Since its summer 2024 debut, HoYoverse`s latest urban fantasy action RPG, Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), has rapidly captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Its distinct setting and vibrant visuals offer a fresh experience, but as with any title from the creators of Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, the true depth of gameplay often hinges on acquiring powerful “Agents” (playable characters) and “Amplifiers” (their unique weapons). For those looking to master New Eridu`s volatile Hollows, understanding the intricate banner system is paramount.
This guide delves into the anticipated banner schedules for 2025, offering a strategic outlook on what players can expect in upcoming updates, from new character debuts to crucial weapon reruns. Prepare your Polychromes and Banbulets; the future of Zenless Zone Zero is ripe with possibilities.
Understanding the Gacha System: Your Path to Power
At the heart of Zenless Zone Zero`s progression lies its gacha system. Players primarily use a premium currency called “Polychromes” to purchase “Cipher Copies” for event banners and “Master Copies” for standard banners. These currencies are your tickets to summoning new Agents and powerful Amplifiers. However, the system isn`t monolithic; it offers several distinct banner types, each serving a unique purpose.
The Diverse Banner Types
- Event Character Banner: This is where limited-time, highly coveted S-rank Agents make their grand entrance, often accompanied by A-rank characters. These banners typically run for a specific duration, after which the featured characters become unavailable until a potential rerun.
- Event Weapon (Amplifier) Banner: Complementing the character banners, these offer signature Amplifiers tailored for the featured S-rank Agents, alongside other powerful epic-tier weapons. Securing an Agent`s signature weapon can significantly enhance their combat prowess.
- Standard Character Banner (“Star Ensemble”): A permanent fixture, this banner allows players to acquire a consistent pool of S-rank and A-rank Agents, as well as Amplifiers, using Master Copies. It`s an evergreen source for expanding your roster.
- Banbu Banner: Unique to Zenless Zone Zero, this banner focuses on summoning “Banbu”—mini-robot companions that provide various in-combat utilities. Unlike other banners, it uses “Banbulets,” a special currency earned primarily through in-game activities and quests, rather than Polychromes. This banner unlocks upon reaching Internode Level 16.
Peering into the Future: Updates 2.1 – 2.3 & Beyond
While the game is currently in the first half of Update 2.1, the horizon for Zenless Zone Zero extends well into 2025 with exciting new content and characters. Based on existing teasers and community speculation, here’s a look at what the future updates are projected to bring to the banner rotation.
Update 2.1: The Current Horizon and What`s Next
The first half of Update 2.1 introduces a new heroine to the roster, alongside a welcome rerun of an existing fan-favorite character. Correspondingly, the weapon banner provides their signature Amplifiers, complemented by a selection of other epic-tier weapons to round out your arsenal.
The second half of Update 2.1 promises yet another new heroine, once again paired with a familiar face for those who missed them the first time. The accompanying weapon banner will naturally feature their signature gear, ensuring players have every opportunity to fully equip their newly acquired Agents.
Update 2.2: New Eridu`s Unveiled Combatants
Looking further ahead, Update 2.2 is set to expand the cast with characters previously teased in promotional material for the new district of New Eridu. Players can anticipate the arrival of Sid, a formidable combat robot, and two Tyrants from the Obol squad: Orphea and Manato. Manato is currently speculated to be an A-rank character, adding more strategic variety to team compositions.
Patch 2.3: Highly Anticipated Debuts
Patch 2.3 is brimming with community anticipation for the long-awaited release of characters like Chinatsu, the charming VTuber-style girl, along with Joeel and Remuel. While concrete details on their kit remain scarce, official art has fueled speculation, making their eventual release a significant event for the Zenless Zone Zero community. Their arrival will undoubtedly shake up the meta and offer fresh gameplay possibilities.
The Ever-Present Roster: Standard and Banbu Banners
Beyond the limited-time event banners, Zenless Zone Zero offers permanent avenues for character and companion acquisition, crucial for long-term progression and team building.
The Star Ensemble: Your Permanent Pool
The “Star Ensemble” is Zenless Zone Zero’s standard character and Amplifier banner. Here, players can consistently pull from a pool of standard S-rank legendary Agents, a wide array of A-rank epic Agents, and various Amplifiers. The game features a generous pity system: players are guaranteed an A-rank Agent every ten Master Copy pulls, and an S-rank Agent every ninety pulls. This predictability allows for strategic saving and eventual acquisition of core characters like Nicole Demara, Anby Demara, Billy Kid, and many others, including all A-rank Agents from the general pool.
Banbu Brigade: Mechanical Companions
The Banbu banner provides access to the game`s delightful robot companions. Using “Banbulets”—a unique currency that cannot be purchased with Polychromes or real money, but is earned through specific in-game quests—players can summon these helpful entities. This banner becomes available once your Internode Level reaches 16. The Banbu pool includes both S-rank companions, offering powerful support abilities, and a full roster of A-rank Banbu, ensuring a diverse array of mechanical allies to aid you in combat.
Strategic Pulls: Navigating the Gacha Landscape
With a clear understanding of the upcoming banners and the underlying gacha mechanics, players can approach Zenless Zone Zero with a more informed and strategic mindset. Deciding whether to save for a highly anticipated S-rank Agent, pull for their signature Amplifier, or invest in building a robust standard roster requires careful consideration of personal playstyle and resource management.
While the thrill of an unexpected S-rank pull is undeniable, a well-thought-out plan, informed by these forecasts, can turn raw luck into calculated success. After all, New Eridu`s dangers demand not just strength, but also foresight. Keep an eye on official announcements for precise dates and character reveals, and happy pulling, Proxies!
Conclusion: A Thriving Future for Zenless Zone Zero
The future of Zenless Zone Zero in 2025 appears vibrant and packed with exciting new content. With a steady stream of new Agents, powerful Amplifiers, and the continuous opportunity to expand your roster through both limited-time and permanent banners, there`s always something to look forward to. HoYoverse continues to build on its reputation for delivering compelling characters and engaging gameplay, ensuring that Proxies will have ample opportunities to dive deep into the mysteries and action of New Eridu for a long time to come. Prepare your strategies, and get ready to face the Hollows with style!
Gilbert Pendleton