Ice vs Ether Character Comparison

Ellen Joe vs Zhu Yuan

Ellen Joe is the stronger pure single-target Ice DPS with a high skill ceiling via her dash-counter loop. Zhu Yuan offers higher burst inside Stun but requires Abloom active (a second Ether or Support teammate) to reach her damage. For new accounts, Ellen is more self-sufficient; Zhu Yuan scales harder with investment and the right team.

VS
Ellen Joe
VS
Zhu Yuan

Damage Profile

Ellen Joe
Zhu Yuan
Sustained single-target via dash-counter loop
— Even
Burst inside Stun via Abloom EX Special
Strong even without a specific teammate
— Even
Collapses without Abloom (Ether/Support ally)

Team Requirement

Ellen Joe
Zhu Yuan
Wants a Stun agent (Lycaon) to extend windows
— Even
Requires Ether/Support ally for Abloom
F2P team: Ellen + Anby + Nicole
— Even
F2P team: Zhu Yuan + Nicole + Anby

Ease of Play

Ellen Joe
Zhu Yuan
Dash-cancel timing has a learning curve
— Even
Straightforward burst during Stun
Feels great once timing clicks
— Even
Feels weak if Abloom is forgotten

🎯 Verdict

Pull Ellen Joe if you want a plug-and-play Ice carry that is strong from day one. Pull Zhu Yuan if you will build an Ether core (Nicole + Stun) and want a burstier, team-dependent ceiling.

Which One Should You Choose?

Pull Ellen Joe if you want a plug-and-play Ice carry that is strong from day one. Pull Zhu Yuan if you will build an Ether core (Nicole + Stun) and want a burstier, team-dependent ceiling.

Consider your account when deciding. Look at the units and weapons you already own, the teams you already have built, and the content you struggle with most. Both Ellen Joe and Zhu Yuan are strong — the right choice depends on which fills a bigger gap in your roster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ellen Joe or Zhu Yuan better?

There is no universal answer — Ellen Joe wins in Damage Profile and Team Requirement and Ease of Play scenarios where their kit shines, while Zhu Yuan is stronger in others. Use the comparison tables above to match each option's strengths to your specific needs.

Which one is better for F2P players?

Both options are viable at base constellation with their F2P alternatives. Check each option's dedicated guide for the best budget builds and teams to see which one fits your account's current roster.