TRANQUILIZER
ZER0 THE ASSASSIN BUILD
Last updated on March 13th, 2026
TRANQUILIZER
Level 80 OP10
Versatile • Melee • Sniper
PLAYSTYLE
This build is for players who like everything about Zer0. Whether it’s the sneaky melee, the sniping capabilities, or his Decepti0n skill. This is the jack of all trades, and somehow one of the most viable build, even at OP10. Thanks to the points distribution, you can one-shot most enemies with your sniper, or backstab them and get the kill. It’s a balanced build, but one that offers diversity in playstyle.
When you have a bit of distance, you can default to your sniper, and pop off headshots. Even though this build isn’t as effective as a pure sniper build, you’ll still do excellent damage thanks to the investment in skills like Headsh0t which boosts critical damage, and B0re which not only highlights critical points during Decepti0n but pierces through enemies as well. When you’re close, you can switch to your pistol which does tons of melee damage and heals you as well. This back-and-forth between melee and sniper is the backbone of this build to work effectively.
SOLO
Since this is a balanced build, you’re not going to have much trouble solo. Yes, Zer0 is still a largely glass-cannon-type character, so taking a lot of damage isn’t ideal, but since you can switch between styles thanks to your gear, you can avoid situations where you’re downed. While not the strongest solo build, this is still one you can use especially when you figure out when to switch between weapons. Like the Wind in particular is a handy skill because it boosts both gun and melee damage as you move around and switch your approach.
COOP
Similarly, this build works quite well in co-op as well. You aren’t expected to be on the front, but provide damage assistance from a distance while liberally using Decepti0n. Skills like Ambush and Death Mark will continue to provide you with bonus damage when enemies are either marked or engaging with your squad. Zer0 can stand his ground and doesn’t need any particular support here either. Your role here is to offer damage utility rather than direct support to another teammate.
GEARS
Slot 1: Amigo Sincero
Slot 2: Cutting Slagga
Slot 3: Ornery Law
Slot 4: Pertinent Norfleet
Grenade: Chain Lightning
Shield: Order
MOD: Legendary Hunter
Relic: Aggression
SKILLS
This build uses a variety of skills from multiple trees, but the main focus is to boost both sniper and melee damage.
Killing Bl0w is excellent for finishing off enemies, while F0ll0wthr0ugh is essential for staying mobile, and dishing out gun and melee damage.
When you’ve switched to Ornery law, Rising Shot does a great job of stacking up damage while C0unter Strike increases your melee damage potential upon taking a hit. Backstab also helps a ton, especially while you’re in Decepti0n, and allows you to deal 40% damage from behind.
