Zankou vs Nanally: Which NTE 1.3 Banner Should You Pull?

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Neverness to Everness Version 1.3 gives players a difficult Phase 1 decision: should you pull the new Zankou banner or spend your resources on Nanally's rerun?

Both limited S-Class characters are available from August 19 until September 9, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8). Zankou headlines the new Alluring Shadows Limited Board, while Nanally returns on The Ichi-Daime. Both banners also feature the same A-Class characters — Mint, Edgar, and Adler — so the decision is primarily about which S-Class character gives your account more value. The official Version 1.3 patch notes confirm the banner dates and featured characters.

The short answer is:

If you own neither character and want the stronger current all-around combat investment, Zankou has the better case in Version 1.3.

However, Nanally is still the better pull for some accounts, especially if you already have a developed Blossom team, prefer a simpler Main DPS, or place a high value on her unique wall-walking exploration ability.

This Zankou vs Nanally comparison focuses on actual account value rather than simply asking which character has the higher tier-list position.

Zankou vs Nanally Banner Schedule

The official Version 1.3 notes confirm Zankou as the new limited S-Class character and Nanally as the returning S-Class character. Both boards include Mint, Edgar, and Adler as their featured A-Class characters.

That last point matters.

Because the A-Class lineup is identical, there is little reason to choose one board simply because you want Mint, Edgar, or Adler. Your S-Class target should drive the decision.

Zankou vs Nanally at a Glance

Zankou's current post-release kit gives her immediate Esper Cycle access at the beginning of battle, frequent DoT application, Scorch synergy, and Follow-Up Damage throughout Illusion. Nanally instead specializes in sustained Anima damage, Follow-Up Attacks, and enhancing Blossom while her Ichi-Daime's Authority and Underboss are active.

Prydwen currently rates A0 Zankou at T0 and A0 Nanally at T0.5 for Endgame PvE. These are editorial third-party ratings based partly on Beyond the Rails and High Risk Commission performance, not official Hotta Studio rankings, so they should be used as one reference rather than proof that one character universally outdamages the other.

Should You Pull Zankou in NTE 1.3?

Zankou is the stronger recommendation for players who want a new high-end DPS and have no strong reason to prioritize Nanally's existing ecosystem.

One of Zankou's biggest advantages is that her value extends beyond a single damage mechanic.

At the start of battle, she can gain 100 Cycle Energy and +100 Cycle Intensity, allowing her team to access an Esper Cycle extremely early. She also continuously applies and spreads DoT effects, works naturally with Scorch, and converts her Illusion attacks into Follow-Up Damage.

That gives her several potential team directions instead of locking her exclusively into one composition.

Current post-release team testing supports conventional Zankou Main DPS setups, Scorch teams, DoT-oriented dual-DPS teams with Lacrimosa, and Break-oriented variants.

Pull Zankou If You Already Own Scorch or DoT Supports

Zankou becomes particularly attractive if your account already has characters such as:

• Sakiri

• Daffodill

• Lacrimosa

• Iroi

• Adler

• Baicang

You do not necessarily need all of them. The point is that Zankou can make use of several different support packages.

Her kit continuously feeds DoT effects into Scorch interactions, while her Follow-Up classification allows her to participate in Hexed-focused setups as well. Prydwen's current synergy data specifically highlights Scorch support, DoT partners, Hexed access, and Break-focused combinations.

If some of those characters are already leveled and equipped, pulling Zankou can let you reuse existing account investment instead of starting an entirely new team from zero.

Pull Zankou If You Want Immediate Esper Cycle Pressure

This is one of the clearest reasons to choose Zankou over Nanally.

Her starting Cycle Energy lets her contribute to an Esper Cycle almost immediately after combat begins. This is useful in fights where early damage and rapid setup matter rather than waiting through a longer opening sequence.

That benefit exists at A0 and does not require you to obtain multiple Zankou copies first.

Pull Zankou If You Want More Than One Team Direction

Zankou's biggest long-term advantage may be flexibility.

She can be the main on-field damage dealer, but her DoT profile also allows her to contribute in dual-DPS setups. Current post-release recommendations specifically identify Lacrimosa compositions where Zankou can take a more secondary damage role rather than demanding every second of field time.

Nanally has several viable teams as well, but her personal damage identity is more firmly tied to remaining active and continuously attacking during her enhanced state.

Should You Pull Nanally in NTE 1.3?

Nanally should not be dismissed simply because a newer DPS has arrived.

She remains a powerful Anima Main DPS built around Follow-Up Attacks, Ichi-Daime's Authority, Underboss, and Blossom. Her normal gameplay naturally improves Blossom output, meaning she contributes not only personal damage but also more team reaction damage.

GameWith continues to describe Nanally as a strong attacker with sustained Basic and Follow-Up Damage, while current Blossom teams still use her effectively.

Pull Nanally If You Already Have a Strong Blossom Core

This is probably the most important reason to choose Nanally instead of Zankou.

If you already have characters such as Esper Zero, Jiuyuan, Sakiri, Iroi, or other supports that complete a strong Blossom setup, Nanally can immediately slot into an ecosystem you have already built.

A current example is the Iroi-centered Blossom composition built around Iroi, Nanally, Jiuyuan, and Esper Zero, which GameWith lists among its strongest current team structures.

In that situation, pulling Nanally may cost far fewer progression resources than obtaining Zankou and then discovering that you also need to build several new teammates.

Raw tier placement does not automatically outweigh account synergy.

Pull Nanally If You Prefer Simpler Main DPS Gameplay

Nanally also has an accessibility advantage.

Her basic gameplay is comparatively easy to understand: activate Ichi-Daime's Authority, use her Ultimate to summon Underboss, then maintain her on-field attack sequence.

Prydwen explicitly lists her straightforward rotation as one of her strengths.

Zankou looks more complicated because her effectiveness depends more heavily on form switching and the timing of Redirect Skills. She is not impossibly difficult, but being interrupted during a Redirect can prevent her from properly transitioning and disrupt the intended sequence.

So if you want a character who reaches her basic gameplay loop with less timing management, Nanally is easier to recommend.

Pull Nanally If Exploration Utility Is a Major Priority

Nanally has one of the most distinctive open-world movement abilities in NTE.

While Ichi-Daime's Authority is active, she can move across walls and climb extremely quickly. Prydwen specifically identifies her wall-walking as genuinely useful exploration utility, and GameWith also highlights her gravity-defying movement when discussing her pull value.

If you spend substantial time collecting items and exploring vertical urban environments, that utility continues to matter long after the current endgame meta changes.

Zankou vs Nanally at A0: Who Is Stronger?

If we limit the comparison to A0 characters in the current Version 1.3 environment, the available third-party endgame evaluation favors Zankou.

Prydwen currently rates:

Zankou A0 — T0 Damage

Nanally A0 — T0.5 Damage

for Endgame PvE.

That makes Zankou the safer recommendation if your question is simply:

"I own neither. Which A0 character should I get for current combat?"

The answer is Zankou.

However, do not translate that tier gap into an invented percentage such as "Zankou deals 20% more damage than Nanally."

There is no reliable controlled head-to-head benchmark here establishing a universal DPS percentage between the two characters. Tier placement accounts for team contribution, mechanics, current content, synergy, and practical performance — not just isolated damage numbers. Prydwen itself notes that NTE team building matters heavily when interpreting character rankings.

Nanally remains a strong A0 character. GameWith's current banner guidance also states that she is already valuable without additional Awakenings.

Which Character Is Easier to Build a Team Around?

The answer depends on what is already sitting in your roster.

Choose Zankou if your existing investment leans toward:

Scorch, DoT, Hexed, Incantation support, or Break-oriented characters.

Choose Nanally if your existing investment leans toward:

Blossom, Anima, Esper Zero, Jiuyuan, or supports already built around Nanally-style Follow-Up gameplay.

Nanally's kit directly enhances Blossom, and her current synergy recommendations include characters who can trigger or strengthen that Esper Cycle.

Zankou instead spreads DoTs constantly, enhances Scorch interactions, and can use Follow-Up synergies through Illusion.

The practical rule is simple:

Do not pull a Main DPS in isolation. Pull the character that completes a team you can actually build.

A theoretically stronger DPS who requires three unbuilt partners may improve your account less in the short term than a character who immediately completes a developed team.

Zankou vs Nanally for New Players

For a completely new account that owns neither character and does not already have a defined team, Zankou is the stronger combat recommendation right now.

Her current A0 evaluation is higher, her immediate Esper Cycle passive is useful without duplicates, and she has several viable directions involving Scorch, DoT, Follow-Up Damage, and Break.

Nanally is still easier to play.

Her main combat state and Underboss lead into a clear Basic Attack-focused damage window, while her Blossom passive naturally improves a well-established reaction archetype.

For new players, I would divide the decision like this:

Want stronger current combat upside and broader team development potential? Pick Zankou.

Want easier gameplay and exceptional climbing utility? Pick Nanally.

Neither choice prevents normal story progression. Prydwen's tier-list methodology explicitly notes that properly constructed teams can comfortably handle story content without requiring the highest-ranked meta characters.

Zankou vs Nanally for Endgame Accounts

Endgame players should care less about which character is generally stronger and more about which account gap the character actually fills.

If you already have several excellent Anima damage dealers and a finished Blossom team, another Anima Main DPS may have lower marginal value even if Nanally herself is strong.

Zankou's Incantation attribute could provide useful coverage instead.

The reverse is also true.

If your Incantation and DoT options are already highly developed while your Anima roster is weak, Nanally can solve a more meaningful account problem.

Endgame modes also make multiple complete teams valuable, so owning Nanally does not automatically make Zankou redundant. They operate in different attribute and reaction ecosystems.

Zankou vs Nanally Gameplay: Which Is Easier?

Nanally is generally the easier character to learn.

Her kit rewards setting up Ichi-Daime's Authority and Underboss, then keeping her active and continuing her attack chain.

Zankou's gameplay requires more awareness of when her Redirect Skill is used because she transitions between Reality and Illusion. Interrupting that transition can interfere with her intended rotation.

Nanally has an important weakness of her own, however.

She wants substantial uninterrupted field time. Ichi-Daime's Authority ends if Nanally is switched out, and being interrupted during her main damage window can noticeably reduce her output.

So the comparison is not:

Nanally = effortless, Zankou = extremely difficult.

It is better described as:

Nanally = simpler sustained on-field gameplay

Zankou = more timing-sensitive state management

Your preference matters.

A character whose gameplay you dislike is rarely a good long-term pull simply because a tier list places them half a tier higher.

Zankou vs Nanally for Exploration

The two characters offer completely different types of exploration utility.

Zankou's special out-of-combat ability gives her 20 seconds of invisibility, prevents enemies from detecting her, and increases Movement Speed by 50%. It also works in Pink Paw Heist.

Nanally instead specializes in vertical mobility. Her unique state lets her move across walls and climb surfaces extremely quickly.

The better exploration pick therefore depends on what you value:

Fast movement, stealth, avoiding enemies → Zankou

Wall traversal and vertical exploration → Nanally

There is no universal exploration winner because they solve different problems.

Who Is Better Without a Signature Arc?

Neither Zankou nor Nanally requires a signature Arc to function.

This matters for players who only have enough currency to guarantee one character.

Zankou's signature Ravenous Blade is her current best Arc, but Prydwen also identifies options such as Watch Your Heads! and other alternatives that still allow her core kit to work.

Nanally's signature Ready-Ready is likewise her preferred premium Arc, but her current calculations include several alternatives, including Raging Flames as a strong free-to-play option.

One interesting difference is that, within Prydwen's separate character calculations, Zankou currently shows a larger gap between her signature and several alternatives than Nanally does between Ready-Ready and her strongest replacements. These percentages use different character-specific setups, so they should not be compared directly as proof that one character is stronger.

For limited-budget players, the better general rule remains:

Secure the character you actually want before worrying about the signature Arc.

Should You Pull Zankou If You Already Have Nanally?

Yes, if Zankou fills a different role in your account.

Owning Nanally does not make Zankou automatically redundant.

Nanally is an Anima Main DPS whose strongest identity centers on Follow-Up attacks and Blossom. Zankou is an Incantation DPS built around DoTs, Scorch, Follow-Up Damage, and rapid Esper Cycle access.

They are more naturally viewed as cores for different teams than characters competing for exactly the same roster slot.

Zankou becomes especially appealing if your second endgame team needs Incantation coverage or if you already own several of her DoT and Scorch partners.

If Nanally already clears everything you need and your account has several other developed DPS characters, however, saving is also completely reasonable.

Should You Get Zankou or Another Nanally Copy?

For most players who already own A0 Nanally but do not own Zankou, I would generally favor a new Zankou over another Nanally copy.

A new S-Class character expands:

• Attribute coverage

• Team-building options

• Endgame roster flexibility

• Exploration abilities

Nanally's Awakenings can strengthen her personal performance — for example, her early upgrades improve Ultimate Energy generation and Underboss duration — but those improvements still enhance a character you already own rather than adding an entirely new team core.

Consider another Nanally Awakening instead if she is clearly your primary long-term carry, you already have enough separate teams for endgame content, and you specifically want one of her Awakening breakpoints.

Should You Pull Both Zankou and Nanally?

You can, but players with limited currency generally do not need both Phase 1 characters.

Both are damage-focused characters who normally want considerable active field time.

Nanally's Ichi-Daime's Authority ends when she switches out, which makes her naturally suited to being the primary on-field character.

Zankou's standard Main DPS setups also use her as the primary active damage dealer, although she has more flexibility to move toward a DoT Sub-DPS role in certain Lacrimosa teams.

That means pulling both is more useful for building two separate team cores than for putting Zankou and Nanally together in the same standard composition.

Should You Skip Both and Save for Phase 2?

Yes. "Skip both" is a legitimate answer.

Version 1.3 Phase 2 is scheduled for September 9 through September 30 and currently includes the new S-Class character Linko plus a Hotori rerun.

If you already own multiple well-developed Main DPS characters, spending scarce resources on another damage dealer simply because a banner is active may provide less account value than saving.

This is especially relevant if:

• You specifically want Linko or Hotori.

• Your current teams already clear endgame content comfortably.

• Neither Zankou nor Nanally fits your existing supports.

• You care more about a future character than Version 1.3 Phase 1.

Do not assume a future character will automatically be stronger. Save because they fit your plan or preference, not because unreleased characters are guaranteed to powercreep current ones.

How NTE Limited Banner Pity Affects Your Decision

NTE's Limited Board system is important when deciding whether to continue pulling or stop.

Current gacha documentation lists a 90-pull guarantee for the featured limited S-Class character. If no limited S-Class character has appeared after 70 pulls, Board Modification activates and sharply increases the S-Class rate. Limited-character pity also carries over to future Limited Boards.

This makes stopping before Zankou or Nanally less punishing than in a system where all progress disappears after the banner ends.

However, character pity and cosmetic milestone progress are not the same thing.

The official Version 1.3 notes state that Nanally's Tiger Perks only count pulls made on The Ichi-Daime board. Each named board tracks its own perk record, and that progress is retained when the same board returns.

In other words:

Limited character pity can carry forward.

Board-specific cosmetic perks should be treated as their own progression track.

Keep that distinction in mind if cosmetics are part of your reason for pulling.

Zankou or Nanally? Best Pick by Player Type

The table is a practical recommendation rather than an official ranking. Current A0 endgame evaluation favors Zankou, while Nanally retains strong established Blossom teams and distinct exploration value.

Final Verdict: Should You Pull Zankou or Nanally?

Overall recommendation: Zankou.

For players who own neither character and are starting from a relatively neutral account position, Zankou currently offers the stronger argument.

She is rated higher at A0 in current post-release Endgame PvE evaluation, immediately provides 100 Cycle Energy at battle start, adds 100 Cycle Intensity, continuously applies DoTs, supports Scorch, and turns her Illusion attacks into Follow-Up Damage.

That combination gives her strong current performance without restricting her to only one team concept.

Nanally is the better choice when your account already favors her.

If you have an established Blossom roster, particularly supports capable of making her existing team immediately functional, the value of completing that team can exceed the theoretical advantage of pulling a higher-ranked new DPS.

Nanally is also easier to pick up mechanically and provides unusually valuable vertical exploration through wall-walking. She remains rated T0.5 at A0 in current Endgame PvE evaluation and is far from obsolete.

The simplest final decision is:

Pull Zankou if you want the stronger current all-around combat investment.

Pull Nanally if she completes your Blossom roster or you strongly prefer her gameplay and exploration utility.

Skip both if your account does not need another Main DPS and you would rather save for Phase 2 or a later character.

Zankou vs Nanally FAQ

Is Zankou better than Nanally in NTE 1.3?

For current A0 Endgame PvE, third-party evaluation favors Zankou. Prydwen currently places A0 Zankou at T0 and A0 Nanally at T0.5. That does not mean Zankou is universally better for every account, because existing teammates and team investment can make Nanally the more useful pull.

Is Nanally still worth pulling in Version 1.3?

Yes. Nanally remains a strong Anima Main DPS with Follow-Up and Blossom synergy. She is particularly valuable for players who already have a developed Blossom core or want her wall-walking exploration ability.

Who is better at A0, Zankou or Nanally?

Zankou currently has the stronger A0 endgame reference. Prydwen rates Zankou T0 and Nanally T0.5 for Endgame PvE. Treat those as current editorial evaluations rather than official rankings or a direct numerical DPS comparison.

Who is easier to play, Zankou or Nanally?

Nanally is generally easier to learn. Her main damage loop is straightforward once Ichi-Daime's Authority and Underboss are active. Zankou requires more attention to form transitions and Redirect Skill timing.

Who is better for exploration, Zankou or Nanally?

It depends on the task. Zankou can become invisible for 20 seconds and gains 50% Movement Speed while invisible, making her excellent for fast and stealthy travel. Nanally can walk on walls and climb extremely quickly, making her better for vertical traversal.

Should new players pull Zankou or Nanally?

For a new account with neither character and no established team, Zankou is the stronger current combat recommendation. Nanally is a good alternative if you prefer simpler gameplay or highly value her exploration mobility.

Should I pull Zankou if I already have Nanally?

Potentially, yes. They belong to different attributes and naturally support different team ecosystems. Zankou can give an account a second Incantation-focused core rather than simply replacing Nanally.

Should I get Zankou or another Nanally Awakening?

For most accounts without Zankou, a new Zankou provides more roster flexibility than an additional Nanally copy. Another Nanally Awakening makes more sense if Nanally is already your main long-term carry and your account does not need another DPS core.

Can Zankou and Nanally be used on the same team?

They can technically be used together, but they are not natural partners for most standard teams because both normally want significant active field time. They are generally more valuable as the central damage dealers of separate teams.

Do Zankou and Nanally have the same A-Class rate-ups?

Yes. The Version 1.3 Phase 1 Zankou and Nanally Limited Boards both feature Mint, Edgar, and Adler as A-Class rate-up characters.

When do the Zankou and Nanally banners end?

Both Phase 1 banners end on September 9, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8).

Does NTE limited banner pity carry over?

Yes. Current Limited Board documentation states that the 90-pull featured-character pity carries over between Limited Boards. Board-specific cosmetic perk progress follows separate rules and should not be confused with character pity.

Should I skip Zankou and Nanally for Linko?

You should consider saving if neither Phase 1 character meaningfully improves your account or if Linko is your preferred target. Linko is scheduled for Version 1.3 Phase 2 beginning September 9, but there is no reliable basis to assume that she will automatically be stronger than Zankou simply because her banner comes later.

Final Pull Recommendation

For the majority of players choosing strictly between the two Version 1.3 Phase 1 characters:

Zankou > Nanally for current overall pull priority.

But the gap is not large enough to ignore your roster.

Choose Zankou when you want a new top-end Incantation DPS, have Scorch or DoT partners ready, need another endgame team core, or want her stealth and movement-speed utility.

Choose Nanally when you already have the pieces of a strong Blossom team, want a proven Anima carry, prefer a simpler on-field damage loop, or particularly value wall-walking for exploration.

And if neither character fixes a real weakness in your account, saving is better than pulling simply because a banner is available.

For official banner dates and Version 1.3 information, check the Neverness to Everness Version 1.3 patch notes. For current post-release character testing, see the Zankou guide and Nanally guide on Prydwen.