Nicole

Nicole Demara

Ether

Support

Strike

Cunning Hares

Best Nicole Build Guide

Written by Phạm Ngọc Bảo Châu · Updated 6 Oct 2026

Playstyle Overview

Nicole is a free Ether Support Agent, yet she ranks among the strongest Supports in the game. When her enhanced bullets or energy fields hit, her Core Passive lowers the target's DEF by 20%, and her Additional Ability increases the Ether DMG the whole squad deals to that target. Her EX Special Attack, Chain Attack and Ultimate all create energy fields that pull enemies together.

Nicole needs little field time, so you can swap her in mid-Stun to refresh her DEF shred. She works with almost any DPS and needs minimal investment. Build Energy Regen, ATK and Anomaly Proficiency. The downsides: her DEF shred has very short uptime, and she has no synergy at all with Rupture Agents.

Best W-Engines

The Vault

ATK 624 · Energy Regen 50%

Her signature and the most used option: it fits her rotation perfectly, boosting the squad's DMG against the target when her EX Special, Chain Attack or Ultimate deals Ether DMG. The buff is short, so save her EX Special for the moments that matter.

Money-Lover ›

Dealing Ether DMG using an EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, or Ultimate increases all squad members' DMG against the target by 15% and increases the equipper's Energy Regen by 0.5/s for 2s. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

*Stats are shown at base level

Weeping Cradle

ATK 684 · PEN 9.6%

Rina's signature, one of the best damage-amplifying engines for Supports, with convenient off-field Energy Regen. It works well even though PEN Ratio isn't an ideal Support stat.

Punishment ›

While off-field, the equipper's Energy Regen increases by 0.6/s. Attacks from the equipper enhances the squad's DMG against a struck target by10% for 3s. During this period, this effect is further increased by 1.7% every 0.5s, up to a maximum additional increase of 10.2%. Repeated triggers only refreshes its duration without refreshing the DMG increase effect. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

*Stats shown are at Base level.

Kaboom the Cannon

ATK 624 · Energy Regen 50%

The best general Support engine after Weeping Cradle: an Energy Regen main stat and a near-permanent ATK buff for the team.

Stampede Accident ›

When any friendly unit in the squad attacks and hits an enemy, all squad member’s ATK increases by 2.5%/2.8%/3.2%/2.6%/4% for 8s, stacking up to 4 times. The duration of each stack is calculated separately, and each friendly unit can provide 1 stack of the buff. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

Slice of Time

ATK 594 · PEN Ratio 20%

An A-Rank engine you can get for free that generates extra Decibels for the team; a decent placeholder until you own the options above.

Say Cheese ›

Any squad members' Dodge Counter, EX Special Attack, Assist Attack, or Chain Attack respectively generates 20/25/30/35 more Decibels and generates 0.7 Energy for the equipper. This effect can trigger once every 12s. The cooldown for each type of attack is independent of others. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

*Stats shown are at Base level.

[Reverb] Mark II

ATK 475 · Energy Regen 40%

A solid free-to-play option that provides Energy Regen.

Roaring Waves ›

Launching an EX Special Attack or Chain Attack increases all squad members' Anomaly Mastery and Anomaly Proficiency by 10 for 10s. This effect can trigger once every 20s. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

*Stats shown are at Base level.

Unfettered Game Ball

ATK 594 · Energy Regen 50%

Grants the squad CRIT Rate when her attacks trigger an Attribute Counter, but it is locked behind the paid Battle Pass and weaker than the other options.

Game Start! ›

Whenever the equipper's attack triggers an Attribute Counter effect, all squad members' CRIT Rate increases by 12% for 12s. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

*Stats shown are at Base level.

Best Drive Discs

Moonlight Lullaby

4-pc ›

2-piece:

Energy Regen +20%

4-piece:

When the equipper is a Support character and uses an EX Special Attack or Ultimate, the DMG dealt by all squad members increases by 18% for 25s.

Repeated triggers reset the duration. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

Phaethon's Melody

2-pc ›

2-piece:

Anomaly Mastery +8%.

The best set for any Support: a longer, easier-to-trigger team DMG buff than Proto Punk or Swing Jazz, needing only an EX Special or Ultimate. Pair it with 2-piece Phaethon's Melody; Astral Voice, Hormone Punk, Chaos Jazz or Freedom Blues also work.

Astral Voice

4-pc ›

2-piece:

ATK +10%

4-piece:

Whenever any squad member enters the field using a Quick Assist, all squad members gain 1 stack of Astral, up to a maximum of 3 stacks, and lasting 15s. Repeated triggers reset the duration. Each stack of Astral increases the DMG dealt by the character entering the field using a Quick Assist by 8%. Only one of this effect can be active at a time in the same squad.

Phaethon's Melody

2-pc ›

2-piece:

Anomaly Mastery +8%.

A versatile buffing set: a big DMG bonus for Agents entering via Quick Assist, which fits since Nicole's EX Special and Chain Attack trigger Quick Assists on hit. The buff may not stay up for the whole fight, though.

Swing Jazz

4-pc ›

2-piece:

Energy Regen increases +20%

4-piece:

Launching a Chain Attack or Ultimate increases all squad members' DMG by 15% for 12s. Passive effects of the same name do not stack.

Chaotic Metal

2-pc ›

2-piece:

Ether DMG +10%

Energy Regen plus a 12s team DMG buff after Chain Attacks or Ultimates, easy to time with Stun windows; 2-piece Chaotic Metal adds Ether DMG. Good when another teammate already holds Astral Voice.

Freedom Blues

4-pc ›

2-piece:

Anomaly Proficiency +30

4-piece:

When an EX Special Attack hits an enemy, reduce the target's Anomaly Buildup RES to the equipper's Attribute by 20% for 8s. This effect does not stack with others of the same attribute.

Hormone Punk

2-pc ›

2-piece:

ATK +10%

For Disorder teams with Miyabi, Yanagi or Jane: her EX Special lowers the target's Ether Anomaly Buildup RES, so Nicole builds Anomaly faster to help trigger Disorder.

Best Main Stats

Disc 4ATK% / Anomaly Proficiency
Disc 5Ether DMG / ATK%
Disc 6Energy Regen / ATK%

Best Sub Stats

1Anomaly Proficiency
2ATK%
3PEN
4Flat ATK

Endgame Stats

ATK: 2000 – 2400+ (optional)
HP: 10000+
DEF: 800+
Anomaly Proficiency: 200 – 320+ (optional)

The key stat is Energy Regen on Disc 6 so she can use her EX Special Attack often. Everything else (ATK, Anomaly Proficiency, Ether DMG) only adds to Nicole's own damage and Anomaly buildup, which is nice but not a priority for team building.

Skill Priority

Core Skill
›Special Attack
›Chain Attack
›Assist
›Basic Attack
›Dodge

Her Core Skill increases her DEF shred, so always level it first. Special Attack raises the damage and Daze of every EX Special variant, followed by Chain Attack since she uses Chains very often. Assist, Basic Attack and Dodge come later.

Best Teams for Nicole

Most Used Teams Right Now

Claret Flint

Trigger

Nicole

The most used team featuring Nicole in both Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault: her DEF shred lets Claret and Trigger get the most out of their damage.

Pyrois

Nicole

Astra Yao

The second most used team: Pyrois shares her Ether Attribute, so Nicole's Additional Ability adds Ether DMG on top of her DEF shred, while Astra Yao provides all-round buffs.

Attack DPS Teams

A standout pairing: Nicole and Zhu Yuan activate each other's Additional Abilities, giving Zhu Yuan more CRIT Rate and the team more Ether DMG, and Nicole fills Zhu Yuan's downtime. Qingyi handles Stun, since Zhu Yuan hits Stunned enemies much harder.

Harumasa

Qingyi

Nicole

Nicole fills the gaps between Harumasa's damage windows better than Astra Yao, and with optimal play her buffs are about as strong.

Disorder Team

Jane

Vivian

Nicole

Nicole builds Ether Anomaly to help trigger Disorder, so run 4-piece Freedom Blues. The CRIT Rate buff from her M6 does little in this team.

F2P Team

All three are free and activate each other's Additional Abilities: Billy deals the damage, Anby Stuns, and Nicole shreds DEF and groups enemies.

Best Bangboo for Nicole

In the Ether team with Zhu Yuan, use Resonaboo (needs two Ether Agents); Devilboo (same condition), Booressure, Sumoboo or Amillion are alternatives. As a Support, Nicole always activates the Additional Ability of Booressure, Avocaboo and Exploreboo.

In the F2P team, Avocaboo heals the whole squad; Sumoboo and Exploreboo also work. Amillion works best with two or more Cunning Hares members.

Skills

Basic Attack: Cunning Combo

Press Basic to activate:

Unleashes up to 3 strikes, dealing Physical DMG.

Basic Attack: Do As I Please

After using a Special Attack, EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, or Ultimate, Nicole can reload, and her Basic Attack and Dash Attack are enhanced, increasing the power of her bullets.

Skill levelLv.12

Basic Attack: Cunning Combo
1st-Hit DMG Multiplier	78.5% + 18.2%*3
2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier	71.6% + 18.1%*4
3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier	248.6% + 18%*20
1st-Hit Daze Multiplier	29.4% + 10.6%*3
2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier	44.4% + 10.5%*4
3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier	157.1% + 10.4%*20

1st-Hit DMG Multiplier	78.5% + 32.9%*3
2nd-Hit DMG Multiplier	71.6% + 32.9%*4
3rd-Hit DMG Multiplier	248.6% + 32.9%*20
1st-Hit Daze Multiplier	29.4% + 10.6%*3
2nd-Hit Daze Multiplier	44.4% + 10.5%*4
3rd-Hit Daze Multiplier	157.1% + 10.4%*20
Bội Số Choáng Đòn 3	157.1% + 10.4%*20

Dodge: Speed Demon

Press Dodge to activate:

A rapid dodge.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

Drag the Move to dodge, then hold Dodge to reload while dodging, enhancing Basic Attacks and Dash Attacks up to 8 times.

Dash Attack: Jack in the Box

When dragging the Move during a dodge, press Basic:

Dashes in the target direction and strikes nearby enemies, dealing Physical DMG.

When not dragging the Move during a dodge, press Basic:

Vaults backward and launches a ranged strike against enemies in front, dealing Physical DMG.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance her Basic Attack and Dash Attack, up to 8 times.

Dodge Counter: Diverted Bombard

Press Basic during a Perfect Dodge to activate:

Dodge backwards and send a ranged strike at enemies in front, dealing Ether DMG.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

Skill levelLv.12

Dash Attack: Jack in the Box
Forward Dash DMG Multiplier	83% + 18%*13
Backward Dash DMG Multiplier	120.5%
Forward Dash DMG Multiplier	44.4% + 5.2%*13
Backward Dash Daze Multiplier	90.8%

Forward Dash DMG Multiplier	83% + 18%*13
Forward Dash DMG Multiplier	44.4% + 5.2%*13
Bội Số Choáng

Quick Assist: Emergency Bombard

When the on-field character is launched, press Switch to activate:

Dodge backwards and send a ranged strike at enemies in front, dealing Ether DMG.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

Defensive Assist: The Hare Strikes Back!

When the character on field is about to be attacked, press Switch to activate:

Parries the enemy's attack, dealing massive Daze.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

Assist Follow-Up: Window of Opportunity

Press Basic after a Defensive Assist to activate:

Charge forward and bombard enemies, dealing Ether DMG.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

Skill levelLv.12

Quick Assist: Emergency Bombard
DMG Multiplier	127.2%
Daze Multiplier	96.4%

Light Defensive Daze Multiplier	371.0%
Heavy Defensive Daze Multiplier	467.9%
Chain Defensive Daze Multiplier	227.6%
Bội Số Đỡ Choáng Liên Tục
DMG Multiplier	754.4%
Daze Multiplier	496.4%
Bội Số DMG	754.4%
Bội Số Choáng	496.4%

Special Attack: Sugarcoated Bullet

Press Special to activate:

Unleashes a ranged strike against enemies in front, dealing Ether DMG.

Anti-Interrupt level is increased while using this skill.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

EX Special Attack: Stuffed Sugarcoated Bullet

With enough Energy, press EX to activate:

A powerful ranged strike, generating an energy field that pulls enemies towards its center to deal Ether DMG.

Hold EX down to charge up this attack, during which a small energy field is generated at the muzzle as Energy is consumed, dealing bonus DMG to enemies nearby.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

A Quick Assist is triggered when this skill hits an enemy.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

Skill levelLv.12

Special Attack: Sugarcoated Bullet
DMG Multiplier	105.4%
Daze Multiplier	76.4%

EX Special Attack: Stuffed Sugarcoated Bullet
Charged Attack DMG Multiplier	430.6%
Bombard DMG Multiplier	430.6%
Energy Field DMG Multiplier	774.2%
Charged Daze Multiplier	270.0%
Bombard Daze Multiplier	270.0%
Energy Field Daze Multiplier	486.4%

Chain Attack: Ether Shellacking

When a Chain Attack is triggered, select the character to activate:

Unleashes a powerful ranged strike at enemies in a small area, generating an energy field that pulls enemies towards its center to deal Ether DMG.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

A Quick Assist is triggered when this skill hits an enemy.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

Ultimate: Ether Grenade

When Decibel Rating is at Maximum, press Ultimate to activate:

Unleashes a powerful ranged strike at enemies in a small area, generating an energy field that pulls enemies towards its center to deal Ether DMG.

When using this skill, other squad members recover 10 Energy.

The next character to switch in gains an additional 20 Energy.

Character is invulnerable while using this skill.

A Quick Assist is triggered when this skill hits an enemy.

Automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.

Skill levelLv.12

Chain Attack: Ether Shellacking
Bombard DMG Multiplier	420.8%
Energy Field DMG Multiplier	566.8%
Bombard Daze Multiplier	76.4%
Energy Field Daze Multiplier	101.6%

Bombard DMG Multiplier	1293.6%
Energy Field DMG Multiplier	1746.6%
Bombard Daze Multiplier	54.7%
Energy Field Daze Multiplier	73.9%
Bội Số Choáng Trường Năng Lượng	73.9%

Core Passive: Mechanical Case

After hitting an enemy with a Special Attack, EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, or Ultimate, Nicole can reload, enhancing her Basic Attack and Dash Attack. When her enhanced bullets or Energy Field hits an enemy, the target's DEF is reduced by 20% for 3.5s.

*Stats shown are at Base level.

Additional Ability: Hare of Many Burrows

When another character in your squad shares the same Attribute or Faction:

When Nicole's Core Passive: Mechanical Case applies a debuff to an enemy, all squad members deal 25% more Ether DMG to the target for 3.5s.

Skill levelLv.7 (F)

Core Passive: Mechanical Case
Target's DEF reduced	40%
Energy Regen	-
Base ATK	+25

Mindscape Cinema

Which Mindscapes Are Worth It?

M1 is a worthwhile stopping point: it doesn't directly strengthen her buffs, but it adds EX Special damage and Anomaly Buildup and extends her energy field. M6 is the biggest boost to her support value, especially for CRIT-based DPS (less so for Disorder teams). M2 and M4 are decent; M3 and M5 only add skill levels and are not counted.

M1
Her EX Special gains 16% DMG and Anomaly Buildup, and longer charging extends the energy field; great for Disorder teams and for stretching her short debuff window.
M2
Each time her DEF shred triggers, Nicole restores 5 Energy (with a cooldown), a solid extra source of Energy.
M4
Her energy field's diameter grows by 3m, handy for grouping mobs in Shiyu Defense or when a boss moves around a lot.
M6
Her energy fields raise the squad's CRIT Rate against the target, stacking up to 10 times (15% max), a major buff for CRIT DPS like Miyabi or Attack Agents.

Supercharged BombRecommended

The DMG and the Anomaly Buildup inflicted by Nicole's EX Special Attack increases by 16%. For each additional 0.1s of charging when Nicole activates her EX Special Attack, the duration of the energy field created at the target location increases by 0.15s

"I've juiced you all up! Go get 'em!"

"Huh? I-I wasn't slacking off, I swear — I just needed a break!"

Charging DeviceRecommended

Nicole recovers 5 Energy when Core Passive: Mechanical Case's debuff is triggered. This effect can trigger once every [ ]s.

"Never underestimate the value of a single second!"

"Do you have any idea how much extra I can squeeze out of just one second? It's unfathomable!"

"So, can I get a productivity bonus? How about 10%, huh?"

A Hare's Cunning

Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2

Without overpowering might or abundant resources, Nicole depended on her own sharp mind to bring the Cunning Hares to where they are today.

Field ExpansionRecommended

When Nicole uses her EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, or Ultimate, the diameter of the energy field generated at the target location is increased by 3m.

"This, and this too — all of this will soon become the Cunning Hares' territory. Do you hear me!"

"W—What? How soon?"

"Uh... in about ten thousand years, based on current revenue projections."

Industry Star

Basic Attack, Dodge, Assist, Special Attack, and Chain Attack Lv. +2

Though they have plenty of enemies in the industry, Nicole has led her team out of many impossible situations, and so their reputation and experience steadily grew.

Corrupting Energy FieldRecommended

When Nicole's energy fields deal DMG to an enemy, all squad member's CRIT Rate against that enemy increases by 1.5%, stacking up to 10 times, and lasting 12s. The duration of each stack is calculated separately.

A switch to higher quality ammo with better firepower and increased compressed Etheric Matter leads to higher damage, longer use duration... and higher costs.

Base Stats

Stats at Lv.60

HP: 8145
ATK: 574
DEF: 622
Impact: 88
CRIT Rate: 5%
CRIT DMG: 50%
Anomaly Proficiency: 98
Anomaly Mastery: 100
PEN Ratio: 0%
Energy Regen: 1.2

Stats by level

Level	HP	ATK	DEF
1	655	93	50
10	1454	140	111
10+	1903	173	145
20	2792	227	213
20+	3242	261	248
30	4131	314	315
30+	4580	347	349
40	5469	400	417
40+	5919	433	451
50	6808	486	519
50+	7257	520	554
60	8145	574	622

Profile

Faction: Cunning Hares
Gender: Female
Height: 165 cm
Birthday: Nov 11
Release version: 1.0
Signature W-Engine: The Vault
Voice actors (English): Nadia Marshall
Voice actors (Chinese): 陈婷婷 (Chen Tingting)
Voice actors (Japanese): 芹澤優 (Serizawa Yuu)
Voice actors (Korean): 신나리 (Shin Na-ri)

"A wise choice! But my commission fee isn't cheap!"

Nicole is the founder of the New Eridu Odd-Job Agency the Cunning Hares.

After years on the streets, Nicole's crafty and cunning behavior has earned her a reputation among her peers as "Even more cunning than a hare".

Despite the agency's high commission fee, the Cunning Hares financial situation is constantly in the red...

Story

Details

Database search: Nicole. Returned results:

"Boss of the odd-job agency, the Cunning Hares," "Streetwise," "Orphan, parents unknown."

Nicole's agency was originally called Gentle House, but due to her reputation of being cunning, it gained the nickname the Cunning Hares.

"She's really into money! I don't know what she's doing with it all though, seems like she's doing nothing."

— The above is a quote from a popular post on Inter-Knot: "Her odd-job agency is outrageous. I've never encountered a boss who knows how to turn everything into profit!"

The individual involved responded, "This, this is a false accusation! I, Nicole, have never been skilled at making money — mainly because I don't have any money to begin with!"

According to reliable sources, the Cunning Hares are constantly in debt, and their "careful budgeting" seems to have no effect on the organization.

Increase Trust to Close to unlock more

During her early years, Nicole spent a good amount of time in an orphanage.

There are rumors that Nicole once reached an adoption agreement with a prominent family. Yet, shortly afterward, she reappeared by herself somewhere in New Eridu, and has been out around the streets ever since.

Cooperation Notes:

Belle

Turns out Nicole is more famous in the biz than I thought huh!

Wise

Instead of these astute comments, I’m more interested in seeing a comprehensive list of everything Nicole owes us.

Ghi Chú Hợp Tác

Belle

Thì ra Nicole nổi tiếng trong giới hơn em nghĩ!

Wise

Thay vì những nhận xét gay gắt này, anh muốn xem toàn bộ hóa đơn nợ cho đến hiện tại của Nicole hơn.