The battle against Zandar (Lygus) in Honkai Star Rail Version 3.5 is one of the most intense encounters in the Genius Society storyline. Found during the “Before Their Deaths” Trailblaze quest, this fight demands precise timing, well-built teams, and an understanding of Zandar’s multi-phase mechanics.
This guide breaks down his moves, phases, strategies, and best team compositions to help you achieve a smooth victory.
Boss Overview
Zandar cycles through multiple modes, summons dangerous adds, and unleashes an ultimate attack that can devastate unprepared teams. His fight rewards careful add management, targeted DPS bursts during vulnerability windows, and strong sustain to survive his high-damage phases.
Zandar’s Mechanics & Abilities
| Move | Effect |
|---|---|
| Summon and Heal | Summons mythical enemies and heals them each turn. If left alive, they empower Zandar and accelerate mode changes. |
| Mode Change | Switching modes makes Zandar take increased damage—these are prime DPS opportunities. |
| Evolution Mode | Base mode where he starts the fight. More summons on the field = faster mode changes. |
| Antinomy State | Instantly recharges a random ally’s Ultimate but causes 50% Max HP loss (non-fatal, blockable with shields). Safest when triggered on Phainon. |
| Disputation Mode | Prepares his Ultimate and takes increased damage until you defeat enough adds. Failure to clear adds = incoming Ultimate. |
| Query: Prime Mover’s Outcome | Zandar’s Ultimate—massive AoE damage + Entanglement debuff, making allies vulnerable for several turns. |
Strategy & Counterplay
- Antinomy State Safety: Only trigger the granted Ultimate if it’s on Phainon or your shields are ready. The HP loss can cripple DPS if poorly timed.
- Control the Add Count: Avoid using characters that summon multiple memosprites—these shorten the time before Zandar changes modes.
- Burst During Mode Changes: Zandar takes more damage when switching modes and in Disputation Mode—save big skills for these moments.
- Handle Adds Quickly: In Disputation Mode, clear summoned enemies fast to prevent his Ultimate or at least reduce its impact.
- Exploit Weaknesses: Zandar is weakest to Physical, Ice, and Wind damage.
Best Team Compositions
Hypercarry Teams
- The Herta Hypercarry: DPS: The Herta | Support: Jade, Ruan Mei | Sustain: Lingsha
- Phainon Hypercarry: DPS: Phainon | Support: Sunday, Bronya | Sustain: Tingyun
- Argenti Hypercarry: DPS: Argenti | Support: Jade, Ruan Mei | Sustain: Lingsha
Damage-over-Time (DoT) Setup
- Hysilens DoT Stack: DPS: Hysilens | Support: Kafka, Black Swan | Sustain: Gallagher
Other Effective Pairings
| DPS | Support | Sustain |
|---|---|---|
| Jingliu | Bronya | Geopard |
| Blade | Jade | Natasha |
| Black Swan | Sunday | Huohuo |
| Saber | Tingyun | — |
| Pela | — | Fu Xuan |
| Robin | — | Aventurine |
Practical Fight Tips
- Time your Ultimates: Aim for mode change moments or when Zandar’s shields are down.
- Prepare for the Ultimate: Before Prime Mover’s Outcome, top up HP, apply shields, and cleanse Entanglement quickly after.
- Phase Awareness:
- Evolution Mode → Build damage while controlling summons.
- Antinomy State → Decide carefully whether to trigger the given Ultimate.
- Disputation Mode → Go all out on adds and damage.
- Ultimate Phase → Survive, cleanse, and reset for the next cycle.
Phase Summary Table
| Phase | Weakness | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Evolution Mode | Physical/Ice/Wind | Manage summons, prep DPS |
| Antinomy State | — | Only trigger Ult with safety in mind |
| Disputation Mode | All | Clear adds, burst damage |
| Ultimate | — | Shield, heal, cleanse Entanglement |
Final Word
Zandar is as much a mental battle as it is a DPS check. Managing summons, timing bursts, and bringing the right sustain will let you dismantle his phases one by one. With the right composition and strategy, you’ll not only survive but dominate this Genius Society showdown.
