Zenless Zone Zero 2.0: New S-Rank W-Engines Breakdown

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.0 introduces two impactful S-Rank W-Engines. Here’s what players need to know and how to prepare.

Tyler Smith By Tyler Smith Gaming Writer • EarlyGG

Oct 10, 2025 • 5 min read

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Zenless Zone Zero 2.0: New S-Rank W-Engines Breakdown
Zenless Zone Zero 2.0: New S-Rank W-Engines Breakdown Image via the publisher

Zenless Zone Zero 2.0: New S-Rank W-Engines Breakdown

Zenless Zone Zero’s Version 2.0 update, arriving globally on 2025-05-28 (official server reset time, UTC+8), marks the game’s most ambitious patch to date. Beyond introducing a major story arc, new characters, and a slate of balance changes, the headline feature for competitive and invested players comes in the form of two S-Rank W-Engines. These exclusive weapons – Qingming Birdcage and Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage – are set to redefine optimal builds and meta team compositions for both high-level and free-to-play users.

With banner competition likely to intensify, understanding these W-Engines and their practical impact is crucial for anyone strategizing pulls or planning future team investments. Here’s an in-depth EarlyGG analysis of the W-Engines, mechanics, and how to adapt for the evolving meta.


At a Glance: Version 2.0 S-Rank W-Engines

  • Patch release: 2025-05-28 (UTC+8 global reset)
  • Featured S-Rank W-Engines: Qingming Birdcage, Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage
  • Phase: Confirmed for the launch window of Version 2.0; banner schedule to follow official announcement
  • Key effects: Substantial CRIT Rate, Ether DMG, and DMG buff synergies
  • Preparation: Crystal farm-up, character pre-leveling, team testing

Banner Schedule & Rates

Not stated in official materials (2025-05-28 version patch notes). Historical patterns suggest both S-Rank W-Engines will feature on exclusive banners concurrent with new or rerun characters. Precise rates and schedule will be updated when miHoYo provides official confirmation.

Banner Phase Start (UTC+8) End (UTC+8) Featured W-Engines
W-Engine Event Phase 1 (TBA) TBA TBA Qingming Birdcage, Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage

Note: All banner timing and rate info is subject to miHoYo’s official announcement. Check EarlyGG’s Zenless Zone Zero banner tracker for updates.


Qingming Birdcage: Stats & Effects

Qingming Birdcage official artwork. Alt text: Illustration of Qingming Birdcage W-Engine, a beautifully ornate ether-themed weapon.

Base Stats (Lv.60/Phase 1):

Type Base ATK HP Rarity
Rupture 743 30% S-Rank

Core Effects:
– CRIT Rate +20% (flat, always-on)
– EX Special Attack: Triggers "Qingming Companion" (max 2 stacks/15s each)
– On entering combat, immediately gain 2 stacks (refreshes on re-trigger)
– Per stack:
– +8% Ether DMG
– +10% Ultimate/EX Special Attack Ether Sheer DMG

Expert Observations:

Qingming Birdcage’s value is front-loaded for units that rely on Ether DMG and scale off CRIT, typically headlining the optimal builds for S-Rank DPS. The double stack system allows for explosive openings in boss and wave content, letting players capitalize on short, high-damage windows. Those with established Ether comp teams should consider this a chase W-Engine for both pure DPS efficiency and leaderboard optimization.


Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage: Stats & Effects

Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage official artwork. Alt text: The Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage W-Engine shown, featuring a robust, mechanical core with fire-themed accents.

Base Stats (Lv.60/Phase 1):

Type Base ATK ATK Rarity
Stun 713 30% S-Rank

Core Effects:
– +28% Daze for EX Special Attack, Chain Attack, Ultimate
– Using Chain Attack or Ultimate (dealing Fire DMG): Boosts all squad members’ DMG by 10% (up to 2 stacks, independent 30s duration)
– Activation: Triggers once per skill; only one instance per squad

Expert Observations:

Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage is tailored for Stun-centric and Fire DMG lineups, enabling both single-target lockdown and sustained support across your squad. The unique party-wide DMG buff – lasting up to 60 seconds when optimally stacked – elevates its value for coordinated team play and content demanding stagger chains. The fine print: only one instance can exist in the squad, so placement and timing are pivotal for maximizing gains.


Should You Pull? – F2P & Optimal Spending Advice

Qingming Birdcage is a high-priority weapon banner for players centering teams around Ether DPS, particularly for main content clears and leaderboard segments where CRIT Rate variance can decide outcomes. Its triple-scaling effects reward proactive play and synergize well with Ether-based main carries.

Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage, meanwhile, incentivizes coordinated Stun and Fire teams. F2P and budget spenders should evaluate their roster’s coverage — if your main units struggle to leverage Stun or Fire synergies, consider skipping or saving for character banners. Remember that S-Rank W-Engine banners can be volatile; pity rates and resource trade-offs matter.

Not stated in official materials: Banner fate/ pity system, rerun schedule, or cost per pull. EarlyGG will update with specifics once available.


Team Synergies and Compositions

Optimal for Qingming Birdcage:
– Ether element primary DPS (to leverage CRIT and Ether DMG bonuses)
– Secondary buffers/debuffers for extended burst windows
– Units capable of EX Special Attack cycling to maintain max stacks

Optimal for Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage:
– Stun specialists (for maximizing the Daze effect)
– Fire DMG-based teams (to generate and maintain squad-wide DMG buffs)
– Compositions aiming for chain attacks and coordinated squad rotations


Preparation Checklist Before Patch 2.0

  • Stockpile W-Engine materials and upgrade resources
  • Pre-farm character and skill enhancements for your planned Ether/Fire/Stun units
  • Review and update inventory for new comp synergies
  • Monitor EarlyGG’s Zenless Zone Zero guides for training simulacra and banner economics

Unconfirmed or To Be Announced

  • Banner event schedule (exact dates and rates)
  • Additional event tie-ins or milestone bonuses related to these W-Engines

Refer to EarlyGG’s dedicated news page for the latest official details and event trackers as they’re released.


Conclusion: Meta Watch & Next Steps

The arrival of Qingming Birdcage and Roaring Fur-nace Birdcage in Version 2.0 is more than just another weapon drop — it’s a direct shift in what defines optimal team setups and content efficiency. For invested and competitive players, staying ahead of these meta-defining releases will be key in both progression and leaderboard placement.

Stay tuned to EarlyGG for ongoing analysis, best-in-slot tier lists, and resource calculators as miHoYo releases more details approaching the official banner launch. This is an ideal time to plan pulls, prepare inventories, and experiment with builds leveraging the full potential of Zenless Zone Zero’s new power curve.

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