Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Update Guide: Free S-Rank Zhao, Co-Op Gameplay, and Season 2’s Grand Finale Explained

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The gates to the final chapter of New Eridu’s second season have officially swung open. Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5, titled “To Be Fuel for the Night,” is now live—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most important, generous, and system-defining updates since the game’s launch. This isn’t just another patch stacked with events; it’s a full-scale evolution of how Zenless Zone Zero plays, rewards its community, and sets up its future.

From a free meta-relevant S-Rank agent to the debut of true real-time co-op, alongside a climactic story finale for the Waifei Peninsula arc, Version 2.5 feels like a turning point. Whether you’re a long-time Proxy deep in the Hollow grind or a returning player waiting for the perfect moment to jump back in, this update delivers value on every front.

This complete guide keeps all the essential details intact while walking you through banners, new systems, story content, and smart priorities—so you don’t miss a single Polychrome, reward, or strategic edge.

Navigating the New Banners: Debuts, Freebies, and a Guaranteed Rerun

The Agent roster expands with two powerful S-Rank additions, paired with one of the most player-friendly banner setups Zenless Zone Zero has ever seen.

The Newcomers: Ye Shunguang & the Unprecedented Free Zhao

At the center of Version 2.5 is Ye Shunguang, Zenless Zone Zero’s first-ever dual-form Void Hunter. As an S-Rank Attack Agent using the Honed Edge (Physical) attribute, her gameplay revolves around building momentum and entering an “Enlightened Mind” state. Once active, Ye Shunguang transforms into a high-output damage dealer capable of shredding enemy defenses and applying powerful vulnerability effects. She’s designed for players who enjoy mechanical depth, precise timing, and a higher skill ceiling.

The real headline, however, is Zhao.

In an unprecedented move, the developers are giving a limited S-Rank Defense Agent completely free to every player. By simply logging in during Version 2.5 via the Special Visitor event, you can permanently claim Zhao at no cost.

Zhao is an Ice-attribute defender who brings enormous team utility:

  • Reliable healing

  • Powerful teamwide buffs

  • Effects that allow allies to bypass enemy resistances

She scales with Max HP and slots seamlessly into both early and endgame teams, making her one of the most valuable free characters the game has ever offered. Community consensus is already clear: skipping this login reward would be a huge mistake.

Strategic Banner Schedule

Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Update Guide

Version 2.5 is split into two clearly defined banner phases, making planning easier than ever.

Phase 1 (From December 30)

  • Ye Shunguang featured banner

  • Zhao featured banner

  • Signature W-Engine banners for both agents

Phase 2 (Starting January 21, 2026)

  • A special “Exclusive Rescreening” rerun banner

  • Choose one guaranteed rate-up S-Rank from:

    • Alice

    • Soldier 0 – Anby

    • Astra Yao

The first S-Rank you pull is guaranteed to be your selected character, completely removing the traditional 50/50 risk. For players missing a key agent or chasing a favorite, this is one of the safest pull opportunities to date.

A New Era of Play: Co-Op and Social Systems Arrive

Version 2.5 fundamentally changes how players interact with both combat and each other.

Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze

For the first time in Zenless Zone Zero, real-time 3-player co-op PvE is here.

In Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze, teams of three Proxies take on themed combat stages with specific objectives—such as executing a set number of Ultimate attacks or managing enemy waves under pressure. The mode is built around coordination rather than solo power.

Key mechanics include:

  • Shared Chain Meter: The entire team builds a collective Chain Overdrive gauge, enabling a devastating synchronized Chain Attack.

  • On-the-Spot Revives: Teammates can revive fallen allies, making awareness and positioning crucial.

  • Role Suggestions: DPS, Break, and Support indicators help encourage balanced team setups.

This mode finally lets players experience ZZZ’s stylish combat together, marking a major shift toward cooperative gameplay and community strategy.

Building Community: Proxy Outpost & Intel Board

Supporting the new co-op focus is the Proxy Outpost system, a guild-like social hub where players can form or join communities based on shared goals.

Connected to this is the Intel Board, a player-driven support feature that allows Outpost members to post difficult commissions or hunts for others to complete. Helping others earns rewards, while those struggling with tough content finally have a reliable way to get assistance. It’s a system designed to make New Eridu feel alive, cooperative, and interconnected.

Expanding the World: Story Finale, Exploration, and Agent Growth

To Be Fuel for the Night: The Season 2 Finale

The new Main Commission—“To Be Fuel for the Night”—serves as Chapter 6 and the dramatic conclusion to the Waifei Peninsula storyline. The unstable resonance of the Qingming Sword escalates into a full-scale crisis, while eerie Hollow-born flowers spread throughout the city.

Your investigation leads deep into the newly accessible Lumite Mine, where the true scope of the Exaltists’ plans is finally revealed. This chapter delivers major lore revelations and a climactic confrontation that sets the narrative direction for future seasons.

New Progression & Customization Systems

Potential Vision System
A new long-term progression layer allows you to further strengthen existing agents. The first characters to receive Potential Vision upgrades include Soldier 11, Grace, and Burnice. Using a new Daily Performance currency, you can unlock additional mechanics and stat boosts, giving older favorites renewed relevance.

The Buyan Store
A new antique shop opens in Failume Heights. By exploring new areas and collecting Mysterious Relics, you raise your standing with the store, unlocking valuable rewards and optional side content. This adds a rewarding exploration-focused progression path outside of pure combat.

Revolutionary Quality-of-Life Improvements: Reclaim Your Time

Version 2.5 introduces some of the most impactful QoL changes Zenless Zone Zero has seen.

  • Quick Sweep
    Use craftable Ether Batteries to instantly clear previously completed Combat Simulation and Area Patrol stages, dramatically reducing daily grind.

  • Drive Disc Auto-Dismantle
    Automatically dismantle unwanted Drive Discs based on rarity or set filters the moment you obtain them, keeping your inventory clean.

  • Targeted Sub-Stat Tuning
    Spend Resonating Cores to guarantee upgrades to up to two chosen sub-stats during Drive Disc enhancement, turning gear optimization into a strategic process rather than pure RNG.

  • Shiyu Defense Rework
    The mode is streamlined into five Frontiers with a new points-based scoring system, offering clearer progression and a higher skill ceiling for endgame players.

Your Week 1 Priority Checklist: What to Do First

Log In and Claim Rewards
Secure your free S-Rank Zhao, the 1,000 Polychrome celebration reward, and Jane Doe’s new “Nocturne of Light” outfit.

Experience the Story Finale
Complete the “To Be Fuel for the Night” Main Commission to unlock new areas and see Season 2’s conclusion.

Tackle Events Early
Start Sword Seeker Chronicles to earn the free A-Rank W-Engine Cauldron of Clarity, then try the Joint Investigation co-op mode.

Join the Community
Create or join a Proxy Outpost and begin using the Intel Board for tough content or to help other players.

Optimize Your Settings
Set up Drive Disc Auto-Dismantle and craft Ether Batteries immediately—these features will save you hours over time.

Final Verdict: A Defining Update for Zenless Zone Zero

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5: “To Be Fuel for the Night” is a masterclass in live-service evolution. It delivers a satisfying narrative climax while simultaneously addressing long-standing community requests—co-op play, reduced grind, and guaranteed character access.

With a free top-tier S-Rank agent, meaningful system upgrades, and a stronger emphasis on community interaction, this update doesn’t just end Season 2—it sets the tone for what Zenless Zone Zero is becoming.

Whether you’re here for the story, the meta, or the social experience, there’s never been a better time to step into New Eridu.

The night is here, Proxy.

Now it’s time to become its fuel.          

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