The tides are turning for Zenless Zone Zero's beloved shark warrior, as Version 2.0 unleashes a game-changing suite of buffs for Ellen Joe. This overhaul arrives alongside 2025's most anticipated update - the sprawling Waifei Peninsula expansion that introduces open-world exploration and kicks off the game's second major story arc. Once the undisputed queen of DPS when ZZZ launched in July 2024, Ellen gradually slipped from the meta as flashy newcomers like Miyabi and Hugo dominated team compositions. But developers are throwing her a lifeline with combat enhancements that touch nearly every aspect of her kit, from basic combos to team synergies. These surgical upgrades promise to make the Thiren sharpshooter a terrifying ice-wielding force once again.

❄️ Breaking Down Ellen's Frosty Upgrades

Ellen's combat flow receives revolutionary adjustments with two entirely new attacks that fundamentally alter her rotation:

• Basic Attack: Icy Blade 🌊

Automatically triggers after specific actions (3rd Basic Attack hit, EX Special, Dodge Counter, or Assist Follow-Up), unleashing multi-hit Ice DMG across a wide frontal area. Medium and large enemies take bonus punishment! This slick move also grants Quick Charge - slashing Arctic Ambush's charge time. Best part? Complete invulnerability frames during execution!

• Basic Attack: Glacial Blade Wave ⚔️

A devastating follow-up available after key abilities when Ellen has Flash Freeze Charges. Consumes 2 charges to deliver massive Ice DMG then seamlessly chains back into her 3rd Basic Attack. Another invincibility window makes this brutal finisher both safe and satisfying!

Core Passive: Sharp-Toothed gets teeth implants with a whopping +100% CRIT DMG boost when:

• Launching Charged Scissor Strike during Dash Attack

• Spending Flash Freeze Charges for Basic Attack combos

This crit damage steroid now blankets her entire arsenal - including Chain Attacks, Ultimates, and both new blade techniques!

Dash Attack: Arctic Ambush isn't left out either, gaining an elusive invulnerability mechanic that'll have Ellen gracefully dodging boss ultimates while prepping counter-strikes. But the biggest team-building shocker comes from Additional Ability: Rising Storm, which now activates whenever any Stun character joins her squad - not just ice allies! Suddenly, thunder specialist Qingyi and pyro brawler Lighter become dream partners.

🔥 Meta Impact & Team Synergies

These changes solve Ellen's core weaknesses: clunky Flash Freeze management and restrictive team requirements. Players can now effortlessly weave charge-consuming attacks into fluid combos while enjoying generous invincibility windows. The Stun character flexibility opens wild new comps:

Traditional Teams	New Meta Possibilities
Ice Stun (Soukaku)	Thunder Stun (Qingyi)
Pure Ice Synergy	Fire Stun (Lighter)
Mono-DPS Focus	Hybrid Element Squads

Crit-focused builds will especially shine thanks to Sharp-Toothed's damage multiplier - imagine landing 200k+ Glacial Blade Waves with guaranteed crits! And let's not forget those i-frames: Ellen can now dance through previously deadly mechanics like Hollow's vortex pulls or Proxy's laser grids while dealing damage.

🌟 More Than Just Meta: Ellen's Enduring Legacy

Beyond combat prowess, Ellen holds a special place in Zenless history. She was:

• First character to receive premium cosmetic skin (that iconic school uniform!)

• First legacy agent to get new story content in Version 1.5

• Consistently top 3 in popularity polls since launch

Her redesign honors that legacy while future-proofing her for 2025's content. With Waifeu Peninsula's frost-themed enemies and water-heavy environments, Ellen's ice powers might become strategically essential too!

❓ People Also Ask

Will Ellen out-DPS current meta carries like Hugo?

Early calculations suggest her burst potential now rivals S-tiers, especially with crit investment. But she requires more combo precision than brute-force attackers.

Are the Flash Freeze changes really that impactful?

Absolutely! Managing charges felt clunky before. Now they're a smooth resource for her hardest-hitting new moves.

Which Stun characters pair best post-buff?

Qingyi's AoE stuns create perfect setups for Icy Blade cleaves. Lighter brings shield-breaking that complements Ellen's single-target focus.

Should new players pull for her in 2.0?

As a versatile main DPS with simpler mechanics than Miyabi? Absolutely - especially with her story relevance in the new arc!

💬 FAQ

Q: When do Ellen's buffs go live?

A: All changes arrive with Version 2.0 on August 15, 2025.

Q: Do I need her signature weapon for the rework to work?

A: Not at all! While her 5-star lance amplifies the crit focus, free 4-star options perform excellently.

Q: How many Flash Freeze Charges can she store?

A: The cap remains at 4 charges - enough for two Glacial Blade Waves per rotation!

Q: Does Rising Storm work off-field?

A: No, Ellen must be active to gain the ATK% boost from Stun teammates.

Q: Will she get another skin alongside the buffs?

A: No announcements yet, but her school uniform remains available in the boutique!

Q: Are basic attack combos harder to execute now?

A: Actually simpler! The new skills automatically weave into existing rotations without complex inputs.