Zenless Zone Zero is gearing up for a colossal update with Version 2.5, aptly titled “To Be Fuel for the Night.” This significant patch not only draws Season 2 to a close but also concludes the captivating narrative arc of Waifei, offering players a climactic experience. Prepare for a wealth of new content, including the debut of the game’s first-ever dual-form Agent, alongside a highly anticipated free S-tier character. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the exciting additions and changes in Zenless Zone Zero 2.5.
Version 2.5 Release Date and Banners
Proxies should mark their calendars: the Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5 update is scheduled for launch on December 30. This highly anticipated patch is set to go live at 11 AM UTC, bringing an end to the current season and introducing a unique banner structure for new characters. Unlike previous updates, this version deviates from the standard phased release, allowing players more flexibility in acquiring desired agents. The banners themselves are a major highlight, featuring both brand-new characters and a long-awaited opportunity for returning fan favorites.
Dual-Debut Banners (Phase 1 & 2)
A notable change in Version 2.5 is the simultaneous availability of both new S-Rank Agents throughout the *entire duration* of the patch. This means you won’t have to wait for a second phase to pull for either character. **Ye Shunguang**, the groundbreaking dual-form Void Hunter and Physical Attack specialist, will have her banner accompanied by A-Rank support Agents **Nicole** and **Lucy**. Concurrently, **Zhao**, the formidable Ice Defense Agent and an unbeaten legend from Krampus, will be featured on her own banner, alongside A-Rank allies **Anby** and **Ben**. Both of their signature S-Rank W-Engines, **Cloudcleave Radiance** for Ye Shunguang and **Half-Sugar Bunny** for Zhao, will also be available for the full patch duration, offering complete build options from day one.
Exclusive Rescreening (Rerun Banner)
Addressing player requests, Version 2.5 introduces a highly anticipated rerun banner, dubbed “Exclusive Rescreening,” set to begin on **January 21** of the new year. This special event offers players a unique chance to acquire a guaranteed S-Rank character from a selection of previously released fan favorites. The available agents for this rerun include the elegant **Alice**, the versatile **Soldier 0 – Anby**, and the powerful **Astra Yao**. This is an excellent opportunity for Proxies who may have missed these characters during their initial runs or wish to enhance their constellations, making it a valuable addition for both new and veteran players looking to expand their roster.
Free S-Rank Agent: Zhao
To celebrate the festive season and the arrival of a major update, Zenless Zone Zero is generously offering every player a **free copy of S-Rank Agent Zhao**. Acquiring this powerful character is remarkably simple: Proxies just need to log into the game at any point during the Version 2.5 event period. Beyond receiving Zhao herself, logging in also grants a bundle of valuable bonus rewards. These include essential materials to instantly boost her to **Level 40**, ensuring she’s ready for action right away. Additionally, players will receive **1,000 Polychromes** and a special new swimsuit outfit for **Jane Doe**, adding extra flair to your collection. This free S-Rank agent provides an excellent starting point for new players and a valuable addition for seasoned veterans, enhancing team compositions without requiring pulls.
Zhao’s Quick Build Guide
Zhao, despite her compact stature, is a formidable **Ice Defense Agent** who wields a massive greataxe, bringing significant utility to any squad. Her primary combat strength revolves around accumulating **Frostbite**, a status effect that, once triggered, activates her **Ether Veil: Wellspring**. This powerful ability grants substantial team-wide buffs to ATK, CRIT Rate, and overall DMG, making her an invaluable support and defense unit. For optimal performance, her signature S-Rank W-Engine, **Half-Sugar Bunny**, is ideal. A strong alternative is the A-Rank **Original Transmorpher**. When it comes to Drive Discs, the **White Water Ballad** set is highly recommended for its HP scaling, with a focus on maximizing HP, Crit Rate, and Damage substats to further amplify her supportive capabilities and personal output.
Ye Shunguang: The Dual-Form Void Hunter
Ye Shunguang stands out as the premier damage dealer of Version 2.5, introducing an innovative combat style to the game. As a **Physical Attack Agent**, her unique ability to switch between forms allows her to unleash devastating “Honed Edge” damage, making her exceptionally versatile in various combat scenarios. Her signature **Ether Veil** activates an “Enlightened Mind State,” which not only applies a vulnerability effect to enemies but also enables her to deal massive burst damage within this empowered form. Complementing her kit is her exclusive Bangboo partner, **Sprout**, which summons flying swords that deal increased damage, especially when synchronized with her attacks. For maximizing her offensive potential, the 4-piece **Iron Cavalry Against the Scourge** Relic set is excellent, or players can opt for the new **White Water Ballad** set to boost her CRIT potential during her Ether Veil windows, ensuring she hits incredibly hard.
New System: Potential Vision
Version 2.5 introduces a significant new progression path called **Potential Vision**, designed to empower existing Agents further. This system allows Proxies to unlock and enhance new skills and boost character statistics across six distinct levels, adding a fresh layer of customization and power growth. Initially, a select group of Agents will benefit from these enhancements, including **Ellen**, **Burnice**, **Soldier 11**, **Grace**, and **Soldier 0 – Anby**, offering new strategic possibilities for these characters. Upgrading through the Potential Vision system is done via the **Potential Vision Shop**. Players can exchange **Daily Performance** – a new currency earned by completing Ridu Weekly goals and purchasing items from the Scott Outpost Shop – for the necessary upgrade materials. This system encourages consistent engagement and rewards dedicated players with stronger, more versatile agents.
Multiplayer and Game Optimizations
New Eridu is becoming a more interconnected world with the introduction of official **Guilds**, known as **Outposts**, fostering community among Proxies. This update marks a significant milestone with the game’s first true **multiplayer combat event**, “Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze.” Players can now team up with friends, forming three-agent squads to tackle fast-paced cooperative challenges, bringing a new dimension to combat. Furthermore, a convenient “commission” system has been implemented within Outposts: if a combat stage proves too challenging, players can post a request for their Outpost members to complete it on their behalf, promoting mutual support and teamwork. These additions aim to create a more engaging and interactive social experience, allowing Proxies to tackle the Hollows together.
Quality of Life Updates
Version 2.5 delivers several highly requested Quality of Life (QoL) improvements designed to streamline gameplay and enhance the player experience.
- Combat Sweep: This new feature allows players to instantly “sweep” through previously cleared Combat Simulation and Routine Cleanup stages. By expending **Ether Batteries**, Proxies can quickly gather necessary materials without engaging in repetitive battles, saving valuable time.
- Shiyu Defense: The Critical Node stages within Shiyu Defense have been rebalanced and streamlined. They are now condensed into five frontiers, with the final stage presenting a special high-score challenge, offering a focused and rewarding experience.
- Drive Disc Tuning: A revolutionary new **Substat Tuner** has been added to the Drive Disc system. This allows players to select specific sub-stats during Advanced Tuning, drastically reducing the reliance on random chance when farming for optimal gear. This change empowers players with greater control over their agent builds.
Final Thoughts
Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5, “To Be Fuel for the Night,” represents a monumental leap forward for the game, almost feeling like a grand re-launch. This update is packed with incredible value, starting with a completely free S-Rank Agent, Zhao, making it incredibly accessible for everyone. The introduction of Ye Shunguang, the game’s first dual-form character, opens up entirely new strategic possibilities and combat styles. Perhaps most exciting for many is the long-awaited arrival of true multiplayer content, finally allowing Proxies to team up with friends and explore New Eridu together. With significant quality-of-life enhancements further refining the gameplay experience, there has truly never been a better moment to dive into the world of Zenless Zone Zero. Prepare your Ether Batteries, rally your squad, and get ready to confront the ultimate challenges in the Lumite Mine ruins!
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
When does Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 release?
Version 2.5 is scheduled to launch on December 30.
How do I get S-Rank Zhao for free?
All players can claim her for free simply by logging in during the Version 2.5 event period. You will also receive a Level 40 upgrade pack and other rewards.
Who are the rerun characters in ZZZ 2.5?
The “Exclusive Rescreening” rerun banner, starting January 21, allows you to choose one guaranteed S-Rank character from **Alice**, **Soldier 0 – Anby**, or **Astra Yao**.
What is the Potential Vision system?
It’s a new enhancement system that adds new skills and stat buffs across six levels to specific existing Agents, starting with characters like Ellen and Soldier 11.
Can I play multiplayer in ZZZ now?
Yes! Version 2.5 introduces the “Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze” event, featuring 3-player cooperative combat, along with a new Outpost (Guild) system.
What are the new Drive Discs in 2.5?
The update includes two new Drive Disc sets: **White Water Ballad** (focused on Physical/Crit damage) and **Shining Aria** (focused on Ether/Anomaly damage), offering fresh build options.
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