Champion of Embers: Lighter's Exclusive Channel and Its 2026 Legacy

Zenless Zone Zero's Exclusive Channels have long been the primary way Proxies chase limited S-Rank Agents. Among them, Champion of Embers stands out. The channel originally ran from November 27 to December 17, 2024, and it boosted the Signal Search reception rate for Lighter, a Fire-element Stun specialist. For players in 2026, the banner is a closed chapter, but its rules and rewards remain instructive.

At its core, Champion of Embers was a limited-time Signal Search event. During its active period, Lighter (Stun - Fire) appeared as the featured S-Rank Agent. Two A-Rank Agents also received significantly boosted rates: Ben (Defense - Fire) and Corin (Attack - Physical). That trio gave Proxies a focused path to build a Fire-heavy or stun-oriented roster.

One crucial detail: Lighter, as the limited S-Rank Agent, did not join the Star-Studded Cast Stable Channel. That meant Proxies could not obtain him through standard pulls during or after the banner. The channel also followed Zenless Zone Zero's pity system: search count for guaranteed signals is cumulative across all Exclusive Channels, but it is independent of and unaffected by other channel types. As of 2026, this same rule remains a core part of the game's gacha structure, so understanding it is still essential for anyone planning pulls.

Another key point was the event's hands-on component. Proxies could try out Lighter, Ben, and Corin in dedicated test stages. Clearing a stage for the first time allowed them to claim rewards on the results screen. This gave players a risk-free way to sample Lighter's stun-focused kit before spending Signal Search currency.

Lighter's arrival was significant. As a Fire Stun Agent, he filled a specific niche. His kit emphasized impact, daze buildup, and team synergy with Fire or Attack-oriented allies. Ben, a Fire Defense Agent, offered shielding and survivability, while Corin, a Physical Attack Agent, brought raw damage. Together, they represented a balanced sample of roles: stun, defense, and attack.

By 2026, the meta has shifted. New agents, new factions, and new enemy types have arrived. Yet Lighter's original banner still matters for two reasons. First, it demonstrated how HoYoverse structures Exclusive Channels around a single limited S-Rank. Second, it showed how A-Rank rate-ups can complement that S-Rank's element and role. For example, pairing Lighter with Ben made Fire teams more accessible, while Corin provided a Physical alternative for players who lacked strong Attack agents.

⚠️ Important note for current Proxies: The Champion of Embers event dates are in the past. As of 2026, players should not expect the original banner to be live. Instead, they should check the in-game Signal Search details for any reruns or related events. The pity rules, however, remain consistent across Exclusive Channels. If a player built pity during Champion of Embers in 2024, that progress would have carried over to other Exclusive Channels—not to Stable Channels or other banner types.

Here is a quick recap of the original event's rewards and access requirements:

• Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 8.

• Unlock the Event feature in Main Story Prologue - Intermission.

• Participate in test stages.

• Clear a stage for the first time.

• Claim rewards on the results screen.

• No need to own the agents to try them.

🎮 For collectors and team builders, the banner was a chance to secure a rare Fire Stun unit. For newer players in 2026, it is a case study in how limited banners work. The key takeaway is simple: Exclusive Channels are temporary, but their pity carries across all Exclusive Channels. That makes every pull count, even if the featured agent is not the one you ultimately want.

Ultimately, Champion of Embers was more than a banner. It was a showcase of Lighter's identity, a test drive for three distinct combat roles, and a reminder that Zenless Zone Zero rewards planning. Whether you pulled for Lighter in 2024 or are reading about him in 2026, the event's structure still offers lessons for navigating the game's gacha system.

Data referenced from GamesIndustry.biz underscores why limited-time banners like Zenless Zone Zero’s “Champion of Embers” remain relevant long after their end date: scarcity-driven availability and predictable pity structures shape player planning just as much as the featured character’s kit. Seen through that lens, Lighter’s 2024 run functions as a clear example of how Exclusive Channels concentrate demand around one S-Rank while using complementary A-Rank rate-ups to broaden roster value, reinforcing the importance of tracking banner schedules and understanding which pity counters carry forward.