Zenless Zone Zero 2.5: Release, Banners, and F2P Guide
Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 launches December 29, 2025, introducing Ye Shunguang and Zhao. Find out patch schedules, banner details, and how to prepare.
Lily Chen Zenless Zone Zero 2.5: Release, Banners, and F2P Optimization
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) fans are bracing for a major shakeup as Version 2.5, titled To Be Fuel for the Night, launches December 29, 2025 (Americas; UTC-5) and rolls into various global time zones on December 30. This update marks a significant content surge, bringing two new Agents to the table with reward milestones that will impact both seasoned Proxies and newer players during the crucial opening weeks of the patch.
Timely patch guidance is especially critical in a live gacha ecosystem, where exact banner timing, free unit access, and currency management can heavily influence both progression and account value. Here's a structured rundown on everything confirmed for ZZZ 2.5—and expert strategies for making the most of the new phase.
At a Glance: ZZZ 2.5 Essentials
- Release: December 29, 2025, 22:00 ET (UTC-5) — Global time conversions below
- Maintenance: 5 hours; see zone-specific table
- Key Additions:
- Ye Shunguang (Debut, S-Rank Agent, rate-up Phase 1)
- Zhao (Limited agent, free via login; also rate-up Phase 1)
- Banner Window: December 29, 2025 – February 5, 2026 (Phase 1)
- Free Rewards: S-Rank Zhao, event Polychrome pulls, upgrade materials
- A-Rank Rotation: Nicole, Lucy with Ye Shunguang; Anby, Ben with Zhao
Patch 2.5 Maintenance & Rollout Timetable
| Timezone | Maintenance Start | Live Patch Available |
|---|---|---|
| PT (UTC-8) | Dec 29, 14:00 | Dec 29, 19:00 |
| MT (UTC-7) | Dec 29, 15:00 | Dec 29, 20:00 |
| CT (UTC-6) | Dec 29, 16:00 | Dec 29, 21:00 |
| ET (UTC-5) | Dec 29, 17:00 | Dec 29, 22:00 |
| GMT (UTC+0) | Dec 29, 22:00 | Dec 30, 03:00 |
| CET (UTC+1) | Dec 29, 23:00 | Dec 30, 04:00 |
| IST (UTC+5:30) | Dec 30, 03:30 | Dec 30, 08:30 |
| SGT (UTC+8) | Dec 30, 06:00 | Dec 30, 11:00 |
| JST (UTC+9) | Dec 30, 07:00 | Dec 30, 12:00 |
| AEDT (UTC+11) | Dec 30, 09:00 | Dec 30, 14:00 |
All timings based on official maintenance notices. Deployments may adjust due to technical updates; monitor the official ZZZ site for alerts.
Banner Overview: Who’s Featured and When?
ZZZ 2.5 launches with dual S-Rank debuts: Ye Shunguang (fully new) and Zhao (obtained free, but still available in rate-up for constellations/Mindscape Cinema unlocks).
2.5 Phase 1 Gacha Table
| Banner | Start (TZ) | End (TZ) | S-Rank Feature | A-Rank Pool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ye Shunguang | Dec 29, 2025, patch | Feb 5, 2026, reset | Ye Shunguang | Nicole, Lucy |
| Zhao | Dec 29, 2025, patch | Feb 5, 2026, reset | Zhao | Anby, Ben |
- Zhao is distributed free to all players in this patch (login/event), but additional copies via banner are needed for full Mindscape (constellation) unlocks.
- Future banners/reruns: Not stated in official materials.
Banner Mechanics (Confirmed Info Only)
- Pull Currency: Polychrome (primary premium currency) is used for banner pulls.
- Pity/Soft Pity: Standard ZZZ rules apply (not changed for 2.5), with soft/hard pity typically affecting S-Rank drop at fixed intervals. Details for 2.5 banners remain as in previous patches. See EarlyGG’s currency & pity system primer for strategic advice.
Should You Pull? | Decision Guide
Pull If
- You want meta, high-scaling units: Early metrics suggest Ye Shunguang is positioned as a top DPS, likely to shift competitive rankings (pending full data post-release).
- You’re seeking Mindscape advantage: F2P players can secure one copy of Zhao for free, but constellation gains require pulls.
- You already own supporting A-Ranks: Team synergy with Nicole/Lucy (for Ye Shunguang) or Anby/Ben (for Zhao) will maximize early banner value.
Consider Skipping If
- You have limited currency: Pulling for Mindscape upgrades, rather than saving for new types or reruns, may not yield the best long-term value, especially for F2P.
- You’re a collector who prefers rerun/limited-only banners: Neither Ye Shunguang nor Zhao reruns are addressed in official notes, so conservative players may prefer to wait for confirmation about upcoming units.
Currency Advice
- F2P/Low-Spend: Complete all 2.5 events for maximum free Polychrome. Save pulls if undecided; guaranteed Zhao copy through event. Pity is not transferable—plan carefully.
- Optimizers: Map your pulls according to overlap with global banner windows; avoid splitting pulls across phases.
Teams & Practical Synergies
- Ye Shunguang: Early synergy with Nicole (Ether-Support) and Lucy (Fire-Support) highlights versatile core team-building, adapting to both standard and abyssal content.
- Zhao: Pairs well with Anby (Electric-Stun) or Ben (Fire-Defense) for balanced squads. Mindscape bonus unlocks open advanced rotations for dedicated Zhao mains.
- For expanded theorycraft and ranking, refer to EarlyGG’s full team composition guide.
Events & Rewards in 2.5
- S-Rank Agent Zhao: Free via dedicated event/log-in, available to all active accounts during the event window
- Polychrome: Earned through weekly and event tasks, fueling more pulls
- Upgrade Materials: Distributed in daily clears and limited challenges
- Deadlines: All major 2.5 rewards conclude by February 10–11, 2026 (varies by time zone, see above)
Note: Specific event task requirements and quantities are not detailed in official notes at this time.
Preparation Checklist for Launch Week
- Complete pre-patch daily/weekly resource caps
- Confirm maintenance compensation eligibility (typically premium currency mail)
- Inventory check: gear and material stockpiles for Ye Shunguang/Zhao upgrades
- Bookmark EarlyGG’s banner history & schedule for instant access to next banners
Community Signals and Official Channels
- All banner, timing, and event details in this article are sourced from HoYoverse official announcements and developer communications. No major leaks or unverified content are included in these schedules.
- Player consensus from forums is trending toward pulling for Ye Shunguang if you prioritize endgame damage or want to front-load new content clearance. Zhao’s free access offers flexibility for most rosters without pull pressure.
Where images are present, alt text describes key visuals for accessibility—for example: “Debut banners for Ye Shunguang and Zhao in Zenless Zone Zero 2.5, featuring character artwork and release window overlays.” For team comp graphics, suggest alternatives illustrating optimal team rotations by element or agent archetype.
Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Patch 2.5
Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 is a headline update that redefines the short-term meta and offers substantial opportunities for reward maximization—especially critical for F2P and min-spend players navigating limited currency. By planning around precise rollout times and capitalizing on free event rewards, most proxies can set themselves up for success throughout the patch.
As always, maintain currency discipline and watch EarlyGG’s dedicated Zenless Zone Zero hub for swift updates, rerun confirmation, and new team strategies as 2.5 unfolds.