Zane the Operative, a master of technology and gadgets, stands as a versatile character in Borderlands 3. With a plethora of skill trees and action skills, Zane can be customized to suit various playstyles. One such playstyle, the “Seeing Dead” build, focuses on increasing Zane’s damage output through critical hits and kill skills. By combining specific skills and gear, players can maximize Zane’s potential and dominate the battlefields of Pandora.
The “Seeing Dead” build revolves around Zane’s SNTNL-57 Jakobs variant. This action skill summons a powerful drone that deals massive critical damage. By investing in the “Synchronicity” skill, players can increase the critical hit chance of both Zane and SNTNL, stacking the odds in their favor. Additionally, the “Violent Speed” and “Violent Momentum” skills enhance Zane’s movement and weapon handling, allowing him to quickly reposition and deliver precise shots. This combination of skills transforms Zane into a lethal marksman, capable of eliminating targets with ease.
To further enhance the “Seeing Dead” build, players should prioritize gear that complements Zane’s skillset. Weapons with increased critical hit damage, such as the “Infinity” pistol or the “Lyuda” sniper rifle, are highly effective. Shields with the “Transformer” prefix, which converts shock damage into shields, provide added survivability. Moreover, artifacts like the “Seeing Dead” class mod, which grants bonus critical hit damage, are crucial for maximizing Zane’s output. By carefully selecting and synergizing gear, players can unleash the full potential of the “Seeing Dead” build and become an unstoppable force on the battlefields of Borderlands 3.
Zane’s Ultimate Build for Max Damage Output
Head and Body
The SNTNL cryo anointment is a must-have for Zane builds that focus on maximizing damage output. This anointment causes Zane’s SNTNL drone to deal cryo damage to enemies, which can freeze them in place and make them more vulnerable to damage. In addition, the SNTNL cryo anointment also increases Zane’s gun damage by 25%, making it one of the most powerful anointments in the game.
Other head and body armor pieces that are useful for Zane builds include the Seein’ Dead class mod, which increases Zane’s damage output against enemies that are affected by status effects, and the Rough Rider shield, which grants Zane a large boost to his maximum health and shield capacity.
The following table summarizes the recommended head and body armor pieces for Zane builds that focus on maximizing damage output:
| Head | Body |
|---|---|
| Seein’ Dead class mod | Rough Rider shield |
| SNTNL cryo anointment | SNTNL cryo anointment |
Synergizing Zane’s Skills for Optimal Efficiency
Prioritizing Matching Skills
To maximize Zane’s combat effectiveness, it’s crucial to align his skills with his weapons and playstyle. For instance, if you favor assault rifles, consider investing heavily in the “Violent Speed” skill tree, which enhances assault rifle damage and handling. By matching skills to your preferred weapons, you can significantly boost your damage output.
Considering Synergistic Skill Interactions
Beyond matching skills to weapons, it’s equally important to explore synergistic interactions between skills. A notable example lies within the “Undercover” skill tree. The “Confident Competence” skill grants a substantial bonus to “Kill Skill” effect duration. When paired with the “Professional” skill that activates “Kill Skill” effects on target elimination, you can create a potent synergy that extends the duration of your powerful abilities, resulting in sustained combat dominance.
| Skill | Synergistic Interaction |
|---|---|
| Confident Competence | Extends the duration of Kill Skill effects |
| Professional | Activates Kill Skill effects on target elimination |
Additionally, the “Double Barrel” skill, which grants a second instance of “Kill Skill” activation, can further enhance this synergy, allowing you to trigger your powerful abilities more frequently. By understanding such synergies, you can customize Zane to suit your specific playstyle and maximize his potential.
The Best Weapons and Gear for Zane’s Build
Weapons
Zane is a versatile character who can use a variety of weapons effectively. However, some weapons are particularly well-suited to his skills and abilities. These include weapons with high critical hit damage, weapons that can apply elemental effects, and weapons that have high magazine capacities.
Some of the best weapons for Zane include the:
- Kaoson: A Dahl assault rifle that deals high critical hit damage.
- Hellwalker: A Torgue shotgun that fires explosive rounds.
- Night Hawkin: A Jakobs sniper rifle that can apply various elemental effects.
- Monarch: A Vladof assault rifle that has a high magazine capacity and can deal high damage at close range.
Gear
In addition to weapons, Zane can also equip a variety of gear that can enhance his abilities. This gear includes class mods, artifacts, and grenades.
Some of the best gear for Zane includes the:
- Seein’ Dead class mod: Increases Zane’s critical hit damage and accuracy.
- Pearl of Ineffable Knowledge artifact: Reduces the cooldown of Zane’s action skills.
- Cloning Maddening Tracker grenade: Spawns a clone of Zane that can attack enemies.
Skill Tree
Zane has three skill trees, each of which offers a variety of skills that can enhance his abilities. The best skill tree for Zane depends on his playstyle and the weapons and gear he is using. However, some of the most popular skills for Zane include:
Doubled Agent
Increases Zane’s damage output and grants him the ability to equip two action skills at once.
Drone Delivery
Deploys a drone that can attack enemies and provide support to Zane.
Calm, Cool, Collected
Reduces Zane’s action skill cooldown and grants him a shield that absorbs damage.
Utilizing Zane’s Digi-Clone for Strategic Advantages
Zane’s Digi-Clone ability is a versatile tool that can significantly enhance his combat effectiveness. Here’s how to maximize its potential:
Positioning and Distraction
Deploy the Digi-Clone in strategic locations to distract enemies and draw fire away from you. Use it to flank enemies from unexpected angles, creating opportunities for critical hits or takedowns.
Synchronicity and Sharing Perks
When activated, the Digi-Clone shares Zane’s current weapons and skills. Equip the “Synchronicity” perk (in the “Hitman” skill tree) to boost the clone’s damage by 25%. Additionally, the “Shared Stimulus” perk (in the “Doubled Agent” skill tree) grants both Zane and the clone a 30% boost to shield capacity.
Clone Chain Reaction
The “Keep Firing” perk (in the “Hitman” skill tree) enables the Digi-Clone to proc consecutive kill skills. For example, killing an enemy with the clone triggers “Violent Momentum”, boosting weapon damage on subsequent kills. This creates a powerful chain reaction that can significantly increase Zane’s damage output.
| Perk | Effect |
|---|---|
| Synchronicity | Digi-Clone’s damage increased by 25% |
| Shared Stimulus | Zane and Digi-Clone receive a 30% boost to shield capacity |
| Keep Firing | Digi-Clone can trigger consecutive kill skills |
Maximizing Zane’s Sentry Turret for Support
As a master manipulator within the Borderlands universe, Zane is known for his exceptional tactical abilities in combat. His Sentry Turret stands as a cornerstone of his arsenal, providing crucial support during encounters. By optimizing its attributes and leveraging its capabilities, players can unlock exceptional proficiency with Zane’s Sentry Turret.
Upgrading the Sentry Turret’s Performance
Investing skill points into the Blue Tree’s “Drone Delivery” tree enhances the Sentry Turret’s overall functionality. Upgrades such as “Backup Drone” double the turret’s rockets, while “Hot Pocket Rockets” significantly increase their damage output. Additionally, “All-Seeing Eye” grants the turret a continuous supply of rockets, eliminating the need for manual reload.
Optimizing Shield Capacity and Duration
The Sentry Turret’s survivability is paramount to its effectiveness. The “Technomancer” skill tree offers several options to boost its shield capacity and duration. “Commitment” increases the turret’s shield capacity, while “Headcase” extends its duration. Furthermore, “Confident Competence” grants bonus shield recharge and damage reduction, enhancing the turret’s longevity on the battlefield.
Augmenting Damage Output
To maximize the Sentry Turret’s damage potential, consider investing skill points into both the “Hitman” and “Doubled Agent” skill trees. “Playing Dirty” from the “Hitman” tree boosts the turret’s cryo damage, while “Kill Skill” augments its overall damage output. “Double Barrel” and “Good Misfortune” from the “Doubled Agent” tree further enhance the turret’s damage and rate of fire, turning it into a formidable offensive weapon.
Enhancing Support Capabilities
Beyond its damage-dealing capabilities, the Sentry Turret can provide invaluable support to the team. The “Digi-Clone” skill tree features several upgrades that enhance its support role. “Synchronicity” grants the player’s Digi-Clone access to the Sentry Turret’s rockets, while “Shared Spirit” extends its shield regeneration and duration to nearby allies. Additionally, “MNTIS Shoulder Cannon” allows the player to manually control the turret, offering greater precision and flexibility in combat.
Additional Tips for Effective Turret Deployment
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Place strategically | Position the turret in locations that maximize its field of view and minimize enemy exposure. |
| Use cover | Shield the turret behind obstacles or deploy it near friendly NPCs for added protection. |
| Target priority enemies | Prioritize high-value targets such as Badass or Anointed enemies to maximize damage output. |
| Repair regularly | Keep an eye on the turret’s health and repair it promptly to maintain its effectiveness. |
Managing Zane’s Cooldowns Effectively
Zane’s abilities are powerful, but their cooldowns can be lengthy. To maximize Zane’s effectiveness, it’s crucial to manage these cooldowns efficiently.
1. Use the Clone and Drone to Tank Damage
Zane’s Clone and Drone can draw enemy fire, reducing the likelihood of Zane taking damage. This extends his survivability and allows him to engage in more combat without worrying about cooldowns.
2. Utilize the Salvation Skill
The Salvation skill restores Zane’s health and shields when his action skills are active. This regenerates Zane’s resources, allowing him to sustain longer engagements and reduce the need for external healing.
3. Invest in the Seein’ Dead Skill
The Seein’ Dead skill increases Zane’s critical hit damage and grants him an additional bonus when he hits critical spots. Optimizing critical hits not only increases Zane’s damage output but also reduces cooldowns due to the Violent Momentum skill.
4. Utilize Zane’s Barrier Boost Skill
The Barrier Boost skill reduces the cooldown of Zane’s Barrier when it is damaged. Standing behind the Barrier and allowing enemies to damage it strategically shortens its cooldown.
5. Prioritize Kill Skills with Cooldown Reduction
Certain kill skills, such as Calm, Cool, Collected and Stainless Steel Bear, provide cooldown reduction upon killing enemies. Prioritizing these skills expedites Zane’s ability refreshes.
6. Utilize the Scourge Legendary Class Mod
The Scourge Class Mod enhances Zane’s Kill Skills by granting him additional damage and cooldown reduction. Equipping this mod optimizes Zane’s cooldown management further.
7. Consider the Cryo Zane Build
The Cryo Zane build capitalizes on the Freeze effect to slow and incapacitate enemies. Using cryo weapons and skills, such as the Ion Cannon with the Cryo attachment, Zane can control engagements effectively, extend his freeze durations, and shorten ability cooldowns.
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Ice Breaker | Increases cryo damage and applies additional cryo effects to frozen enemies |
| Coolant Consumption | Extends the duration of cryo effects for 2 seconds |
| Good Intentions | Grants bonus cryo damage to frozen enemies |
| Chilling Hold | Applies freeze duration to all enemies near an enemy killed with cryo damage |
Skill Tree Optimization for Zane’s Best Build
1. Action Skill Options
Focus on SNTNL and Digi-Clone to maximize damage output and versatility.
2. Kill Skills
Prioritize skills that boost gun damage and critical hit chance, such as “Seein’ Dead” and “Violent Violence.”
3. Survivor
Invest points in “Headshot” and “Confident Competence” for increased survivability.
4. Doubled Agent
Choose “Undercover” and “Violent Momentum” to enhance SNTNL’s damage and mobility.
5. Hitman
Focus on “Violent Speed” and “Pocket Full of Grenades” for increased gun damage and grenade capacity.
6. Professional
Invest points in “Decoy” and “Fractal Projector” for additional crowd control and damage mitigation.
7. BarrierMaximize damage reduction with “All-Rounder” and “Salvation.”
8. Digital Distributed Processing
This tree provides a wealth of powerful skills, including:
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Cold Bore | Increased damage after a period of not firing. |
| Synchronicity | Bonus damage when action skills are active. |
| Playing Dirty | Upped critical damage after reloading. |
| Calculated Gamble | Improved accuracy and damage when shield is low. |
| Commitment | Reduced action skill cooldown after using them. |
| Good Misfortune | Additional gun damage after status effects are applied. |
| Headshot | Boosted critical hit damage. |
