AlanDood
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13 Min read Welcome to our ZZZ character guide, where we cover everything you need to know about Astra Yao.
Astra Yao |
Stars of Lyra |
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S Rank |
Ether |
Support |
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Astra Yao is the first Limited Support Agent in ZZZ, and will be the first banner of Version 1.5. We’ve been able to see her kit through the Creator Server and Special Program, and her utility is very promising for many teams in ZZZ.
Her release will also introduce a new faction “Stars of Lyra,” which will consist of both her and Evelyn, the second banner release of Version 1.5.
As previously mentioned, Astra is the first Limited Support in ZZZ. The closest thing we currently have in the game is Caesar, who is a Defense Agent with a lot of team utility. If we look at other Hoyoverse games, the first limited “Support” character has been meta relevant for a long time.
Ruan Mei in HSR is still extremely relevant/strong today (2 years after release), and Kazuha was considered one of the best characters in Genshin Impact for a long time (still good today over 3 years after his release).
Looking at Astra Yao’s kit, it seems like she will also become a flexible staple in many team compositions for many patches to come.
Astra Yao will release on the first half of Version 1.5, with her banner lasting from January 22nd, 2025 to February 12th, 2025. (Server Time)
Astra Yao’s kit boils down to the offensive utility she provides, which at max capability, provides:
These stats alone make Astra Yao extremely powerful at buffing just about any team in the game. Furthermore, Astra allows you to Chain Attack outside of stunning the enemy, which can be beneficial for Agents that gain bonuses from their Chain Attack.
Astra’s buffs come from her “Idyllic Cadenza” state. You can enter this state with her Special Attack, Ultimate, or Chain Attack. During this state, Astra cannot move, but will take reduced damage, have increased Anti-Interrupt level, and can still dodge enemy attacks.
Entering this state will buff the team’s DMG by 20% and Crit DMG by 25%.
Unlike most characters, Astra doesn’t use her EX Special Attack with her own input. For every 25 Energy, Astra will gain 1 Chord. This Chord allows you to trigger a Quick Assist when the on-field character hits an enemy. When Assisting another character in, Astra will remain on the field, continue singing (buffing), and become invulnerable.
Her Core Passive grants the 1200 ATK buff when other characters switch in through Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist (during Cadenza). This will expend 25 Energy to release an “EX Special Attack.”
The last main point of Astra’s kit is her Ultimate. As previously mentioned, using her Ultimate will make her enter the Idyllic Cadenza state. Furthermore, after Ultimate, the next two Quick Assists triggered will become Chain Attacks.
This is a great way for characters like Zhu Yuan or Jane to get easy Chain Attacks in. This also helps Disorder teams proc Chain Attacks without needing the stun the enemy.
(Max Level)During the Idyllic Cadenza state, when other characters switch in through a Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, and when Astra Yao expends Energy to release Tremolo to attack, both Astra Yao and the incoming character’s ATK are increased. The increase is equal to 35% of Astra Yao’s initial ATK, up to a maximum of 1,200. The effect lasts for 20s and can be extended up to 30s with repeated triggers.
When another character in your squad is an Attack or Anomaly character:
When Energy is consumed to trigger a Precise Assist or Basic Attack: Finale, Astra Yao will additionally follow up with 1 Tremolo and 3 Tone Clusters.
Press Basic Attack to activate: Perform up to three attacks forward, dealing Ether DMG. During the 3rd-hit, hold Basic Attack to charge, drawing enemies in and expanding the attack range for a stronger attack. After using other skills, hold Basic Attack to initiate the 3rd-hit directly.
While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, press Basic Attack to activate: Release Tremolo forward to attack, dealing Ether DMG. A Quick Assist will be triggered when this skill hits an enemy.
While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, press Basic Attack during a Perfect Dodge to activate: Launch multiple Tremolo attacks at enemies in front, dealing massive Ether DMG. A Quick Assist will be triggered when this skill hits an enemy. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, hold Basic Attack to activate: Release Tremolo forward to attack, dealing Ether DMG and exit the Idyllic Cadenza state. Upon activation of the skill, it grants the buff from Core Passive: “Graceful Andante”. With enough Energy, consumes Energy to follow up with 1 Tremolo and 3 Tone Clusters. This Tremolo attack released is considered an EX Special Attack.
Press to Dodge activate: A quick dash dodge. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Press Basic Attack during a dodge to activate: Attack ahead, dealing Ether DMG. When triggered, dragging thestick/joystick allows movement in the corresponding direction.
Press Basic Attack during a Perfect Dodge to activate: Attack enemies in front, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
When the on-field character is launched, press to Assist activate: Attack enemies in front, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
When the on-field character is about to be attacked, press Assist to activate: Dodges the enemy’s attack and activates Vital View. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Press Basic Attack after an Evasive Assist to activate: Release an energy beam forward, dealing Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Press Special Attack to activate:
Quickly move, then release Tremolo, dealing Ether DMG, and enter the Idyllic Cadenza state. During activation, dragging the stick/joystick enables movement in the direction held. Hold to charge during activation, drawing enemies in, and follow up with 1 to 4 Tremolos depending on the charge duration. A Quick Assist will be triggered when this skill hits an enemy. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
After entering the Idyllic Cadenza state, Astra Yao increases all squad members’ DMG by 20.0% and CRIT DMG by 25.0%. While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, Astra Yao cannot move, but pressing Basic Attack will activate Basic Attack: Interlude, and pressing Dodge will activate a dodge. After triggering a Perfect Dodge, press Basic Attack to activate Basic Attack: Chorus.
While in this state, Astra Yao’s Anti-Interrupt Level is increased, and the DMG she takes is reduced by 40%. After switching to another character, Astra Yao will remain on the field and become Invulnerable. When switching back to her, she will automatically follow up with Special Attack: “Windchimes & Oaths.” During this state, hold to activate Basic Attack: Finale, or hold Dodge to exit the Idyllic Cadenza state.
For every 25 Energy, Astra Yao will have 1 Chord. While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, when Astra Yao has Chords, a Quick Assist can be triggered in the following situations:
When other characters in the squad switch in through a Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, Astra Yao will consume 25 Energy and release 1 Tremolo to attack. This Tremolo attack released is considered an EX Special Attack.
After triggering a Quick Assist, quickly press Assist to switch characters and trigger a Precise Assist, causing Astra Yao to follow up with 3 Tone Clusters to attack. When other squad members switch in through a Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, it will automatically trigger a Precise Assist.
When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to activate: Use song to channel energy into a blast, dealing massive Ether DMG. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After the skill, Astra Yao enters the Idyllic Cadenza state.
When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press to activate: Use song to channel energy into a blast, dealing massive Ether DMG, and restoring 2950 HP (Level 12) to all squad members. Character is invulnerable while using this skill. After the skill, Astra Yao enters the Idyllic Cadenza state. After the skill, the next two Quick Assists will be replaced by Chain Attacks.
| M1 | 12-Tone Equal Temperament: When Astra Yao’s attack hits an enemy, the target’s All-Attribute RES is reduced by 6%, stacking up to 3 times and lasting 30s. Repeated triggers refresh the duration. Upon entering the battlefield, Astra Yao immediately gains 1,000 Decibels. When activating her Ultimate, all squad members gain 1 stack of Song of Protection for 60s. When attacked by an enemy, consume Song of Protection, granting Invulnerability for 1s. |
| M2 | Art of Greed: The ATK buff from Core Passive: “Graceful Andante” is further increased by 19%, with an increased maximum of 400. While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, when other characters switch in through a Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, Astra Yao will additionally follow up with 1 Tremolo and 3 Tone Clusters to attack. This effect can trigger once every 3s. |
| M3 | Interwoven Staff Notation: Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2 |
| M4 | “Hair Upon Your Nape”: After activating a Chain Attack or Ultimate, within 15s, Astra Yao can trigger a Quick Assist even if she does not have Chords. When the attack hits an enemy, the interval for triggering a Quick Assist is reduced to 1s. While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, when other characters enter the field via a Quick Assist, they will receive different buffs based on their specialty, and this effect can be triggered once every 3s for the entire squad: Attack: The next Quick Assist heavy attack on an enemy will deal extra DMG equal to 300% of Astra Yao’s ATK; Anomaly: The next Quick Assist will have 50% increased Anomaly Buildup; Stun: The next Quick Assist will inflict 50% increased Daze. |
| M5 | Proxy and Silk String: Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2 |
| M6 | We Are the World: While in the Idyllic Cadenza state, the DMG multiplier for Tremolo and Tone Clusters released or followed up with will increase to 200% of the original, and CRIT Rate is increased by 80%. When triggering a Precise Assist, Astra Yao will automatically follow up with the charged 3rd-hit of Basic Attack: Capriccio, with a 80% increased CRIT Rate. This effect can trigger once every 10s. |
Overall, Astra Yao is fairly similar to most characters, having good value with M1/M2, slight value with M4 (compared to cost), and an M6 that focuses on personal damage.
Interestingly enough, Astra Yao seems to have more value with her Mindscape 1 than her Signature Engine, which is usually not the case. (More on this below in the Engine section)
For those wanting to pull a little extra for Astra, I would recommend prioritizing M1, Signature, then stopping at M2.
Main Stats
Substats
Base ATK 713 | ATK 30%
When any squad member enters the field through a Quick Assist, Chain Attack, Defensive Assist, or Evasive Assist, the equipper gains 5 Energy. This effect can trigger once every 5s. When the equipper consumes 25 or more Energy, the DMG dealt by all squad members increases by 10%, stacking up to 2 times, and lasting 20s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. Only one instance of this effect can exist in the same squad.
All things considered, Astra’s signature Engine is good, but not a major upgrade over A-Rank options. The high Base ATK and ATK% Main Stat help Astra max out her 1200 ATK buff, so that is also something to consider.
Overall, the Engine grants more Energy generation (which is very comfortable), and a 20% DMG buff. With more sources of DMG% coming into the game, this isn’t a major buff compared to the All-Attribute RES reduction from Mindscape 1.
Even still, if you don’t have enough to guarantee M1, Elegant Vanity could be a better option as it’s cheaper to pull on average.
Both of these A-Rank Engines have 25% ATK Main Stat and a passive that provides offensive utility. They both grant Combat ATK buffs through their passive, and both conditions are quite easy to fulfill with Astra’s kit. I would recommend using whichever one you have higher levels for, with a slight preference to Kaboom the Cannon.
Astral Voice is a new Drive Disc set that released in Version 1.4. As you can see, the set is very clearly designed to be used on Astra Yao. The naming and design of the Disc matches up perfectly with her.
Astra fulfills the Quick Assist condition extremely easily, resulting in a 24% DMG buff to the entire team. For a 2-piece, Swing Jazz is recommended for better Energy generation, but ATK% can also work if you want to increase her ATK buff.
You could potentially run Swing Jazz 4 + Hormone Punk 2 if you have Astral Voice on another Agent, but the general recommendation is Astral Voice. This will ensure you can use her on a variety of teams without needing too many Disk setups.
When it comes to substats, Astra Yao is not a major priority to optimize outside of her ATK% stat. If you’re going all the way for M6, don’t bother using Crit Rate substats and focus only on Crit DMG.
Depending on your Disks and substats, you can give up some ATK% to increase her personal damage with Ether DMG (5), Crit (4), and extra Energy with (6). Getting M2 will also decrease the ATK requirement of Astra to max out her buff, so that is something to consider when building her as well.
If your DPS Agents are already fully build, you can try to optimize Astra’s personal damage to her buff. Maxing her buff out to 1200 is not always optimal, but for most accounts, simply getting up to 3430 ATK (max buff without M2) is a safe recommendation.
Lastly, if you know what you’re doing, you can consider AM (6) to proc an additional Disorder for speedrunning with Miyabi.
Main Stats
Substats
The first team archetype here is the Hyper Carry team. This team uses one Agent to deal damage and the other two provide buffs/utility. Not every Attack/Anomaly Agent performs well in a Hyper Carry set up, but almost every Limited Attack/Anomaly Agent should do just fine in Shiyu Defense.
When combining Agents like Astra + Lucy/Seth/Rina, make sure to order your team in the way you want your Quick Assists to go.
The next team archetype is Stun teams. These teams generally consist of Attack, Stun, and Support/Defense. (You can play Stun teams with Anomaly Agents over Attack, but that’s more niche)
This type of team can work well, but there is a bit of anti-synergy when it comes to on-field stunners like Qingyi + Zhu Yuan. For this team, you generally want to stay on Qingyi to stun the enemy and follow up with Zhu Yuan’s Burst DPS.
However, Astra wants you to constantly Quick Assist between characters, so optimizing this rotation can be difficult. Furthermore, Nicole is already an amazing Agent that synergizes with Zhu Yuan + Qingyi, so Astra is less of an upgrade for that specific team.
For Agents like Ellen with better DPS uptime (both in and out of Stun Window), this problem is less of an issue, and you can extract more value from a Stun + Astra setup.
Lastly, we have Disorder teams. Anomaly has been very strong in Shiyu Defense due to the abundance of Anomaly Agent releases. Overall, Disorder teams are essential “Dual DPS” teams, where having two DPS Agents benefits each other through the Disorder mechanic.
Astra is amazing in this type of team since you can share field time easily with the Quick Assist mechanic. Her buff also affects the entire team, which buffs things like Burnice’s Afterburn off-field Fire DMG.
Note: Astra’s Attack buff will apply to the Agent Assisting in, but it lasts for 20-30 seconds, meaning it essentially is a full teamwide buff after you do your rotation.
Overall, Astra Yao is an important milestone for ZZZ, as she is the first Limited Support Agent. Astra is an upgrade to almost every team in the game, and will continue to be the gold standard for offensive utility for many patches to come.
Astra Yao’s release is also a breath of fresh air for players who haven’t been pulling for Anomaly Agents. Astra Yao is releasing alongside Evelyn, a new Limited Attack Agent. The past 4 Versions have all included an Anomaly Agent, so players who have been focusing on Attack/Stun are definitely looking forward to Version 1.5.
Thanks for Reading! For more resources, check out our other Zenless Zone Zero Guides such as our ZZZ Tier List or ZZZ Best Teams.
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