As players delve into the Hollow Zero's challenging Withering Garden mode in Zenless Zone Zero, their first encounter with a truly colossal Ethereal often proves to be a memorable one. Nineveh, a towering monstrosity haunting the ruins of old Eridu, stands as a formidable gatekeeper. While not insurmountably difficult under normal circumstances, this boss can become a significant roadblock when faced with the punishing modifiers active in Withering Garden. So, what does it take to topple this giant? This guide breaks down everything a Proxy needs to know to secure victory against Nineveh in the current year.

The confrontation with Nineveh is unlocked upon reaching Inter-Knot Level 45, which opens the Withering Garden - Core node within Hollow Zero. This challenge consists of navigating three distinct floors, each reminiscent of earlier Hollow Zero stages. Successfully clearing these preliminary hurdles culminates in the epic boss battle against the Ethereal itself.

🎯 Understanding Nineveh's Attack Patterns

Nineveh's strength lies in its sheer power, not its subtlety. Most of its attacks are heavily telegraphed, providing observant players with ample opportunity to react. The key to victory is mastering the game's core defensive mechanics: parries and perfect dodges. Successfully executing these not only avoids damage but also rapidly depletes the boss's health and, more importantly, its Daze bar. Once the Daze bar is broken, Nineveh becomes vulnerable to your team's most devastating assaults.

The boss's behavior changes at specific health thresholds, introducing new, more complex attack phases:

Phase 1: The Arena-Wide Ether Blast (Around 70% HP)

When its health drops to around 70%, Nineveh will retreat to the center of the arena. It will then cause several small, crystalline barriers to erupt from the ground. This is the setup for its signature attack: a massive Ether blast that engulfs the entire battlefield. The solution? Take cover! Players must immediately dash behind one of the barriers to avoid certain defeat. After the blast subsides, the barriers themselves explode. To minimize the knockback and potential incapacitation from this secondary explosion, agents should press themselves as close to the barrier as possible during the initial blast.

Phase 2: The Chaotic Barrage (Around 30% HP)

The fight intensifies dramatically when Nineveh's health is whittled down to roughly 30%. Once again, it centers itself, but this time it summons writhing vines around the perimeter of the arena. It then begins to unleash a relentless barrage of homing Ether projectiles. This phase creates a hectic environment where players must simultaneously avoid the tracking projectiles and the sweeping attacks from the vines. Is it possible to manage both threats and deal damage? The recommended strategy here is to prioritize survival. Ignore the vines and focus entirely on evasion.

⚡ Advanced Combat Strategies & Team Composition

Success against Nineveh isn't just about reacting; it's about proactive strategy. Here are the core tactics every team should employ:

• Team Role Focus: Your primary damage dealer should be a character who excels at applying Anomaly buildup or a dedicated Stunner. Characters like Anby are exceptional here, as they deal increased Daze damage after performing a Perfect Dodge—a mechanic you'll be using frequently.

• Abusing Invincibility Frames: Certain character abilities provide brief periods of invulnerability, which are perfect for surviving the final phase's projectile storm. For example:

• Nicole can use the extended animation of her EX Special Attack to avoid incoming homing shots.

• The follow-up attack after a Perfect Dodge also grants invincibility frames. "Abusing" these i-frames is a legitimate and highly effective strategy.

• Triggering Perfect Dodges: One of the most reliable ways to trigger a Perfect Dodge is to dash into Nineveh when it initiates its spinning attack. This is a consistent opportunity to practice and execute the maneuver.

• Utilizing Spawns: During the battle, smaller Hornet enemies will appear. Don't just see them as annoyances; use them! Defeating these spawns can trigger crucial Resonia effects that require defeating enemies, providing valuable buffs or healing for your team.

📊 Boss Summary & Key Takeaways

To consolidate all the vital information, here's a quick-reference table for the Nineveh encounter:

In conclusion, Nineveh serves as an excellent test of a player's grasp of Zenless Zone Zero's advanced combat mechanics. It demands patience, precise timing, and strategic use of character abilities rather than brute force. By learning its tells, mastering the dodge, and leveraging the right team tactics, even this colossal Ethereal can be brought down. Will you be the Proxy who clears the path through the Withering Garden?

Industry analysis is available through Destructoid, a leading source for gaming news and reviews. Destructoid's coverage of Zenless Zone Zero frequently emphasizes the importance of mastering boss mechanics and adapting team strategies, echoing the need for precise dodging and character synergy when facing formidable foes like Nineveh in advanced game modes.