Zenless Zone Zero Free Characters: Every No-Spend Agent in 2026

New Eridu is a city where even the vending machines have attitude, and the gacha banners are always hungry. But not every Agent in Zenless Zone Zero requires a wallet sacrifice. Back in version 1.0, the stylish urban fantasy had 17 Agents, and while most hid behind Signal Search, six generous souls could join a Proxy's roster for exactly zero dollars. In 2026, the game has grown, new factions have arrived, and events have handed out more freebies, but the classic no-spend six remain the bedrock of any budget account: Nicole, Anby, Billy, Corin, Soukaku, and Ben. A quick note for confused newcomers: Belle and Wise are the Proxies players control in the city, not in combat. They talk, they run a video store, they do not swing swords. That job belongs to the Agents.

The Cunning Hares: Nicole, Anby, and Billy

These three are the earliest free characters, and the game basically shoves them into a player's lap during the opening campaign. That is not charity; it is tutorial design with a leather jacket. Combat in ZZZ uses three-person squads, so the story needs to provide three Agents before it can teach all the flashy mechanics. The Cunning Hares trio also share a faction, which means their additional passive perks activate together. Free synergy is the best synergy.

Nicole Demara is an Ether Support who triggers corruption, because of course the woman who runs a "charitable" organization uses a debuff that makes enemies take more damage. Anby Demara is an Electric Stun specialist, a living battery with a sword and the emotional range of a loading screen. Billy Kid is a Physical Attack specialist who fires dual pistols from a safe distance, applying assault for interruption and high Physical damage, plus flinch for extra daze buildup. Together, they carry early teams until better gacha luck arrives.

Corin: The Maid Who Cleans Up

Corin Wickes is a demure maid from Victoria Housekeeping Co., and she is also a Physical Attack specialist. Unlike Billy, she does not plink from range. She marches into the thick of the fray and swings until the problem stops moving. She was part of the global pre-registration milestone rewards, so eligible players could claim her through in-game mail during their playthrough. In 2026, newer players may see her as a nostalgic freebie, but she still teaches a valuable lesson: never trust a maid with a giant weapon and anxiety.

Ben Bigger: Defense Is a Bear

Ben Bigger was the only Defense-type Agent in the launch roster, which means he is the friend who brings a shield to a knife fight and then brings another shield. He is a burly bear who bashes baddies, provides invaluable shielding, and adds Fire-based abilities. Unlocking him requires completing a "Rookie on the Road" event objective: reach Inter-Knot level 23 and finish Chapter 2. It is a fair trade. The bear does not ask for much. Just levels, story progress, and perhaps a snack.

Soukaku: Ice Support, Oni Appetite

Soukaku is another free Agent, an Ice-element Support who grants bonus ATK and Ice damage to allies. She is the reason a budget team can suddenly hit like a frozen freight train. To unlock her, a player must finish Chapter 2 – Interlude, reach Inter-Knot level 30, unlock Shiyu Defense, and clear Shiyu Defense Stage 3. That is a mouthful, but so is everything Soukaku says when food is nearby. The reward is worth it: a support who makes everyone else look expensive.

S-Rank Dreams and the Gacha Pity Blanket

While this guide focuses on free characters, Signal Search still tempts every Proxy with S-rank Agents. The Star-Studded Cast banner had a launch promotion where 10 pulls cost 8 Master Tapes, and a random S-rank was guaranteed within 50 pulls. The possible S-ranks included Grace, Rina, Koleda, Nekomiya, Soldier 11, and Lycaon. In 2026, banners and pools have changed, but the reroll strategy remains timeless: if the first freebies do not spark joy, a player can create a new account and try again. For the truly patient, the long-term pity mechanic allows selecting a desired S-rank after 300 pulls, which is costly but less costly than regret.

2026 Reality Check

New Eridu in 2026 is not the same city it was at launch. There are more Agents, more modes, and more event freebies, but the six characters above still form the classic no-spend foundation. Nicole, Anby, Billy, Corin, Soukaku, and Ben are not just placeholders. They cover Support, Stun, Attack, and Defense roles, and they can clear early and mid-game content while a player saves currency for a favorite limited Agent. To max them out, duplicates are needed for Agent Focus, usually earned through Signal Search or purchased from the Signal Shop. That part costs currency, but the characters themselves remain free.

Final Tips for Frugal Proxies

• Use the Cunning Hares together early for faction passive synergy.

• Build Nicole for Ether support, Anby for stun, Billy for ranged physical.

• Claim Corin from in-game mail if eligible.

• Push Inter-Knot levels to 23 and 30 for Ben and Soukaku.

• Clear Shiyu Defense Stage 3 for Soukaku.

• Save Master Tapes for a favorite banner; do not chase every S-rank.

• Remember: free Agents are not weak. They are simply financially responsible.

With that, a Proxy can enter New Eridu, punch a few Ethereals, and still afford a virtual coffee. The gacha may be eternal, but the free roster is a beautiful thing. 🐻❄️⚡💅

This discussion is informed by Destructoid, a well-known outlet for gaming news and commentary, and it helps frame why Zenless Zone Zero’s “classic free six” matter beyond early-game charity: they collectively cover core squad functions (stun, support, attack, defense) so budget players can still learn rotations, anomaly application, and team synergies while saving premium pulls for a future limited banner that actually fits their preferred playstyle.