Zenless Zone Zero: Complete Shiyu Defense Guide

Zenless Zone Zero’s Shiyu Defense is the best game mode for farming Polychromes and Dennies. However, some new players might wonder how to access it or what the game mode’s fundamentals are. This guide explains everything you need to know about Shiyu Defense in Zenless Zone Zero and offers tips on maximizing your chances of clearing its challenging Nodes.

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The Shiyu Defense Game Mode, Explained

the rewards for beating shiyu defense mode in zenless zone zero.

The Shiyu Defense mode is a time-limited Node-clearing game mode. You are tasked with entering different Hollows (or Nodes) to defeat several waves of enemies before running out of time. The faster you beat a Node’s monsters, the better rewards you earn.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Shiyu Defense is the equivalent of Genshin Impact’s Spiral Abyss in Zenless Zone Zero. Here are the fundamentals of this game mode:

Node Types

Shiyu Defense offers two types of Nodes: Stable and Critical. Stable Nodes are permanent, and their rewards can be claimed once. Critical Nodes, on the other hand, rotate every month, providing Agents with new challenges and rewards.

Frontier Effect

Each stage (or Node) in the Shiyu Defense mode has a unique Frontier Effect. These effects are special buffs that influence the performance of the entire team as long as you are in that particular stage.

Challenge Target

Shiyu Defense is a speed-based game mode. As such, each stage has an additional objective known as the Challenge Target: beating the Node as quickly as possible. (You will be informed of each stage’s Challenge Target before entering the Node.)

How to Unlock Shiyu Defense

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To unlock the Shiyu Defense mode, you need to complete Chapter 2’s A Call From the Hollow’s Heart mission and reach Inter-Knot Level 20. After meeting these prerequisites, you can access the Shiyu Defense mode at the Scott Outpost, where you previously met Ray and unlocked Hollow Zero.

Shiyu Defense Rank Requirements and Rewards

rank requirements for shiyu defense in zenless zone zero.

Shiyu Defense’s primary rewards are Polychromes and Dennies. However, you will also earn extra Ascension and upgrade materials based on your rank. The following table shows the requirements of each rank:

Shiyu Defense Rank	Requirement
B	Complete the stage
A	Clear the Node in under five minutes
S	Clear the Node in under three minutes

Tips for Clearing Shiyu Defense Nodes

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For the best performance in Shiyu Defense, keep these notes in mind:

Prioritize Attribute matches. Each Node’s enemies are weak to specific Attributes. Use this information to your advantage to clear the stage faster.
Pay attention to Frontier Effects. The special buffs that each Node grants you are essential for getting an S rank.
Review enemy types before entering the zone. Zenless Zone Zero is generous enough to let you know what awaits you in each Node. Take a look at your enemies in advance to enter the zone prepared.