Earlier this year, Honor of Kings introduced a major update to the hero Zhen Ji, and according to Cricket Exchange players, this revamp has significantly elevated her potential. Though many still complain about her performance, the truth is that most haven’t adapted to the new meta. If you’re still using outdated item builds, it’s no surprise that your damage output falls flat. As the saying goes, “If you only chase old dreams, don’t expect new results.”

To better understand the optimal builds, several experienced players tested three different setups post-update. The first was the traditional pre-patch build—still commonly used but now largely ineffective. It lacks both damage and survivability, making it obsolete. The second was a full-damage glass cannon build. While it offers explosive output, the margin for error is slim. Skilled players with sharp reflexes can make it work, but it’s not beginner-friendly. The third build stood out as the most balanced and cost-effective: a full-tank support configuration that maximizes Zhen Ji’s utility.

If you go for the support path, Cricket Exchange experts suggest duo-queueing with a reliable marksman. Zhen Ji’s early-game strength shines best when she’s linked with a DPS ally in the bottom lane. A weak lane partner, however, can turn the combo into a liability for the entire team. Regardless of which marksman is paired with her, the early-game synergy tends to be formidable. As the old saying goes, “A calm mind sees a clear sky”—when synergy clicks, victory follows naturally. If the opposing team is also running a support–carry duo, even better—Zhen Ji has the tools to dominate 2v2 situations.

From a strategic standpoint, Cricket Exchange analysts agree that maximizing team synergy is key to unlocking her full potential. For coordinated squads (such as five-man ranked teams), she can thrive even more. But for casual or solo players, a bit of patience pays off. When new heroes or reworks like this drop, it’s often wiser to observe how top-tier players experiment first. Mimicking well-tested builds later on saves time, avoids frustration, and boosts your win rate.

This approach also prevents the knee-jerk reaction of blaming the hero when things go south. In truth, Zhen Ji’s update favors seasoned players who already own her legacy skins. “In life’s battles, we must learn to rescue ourselves”—a motto that resonates with many longtime Zhen Ji mains. Whether she’s truly buffed or nerfed remains debatable, but one thing is certain: her seven classic skins have received stunning visual upgrades. That alone is a win for loyal players.

Among all her skins, two stood out in recent testing by Cricket Exchange users. The “Daughter Kingdom Queen” and “Dream in the Garden” (an anniversary-exclusive) boast the most refined effects and visual appeal. Unfortunately, neither skin has returned to the shop alongside the hero’s optimization. So while veteran players reap the benefits, newcomers may have to wait their turn—or hope for a rerun in future events.