mid-combat to trot around the battlefield and unleash attacks that look silly but pack a punch, so they contribute visually, too. While there’s an argument for which of them is the mostuseful,there’s also debate around whichZenless Zone ZeroBangboo is the coolest - one that we’re going to try to settle now.
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10Devilboo
An Ether Energy Specialist
Devilboo is an A-Rank Bangboo that’s tuned to be a specialist for Ether teams, helping inflict Anomaly Buildup while also shooting homing bullets at enemies with Kiss of Temptation. This Bangboo also cuts quite a figure on the battlefield, clad in a red outfit evoking some traditional depictions of the ruler of hell. Though it doesn’t have a pitchfork visible at all times, there’s the sense it might be able to produce one at any point mid-battle, which also adds to its ominous aura.
9Bagboo
Kind Of Unsettling, To Be Honest
For full transparency, Bagboo is definitely the least cool Bangboo if they were purely being ranked on who would get invited to parties first. Bagboo is an A-Rank Physical DMG-dealer with an ability that is called “Closer, Closer…”, which is absolutely not the kind of vibe that a New Eridu get-together would be going for.Bagboo does provide a sizable chunk of damage to Chain Attacks, though, so it slots right into a team that uses Stun Agents to unleash a series of Chains to tilt the battlefield in their favor. It’s probably not a good idea to trust Bagboo very much, however.
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8Penguinboo
An Adorable Wildlife Reminder
Penguinboo, on the other hand, is an adorable addition to theZenless Zone ZeroBangboo ranks and is certain to make the invite list of practically any party.It’s an A-Rank Ice DMG booster with a huge bonus to Anomaly effectiveness, providing a 60% bonus to Chain Attack Anomaly Buildup if it’s in a party with 2 or more Ice Attribute characters. Beyond that, it is also just a Bangboo wearing a penguin costume, complete with absurdly bushy eyebrows and a too-obvious zipper. It is comfortable in its style and it’s pulling it off.
7Amillion
An Iconic Bangboo Just Looking For Its Next Payday
Amillion might be the most recongizable Bangboo in all ofZenless Zone Zero- outside of the Proxy’s, of course - because its the beloved companion of Nicole. Amillion is an S-Rank Bangboo that deals a great amount of Physical DMG when on the team, and increases Bangboo Chain Attack DMG by as much as 45% depending on how few enemies are left on the battlefield, scaling higher with less foes. Its name is also a great reminder of the leader of the Cunning Hares' constant search for more money, and its style is unlike any otherBangboo in theZZZgachathat’s available at launch.
6Paperboo
Not Quite Sure What Its Deal Is
Paperboo is a defensive-minded Bangboo, which makes it a rarity inZenless Zone Zero. An A-Rank Bangboo,Paperboo provides a bonus to Chain Attacks that means when it contributes to them directly, the team gets granted a Shieldthat can tank up to 15% of its maximum HP depending on how many enemies are hit. That said, Paperboo is something of an enigma when it comes to style, sporting a fit that can only be describe as “questionable” at best. It also loves cardboard boxes, so it may have learned some of its lifestyle from the many street cats of New Eridu.
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5Boolseye
X Marks The Spot For This Fashion Trendsetter
Boolseye is yet another attack-oriented Bangboo, which is, to be fair, much more commonplace than any other variation atZenless Zone Zerolaunch.Boolseye is an A-Rank Bangboo that deals Physical DMG and benefits teams that have at least one Pierce-type character on the squad, boosting Bangboo Chain Attack DMG by 30% when that condition is met. The most interesting thing about this Bangboo is the dart it sports as part of its ensemble - is it actually embedded in it? Does it hurt? Did someone else throw it, or did the Boolseye bounce it off something and hit itself in the face?
4Avocaboo
Most Likely Bangboo To Bankrupt Millennials
Avocaboo is a useful support-type Bangboo that offers some unique effects. An A-Rank Bangboo inZenless Zone Zero,Avocaboo is capable of shooting juice bullets with its “Sweet and Juicy” ability. If the bullet hits, the player character instantly recovers HP, while if they miss, they splash onto the ground and can be stepped in while there to achieve the same effect. That skill can get more charges (usually 15, but up to 18) with a Support-type unit in the team composition, too. Avocaboo also pays homage to one of the most controversial toast toppings of all time, which is a brave fashion decision.
3Sharkboo
Jaws Could Never Be This Cute
Sharkboo is an extremely powerful unit inZZZ.An S-Rank Bangboo, Sharkboo’s active ability deals Ice DMG and contributes to Ice Anomaly buildup. Bangboo Chain Attacks inflict 100% more Anomaly buildup when Sharkboo is on a team of at least 2 or more Ice Attribute characters, too, dramatically changing their effectiveness in combat. Sharkboo is also wearing one of the most adorable shark costumes ever conceived, complete with a helpful nametag that simply says “SHARK” in case anyone was confused by what it was trying to mimic.
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2Butler
The World’s Most Sophisticated Bangboo
Butler is the undisputed best recovery-style Bangboo in the entire game. An S-Rank Bangboo inZenless Zone Zero, Butler creates snacks on the battlefield that are then delivered to the active character, generating Energy for them. With 2 or more Victoria Housekeeping Co. characters on the team, that Energy generation is further boosted by 20%, making Butler one of the best team support characters in the game, easing Agent build requirements. Beyond that, Butler also has a dapper tuxedo on complete with a moustache and smug aura, distinct among the Bangboo, who usually look content or clueless.
1Bangvolver
Zenless Zone Zero’s Homage To The Gun Devil
Intentional or not, Bangvolver is reminiscent ofChainsaw Man’s Gun Devil, which immediately makes it cool.That said, this S-Rank Bangboo isn’t all style and no substance - it also offers variety on the battlefield, alternating randomly between huge DPS bursts, regular damage, and no damage at all. It’s a fun mechanic when there isn’t too much on the line, and it’s also indicative of how cool this Bangboo is without trying; not caring enough to ensure it’s doing a good job every time is exactly the sort of thing a leather jacket-wearing anti-hero might do. Only this one has a giant toy revolver attached to its head.
