Pulchra Guide and Best Builds
Pulchra Guide & Best Builds
Welcome to our Pulchra build guide for Zenless Zone Zero. Pulchra is an A-Rank Physical Stun Agent who can stun with off-field Aftershock attacks. In our guide, we will cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your Pulchra, from building the best Drive Discs and W-Engines, to important stat priorities and combos.
Pulchra's Best W-Engines
Listed below are Pulchra's best W-Engines. While W-Engines are listed in a priority order, what is best to build can vary slightly depending on your team composition or account funding.
Box Cutter
Upon launching an Aftershock, the equipper's Physical DMG increases by 15/17.3/19.5/21.8/24%, and Daze increases by 10/11.5/13/14.5/16%, lasting 10s.
Pulchra's Signature W-Engine, Box Cutter, is notably one of the best W-Engines that she can use currently. While it may be an A-Rank, and thus cannot reach the same maximum Impact (or Daze) potential as an S-Rank, the Box Cutter has one of the most compatible W-Engine effects with Pulchra's standard gameplay.
Following an Aftershock attack, this W-Engine's effect temporarily increases both the Agent's Physical DMG as well as the amount of Daze they apply. For Pulchra, both damage increases benefit her, as her Hunter's Gait state allows Pulchra to continue attacking while off-field. In addition, Binding Trap also ensures any Aftershock attack will have increased DMG during its effect. So in general, Box Cutter would help increase Pulchra's damage output, as she only applies Physical and Aftershock DMG.
If players are looking for more Impact on Pulchra, Box Cutter would also be recommended, as it has an Impact Advanced Stat. However, as suggested above, Box Cutter requires Refinements (up to W5) in order for its Impact (or Daze) value to be comparable to an S-Rank W-Engine at W0 refinement.
Blazing Laurel
Upon launching a Quick Assist or Perfect Assist, the equipper's Impact increases by 25/28.75/32.5/36.25/40% for 8s. When the equipper launches and hits an enemy with a Basic Attack, apply Wilt to the target for 30s, stacking up to 20 times, repeated triggers reset the duration. When any squad member hits an enemy, for every stack of Wilt applied to the target, the CRIT DMG of the Ice DMG and Fire DMG dealt by that attack increases by 1.5/1.72/1.95/2.17/2.4%. Only one instance of this effect can exist in the same squad.
If players do not have access to Box Cutter, or would like an S-Rank W-Engine recommendation, Pulchra would greatly prefer a W-Engine that can provide Impact as the Advanced Stat. This is because, as a Stunner, her greatest advantage is the ability to accumulate Daze faster.
Based exclusively on the Impact Advanced Stat numbers, the Blazing Laurel is recommended, as it has the highest Impact potential of any W-Engines currently available. The W-Engine's effect and stat provides a potential total of 43% Impact whenever an Assist is performed. As Pulchra will primarily be an Off-Field Stunner, her main source of damage will be from Assist Follow-Ups.
However, keep in mind that Pulchra does not have access to Ice or Fire DMG in her kit. So this W-Engine would be more beneficial if she plays in a non-mono Physical DMG squad. However, for the Impact alone, this W-Engine is better than most alternatives Pulchra can use.
Precious Fossilized Core
When the target's HP is no lower than 50%, the equipper inflicts 10/11.5/13/14.5/16% more Daze to the target. When the target's HP is no lower than 75%, this bonus is further increased by 10/11.5/13/14.5/16%.
Precious Fossilized Core has a maximum potential Impact of 25%, but it decreases to 15% the closer enemies are to dying. This could make it difficult for Pulchra to daze enemies as frequently when nearing the end of combat.
Hellfire Gears
While off-field, the equipper's Energy Regen increases by 0.6/0.75/0.9/1.05/1.2/s.
When using an EX Special Attack, the equipper's Impact is increased by 10/12.5/15/17.5/20% for 10s, stacking up to 2 times. The duration of each stack is calculated separately.
Hellfire Gears is a good alternative to Blazing Laurel, as its effect works off-field, which works well for Pulchra. However, at W0, it has a lower Impact potential of 38% compared to Blazing Laurel's 43%. In addition, players are unlikely to use Pulchra's EX Special Attack twice within 10s of each stack, so this W-Engine's average Impact potential is most likely to be 28% instead.
Roaring Fur-nace
The Daze dealt by the equipper's EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, and Ultimate increases by 28/32.2/36.4/40.6/44.8%.
When using a Chain Attack or Ultimate to deal Fire DMG, the DMG dealt by all squad members increases by 10/11.5/13/14.5/16%, stacking up to 2 times and lasting 30s. The duration of each stack is calculated separately. Triggers once per use of a skill. Only one instance of this effect can exist in the same squad.
Roaring Fur-nace is also a potential alternative to S-Rank W-Engines, as Pulchra can benefit from its Daze bonus for EX Special Attacks, Chain Attacks, and Ultimates. However, the remainder of the W-Engine Effect is ineffective for Pulchra, and she already has other more functional and accessible alternatives.
Steam Oven
For every 10 Energy accumulated, the equipper's Impact is increased by 2/2.3/2.6/2.9/3.2%, stacking up to 8 times. After Energy is consumed, this bonus remains for 8 more seconds. The duration of each stack is calculated separately.
Steam Oven's Effect can remain for approximately the same amount of time, if not longer, than Pulchra's Hunter's Gait. So even though it does not have an Impact Advanced Stat, the benefits from the Energy Regen and the effect's potential 16% Impact bonus is notable enough to mention. As Pulchra is primarily played off-field, she can benefit from the Energy Regen this W-Engine provides.
Yesterday Calls
While off-field, the equipper's Energy Regen increases by 1.5/1.7/1.9/2.1/2.3/s. When the equipper deals Physical DMG with an EX Special Attack, the Daze dealt by the equipper's attacks increases by 9/10.3/11.7/13/14.5% for 10s, stacking up to 3 times. At 3 stacks, all squad members gain 30/34.5/39/43.5/48% additional CRIT DMG for 40s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. Only one instance of this CRIT DMG boost effect can exist in the same squad.
If you are looking to improve Pulchra's personal damage output in niche teams, consider picking up Yesterday Calls. It has both high ATK and unconditional CRIT Rate. The off-field Energy Regen is also a boon. However, similar to Hellfire Gears, Pulchra likely cannot execute 3 EX Special Attacks over the course of 30s. By missing out on the majority of Yesterday Calls's effects, this W-Engine generally functions as a stat stick for Pulchra.
Best Drive Discs for Pulchra
Shadow Harmony
4-Piece Set: Upon hitting an enemy with an Aftershock or Dash Attack, if the DMG dealt aligns with the equipper's attribute, the equipper gains 1 stack of a buff effect, at most once per use of a skill. For each stack, the equipper's ATK increases by 4%, and CRIT Rate increases by 4%. The effect can stack up to 3 times and lasts for 15s. Repeated triggers reset the duration.
Pulchra's best-in-slot Drive Discs, for both 4-Piece and 2-Piece sets, is the Shadow Harmony set. This Drive Disc set provides a damage increase for both Aftershocks and Dash Attacks, but also an increase to the Agent's ATK and CRIT Rate. The stat increases only happen when the attacks match Physical DMG while Pulchra has the set equipped.
As such, you can see a significant performance upgrade over other Drive Disc sets if you pair Shadow Harmony with mono Physical Aftershock squads, or if Pulchra is the one to deal the attacks herself.
2-Piece Recommendations include:
- Fanged Metal or White Water Ballad
- Shockstar Disco or King of the Summit
King of the Summit
4-Piece Set: When the equipper is a Stun character and uses an EX Special Attack or Chain Attack, increases CRIT DMG of all squad members by 15%, and when the equipper's CRIT Rate is more than or equal to 50%, further increases CRIT DMG by 15%, lasting 15s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.
Equally just as good, Pulchra can also use a 4-Piece King of the Summit set instead. This Set Effect provides a CRIT DMG bonus to the entire squad, further increasing the buff if Pulchra herself has a CRIT Rate minimum of 50%. Use this set if you plan to run Pulchra with non-Aftershock squads of other Attributes.
2-Piece Recommendations include:
- Shadow Harmony
- Fanged Metal or White Water Ballad
- Shockstar Disco
Shockstar Disco
4-Piece Set: Basic Attacks, Dash Attacks, and Dodge Counters inflict 20% more Daze to the main target.
As this set does not significantly improve Pulchra's damage overall, use Shockstar Disco as a temporary 4-piece set until you get something better.
2-Piece Recommendations include:
- Shadow Harmony
- Fanged Metal or White Water Ballad
- King of the Summit
Pulchra's Stat Priority
Build at least 50% CRIT Rate first before prioritizing her other stats.
Pulchra's Skill Priority
Prioritize Pulchra's Core Skill, as it impacts her Daze and Damage dealt when in the Hunter's Gait state. Because Pulchra can enter Hunter's Gait through a variety of skills, you can also opt to prioritize her Assist and Chain Attacks as well.
How to Play Pulchra
Pulchra's gameplay goal, in summary, is to activate and sustain both Hunter's Gait and Binding Trap as much as possible. The most effective way to do this is to keep Pulchra off-field until she runs out of Hunter's Gait damage stacks. As Pulchra can still attack while off-field, she can benefit from increased damage on any enemies affected by her Binding Trap. When her Hunter's Gait runs out, players should switch Pulchra back on-field to re-enter the state.
What is the Hunter's Gait and How do I use it?
As the on-field Agent, Pulchra can only stay in the Hunter's Gait state for 6 seconds at a time. However, thanks to her Core Passive, if Pulchra switches to off-field while the state is active, Hunter's Gait remains active indefinitely until Pulchra switches back on-field.
While on-field, Pulchra can activate or refresh Hunter's Gait by using any of the following:
- EX Special Attack
- Assist Follow-Up
- Chain Attack
- Ultimate
This state gives Pulchra an increased Daze amount per attack, depending on her Core Skill enhancements. So when in Hunter's Gait, every attack she does will make her a more effective Stunner temporarily. In addition, if Pulchra does a heavy attack, she can trigger a Quick Assist from the previous Agent in the squad. For all Agents, a heavy attack counts as either of the following:
- Special Attack
- EX Special Attack
So if Pulchra is the active on-field Agent, she can activate a Quick Assist for other Agents. If another on-field Agent uses their heavy attack instead, and Hunter's Gait is still active, Pulchra will do a Special Attack: Rending Claw - Nightmare Shadow, up to 5 additional times (or 7 if you have M6: Behind the Mask).
Players can keep track of Pulchra's Hunter's Gait status and the remaining additional attacks through the on-screen gauge.
In Pulchra's kit, the only instance of Aftershock DMG is her Special Attack: Rending Claw - Nightmare Shadow. Because this skill can only be activated when other Agents are active, and how Hunter's Gait is only active for a short on-field period, Pulchra should be played primarily as an Off-Field Stunner.
This ensures Pulchra's Hunter's Gait state remains active indefinitely, and it can be refreshed whenever she has enough Energy for an EX Special, or is switched in through an Assist Follow-Up.
What is the Binding Trap?
Pulchra's Binding Trap is a temporary effect that increases the Aftershock DMG all Agents deal to enemies. At M6: Behind the Mask, Binding Trap will increase all damage types, not just Aftershock DMG. Pulchra can apply the effect through the following methods:
- Special Attack
- EX Special Attack
- Assist Follow-Up
- Chain Attack
- Ultimate
Except for Pulchra's Special Attack, other skills listed above will also activate the Hunter's Gait state.
If players have Pulchra's M1: Self-Interest, this effect will also increase Pulchra's CRIT Rate when attacking enemies affected by Binding Trap. Therefore, players should aim to have Binding Trap applied to all enemies whenever possible, so that Pulchra will have increased off-field damage whenever she attacks through Special Attack: Rending Claw - Nightmare Shadow.
Pulchra's Best Mindscapes
Pulchra's Mindscape Cinema may appear simple, but provide some great quality of life additions to her gameplay. Her best Mindscape is M6: Behind the Mask, as it not only increases her repeated attack trigger count, but also allows her Binding Trap to work with any damage type. This allows Pulchra to be more functional outside of only Aftershock DMG, and increases her off-field damage potential. The earlier Mindscapes, such as M1: Self-Interest and M2: Opportunistic, are nice to have, but should not be required to build Pulchra effectively.
For example, if Pulchra has her M4: Joy of the Hunt, she will be able to activate EX Attacks faster than most Stun Agents at M0, except Von Lycaon and Lighter. However, players may find it difficult to consistently obtain Pulchra's Mindscapes outside of an increased Signal Search rate. In addition, the M4 only reduces her Energy Cost from 60 to 55, which is not a significant upgrade compared to her other Mindscapes.
As a result, if players want to use Pulchra in different squads, they should aim to have her M6: Behind the Mask. Otherwise, with an incomplete Mindscape Cinema, she may feel restricted to Aftershock DMG squads.
Pulchra's Best Teams
To learn all about Pulchra's synergies and best team compositions, check our dedicated Pulchra team page below:
Changelog
- 15 Jun. 2026: Revamped and Updated Guide for Version 3.0.
- 23 Mar. 2026: Added Cissia to Soldier 0 - Anby's Team Composition.
- 14 Oct. 2025: Reviewed for Version 2.3.
- 03 Sep. 2025: Reviewed for Version 2.2.
- 15 Jul. 2025: Reviewed for Version 2.1.
- 03 Jun. 2025: Updated Best-in-Slot and Team Composition sections for Version 2.0. Corrected Skills to In-Game Wording. Removed Proto Punk and Astral Voice for more efficient and stronger options.
- 25 May 2025: Updated the Additional Ability condition for Version 2.0.
- 02 Apr. 2025: Updated the How to Pull Section for Version 1.6 Phase II.
- 11 Mar. 2025: Updated the How to Pull Section for Version 1.6 Phase I.
- 10 Mar. 2025: Added the sections for Skills, Mindscapes, Promotions, How to Play, Best-in-Slot, Bangboo, and Team Compositions.
- 28 Feb. 2025: Updated How to Pull Section.
- 24 Jan. 2025: Page added.
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