Guide to the New S-Rank Character "Bernice" in "Zero Zone" 1.2 Update
Dec 11,2024
With the release of the 1.2 update "Inferno Ride" in "Zero Zone," players are now able to unlock the limited S-rank agent "Bernice" (Abnormal: Fire). Bernice excels in dealing damage from the backline, primarily utilizing accumulated fire abnormality values to inflict burn damage on enemies. Let’s delve into her mechanics, team composition suggestions, and recommendations for equipment and pulls.
Understanding Bernice's Mechanics
Bernice has a unique gameplay mechanic where she accumulates special energy, known as [Burn Point], when using her enhanced special or finishing moves. Once her [Burn Point] reaches 50 or more, she enters a state called [Fuel Special Blend], which lasts until her [Burn Point] is depleted. While in this state, her basic attacks, enhanced special moves, team-up skills, and finishing moves will inflict the [Burn] status on enemies. When allies attack enemies under the [Burn] status, they trigger the [Ember] effect, enabling Bernice to deal fire damage and accumulate fire abnormality values.
It’s crucial to note that the [Burn] status is visually represented by a flame at the enemy's center, distinct from the [Scorch] status, so players should avoid confusing the two. Bernice's core gameplay revolves around utilizing her dual jet abilities to quickly build up [Burn Point] and apply [Burn] status, allowing teammates to deal damage while she continues to trigger the [Ember] effect from the backline.
Recommended Skill Enhancement Order
Players should prioritize the following skill enhancement order: Core Skill > Special Skill > Team-up Skill > Basic Attack > Support Skill = Dodge. While Bernice's special skill is essential for replenishing [Burn Point], other skills are less critical. Therefore, aside from her core skill, players can hold off on leveling the other skills too quickly, focusing primarily on boosting her special skill.
Equipment Recommendations for Bernice
When it comes to equipment, the choice of impact images is vital. Key impact images include 2 and 6, while the effects of images 1 and 2 are average. It's advisable to prioritize her signature weapon, the "Burning Heart," before considering impact images. Images 4 and 6 primarily enhance Bernice's capabilities while on the field, but since her strength lies in backline damage dealing, they may not significantly boost overall team output.
In the update, Bernice's [Burn Point] capacity increased from 100 to 140, and she gains an additional 40 points upon entering battle. The damage multiplier for the [Ember] effect now equals 100% of Bernice's attack power, and the accumulation of fire abnormality values from [Ember] has been raised by 25%.
Key Equipment Choices
For optimal performance, Bernice's recommended equipment includes:
- Burning Heart (Bernice's Signature Weapon): Increases damage output and enhances energy recovery while positioned in the backline.
- Electric Lip Gloss (A-Rank Gift): Boosts attack power against enemies with status abnormalities, making it a solid choice for maximizing damage.
- Dual Crying Star (Permanent A-Rank): Provides a layer of benefit for abnormality mastery, enhancing Bernice's effectiveness in teams that apply multiple status ailments.
Team Composition Suggestions
Bernice thrives in teams that can apply multiple status effects, making characters that inflict various abnormalities her ideal companions. Here are a few recommended team setups:
- Bernice + Jane + Caesar/Lucy/Seth
- Bernice + Gliss + Lina/Seth
- Bernice + Pipi + Caesar/Lucy
Pulling for Bernice
While Bernice can enable simultaneous damage output from two characters, her overall strength as a frontline character may not surpass other limited output characters. Thus, she is particularly recommended for players who already have teams focusing on abnormality effects or those looking to develop such teams in the future.
Additional Insights on Bernice's Role
Bernice's playstyle emphasizes damage over time through her burn mechanics. As she triggers burn effects, her role becomes increasingly vital in prolonged fights, especially against tougher enemies. Players should focus on managing her [Burn Point] effectively to maximize her output and support her teammates.
Moreover, the synergy between Bernice and other abnormality-focused characters can lead to powerful combinations. Characters that can alternate between different status effects can enhance the overall team damage output and trigger more frequent [Ember] effects, making Bernice a valuable asset in diverse team compositions.
Lastly, understanding the nuances of Bernice's mechanics and how they interact with various team setups can significantly elevate a player's performance in "Zero Zone." Properly leveraging her abilities can lead to dominating victories against formidable foes.