Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 Beginner Guide: Max Free Rewards, Fast Progression & Smart Pulls

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6, “Encore for an Old Dream,” is one of the most generous and beginner‑friendly updates New Eridu has seen so far. Between a free Inter‑Knot Membership, massive Polychrome events, and powerful new S‑Rank Agents, a brand‑new Proxy can build a competitive account faster than ever.

This guide is designed to stay useful even after Version 2.6 ends. We’ll focus on systems, priorities, and strategies that apply to all future updates — while clearly highlighting what to do right now if you’re starting during 2.6.


What Version 2.6 Is About (Quick Context)

  • Theme: Gilded Carrot Day celebrations in New Eridu

  • Focus: Idol‑themed story content, beginner rewards, and long‑term progression improvements

  • Big Additions:

    • Two new S‑Rank Agents (Sunna & Aria)

    • Free Inter‑Knot Membership event

    • Shared Polychrome prize pool

    • New Hollow Zero mode: Operation Matrix

Even if you’re reading this later, the progression roadmap below stays relevant.


Week 1 Roadmap: Your Critical First 7 Days

Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 Beginner Guide

Your first week determines how fast you unlock rewards, banners, and endgame systems.

Day 1–2: Unlock the Core Systems

Top Priority: Reach Inter‑Knot Level 8

Focus almost entirely on:

  • Main Story commissions

  • Required tutorials

Why this matters:

  • Unlocks limited‑time events

  • Enables Hollow Zero

  • Allows participation in reward campaigns and log‑in events

⚠️ Side content can wait. Early story progress = more rewards.


Day 3–7: Events & Long‑Term Value

Once you hit Inter‑Knot Level 8, split your time between:

  • Main event story

  • Membership event tasks

  • Hollow Zero runs

This ensures you don’t miss time‑gated rewards.


Free Rewards Breakdown 

Major Reward Sources at a Glance

Reward SourceWhat You GetWhy It Matters
Inter‑Knot Membership Event~3,300 Polychromes over 30 daysBest free currency source ever added
Maintenance Compensation300 PolychromesInstant pull value
Festival Login EventsEncrypted Master TapesDirect banner pulls
Gilded Surprise EventPolychromes from shared poolFree bonus for logging in
A Harmony of DelusionsFree Pan Yinhu outfit + resourcesLimited cosmetic + materials
Hollow Zero: Operation MatrixWeekly PolychromesLong‑term income system

The Free Inter‑Knot Membership (Do Not Miss This)

This is the single most important reward for new players.

How It Works

  • Participate in the Inter‑Knot Membership Surprise Supply event

  • Complete simple tasks:

    • Daily log‑ins

    • Spending Battery charge

    • Clearing Hollow Zero activities

  • Earn Little Golden Carps

Once you reach the required amount, you unlock:

Reward                            Amount
Instant Polychromes300
Daily Polychromes90 × 30 days
Total~3,300 Polychromes

Event Timeline (Version 2.6 Players)

If you’re starting during Version 2.6, use this timeline:

Timeframe        What to Focus On
First 48 hoursStory → Inter‑Knot Level 8
Week 1Membership tasks + main event
Mid‑patchLogin events + prize pool
Weekly resetHollow Zero: Operation Matrix

Even if events rotate out later, this priority order stays valid.


Banners & Pull Strategy (Beginner‑Safe)

Phase Banners Overview

Phase        Featured S‑Rank        Role                                Best For
Phase 1SunnaPhysical / SupportLong‑term account value
Phase 2AriaEther / Anomaly DPSImmediate damage power

Smart Pull Rules (Evergreen)

  • Do not split pulls across banners

  • Commit to one S‑Rank target

  • Soft pity starts around 90 pulls

  • Hard guarantee at 180 pulls carries over

๐Ÿง  Rule of thumb: Supports age better than DPS in live‑service games.


Hollow Zero: Operation Matrix (New Long‑Term System)

Operation Matrix is a rotating Hollow Zero mode that offers:

  • Weekly Polychromes

  • Faster farming via Sweep

Why This Is Huge

Once you clear a configuration:

  • Use Deep Cleaning Service Cards

  • Instantly claim rewards on future weeks

This drastically reduces grind time — a system that will almost certainly remain relevant beyond 2.6.


Factions & Team‑Building Basics

Angels of Delusion (New Idol Faction)

  • Includes Sunna and Aria

  • Designed around synergy and anomaly setups

Important Clarification

  • Pan Yinhu is NOT part of Angels of Delusion

  • He belongs to Yunkui Summit

  • His free outfit is cosmetic only

Understanding factions helps you future‑proof team investments.


Daily & Weekly Evergreen Routine

Once events end, your optimal loop becomes:

Daily

  • Complete daily commissions

  • Spend Battery charge efficiently

  • Progress character & W‑Engine upgrades

Weekly

  • Clear Hollow Zero / Operation Matrix

  • Claim weekly Polychromes

  • Prep materials for future banners

This routine applies to all future versions, not just 2.6.


FAQ 

Q: Did I miss everything if I started late?
No. While some festival bonuses are time‑limited, the biggest value systems (membership, pity, Hollow Zero) remain impactful.

Q: Is the 4‑billion Polychrome pool shared?
Yes. Every participant receives Polychromes; a few lucky players receive larger jackpots.

Q: Should I keep pulling after getting an S‑Rank early?
Usually no. Pity carries forward — saving gives more flexibility later.


Final Thoughts: Why 2.6 Is the Best Time to Start

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 isn’t just a celebration — it’s a catch‑up patch designed to help new and returning players thrive. By focusing on permanent systems, smart pull discipline, and high‑value events, you can build a strong account without spending.

Bookmark this guide, follow the roadmap, and you’ll stay ahead — not just in 2.6, but in every update that follows.

Welcome to New Eridu, Proxy. The city’s just getting started. 

๐Ÿ‘‰ Next recommended reads:

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