Zenless Zone Zero: Starlight Billy Combat and Positioning Guide

To play Starlight Billy effectively in Zenless Zone Zero, maintain a mid-range perimeter while continuously kiting enemies, canceling animations into dodges, and reserving EX Special Attacks for staggered or vulnerable targets. Because Billy lacks the durability of bruiser archetypes, maintaining distance and spatial awareness is essential for keeping his damage output high.

Mid-Range Positioning and Kiting

Billy functions best when positioned just outside the reach of melee combatants. Remaining stationary reduces his dodge-cancel safety windows, while staying in mid-range forces enemies to spend movement abilities to reach you.

• Perimeter Strategy: Move laterally or backward while maintaining target lock-on. This keeps you clear of telegraphed enemy area-of-effect (AOE) attacks while delivering steady dual-pistol chip damage.
• Overload Grouping: Use Billy's high mobility to draw enemy aggression. Grouping standard mobs together allows his projectile attacks to hit multiple targets simultaneously, turning single-target pressure into effective wave clear.
• Aggressive Closing: When a target enters a staggered state, close distance immediately to execute high-volume close-range bursts before the enemy recovers.

Skill Rotation and Energy Timing

Billy relies on a continuous input flow rather than waiting on long ability cooldowns. Fluidly transition between dodging and shooting to maintain momentum without taking unnecessary hits.

Do not use EX Special Attacks randomly. Energy is limited, and these attacks deliver their highest stagger potential when hitting enemies right after you bait their actions.

Managing Durability and Team Synergies

Billy’s reliance on continuous movement exposes specific vulnerabilities in constrained spaces or against high-defense targets:

• Avoiding Map Constraints: Getting pinned against walls or caught in tight corners severely hinders Billy’s aerial and lateral dodge mechanics. In tight arenas, prioritize vaulting and vertical maneuvers to reset your distance.
• Handling High-Armor Targets: Standard dual-pistol shots deal reduced direct impact to armored foes. Rely on team assists or chain attacks to soften armor before executing your full burst rotation.
• Defensive Support: Pair Billy with support allies who supply shields or interrupt resistance if you struggle to maintain positioning against heavy boss encounters.