Snowbreak 101: Advanced Team Building

If you’ve gone through the fundamental team composition guide, you should have a good grasp of each operative’s role and how to combine them for an effective team setup. Nevertheless, there are instances where you require advanced knowledge about activating particular abilities or dealing with specific boss encounters. This guide serves as a customizable reference manual, offering detailed insights into various operative types or optimal choices when facing specific bosses.

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DPS

Ballistic

Skill
Hybrid
Sub-DPS

Support

General
Healer
Ballistic
Parts Break
Skill
Elemental
Control
U-Energy Battery

Specialist Roles

Damage Reduction
Shielded
Enhanced Weak Spot
No Weak Spot
Mobile
Multi-Target

Bosses

NameElemental WeaknessesElemental ResistancesCC VulnerabilitiesTraitsNotes
Beauvoir-13Kinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
Shielded
CerberusChaos (5%)
Thermal (5%)
Electric (10%)
N/AParalyze
Slow
Multi-TargetClone phase can be skipped with Paralyze
Cerberus – PyroclastFrost (40%)Thermal (40%)Paralyze
Slow
Multi-Target
EstherKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
Mobile
Fiend – FoehnKinetic (5%)
Frost (10%)
Electric (5%
Thermal (80%)Frozen
Slow
Multi-Target

Frequent Invulnerability

Fiend – FrostwindKinetic (5%)
Electric (5%)
Frost (80%)SlowMulti-Target

Sub-DPS Viable

Frequent Invulnerability

GavinKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
Destructible Parts

Shielded

Cubes that spawn during HP trigger have parts HP, but are optional to destroy
HelaChaos (5%)
Kinetic (5%)
Frost (10%)
Electric (5%)
N/AFrozen
Slow
Multi-Target
Hela – RagethornChaos (5%)
Kinetic (5%)
Frost (10%)
Electric (5%)
N/AFrozen
Slow
Multi-Target
Iron OuroborosChaos (20%)Electric (40%)N/AEnhanced Weak Spot

Shielded

Joseph The BisonKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
Joseph – HardenedKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Paralyze
Slow
Destructible Parts

Sub-DPS Viable

Mobile from phase 2 onward
KatyaKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
Mobile

Frequent Invulnerability

Katya – FrostcapKinetic (40%)Frost (60%)Stun
Slow
Mobile

Frequent Invulnerability

Invulnerability trigger can be delayed with Slow
Lament of YehrusChaos (5%)
Kinetic (5%)
Frost (10%)
Electric (5%)
N/AFrozen
Slow
Destructible Parts

Enhanced Weak Spot

Nascent WodenKinetic (20%)Chaos (40%)SlowMulti-Target

Frequent Invulnerability

Nightborne PhantomElectric (20%)Thermal (40%)Frozen
Slow
Destructible Parts

Multi-Target

Frequent Invulnerability

Ni-Type MechChaos (10%)
Thermal (5%)
Electric (10%)
N/AParalyze
Slow
Damage Reduction

Destructible Parts

Multi-Target

Ni-Type Mech – FalconerChaos (10%)
Thermal (5%)
Electric (10%)
N/AParalyze
Slow
Damage Reduction

Destructible Parts

Multi-Target

NjallChaos (5%)
Kinetic (5%)
Frost (10%)
Electric (5%)
N/AFrozen
Slow
Damage Reduction

Shielded

Njall – MurkfluxFrost (40%)
Electric (40%)
Chaos (60%)Frozen
Slow
Destructible Parts

Shielded

Pact of AntinomyChaos (20%)Kinetic (40%)SlowNo Weak Spot

Frequent Invulnerability

Weak spot technically exists, but not worth the trouble
π (pi) – PurifiedThermal (20%)Kinetic (40%)Paralyze
Slow
Multi-Target

Frequent Invulnerability

SartreKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
ShieldedInvulnerability triggers can be cancelled with Stun or delayed with Slow
Shadow PredatorThermal (20%)Frost (40%)Stun
Slow
ShieldedWall jump can be cancelled with Stun
Snowbreak Aku-MAFrost (20%)Kinetic (40%)FrozenDestructible Parts

Enhanced Weak Spot

Frequent Invulnerability

No Weak Spot

Weak spot only appears when downed, but is an enhanced weak spot
TeumessianChaos (10%)
Thermal (5%)
Electric (10%)
N/AParalyze
Slow
Invulnerability trigger can be skipped with Paralyze
θ (theta) – InversionElectric (20%)Chaos (40%)N/AFrequent Invulnerability

Shielded

WillKinetic (10%)
Thermal (10%)
Frost (5%)
N/AStun
Slow
MobileFrequent Invulnerability in phase 1
Will – FlamebladeKinetic (40%)Thermal (60%)Stun
Slow
Mobile

Sub-DPS Viable

Frequent Invulnerability

DPS Operatives

  • Low Endurance operatives have a limited period of time to deal damage before they run out of resources, typically only being able to perform a single damage rotation.
  • Short Range operatives have to be close to enemies to deal maximum damage.
  • Ultimate Reliant operatives require access to their ultimate skill in order to deal maximum damage.

Ballistic DPS

Operatives specializing in ballistics inflict twice the usual damage to shields, and they often aim for vulnerable points to deliver a critical blow and cause maximum damage.

OperativeElementWeaponNotes
Fenny – LionheartKineticShotgunShort Range
Marian – Queen of PainChaosSniper Rifle
Mauxir – MeowFrostSMGNot reliant on landing critical hits
Haru – The AceKineticPistolPlease don’t
Yao – Winter SolsticeThermalSniper RifleLow Endurance
Ultimate-Reliant
Fenny – CoronetElectricShotgunShort Range
Marian – SwiftKineticSniper RifleLow Endurance
Katya – Blue BoltFrostCrossbowNot reliant on landing critical hits (can’t crit)
Fritia – TurboChaosSniper Rifle
Bubu – The GeomancerThermalPistolUltimate-Reliant (does not use U-Energy)

Skill DPS

Operatives with proficiency in skill-based attacks usually don’t necessarily need to target vulnerable points, yet striking those areas can still offer additional advantages.

OperativeElementWeaponNotes
Fritia – HushThermalAssault RifleLow Endurance
Ultimate-Reliant
Haru – AbsconditusKineticPistolLow Endurance against bosses
Cherno – EnigmaChaosSMG
Siris – KsanaThermalShotgunShort Range
Ultimate-Reliant
Vidya – AgaveElectricPistol
Katya – DawnwingFrostAssault Rifle

Hybrid DPS

These operatives come in two varieties:

  • Mixed damage: the operative deals both ballistic and skill damage, but in separate instances.
  • Dual mode: the damage the operative deals is treated as both ballistic and skill damage.
OperativeElementWeaponNotes
Lyfe – Wild HuntFrostSMGMixed Damage
Primarily skill damage
Chenxing – Ethereal CloudElectricAssault RifleMixed Damage
Primarily ballistic damage
Lyfe – Infinite SightKineticDual SMGMixed Damage
Primarily ballistic damage
Chenxing – Jade ArcElectricBowDual Mode
Damage is classified as skill damage

Sub-DPS

In simpler terms, the function of Sub-DPS agents is primarily to bypass defense mechanisms that make targets invincible for a short period, and these roles are best filled by agents who can inflict massive damage with a single strike.

OperativeCategory
Cherno – EnigmaSkill DPS
Siris – KsanaSkill DPS

Support Operatives

  • Low Endurance operatives have a limited period of time to be effective before they run out of resources, typically only being able to perform a single skill rotation.

General

OperativeWeaponNotes
Lyfe – Wild HuntSMGRequires Amarna Squad logistics and support weapon
Acacia – KaguyaPistol
Mauxir – Shadow KaSMGExtra synergy with ballistic DPS operatives
Vulnerable to bosses with Frequent Invulnerability
Tess – The MagicianSniper RifleLow Endurance
U-Energy battery utility
Eatchel – The CubShotgunHigh investment required

Ballistic

OperativeWeaponNotes
Fritia – Little SunshineAssault RifleIncompatible with Fenny – Starshine
Enya – Big SisPistol
Siris – The GoldfishShotgun
Fenny – StarshineAssault RifleIncompatible with Fritia – Little Sunshine
Yao – NightglowSMGDon’t believe Seasun’s lies

Skill

OperativeWeaponNotes
Chenxing – The ObserverAssault Rifle
Enya – ExuviaPistol
Marian – RiptideShotgunParts break utility

CC Support

Managing to inflict control effects on bosses can simplify battles as they enable you to block certain attacks and create opportunities for increased damage (DPS). Moreover, some bosses possess health thresholds that can be bypassed with a skillfully timed control effect. Nevertheless, for players who deal sufficient damage, control effects are often less crucial unless specifically required to cancel a trigger.

  • Control effect is applied via support skill unless otherwise indicated.
  • Operatives use the Navigator Squad logistics set unless otherwise indicated.
TypeOperativeWeaponNotes
ParalyzeLyfe – WednesdaySMG
Vidya – AgavePistol
Yao – NightglowSMGBallistic support utility
Navigator not recommended
SlowAcacia – RedactedPistolU-Energy battery utility
Cherno – Those TwoSMG
Cherno – EnigmaSMGNot generally recommended
FreezeLyfe – Wild HuntSMGNavigator not recommended
Acacia – KaguyaPistolRequires standard skill hits
Katya – Blue BoltCrossbowNot generally recommended
No support weapon options
Katya – DawnwingAssault RifleNot generally recommended
StunNita – HandsShotgunFrom ultimate skill
Haru – AbsconditusPistol
Eatchel – The CubShotgunGeneral support utility at high investment
Navigator not recommended
Lyfe – Infinite SightDual SMGNot generally recommend
No support weapon options

Healer

OperativeWeaponNotes
Chenxing – The ObserverAssault RifleSkill support utility
Yao – Quiet QuitterSniper Rifle
Eatchel – The CubShotgunGeneral support utility at high investment

Parts Break

Operatives shoot to break parts unless otherwise indicated.

OperativeWeaponNotes
Fenny – LionheartShotgun
Nita – HandsShotgunCC support utility
Siris – The GoldfishShotgunBallistic support utility
Fenny – CoronetShotgunBallistic support utility
Tess – The MagicianSniper RifleGeneral support utility
U-Energy battery
Uses ultimate skill
NOT a main parts breaker, for extra parts break speed only
Eatchel – The CubShotgunGeneral support utility at high investment
Siris – KsanaShotgun
Vidya – AgavePistolUses standard skill
Marian – RiptideShotgunSkill support utility

Elemental Resistance Shred

These agents can lower the resistance of specific elements for their opponents, which they accomplish using their support ability.

ElementOperativeWeaponSourceNotes
AllAcacia – KaguyaPistolSupport skill
ElectricLyfe – WednesdaySMGTwilight
Enya – ExuviaPistolTwilight
ChaosAcacia – RedactedPistolTwilight
Marian – Queen of PainSniper RifleSupport skill
Mauxir – Shadow KaSMGTwilight
ThermalFritia – Little SunshineAssault RifleTwilightBest used with ballistic DPS
KineticSiris – The GoldfishShotgunTwilightBest used with ballistic DPS
FrostLyfe – Wild HuntSMGTwilight

U-Energy Battery

OperativeCategorySourceNotes
Acacia – RedactedCC SupportDeiwos Passive
Tess – The MagicianGeneral SupportUltimate SkillLow Endurance

Specialized Roles

Agents who can fulfill any of these roles may prove particularly useful when dealing with bosses exhibiting such traits. However, merely having an agent capable of these roles doesn’t automatically mean they are the best fit for that specific boss. Always trust your own discernment in making a final decision!

Damage Reduction

These operatives have the ability to circumvent damage reduction barriers, or facilitate the primary attacker in doing so.

OperativeCategorySource
Cherno – EnigmaSkill DPSStandard skill
Mauxir – Shadow KaGeneral supportSupport skill
ChenxingHybrid DPSUltimate skill

Enhanced Weak Spot

Operatives skilled in ballistics can exploit vulnerable areas for increased damage, just like these other operatives can too.

OperativeCategory
Chenxing – Ethereal CloudHybrid DPS
Siris – KsanaSkill DPS
Lyfe – Infinite SightHybrid DPS
Katya – DawnwingSkill DPS

Mobile

These agents possess abilities that make it efficient for targeting mobile leaders, thus enabling the primary damage dealer to focus on them as well.

OperativeCategory
Mauxir – MeowBallistic DPS
Marian – SwiftBallistic DPS
Mauxir – Shadow KaGeneral support
Vidya – AgaveSkill DPS
Fritia – TurboBallistic DPS
Chenxing – Jade ArcHybrid DPS

Additionally, consider a CC support to immobilise the boss.

Multi-Target

These operatives can take advantage of enemies with multiple targetable parts to deal extra damage.

OperativeCategory
Chenxing – Ethereal CloudHybrid DPS
Haru – AbsconditusSkill DPS
Lyfe – Infinite SightHybrid DPS

Shielded

All ballistic operatives overpower shielded foes because they inflict twice the normal damage on shields. Moreover, these hybrid operatives, who deal substantial ballistic damage or whose damage is considered as ballistic, will also reap this benefit, gaining an edge against shielded enemies.

  • Chenxing – Ethereal Cloud
  • Lyfe – Infinite Sight
  • Chenxing – Jade Arc

No Weak Spot

Operatives specialized in dealing damage are typically more successful when facing bosses without vulnerable spots, as they don’t necessarily need to score critical hits to inflict damage. Interestingly, certain operatives specializing in ballistics or hybrid tactics can either consistently land critical hits or don’t require them, making it possible to bypass the absence of a weak spot on the target.

OperativeCategory
Lyfe – Wild HuntHybrid DPS
Katya – Blue BoltBallistic DPS
Lyfe – Infinite SightHybrid DPS
Bubu – The GeomancerBallistic DPS
Chenxing – Jade ArcHybrid DPS

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2025-02-09 23:03

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