The virtual city of New Eridu is about to experience a new surge of power and intrigue. Proxies around the world are marking their calendars for the arrival of Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5, titled 'To Be Fuel for the Night.' This highly anticipated update promises to be a major event, introducing new faces, powerful rewards, and fresh dynamics to the Hollow-clearing scene. Whether you're a seasoned Proxy or just stepping into the fray, understanding what this version brings is key to staying ahead. So, what exactly does the night have in store for its new fuel?

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The Arrival of Version 2.5: Mark Your Calendars

The gates to this new chapter swing open on a specific date and time. Proxies can expect ZZZ 2.5, 'To Be Fuel for the Night,' to officially launch on December 29, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET (UTC-5). As with any major update, players should be aware that a maintenance period will precede the release to ensure a smooth transition. While the exact maintenance start and end times are typically announced closer to the date, players can prepare for the servers to go offline for several hours. Following this maintenance, the new version will be live.

It’s crucial for international Proxies to note the time zone differences. For many players across the globe, access to version 2.5 will actually begin on December 30, 2025, depending on their local time. Isn't it always a test of patience, waiting for the servers to come back online with new content?

Assuming the version follows the established six-week cycle, the estimated end date for ZZZ 2.5 would be in mid-February 2026. This gives players ample time to explore all the new content, complete events, and build their new agents.

Meet the New Agents: Ye Shunguang and Zhao

The heart of any new update is its characters, and version 2.5 delivers two compelling new Agents to recruit.

Ye Shunguang arrives as a featured S-Rank Limited Agent. Proxies will need to use their Master Tapes on his dedicated banner to bring him to their team. His combat style and role are sure to shake up the current meta. Accompanying him on his banner are two A-Rank agents, ready to provide support:

  • Nicole (Ether-Support)

  • Lucy (Fire-Support)

But the real headline-grabber is Zhao. In a generous move by the developers, Zhao will be given to all Proxies for free as part of the version’s major rewards. This is a significant boon, allowing every player to add a powerful new character to their roster without spending resources. However, her story doesn't end there.

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Strategic Banner Pulls and Team Building

Even though Zhao is free, a dedicated banner for her will also be active. Why would you pull on a banner for a character you already own? The answer lies in her Mindscape Cinema. Pulling additional copies of Zhao from her banner is the primary way to unlock her constellations or Eidolons, known in ZZZ as her Mindscape Cinema. These upgrades can significantly enhance her abilities, power, and utility in combat. So, while her base form is a gift, maximizing her potential is a strategic choice for dedicated Proxies.

The A-Rank agents featured on Zhao's banner offer excellent synergy options or chances for constellations for existing characters:

  • Anby (Electric-Stun)

  • Ben (Fire-Defense)

This presents a classic gacha dilemma: do you invest in Ye Shunguang's banner for a powerful new limited S-Rank, or do you focus on Zhao's banner to empower your free S-Rank with her supporting cast? The decision will depend on your current team composition and long-term goals.

Rewards and the Path Ahead

'To Be Fuel for the Night' is more than just two new characters. The version will be packed with login events, challenge stages, and narrative content that will delve deeper into the world of New Eridu. The act of giving away a powerful S-Rank agent like Zhao for free sets a high bar for player rewards and community engagement in 2025. It demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the player base can experience core new content without a prohibitive paywall.

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As the release date approaches, Proxies should prepare by:

  1. Saving Master Tapes and Polychromes: Decide which banner aligns with your strategy and save accordingly.

  2. Completing Current Content: Finish any ongoing events or missions in Version 2.4 to claim all rewards before the update.

  3. Planning Team Comps: Consider how Ye Shunguang or a powered-up Zhao could fit into your existing squads. Will they be a new main DPS, or provide crucial support?

The arrival of Ye Shunguang and Zhao is poised to redefine team strategies. With one agent available through luck and dedication, and another as a gift to all, version 2.5 offers pathways for both whales and free-to-play players to grow stronger. The night is coming, and New Eridu needs all the Proxy power it can get. Are you ready to become its fuel?