Pyrois: The Masked Etheric Other Who Redefines ZZZ's Meta

The Enigmatic Warrior Returns

In the sprawling world of Zenless Zone Zero, few figures carry as much mystery as Pyrois. Known as the Etheric Other, this masked S-Rank Ether Attack agent arrived with Season 3 and immediately carved a niche for themselves. Their story is tangled with the past of Helios Academy and the hidden power of the Phaethon siblings, Belle and Wise. As of 2026, Pyrois stands as a central character in the ongoing narrative, with files about them tucked away in the External Strategy Department (ESD) of Roscaelifer. Honestly, if you haven't tried them yet, you're missing out on one of the most flexible damage dealers in the game.

A Free S-Rank That Feels Like a Gift

Let's be real: a free S-Rank with a free signature W-Engine and free Mindscape Cinemas is the kind of generosity that makes the community do a double-take. Pyrois fits seamlessly into most free-to-play teams, especially your starting roster. Their kit rewards aggressive play, and their sword—a living, shifting thing—seems to hum with every strike, almost as if it's eager for the next fight. That blade changes form based on the skill used, a detail that adds a layer of theatrical flair to every encounter.

Best Build: Unleash the Ether

The recommended build leans heavily into Pyrois's damage potential, prioritizing Basic Attacks, EX Special Attacks, and Ultimates. For W-Engines, Sol Exuvia is the undisputed best-in-slot, but if you haven't unlocked it yet, Riot Suppressor Mark VI offers a stellar alternative with boosted CRIT DMG and Ether DMG. Heartstring Nocturne also works well for optimizing Chain Attacks and Ultimates. As for Drive Discs, the community consensus points toward sets that amplify CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, and Ether DMG—standard DPS fare, but no less effective. 🎯

W-Engine	Rating	Notes
Sol Exuvia	★★★★★	Best-in-slot, free at Interboo Level 10
Riot Suppressor Mark VI	★★★★☆	Great CRIT DMG and Ether DMG boost
Heartstring Nocturne	★★★★☆	Optimizes Chain Attacks and Ultimates

Team Synergy: Stun and Support

Pyrois truly shines when paired with agents who can set the stage. The classic F2P trio of Anby and Nicole remains a top choice: Anby's stun capabilities lock enemies down, while Nicole shreds DEF and Ether RES in a wide AoE. That combination feeds directly into Pyrois's specialty—dealing superior damage to stunned foes. For a more premium approach, Norma and Sunna form a deadly duo. Norma's free Chain Attacks and Decibel generation supercharge Pyrois's output, while Sunna's ATK buff and off-field Bubblegum damage keep the pressure on. Believe it or not, this team can melt through bosses faster than you can say "Solar Prominence."

Team Type	Members	Role Highlights
F2P	Pyrois + Anby + Nicole	Stun, DEF shred, Ether RES shred
Stun-focused	Pyrois + Norma + Sunna	Chain Attacks, Decibels, ATK buff

Mastering the Four Ultimates

Pyrois's kit is a playground for tactical minds. Their Ultimate Skill presents a choice of four distinct skills, each tailored to different combat situations. The sword shifts form to match, a visual treat that never gets old. Hitting enemies restores Solar Prominence, a resource that, when consumed against a stunned enemy, unleashes enhanced Basic Attacks for massive damage.

• Mirage State: After a charging downward slash, Pyrois gains Solar Prominence and enters Mirage, boosting Ultimate DMG against stunned enemies.

• Sunflare State: An energy blast that increases Energy Generation Rate and DMG dealt. If an EX Special triggers a Perfect Block, Solar Prominence is recovered.

• Unbound Swordstorm: A heavy attack that deals extra damage to enemies in the Contamination state.

• Totalize: Channels energy, then a heavy attack on a stunned enemy triggers Totalize for massive damage and ends the Stun.

Skill Priority and How to Play

When upgrading Pyrois, focus on the Core Skill first—it's the backbone of their damage. Then prioritize Basic Attack and EX Special, followed by Ultimate. Assist and Dodge can wait. In combat, always pair Pyrois with a Stun or Support agent; their presence increases CRIT DMG for most of Pyrois's skills and restores more Decibels from Chain Attacks. Use the right Ultimate for the moment: Mirage for burst against stunned foes, Sunflare for energy regen, Unbound Swordstorm for Contamination enemies, and Totalize to finish off a stunned boss. The sword will sing, the battlefield will tremble, and your enemies will wonder what hit them.

Acquisition and Mindscape Cinema

Getting Pyrois is surprisingly simple. You'll recruit them for free during Season 3, Chapter 1: A Sleepwalker's Confession in Roscaelifer. Their signature W-Engine, Sol Exuvia, is yours at Interboo Level 10—just explore the map, collect Supply Crates, and you're set. Mindscape Cinemas come from the Interboo by collecting Pixel Fairy Tales, though as of Version 3.0, you can only grab two. That's still a huge boost for a free character. 🆓

Final Thoughts

Pyrois is more than a pretty mask. They're a narrative keystone, a free S-Rank powerhouse, and a joy to pilot. Whether you're a veteran theorycrafter or a casual player who just likes cool swords, Pyrois delivers. So go ahead—unleash the Ether, pick your Ultimate, and let the masked warrior show you why they're the talk of Season 3.