Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse`s latest urban fantasy action RPG, has rapidly captivated players since its summer 2024 launch. Its unique aesthetic, fast-paced combat, and intriguing lore are undeniable draws. As with many gacha-centric titles, a significant part of the experience, and indeed, progression, revolves around acquiring `Agents` – playable characters with diverse combat skills and roles – and their specialized `Amplificators` (weapons). Understanding the intricate banner system is paramount for any aspiring Proxy navigating the dangers and delights of New Eridu.
Deciphering the Gacha System in ZZZ
In Zenless Zone Zero, the path to acquiring these coveted assets primarily involves `Polychromes,` the premium in-game currency. These can be exchanged for `Cipher Copies` (used for limited-time event banners) and `Master Copies` (for standard banners). The banners themselves fall into several distinct categories, each offering unique opportunities to expand your roster:
- Event Character Banners: Featuring limited-time, often powerful, new Agents and reruns of popular ones.
- Event Amplificator (Weapon) Banners: Showcasing signature weapons tailored for the featured characters, alongside other epic-tier Amplificators.
- Standard Character Banners: A permanent fixture, offering a consistent pool of S-rank and A-rank Agents.
- Banboo Banners: A unique system for acquiring helpful mini-robot companions.
Strategizing your pulls is key, as each type operates on its own pity system, ensuring a guaranteed pull after a certain number of attempts. Prudent resource management can be the difference between acquiring your desired Agent and a prolonged period of… well, saving up more Polychromes.
Anticipated Event Banners: Glimpses into Future Updates
While HoYoverse keeps its long-term schedules under wraps, teasers and in-game patterns offer tantalizing clues about upcoming content. The following outlines what`s been hinted at for the immediate future of Zenless Zone Zero, extending into what players might expect beyond current patches.
Update 2.1: New Faces and Familiar Returns
The first half of Update 2.1 is reportedly underway, introducing one new character and featuring a rerun of an existing fan-favorite. Complementing this, the weapon banner will showcase signature equipment for these characters, alongside several epic-tier Amplificators designed to boost their performance. For those planning their pulls, this period offers a dual opportunity: to acquire a fresh combat style or to finally grab that Agent you missed before.
The second half of 2.1 is also set to debut another fresh face, accompanied by a rerun character in the Signal Search. Expect corresponding signature weapons and epic Amplificators to be available, ensuring your new Agents are battle-ready right out of the gate. This consistent flow ensures there`s always something new to look forward to, or a chance to complete your collection.
Update 2.2: The New Eridu Vanguard
Patch 2.2 promises to expand the Agent roster significantly with characters previously teased in the New Eridu district previews. Among them are:
- Sid: A combat robot, likely bringing a unique mechanical flair to the battlefield.
- Orphea: A Tirene from the Obol Squad, suggesting a strong thematic tie to one of the game`s mysterious factions.
- Manato: Another Tirene, rumored to be an A-rank Agent, broadening the accessibility of new characters for players.
These additions hint at expanding lore and diverse combat styles, inviting players to speculate on their roles within the ever-expanding world of ZZZ. Will Sid be a defensive juggernaut? What unique abilities will the Tirene characters bring to combat?
Update 2.3: Mysterious Arrivals
Further down the line, Patch 2.3 is expected to bring the long-awaited releases of the VTuber-inspired Chinatsu, along with Joeel and Remuel. While details about these characters remain scarce, official art confirms their existence, making their eventual debut a highly anticipated event. Their unique designs suggest intriguing narratives and combat mechanics are on the horizon. Perhaps Chinatsu will engage enemies with virtual projections, or Joeel and Remuel will exhibit synergistic abilities that redefine team compositions. The suspense is half the fun, isn`t it?
The Steadfast Standard Banners
Beyond the excitement of limited-time events, Zenless Zone Zero features permanent `Signal Searches` whose compositions remain consistent across updates, providing a reliable avenue for character acquisition.
Stellar Ensemble (Standard Character Banner)
This banner is your go-to for standard legendary (S-rank) and epic (A-rank) characters, as well as Amplificators. It operates on a robust pity system, guaranteeing an A-rank Agent every ten Master Copies and an S-rank Agent every ninety. The S-rank roster currently includes:
- Corin
- Grace
- Fennec
- Lynx
- Nekomata
- Lyra
- Lulu
- Akari
For those seeking variety or specific synergies, all A-rank characters are also consistently available here:
- Caleb
- Elissa
- Sugaaru
- Shota
- Kento
- Kokoro
- Marion
- Rin
- Judy
This banner provides a stable foundation for building your team, ensuring that even if you miss an event character, there`s always a strong selection of reliable Agents to pursue.
Banboo Banner (Robotic Companions)
The Banboo banner offers unique robotic assistants crucial for various in-game activities. Unlike character or weapon banners, Banboo are acquired using `Banbulets,` a distinct currency earned solely through specific in-game tasks rather than Polychromes or real-money purchases. Available from Internaut Level 16, this banner provides S-tier Banboo like:
- Mokko
- Shippi
- Rakka
- Frey
- Komo
All A-rank Banboo also automatically join this pool:
- Bertie
- Meow-Jin
- Twitty
- Bom-Bom
- Gizmo
- Frizzy
These companions, while not directly combatants, provide invaluable support in exploration, resource gathering, and other auxiliary tasks, making their acquisition a strategic choice for optimizing your gameplay.
Concluding Thoughts
Zenless Zone Zero`s future is clearly mapped out with a consistent flow of new content, driven significantly by its character and weapon acquisition system. While the exact timing of future banners can shift due to development cycles and unforeseen circumstances (as is common in the dynamic world of live-service games), understanding these patterns and preparing your resources (Polychromes, Master Copies, Banbulets) is key to maximizing your enjoyment and progression.
HoYoverse continues to build a vibrant world, and each new Agent or Amplificator adds another layer to the strategic depth of New Eridu. So, Proxies, start saving those Polychromes; your next favorite character might just be around the corner, or perhaps, already here if you’ve been diligent with your pulls. The thrill of the gacha, after all, is half the fun – and occasionally, all the delightful frustration. Plan wisely, and may your wishes be ever in your favor!
Finley Holt