Why Are Zonai Devices So Important?
Zonai gadgets create a hidden multiplier effect in the game’s combat. You can get by with basic attacks, but things change when larger enemies’ weakness meters kick in. You can’t deal significant damage without breaking this meter, and some creatures offer almost no defense. This is where Zonai gadgets shine: when used at the right moment, they expose an enemy’s weakness, trigger elemental weaknesses, and free you from “basic attack spam”, giving you a true tactical advantage.
Each gadget has a different effect: some freeze, some clear mud, and still others shake the enemy to unlock the bar. Understanding and matching these correctly can completely change the course of battle. In short, understanding Zonai gadgets allows you to play the game intelligently, not by rote.
Tactics for Using Zonai Devices in the Most Efficient Way
1- Adjust Your Gadget Settings Before Going on a Mission
Choosing which gadget you’ll carry from the character menu is crucial. If you take the wrong gadget, you’ll be cursing mid-battle, “I wish I’d switched.” You can equip two different gadgets simultaneously, allowing you to both break defenses and gain an elemental advantage.
2- Choose Gadgets Based on Enemy Type
Each enemy has its own weaknesses. Attacking ice enemies with fire or electricity is much more effective. Mud creatures can be exposed with water-based gadgets. Some gadgets—especially Time Bombs—destroy bosses by directly opening their weakness bar.
3- Don’t Forget Energy Management
All devices consume energy. When the battery runs out, so does the device. Instead of constantly pressing, you need to know when to use it. Saving energy for the right moment can change the course of battle, especially with larger enemies.
4- Switch Characters to Perform Combos
Use a device with one character to open a weak point, then quickly switch to the other character with a powerful combo. This tactic increases damage and opens the door to powerful chains like “Sync Strikes.”
5- Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
Some enemies are buried in mud, while others are vulnerable to elemental effects. Water devices clear the mud, electricity devices paralyze the group, and devices that hit a wide area disperse the crowd. Learning to look at the map doubles the effectiveness of the devices.
Mini Tips – “Golden Rule Summary”
- Device → combo when activated until the weak point is opened.
- Check your battery reserves before embarking on a mission.
- You can surprise your enemy by quickly switching between devices.
- Side missions are a great playground for testing and practicing different devices.
The 5 Best Zonai Devices and What Enemies Are They Used Against?
| Device | What is the use of it? | Enemies Against Which It Is Effective | Why Does It Work? |
| Time Bomb | Explodes and quickly opens the weak point meter | Lynel, Hinox, Talus, miniboss everything! | The explosion makes the enemy go into an “oops!” animation → the weak point bar opens |
| Frost Emitter | Blows cold and freezes the enemy | Moblin, Lizalfos (especially fire ones), anyone weak to ice | Freezing enemy = free combo party |
| Hydrant | Sprays water, clears mud, and destroys some enemies | Sludge-covered enemies, muddy bosses, fire-based creatures | It both removes mud and opens access to the weak point. |
| Shock Emitter | Gives electricity, makes the enemy tremble | Metal armor, electricity-weak bosses, dense enemy hordes | Electricity spreads over a wide area → making the crowd jump “hop hop hop” |
| Cannon | Works like a mini cannon, deals heavy damage from a distance | Large enemies coming slowly (Talus, Guardian), large groups | Safe damage from distance: “Don’t come close bro, I’ll deal it from a distance” mode |
Small but Effective Usage Tips
- Time Bomb = Always carry it with you → If you see a big enemy, stick it in like “aha opportunity!”
- Switch characters as soon as the Frost Emitter freezes → Two-character combos deal insane damage.
- Hydrant isn’t just water → The most critical device against mud bosses; it doubles the bar buildup speed.
- Shake up the crowd with the Shock Emitter then clear it with the Cannon → a musou-style “soup making” tactic.
- If resources are low, Time Bomb + basic attacks carry the entire game.
