Appraisers, NTE Version 1.2 is now in full swing. Have you managed to pull Shinku yet? Meanwhile, more information about the characters expected to arrive in NTE Version 1.3 is beginning to emerge.
Based on the information currently available, Version 1.3 is expected to introduce two new S-Class characters. Zankou may arrive first during Phase 1. As an important member of the Scarlet Letter, she has previously confronted the Appraiser as both a story antagonist and a boss. Linko is then expected to take over the Version 1.3 Phase 2 banner.
In this article, we will explore Zankou’s character background, expected banner schedule, potential kit mechanics, Hexed and Scorch team options, Signature Arc, pre-farm materials, and Annulith planning.
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NTE Zankou’s Character Overview
Below is a summary of the information currently available about Zankou, compiled from in-game story content, official character announcements, and relatively credible NTE Version 1.3 leaks.
| Character Preview | Item | Zankou Information |
|---|---|---|
 | Character Name | Zankou |
| Rarity | S-Class | |
| Esper Type | Incantation | |
| Affiliation | Scarlet Letter | |
| Banner Phase | Version 1.3 Phase 1 | |
| Release Date | Expected August 20, 2026 | |
| Role | On-field main DPS | |
| Possible Playstyle | High-mobility melee combat, multi-hit attacks, and rapid Break reduction | |
| Possible Team Direction | Hexed or Scorch | |
| Arc Type | Not yet announced | |
| Signature Arc | Name, stats, and effects not yet announced | |
| Basic Attack Multipliers | Not yet announced | |
| Skill Multipliers | Not yet announced | |
| Ultimate Multipliers | Not yet announced | |
| Ascension Materials | Not yet announced | |
| English Voice Actor | Stephanie Wong |
At present, descriptions of Zankou as a main DPS, a highly mobile character, a core unit for Scorch teams, or a character capable of rapidly pressuring the enemy’s Break bar remain predictions. This article will be updated as soon as more reliable information becomes available.
Who Is Zankou?
Zankou Identity
Zankou is not a completely new character who suddenly appears in Version 1.3. As an important member of the Scarlet Letter, she made her first appearance in Main Story Chapter 4, where she became involved in the conflict between the organization and the Appraiser as the chapter’s final boss.
In later story chapters, Zankou appeared alongside senior members of the organization several times, gradually making her position within the Scarlet Letter clearer.
In the story, she can create visual and auditory illusions while interfering with her targets’ perception of reality and memory. Because of this, I believe Zankou’s Esper abilities are closely connected to illusions and sensory manipulation.
“You can think of me as a secret. A phantom. A nightmare that's yours alone...”
— Zankou
Current Version 1.3 previews suggest that the update may continue and potentially bring the Scarlet Letter conflict closer to a conclusion. As a result, Zankou’s transition from a story boss to a playable character may be accompanied by changes in her relationships with the Scarlet Letter, the Appraiser, and Eibon.
However, becoming playable does not necessarily mean that Zankou will be completely redeemed. She may temporarily cooperate with the Appraiser, pursue objectives of her own, or become playable before her relationships with the other factions have fully changed.
Zankou Character Design
One of the most anticipated aspects of Zankou is her transition from a story boss to a playable character. Appraisers have already seen her weapons, attack animations, movement style, and illusion-based abilities during the main story boss fight, so many players may already have an early idea of how she could feel in actual gameplay.
In addition to her changing role in the story, Zankou’s outfit has also received a noticeable redesign.
In her earlier story appearances and boss model, she wore a relatively loose outfit built around white, black, and red. The design featured asymmetrical long sleeves, hanging red ornaments, colorful beads, body markings, a single long stocking, and numerous metallic accessories. Together, these details gave her a more chaotic, dangerous, and unpredictable antagonist-like appearance.
Her current official character illustration reorganizes many of these elements into a more cohesive design. The updated version retains her long silver-white hair, red and purple color scheme, Japanese-inspired sleeves, and bladed weapon.
However, the main outfit now uses a more complete short purple-and-white kimono-style structure, combined with a black high collar, red decorative cords, floral patterns, and a semi-transparent skirt layer.
The previously prominent bead accessories and markings on her limbs have either been reduced or removed. The layers around her waist, sleeves, and hem also appear more unified, creating a clearer overall silhouette that feels closer to the polished visual design of a fully playable character.
In combat, Zankou primarily uses close-range blade attacks in the story, while also demonstrating rapid movement, charged slashes, and phantom effects. Her playable kit may therefore retain mechanics such as consecutive melee strikes, enhanced attacks, sudden dashes, and phantom follow-up attacks, adapting them into her Basic Attack chain, Redirect Skill, or Ultimate.
However, the playable version must also work within systems such as skill cooldowns, Ultimate Energy requirements, character-switching rotations, and Esper Cycles.
As a result, even if similar animations and visual effects are retained, her attack range, damage multipliers, and activation conditions may be redesigned.
Her sensory interference and memory manipulation abilities from the story are also more likely to be simplified into phantom follow-up attacks, target marks, debuffs, or Ultimate animations.
NTE Zankou Release Date and Banner
Zankou is expected to debut in Version 1.3 Phase 1.
NTE’s limited character banners currently tend to last for around three weeks. Since Version 1.2 Phase 2 is scheduled to end on August 19, Version 1.3 will most likely begin around August 19–20.
Zankou’s Skill Mechanics
Zankou’s complete kit has not yet been officially revealed. The table below presents reasonable predictions based on current Zankou leaks and her combat performance during the story boss fight.
| Skill or Mechanic | Currently Known Information |
|---|---|
| Basic Attack | May focus on close-range consecutive blade strikes. The exact hit count and damage multipliers have not yet been announced. |
| Enhanced/Charged Attack | A charged slash appeared during the boss fight, but it remains unclear whether the playable version will retain this mechanic. |
| Redirect Skill | The skill name, effects, cooldown, and damage multipliers have not yet been announced. |
| Support Skill | The effects and multipliers applied when Zankou enters the field have not yet been announced. |
| Ultimate | The animation, Ultimate Energy requirement, effects, and damage multipliers have not yet been announced. |
| Passive Talent | Zankou’s passive effects have not yet been announced. |
| Esper Cycle Synergy | As an Incantation Esper, Zankou may fit into Hexed or Scorch teams. |
| Cycle-Related Passive | It has not yet been confirmed whether she strengthens Hexed, Scorch, or another Esper Cycle. |
| Break Capability | Her high attack frequency and multi-hit attacks may allow her to reduce the enemy’s Break bar quickly. |
| Awakening Effects | The specific enhancements provided by Awakening 1–6 have not yet been announced. |
Based on the information currently available, the most common prediction is that Zankou will be an Incantation main DPS who requires extended field time.
Current Incantation teams still lack a new limited S-Class damage dealer, while Baicang already fills the role of a standard S-Class Incantation main DPS. Zankou may therefore fill the gap as a limited Incantation damage dealer. Her boss fight also focuses on close-range slashes, aggressive attacks, and rapid movement, all of which are more consistent with an on-field main DPS playstyle.
From an Esper Cycle perspective, Zankou may fit into either Hexed or Scorch teams. Hexed is better suited to high-frequency, multi-hit attacks and short burst windows, while Scorch generally favors extended field time and sustained DoT damage.
However, which team archetype ultimately suits her best will depend on her passive effects, skill multipliers, Esper Cycle efficiency, and Signature Arc.
Zankou Best Team Comps
The following teams are predictions based on Zankou’s confirmed Incantation Esper Type. Her optimal team compositions may change once she is officially released.
Hexed Team Incantation + Anima  Zankou  Linko  Adler Flexible Support Flex Support Core Strategy: Trigger Hexed and concentrate Anima and Incantation damage during its active window. Linko provides the Anima slot, while Adler and the flex character improve survivability and overall damage. |
Scorch Team Incantation + Chaos Zankou  Daffodill  Sakiri Adler Core Strategy: Use Daffodill to apply Chaos and trigger Scorch, Sakiri to improve DoT output, and Adler to provide defensive support while Zankou remains on the field. |
F2P-Friendly Team Lower Investment Zankou  Mint Adler Already-Built Support Built Support Core Strategy: Use Mint to provide Anima and trigger Hexed, Adler for sustain, and an already-built support for buffs, DEF reduction, or off-field damage without making Linko mandatory. |
Zankou Hexed Team
The basic structure of a Zankou Hexed team would be:
- Zankou: The core damage dealer and primary source of damage during the Hexed window.
- Anima teammate: Applies Anima and helps trigger Hexed.
- Sustain: Provides healing, shielding, or interruption resistance.
- Flex: Provides damage buffs, DEF reduction, or off-field damage.
Linko is currently one of the most closely watched candidates because she is expected to arrive alongside Zankou in Version 1.3 and is an Anima character. If Linko can apply Anima from off-field, provide damage buffs, or build Esper Cycle progress quickly, the two may form a complete Hexed core.
However, Linko’s kit has not yet been revealed, so she cannot be called Zankou’s best teammate at this stage. Mint and other existing Anima characters can also enable Hexed. Their actual performance will depend on field-time requirements, buffing capabilities, and Esper Cycle efficiency.
If Zankou ultimately becomes a melee on-field main DPS, a reliable sustain character will be especially important. Healing or shielding can prevent her from losing too much damage uptime to dodging or enemy attacks.
Zankou Scorch Team
The basic structure of a Zankou Scorch team would be:
- Zankou: An on-field Incantation damage dealer.
- Chaos teammate: Applies Chaos and helps trigger Scorch.
- Defensive support: Provides shielding, healing, or damage reduction.
- Secondary damage dealer or buffer: Improves DoT damage, Incantation damage, or the team’s overall output.
One reasonable early team concept is:
Zankou + Daffodill + Sakiri + Adler
This composition is based on the existing Baicang Scorch team. Daffodill provides Chaos application, Sakiri improves the team’s DoT output, and Adler offers shielding and Scorch-related support.
If Zankou becomes a limited on-field Incantation main DPS, she may be able to replace Baicang while retaining the same three supporting characters. This is what some players mean when they describe her as a potential “premium upgrade over Baicang.”
However, whether she is truly stronger than Baicang will depend on her personal damage, Scorch uptime, Break efficiency, Ultimate Energy rotation, and reliance on her Signature Arc. Her limited S-Class status alone is not enough to draw a final conclusion.
Lacrimosa is also a Chaos character and can trigger Scorch with Zankou, but she may not necessarily be the most suitable partner. If both characters require extended field time, they may compete for damage windows.
Before Zankou’s official kit is revealed, Daffodill is the safer Scorch candidate. A Zankou and Lacrimosa composition will require further testing based on their actual rotations.
F2P-Friendly Zankou Team
Skipping Linko does not necessarily make Zankou unusable.
As long as the team includes a character who can apply Anima consistently, it should be able to trigger Hexed. Players who already own Mint can consider using her as an initial option.
Standard or easily obtainable defensive characters can also complete the team. For example, Adler can fill the sustain slot, while the final position can be assigned to an already-built damage buffer, DEF-reduction support, or off-field damage dealer.
For players with limited resources, the priorities should be:
- Make sure Zankou can pair with a compatible Esper Type to trigger an Esper Cycle.
- Include reliable healing, shielding, or interruption resistance.
- Consider limited supports and her Signature Arc only after the core team is functional.
Zankou’s Signature Arc should not be treated as essential yet because its Arc Type, stats, and passive effect have not been announced. There is currently no need to reserve extra resources for the Arc banner before suitable alternatives can be compared.
This section will be expanded with complete character recommendations, Arc options, and practical rotations after Zankou’s official kit is revealed.
Zankou Weapon and Signature Arc
Zankou’s Arc Type has not yet been officially confirmed.
Both her official character illustration and boss model show her carrying a long, slender blade resembling a katana. This suggests that she may use a blade-type Arc, but the weapon shown in a character’s animations does not necessarily confirm their official Arc classification.
This section will be updated as soon as new information becomes available, so keep an eye on the GamsGo for the latest updates.
Zankou Materials and Pre-Farming
Zankou’s ascension materials, skill materials, and required boss drops have not yet been revealed. For now, you can begin saving universal character EXP materials, upgrade currency, and flexible stamina resources that can later be used for her confirmed materials.
Is Zankou Worth Pulling?
Zankou is worth considering if:
- You like her character, design, or Scarlet Letter storyline.
- You want a limited S-Class Incantation damage dealer.
- You plan to build a Hexed or Scorch team.
- You prefer fast, close-range combat with high mobility and phantom effects.
- You already own suitable teammates such as Mint, Daffodill, Sakiri, or Adler.
For character-focused players, Zankou’s transition from a story boss to a playable character is already a strong reason to pull. For meta-focused players, it is better to wait for her official kit, damage multipliers, and early testing before deciding how many Annulith to spend.
How Many Pulls Should You Save for Zankou?
NTE’s limited character Boards do not use a traditional 50/50 system. When you obtain an S-Class character from a limited Board, it will be the featured limited character.
Under NTE’s current summoning system, 160 Annulith can be exchanged for one Solid Die, while the hard pity for a limited character is 90 rolls.
If you complete 70 consecutive rolls without obtaining the featured S-Class character, the Board enters the Modified state, increasing the chance of receiving an S-Class character.
If you still have not obtained the featured character within the first 89 rolls, the 90th roll will guarantee the current limited S-Class character. Modification progress also carries over between limited character Boards.
Therefore, the safest approach for players planning to pull Zankou is to prepare a full 90 rolls in advance, equivalent to 14,400 Annulith.
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Final Thoughts
What makes Zankou worth watching is not only her potential role as a new limited Incantation damage dealer. She is also transitioning from a core Scarlet Letter member and story boss into a playable character, which may bring major changes to the Scarlet Letter storyline in Version 1.3.
Based on the information currently available, Zankou may be a melee-focused, highly mobile main DPS who requires extended field time. Depending on her teammates, she could potentially fit into either Hexed or Scorch teams.
However, her skill multipliers, Esper Cycle mechanics, Arc Type, and optimal team compositions have not yet been revealed. It is therefore too early to determine whether she will become a complete upgrade over Baicang.
As more information becomes available, GamsGo will continue updating this article. Once the official data is released, we will add a complete team-building guide and a more detailed analysis of her kit and materials. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest updates.
FAQ
When Will Zankou Be Released?
Zankou is expected to arrive in NTE Version 1.3 Phase 1, potentially around August 19–20, 2026.
However, the official Version 1.3 banner schedule has not yet been announced. This date remains an estimate based on NTE’s usual three-week banner cycle.
Is Zankou an S-Class Character?
Yes. Zankou has been confirmed as an S-Class character.
She is expected to appear as a limited character in Version 1.3, although her exact banner phase still requires final confirmation from the official announcement.
What Is Zankou’s Esper Type?
Zankou’s Esper Type is Incantation.
Incantation can combine with Anima to trigger Hexed or with Chaos to trigger Scorch. This means Zankou theoretically has two main team-building directions.
Is Zankou a Main DPS?
Zankou’s official combat role has not yet been confirmed.
Based on the close-range slashes and high mobility shown during her boss fight, as well as the current lack of a new limited damage dealer for Incantation teams, she is widely expected to be an on-field main DPS who requires extended field time.
However, the possibility that she functions as a sub-DPS or quick-swap damage dealer cannot yet be ruled out.
Will Zankou Work with Linko?
Zankou is an Incantation Esper, while Linko is an Anima Esper, meaning they can trigger Hexed through their Esper Types.
However, Linko’s complete kit has not yet been revealed. She should currently be treated as a potential teammate for Zankou rather than a confirmed best-in-slot partner.
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