As the year 2026 unfolds, the sprawling urban labyrinth of New Eridu braces for one of its most monumental events yet. The Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5 update, a grand saga spanning from December 30th, 2024, to February 11th, 2026, is drawing to a spectacular close. This isn't just another patch; it's a curated finale, a strategic playground for Proxies to assemble their ultimate squads. The banner schedule itself breaks tradition, offering a prolonged debut for new legends and a never-before-seen opportunity to recruit past icons. For agents navigating the perilous Hollows, understanding this final lineup is the key to securing victory.

The Unprecedented Banner Structure: A Prolonged Debut and a Selector's Dream

Version 2.5's banner system is a tale of two distinct phases, each designed to test a Proxy's resolve and planning. The first phase, active for the entire update duration, is a marathon, not a sprint. It features the debut of two brand-new S-Rank powerhouses whose banners will stand unwavering until the very end. The second phase, commencing on January 20th, introduces a revolutionary concept: a Selector Rerun Banner. This banner features a trio of formidable returning S-Rank Agents, with a guaranteed pull for your first chosen character. The question for every Proxy becomes: do you commit to the new, or strategically reclaim the old?

Phase 1: The Enduring Legends – Ye Shunguang & Zhao

These two agents aren't just passing through; they are establishing a lasting legacy.

Ye Shunguang: The Void Hunter's Crescendo

A master of physical devastation, Ye Shunguang is an S-Rank Physical Attack Specialist who operates on a level of controlled fury. Her power is intrinsically linked to the elusive Ether Veil effect. Upon activating her Ultimate, she cloaks herself in this veil, unlocking catastrophic critical damage and output. Her kit is a symphony of resource accumulation, each note building towards a devastating finale against her foes. With two distinct modes and Ultimates, she stands as one of the game's most unique and potent DPS characters.

• Pull Rating: 10/10

• Verdict: An absolute must-pull. As a Void Hunter, she is projected to define the Physical DPS meta for the foreseeable future, much like Miyabi did in her era. Securing at least one copy is considered a paramount investment for any serious account.

Zhao: The Icy Bastion

Zhao redefines the role of an S-Rank Ice Defense Specialist. She is not merely a shield; she is a glacial commander who empowers her entire team. Her mechanics revolve around generating Frostbite Points, which she consumes to manifest the powerful Ether Veil. Once active, this veil transforms her into a beacon of strength, granting the squad massive Attack and Damage boosts. Furthermore, she possesses the rare ability to sacrifice her own HP to mend her allies, making her an incredibly versatile defensive pillar.

• Pull Rating: 9/10 (Normally), 3/10 (During Version 2.5)

• Verdict: Here lies the update's greatest strategic twist. Zhao is universally hailed as a top-tier support, rivaling even Astra Yao in utility. However, the Version 2.5 update awards a free copy of Zhao to all players. Therefore, rolling on her banner is only advised for those seeking additional copies (constellations). For everyone else, those resources are better spent elsewhere.

Phase 2: The Selector Rerun – A Trio of Titans

Starting January 20th, the Selector Banner offers a guaranteed chance to recruit one of three legendary S-Rank Agents. Choosing wisely is crucial.

Soldier 0 Anby: The Electric Conduit

An S-Rank Electric Attack Specialist, Soldier 0 Anby is the maestro of Aftershock damage. She excels at applying Silver Star Marks to enemies, making them exponentially more vulnerable to aftershocks from all sources. Once three marks are applied, she unleashes cataclysmic Electric and Aftershock damage. While her team compositions can be specific, her raw power in electric-centric content is undeniable.

• Pull Rating: 8/10

• Verdict: A premier Electric DPS. She is slightly niche due to team requirements but dominates in her element and is expected to scale powerfully with future updates to her Potential system.

Alice: The Anomaly Artisan

As an S-Rank Physical Anomaly Specialist, Alice transforms the Assault attribute anomaly into an art form. She accumulates Blade Etiquette through her own attacks and team synergy, eventually unleashing a Polarized Assault—a supercharged anomaly that can interact with others to deal devastating Disorder damage. Her versatility in anomaly teams is her strength, but she demands careful team building to shine.

• Pull Rating: 7/10

• Verdict: A strong anomaly driver with a caveat. Her value is somewhat overshadowed in Version 2.5 by the simultaneous presence of Ye Shunguang, another physical DPS whose raw power is considered superior. Pulling for Alice requires a specific love for her anomaly playstyle over pure damage numbers.

Astra Yao: The Universal Virtuoso

The S-Rank Ether Support, Astra Yao, is often considered the gold standard. Her playstyle is elegantly simple: activate her Idyllic Cadenza state via her EX Special or Ultimate, then switch to your main DPS using her Quick Assist. This state blankets the team in immense damage and critical damage buffs while providing off-field support. She can also heal with her Ultimate, rounding out an impeccable kit.

• Pull Rating: 10/10

• Verdict: The premier choice on the Selector Banner. Astra Yao's universal buffs make her a seamless fit in virtually any team composition, massively elevating overall performance. Alongside the free Zhao, securing Astra Yao is one of the most impactful moves a Proxy can make in 2026.

Signature W-Engines: Powering the Legends

Accompanying the agents are their legendary armaments. Ye Shunguang and Zhao's signature W-Engines are available throughout the update, while a combined rerun banner in Phase 2 features the weapons for Anby, Alice, and Astra Yao, with a selector guarantee.

W-Engine	For Agent	Main Stat	Key Effect	Pull Advice
Unnamed (Ye Shunguang)	Ye Shunguang	743 ATK	Ignores 20% Phys RES; +25% DMG & CRIT DMG in Ether Veil	10/10 for her, 5/10 stat stick otherwise
Unnamed (Zhao)	Zhao	713 ATK	Team-wide ATK/HP buff; +30% Team CRIT DMG on her Ether Veil	10/10 for her, 7/10 for other Defenders
	Soldier 0 Anby	713 ATK	Stacking CRIT DMG buff; +20% Electric DMG at max stacks	10/10 for her, 8/10 top-tier stat stick
	Alice	713 ATK	Boosts Phys DMG & Anomaly Mastery on inflicting Assault	10/10 for her, 4/10 too niche for others
	Astra Yao	713 ATK	Energy on Assists; Team DMG boost on energy consumption	10/10 for her, 9/10 universally excellent support weapon

Final Strategic Recommendations for 2026

As the clock winds down on Version 2.5, a clear pulling strategy emerges for Proxies aiming to conquer New Eridu's greatest challenges:

1. Priority #1: Ye Shunguang. She is the definitive power unit of this update, a long-term DPS cornerstone.

2. Priority #2: Astra Yao (from Selector). Her universal support value is unmatched and will benefit every team you ever build.

3. Remember: You get Zhao for free. Do not roll on her banner unless chasing duplicates.

4. Niche Picks: Soldier 0 Anby for Electric supremacy, Alice for dedicated Anomaly/Disorder teams.

5. Weapons: Prioritize signatures for your main DPS (Ye Shunguang/Anby) and premier support (Astra Yao).

The Version 2.5 finale is a masterclass in agent variety and strategic resource management. Will you harness the enduring might of the new legends, or secure the timeless utility of past virtuosos? The choice, Proxy, will define your journey through the Hollows in 2026 and beyond.