To score 90k in Hunter's Crucible with Zankou and no S-rank awakenings, focus on these essential strategies: optimize Zankou's build using the Crimson set, execute rotations with precision, and leverage buffs from consumables like Old Joe's bar drinks.
Zankou Character Build
prerequisites
- Gear requirements: Equip Zankou with the Crimson set, ensuring the incantation damage bonus as the main stat.
- Arc requirements: Use Zankou's signature arc leveled up properly, and prioritize modules with at least three effective sub-stats.
- Awakening constraint: Deactivate S-rank awakenings to maintain an A-rank state. Manage the A3 resonance effect by capping skill levels at 9 to achieve level 10 after the bonus effect.
- Module optimization: Ensure modules are tailored to enhance Zankou's DPS output.

The character customization panel highlights Zankou's build, including the Crimson set and equipped modules. — Beware the Raddish
Hunter's Crucible Rotations
steps
- Begin with Zankou's charged attack and golden skill, then switch to Daffodil and immediately switch back to Zankou.
- Perform a branch combo with Zankou by holding her basic attack until the dash animation begins, releasing it, and input buffering with single clicks to automatically progress to a branch attack.
- Repeat rotations consistently for all stages, tweaking slightly based on enemy behavior.

The character performs attacks during a battle against a large TV-headed enemy. — Beware the Raddish
Zankou Team Composition
prerequisites
- Character lineup: Use A-Zankou alongside A-Daffodil, A-Sakiri, and A-Adler.
- Gear optimization: Equip support characters with consoles and modules focused on break intensity.
Damage Buff Strategy
steps
- Old Joe's bar drinks: Purchase consumables offering crit rate, crit damage, and attack buffs for the entire team. Effects from different drinks stack but identical drinks do not.
- Blackbird's daily blessing: Visit Blackbird's location for supplementary stats, which apply during the event. Prioritize blessings providing higher-value buffs.
- Stage modifiers: Use HP increase and incantation resistance modifiers strategically for higher score boosts while offsetting difficulty.

Old Joe's shop menu displays items that provide damage buff effects. — Beware the Raddish
Avoiding Mistakes in Hunter's Crucible
FAQ: Achieving 90k Score
FAQ
How do I score 90k in Hunter's Crucible with Zankou?
Achieve 90k by optimizing Zankou's build with the Crimson set, executing precise rotations, and leveraging buffs from consumables and stage modifiers.
What builds are needed for A0 Zankou in Hunter's Crucible?
Use the Crimson set with incantation damage bonus as the main stat and prioritize modules with three effective sub-stats. Ensure skill levels are capped to offset resonance effects.
What are the ideal rotations for Zankou team?
Start with Zankou's charged attack and golden skill, incorporate branch combos for higher DPS, and switch ultimates and skills among team members strategically.
How can I use buffs effectively in Hunter's Crucible?
Use Old Joe's bar drinks for crit rate, crit damage, and attack buffs. Pair these buffs with Blackbird's daily blessings to enhance team stats during the event.
Is it possible to achieve 90k without using S-rank awakenings?
Yes, scoring 90k is achievable with an A0 Zankou setup by optimizing team composition, rotations, and consumable buffs.
Sources
Screenshots on this page are frames from the videos below, used to illustrate the steps they describe. All rights remain with their creators.
- 90k Hunter's Crucible Guide A0 Zankou Team NO S-Rank Awakenings — Beware the Raddish, August 25, 2026
Checked against:
- Ver. 1.3 "Rising from the Moonlit Fog" Patch Notes — PWM Game Manager, 2026-08-18
- NTE Version 1.3 Preview Special Program丨Airing Soon — PWM Game Manager, 2026-08-06
- Version 1.2 "999 Nights" Patch Notes — PWM Game Manager, 2026-07-07


