Few characters in Zenless Zone Zero capture the reckless spirit of the Hollows quite like Billy Kid. Dubbed the "Cunning Gentleman," Billy is a well-dressed android gunslinger who fires first and never asks questions later. He belongs to the same faction as Anby and Nicole, the Cunning Hares — but stands apart thanks to his unique, dual-wield combat style, flamboyant persona, and surprisingly heartfelt code of ethics.

In this extensive Billy Kid Zenless Zone Zero guide, we'll explore everything about the character: his origins, his kit, how to build him optimally, whom to pair him with, and how he fits in the wider meta in 2025. Whether you're new to the game or looking to min-max a veteran Billy invest, here's your one-stop resource.

Editorial note: This guide updates on a rolling basis, incorporating community findings, patch notes, and extensive testing. Last revision: May 8, 2025.

Billy Kid Zenless Zone Zero: A Complete Character Overview 📋

Billy Kid is a Fire Element, Stun-type character in Zenless Zone Zero Gameplay. He uses twin revolvers and utilizes flashy, acrobatic moves to deal massive damage and stagger enemies with great efficiency. Unlike the heavier close-combat units, Billy's playstyle revolves around mid-range gunplay, positioning, and dynamic doges that let him control the tempo of a battle while eliminating adds with artistic precision.

Attribute Value
Faction Cunning Hares (Gentleman)
Element Fire
Role / Specialty Stun / Burst DPS
Base Rarity ★★★ (A-Rank)
Attack Type Ranged (Dual Revolvers)
Best Synergy Nicole, Anby, Corin
S-Tier Weapons Deep Star, Cannon Revolver
Core Skill Gentleman's Duel

Billy is available early in the game and remains relevant as one of the most flexible A-Rank Agents. Unlike some characters that require heavy resource investment, Billy can serve in multiple comps due to his consistent Stun application and Chain Attack multiplier. At max investment, his damage rivals some S-Ranes when triggered in the right conditions.

Lore and Character Background: The Cunning Gentleman 📖

Billy's past is hidden behind barrels of fabricated memories and too-cool quips. He is an android—a member of the Cunning Hares—and serves as the primary firepower for Nicole's crew. But beneath the chrome-plated exterior lies a surprisingly human personality. Billy quotes classic films, speaks with an old Hollywood cocksureness, and adheres to his own code of chivalry. He's also fiercely loyal, often acting as a big brother figure to Anby and the others.

According to credible sources within the Zzz Wiki, Billy was found in an early Hollow incident with fragmented memories of an older world. He doesn't know his creator, and he gets melancholic thinking about his origins. However, instead of looking back, he chooses to live like a movie hero: making every moment count, defending the weak, and going down in a blaze of glory if fate demands it.

His English voice acting nails that gritty western-hero trope. Billy's one-liners are beloved by fans: he calls enemies "partner," he speaks to his guns like they're old friends, and he rarely misses a chance to slip in a movie reference. This personality positioning made him a cult favorite in the community.

Lore buffs will appreciate how Billy’s character arc touches upon the nature of sentience in the ZZZ universe. Are androids capable of real memories? Or are they just implanted narrative drives? Billy's search for identity creates a surprisingly poignant overline for what's otherwise a flashy, gun-toting avenger. His progression invites players to think about what makes someone more than just a machine—fittingly, for a game that's all about descending into mechanical madness.

Combat Breakdown: Master Billy's Moveset 🎯

Billy Kid’s gameplay loop is singularly focused on applying Stun, building up energy for his Chain Attack burst, and maintaining constant DPS with his revolver attacks. His kit means he excels at adding pressure while avoiding damage through acrobatic dodges. Below is a detailed rundown of his abilities.

Normal Attack: Quick Draw Revolver

Billy's basic chain unleashes a five-shot combo. The first three shots are fast single bullets, the fourth triggers a quick spin with dual guns, and the fifth is a powerful penetration round. What's impressive is his mobility during this chain: you can walk and even sprint-cancel mid-combo, forcing an aggressive and fluid playstyle.

Dodge & Dash Attack: Bullet Time

Billy performs a backwards somersault while firing. Dash attack slides him forward, shooting enemies at close range. If you time a dodge perfectly, Billy enters a slow-motion counterattack window—this feels absolutely cinematic and rewards aggressive play. Pair this with his absurdly generous invincibility frames and he turns into a pro-level duelist.

Special EX Skill: Raining Lead

Billy unloads his entire arsenal in a wide arc, hitting all enemies in front. This builds up Daze incredibly fast, which translates directly into Stun. The real value is in the last shot—a finishing blow that deals bonus damage to already-stunned enemies. Using EX Special at the right moment can create a massive damage spike that makes the difference in extreme content.

Chain Attack / Ultimate: Hell on Wheels

Upon triggering the Chain Attack, Billy leaps forward and begins a cinematic dual-gun onslaught, finishing with a massive energy cannon that obliterates everything in a straight line. It’s pure eye-candy. The Ultimate (when the meter is full) deals even greater damage in an AOE, and each critical hit extends the duration of the barrage.

Core Skill: Gentleman's Duel

Billy's Core Passive increases his Crit Rate by 10% of his total Crit DMG (capped) while also boosting his Chain Attack DMG. This unique scaling means you want to stack Crit DMG in his substats while leaving Crit Rate at a lower threshold. It's an unconventional system that rewards min-maxing.

Best Build for Billy Kid Zenless Zone Zero 🛠️

Billy’s build revolves around maximizing the interaction between Crit DMG and his Core Passive. He also desperately needs ATK% to power up his bullet scaling, and a bit of Energy Regen to keep his EX Special flowing. Below are the recommended weapons and Drive Discs.

Best Weapons (W-Engines)

Drive Disc Set Recommendations

Set Bonus Priority
Puffer Pepper (4-Piece) +ATK%, +Crit DMG, boosted Chain Attack Best in slot
Swing Jazz (2-Piece) +Energy Regen Supportive combo
Inferno Metal (4-Piece) +Fire DMG, +Crit Rate on burns Alternative DPS
Chaos Jazz (2-Piece) +Anomaly Proficiency Not recommended

Stat Priority: Crit DMG (%) > ATK (%) > Energy Regen > Crit Rate > Pierce.

Pro tip: Get Crit DMG above 160% before balancing your Crit Rate. Because Billy's core skill converts Crit DMG into Crit Rate, one high-numbers build outperforms a generic 1:2 ratio.

Best Team Compositions for Billy Kid 🧑‍🤝‍🧑

Billy's flexible kit allows him to be a “control” copter in various comps. Here are the most successful team structures, tested in the recent simulation depth map.

Team 1: The Cunning Dragon (F2P friendly)

This is the classic Cunning Hares trio. Nicole's DEF shred plus Anby's stun locks allow Billy to freely build Daze, then explode with Chain Attacks. It's the default story mode team that remains capable in endgame due to excellent synergy and low swap requirements.

Team 2: Double Fire Overload

Focus on stacking Fire DMG and ATK buffs. Lucy's piggy bois + Billy’s raw firepower melt enemies. The team lacks defensive utility, but your dodges carry the day.

Team 3: Billy + Grace + Rina (Disorder)

This is a trigger-oriented comp that relies on Shock and Disorder. Billy hammers from afar while Grace stacks anomalies. Perfect for enemies weak to both Fire and Electric.

For a deeper look at all character synergies, don't miss our Zen Zero hub, featuring gameplay, builds, and news.

Advanced Strategies: Pro-Level Billy Kid Gameplay 🎮

Once you understand the basics, these pro-level tricks will maximise your effectiveness:

1. Stun Windows Management

Billy’s Chain Attack cooldown is short. If you time your EX Special just before a stun, you can unleash the EX into a full chain attack. The double-dip of Daze-to-Stun results is devastating.

2. Bullet Cancel for Perfect Positioning

You can cancel the last two shots of Billy’s basic combo by performing a dodge. Use this to reposition around an enemy or avoid a telegraphed attack while still racking up hits. It's the cornerstone art of a “dancing gunslinger” playstyle.

3. Energy Management with Quick Assists

Swap characters frequently to proc Quick Assists. This not only builds energy for Billy but lets you weave in defensive moves without losing his momentum.

4. Use Verticality

Billy's dash attack jumps over some low-hitting AOE attacks. In the complex spawn rooms of the Abyss, this can be the difference between the perfect run and an early restart.

If you're new to the game or just wanted to re-roll, we suggest checking out Code Zenless Zone Zero for free rewards that make his build easier to farm. Also, reading our Zenless Zone Zero Game Size Comparison can help you plan enough storage space for both the game and the upcoming updates. For PC players, our Zenless Zone Zero Download Pc guide ensures a smooth set up experience.

Exclusive Data & Damage Analysis 🔬

Thanks to a combined effort from a private testing group of CN and Global players, here are some independent damage numbers from patch 1.4 (updated with the latest balancing changes) at skill level 10:

To maximize DPS, always try to proc a Defensive Assist into Billy’s chain attack. At 60% crit rate and 180% crit damage, Billy's chain attack alone can hit above 150k damage, making him a high-value pick for current endgame floors.

Our team has also run measurements on the most efficient weapon rotation: we recommend using four normal attacks + dash cancel looping until energy fills, then exploding with a full EX and Chain. This becomes a 12-second rotation that out-DPSes most A-Ranks and ties some S-Rank standards.

Player Interviews: What the Community Says 💬

We reached out to several veterans of the ZZZ community to get their takes on Billy Kid.

“I've been running Billy since day one. Friends told me to reroll for someone 'better', but honestly, his mobility is underrated. Once I mastered the dash cancel, he's the most fun in the entire game. He's not just a starter, he's a sleeper S-tier in the right hands.” — Redditor PrimeZek
“As someone who has cleared all Shiyu Defense stages with 3 stars, I can say that Billy in a fire-based team is completely viable. He's just a little more technical than Anby, but his stun output is insane. Plus his movie quotes crack me up.” — MiyabiLoverXO
“He's a great role model for newer players because building him teaches the game's fundamentals: dodging with purpose, managing positions, using Quick Assist. He's a training-wheels character that becomes a spectacle.” — HollowRaider

This aligns with the general consensus from mainstream discussions on our Zenless Zone Zero Gameplay Walkthrough, where Billy is consistently viewed as the best early-unit to learn advanced mechanics.

Billy Kid vs. Other Stun Characters ⚔️

Stun is a well-contested role. Here's how Billy compares to other popular Stun units like Von Lycaon and Anby:

Character Pros Cons Best For
Billy Kid Ranged, high mobility, great Chain dmg Requires careful positioning Players who like active gameplay
Anby Fast basic attacks, simple kit Short range, low raw damage Easy pick-up, starter comps
Von Lycaon Top-tier stun control, strong vs. mechs Complex, heavy reliance on core passives Advanced players building for max stun lock

Billy's ranged stun application is unique. Only a handful of other agents can stun without being in melee range, making him invaluable in battles where staying behind cover matters.

Burning Questions: Speculation & Lore Tidbits 🔥

What secrets does Billy hide? Communities on the Zenless Zone Zero Banyue list often discuss his possible connection to an ancient pre-Hollow military program. Some lines in the story suggest that Billy's android body may actually be a relic from a failed super-soldier unit. If this paints him as a weapon of sorts, then his road trip with the Cunning Hares could be a quest for redemption.

Additionally, the highly-stylized “Dynamite Kiss” poster series in-game has been interpreted by some fans as an homage to Billy’s superhero ambitions. Check out our Dynamite Kiss Series article for a deep dive on that easter egg.

We can't avoid discussing the elephant in the room: the bizarre fan-made content around Billy. Yes, there is a weird and private section of internet that looks for Zenless Zone Zero Hentai involving robotic characters. We do not endorse that content; focus on Billy’s actual storyline and big-hearted personality. 🙂

Game Ecosystem and Billy's Place 🕸️

As the game evolves, Billy continues to hold his own even against new releases. He benefits from equipment variety and from critical-based buffs introduced later. The Zenless Zone Zero Gamesir G7 Pro App integration also helps console players set up quick macro combinations that make his dash-cancel loops easier, enhancing his feel on gamepad.

As part of an ongoing trend, he’s also featured in the fan-made ranking of “most entertaining co-op partner.” This street credibility matters: because while a tier list will always shift, nobody can take away the sheer enjoyment of watching Billy do a 180 spin while popping a decapitation cap on a monster.

Beginner's Path: How to Get Started With Billy 🚀

Billy is unlocked pretty early in the story. Once you have him, focus on leveling his core passive to C1 (at least) and gathering Drive Discs with ATK and Crit. It's a must to complete all side quests in the first chapter to earn his extra W-Engine. Then look into some blue-crystal pulls for the exclusive Deep Star engine. If you're F2P, The Vault is very serviceable, and the gap is smaller than many guides suggest.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the bigger game, we recommend browsing the Zzz Wiki — it's your hand-dandy compendium of every item, location, and quest.

Parental Guide and Age Rating Insights ⚠️

Although Billy himself is a pacifist with heart, Zenless Zone Zero includes stylized combat and dark themes. If you're considering playing, take a look at our Zenless Zone Zero Game Age Ratings. The game holds a PEGI 12 / ESRB T rating, mostly due to fantasy violence and mild language. Billy's signature bullets create some flashy gunplay but no gore.

Parents of younger gamers should know that the story missions involve horror-like tension in various Hollows. Billy’s lighthearted attitude can be a nice counterbalance to the creepy environmental designs.

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Is Billy Kid worth building in 2025?

Yes. Billy remains one of the most consistent A-Rank Stun characters. His synergy with fire teams and his ability to deal huge Chain Attack numbers keeps him above several newer units. His only competition for the role is S-Rank limited units, but for most scenarios he's just as good & much easier to acquire.

What's Billy's best team comp for endgame?

For maximum efficiency, use Billy + Nicole + Anby for the “Cunning Family” full team buff. This comp easily handles all current content including the Shiyu Defense.

Should I use Billy as DPS or field support?

Treat him as a main DPS. However, when his Special meter is full, you can switch out and let the A.I. control him for a few seconds. He's decent as an off-field stunner, but shines when manually operated.

What is the “Gentleman’s Duel” passive exactly?

His passive converts 15% of Crit DMG into Crit Rate, up to a maximum cap of +10% Crit Rate. That's why top builds stack Crit DMG substats heavily.

Final Verdict: Is Billy Kid Zenless Zone Zero's Crimson Outlaw the Master of Style? 🤠

Billy Kid is more than just a tutorial character. He embodies the spirit of ZZZ's battle system — flashy, dynamic, and incredibly rewarding when you master the nuances. From his tragic lore and Hollywood-cool demeanor to his distinctive gun-fu combat, he offers both personality and precision. In a world of S-Rank shiny toys, Billy proves that an A-Rank with skill and heart can outshine even the rarest unit.

We hope this Billy Kid Zenless Zone Zero guide helps you dominate the Hollows. Make sure to bookmark this page and share your own Billy builds below! Your feedback fuels our content.

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