As Zenless Zone Zero approaches its first anniversary, HoYoverse is rolling out the red carpet for both veteran players and newcomers alike with an extraordinary celebration. The highlight of these anniversary rewards is the opportunity to claim a completely free S-Rank agent from the standard banner—a game-changing opportunity that could dramatically enhance your combat capabilities in New Eridu. Season 2, launching on June 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone for this action-packed RPG that has captivated millions of players worldwide. This generous offering isn’t just about celebrating the game’s success; it’s a strategic opportunity for players to diversify their roster with a top-tier character without spending a single Polychrome.
Whether you’re a day-one veteran looking to fill gaps in your team composition or a newcomer eager to jumpstart your journey through the Hollows, this anniversary gift represents one of the most valuable opportunities in ZZZ’s history. The process is refreshingly straightforward—simply log in during the anniversary period and make your selection from six powerful S-Rank agents, each bringing unique combat styles and team synergies to the table. But with such an important decision at hand, which character should you choose? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about claiming your free S-Rank agent and making the most strategic choice for your gameplay style.
Table of Contents
How to Claim Your Free S-Rank Agent in Zenless Zone Zero Season 2
Claiming your free S-Rank agent in Zenless Zone Zero’s Season 2 is remarkably straightforward, designed to ensure all players can easily access this valuable anniversary reward. The process builds on HoYoverse’s previous giveaway experiences, including the Harumasa distribution during version 1.4.
When Season 2 launches on June 6, 2025, you’ll simply need to log into the game during the anniversary celebration period. Upon logging in, you’ll be directed to a special event page dedicated to the first-year anniversary celebrations. This page will contain all the details about the various rewards available, including the free S-Rank agent selector.
The selector will allow you to choose one of six standard S-Rank agents:
- Rina (Electric, Support)
- Grace (Electric, Anomaly)
- Koleda (Fire, Stun)
- Nekomata (Physical, Attack)
- Soldier 11 (Fire, Attack)
- Lycaon (Ice, Stun)
Once you’ve made your selection, the character will be permanently added to your roster. It’s important to note that this offer is limited to the anniversary period, so make sure to log in and claim your free agent before the event concludes.
In addition to the free S-Rank agent, the anniversary celebrations will include other valuable rewards. Players can also obtain a free S-Rank W-Engine, enhancing their combat capabilities even further. Additionally, progressing through the main story quest chapter from Season 2 will unlock new outfits for Belle and Wise, adding cosmetic options to your collection.
For players who might be returning to the game after a break or just starting their journey in New Eridu, this anniversary gift provides an exceptional opportunity to acquire a powerful character that might otherwise require significant investment of Polychromes through the gacha system.
Top S-Rank Agent Recommendations for Different Playstyles
When selecting your free S-Rank agent, it’s crucial to consider how each character might complement your existing roster and preferred playstyle. Here are detailed recommendations for the three standout choices:
Lycaon: The Consistent Ice Stunner
Lycaon has maintained his position as one of the most reliable characters in Zenless Zone Zero since the game’s launch. As an Ice element Stun specialist, he excels at interrupting enemy attacks and creating openings for your main damage dealers.
His consistent performance across multiple patches makes him a safe choice for players of all experience levels. Lycaon particularly shines when paired with Ice DPS characters like Hugo, creating powerful elemental synergy that can devastate opponents.
What makes Lycaon especially valuable is his accessibility and efficiency. Even with a basic build, he can effectively perform his role of staggering enemies, making him less resource-intensive than some other S-Rank options. His straightforward playstyle also makes him approachable for newer players still mastering the game’s combat mechanics.
For players focusing on Ice-based team compositions or those who frequently struggle with enemy interrupts, Lycaon represents one of the most valuable selections from the free S-Rank offering.
Rina: The Electric Support Specialist
Rina stands out as a dedicated support unit specifically designed to enhance Electric teams. Her kit revolves around boosting her squadmates’ damage output through various buffs and mechanics.
One of Rina’s most distinctive features is her control over two puppets, Drusilla and Anastella, which she deploys in combat to deal significant damage. When these puppets attack, they provide a substantial PEN Ratio increase of up to 30% for both Rina and her team members, dramatically improving damage potential against heavily defended enemies.
When Rina is paired with other Electric characters, she provides an additional 10% elemental damage boost, making her an invaluable asset for Electric-focused teams. This specialized support role makes her particularly valuable for players who already have strong Electric DPS characters like Yanagi or Harumasa.
While Rina’s effectiveness is somewhat dependent on having compatible team members, her unique support capabilities make her irreplaceable in the right composition. Players who enjoy strategic team building and maximizing synergies will find Rina to be an excellent choice.
Grace: The Versatile Anomaly Expert
Grace offers perhaps the most interesting and flexible playstyle among the available options. As an Electric Anomaly specialist, she excels at applying status effects and creating unique combat interactions.
Her versatility shines through her ability to trigger different effects depending on her team composition. When paired with other Anomaly specialists, Grace can efficiently apply Shock or Disorder effects to enemies. Particularly noteworthy is her synergy with Vivian, which enables the application of the powerful Abloom effect.
Abloom serves as a significant damage source that remains effective even against elite enemies and bosses, making Grace valuable for challenging content. Her engaging playstyle rewards players who enjoy mastering complex mechanics and discovering powerful combinations.
For players who already have the other recommended S-Rank agents or who simply prefer a more dynamic combat experience, Grace represents an excellent choice that can open up new strategic possibilities.
Comparing S-Rank Agents: Making the Right Choice for Your Team
To help you make an informed decision about which free S-Rank agent to select, here’s a comprehensive comparison of all available options:
| Agent | Element | Specialty | Key Strengths | Best Team Synergies | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycaon | Ice | Stun | Consistent performance, enemy interruption, accessible playstyle | Hugo, other Ice DPS | New players, Ice team builders |
| Rina | Electric | Support | Team damage buffs, PEN Ratio increase, puppet mechanics | Yanagi, Harumasa, Electric DPS | Support players, Electric team builders |
| Grace | Electric | Anomaly | Versatile status effects, Abloom application, dynamic playstyle | Vivian, other Anomaly specialists | Experienced players, status effect enthusiasts |
| Nekomata | Physical | Attack | High damage potential, self-sufficient | Physical DPS teams | Solo-focused players, Physical team builders |
| Soldier 11 | Fire | Attack | Straightforward damage dealing, Fire synergy | Fire DPS teams | Offensive playstyle, Fire team builders |
| Koleda | Fire | Stun | Enemy control, Fire element synergy | Fire teams needing control | Players needing Fire control options |
When making your selection, consider these additional factors:
- Current roster gaps: Choose an agent that fills a role or element you’re currently lacking.
- Resource availability: Some agents require more investment in specific W-Engines or team members to reach their full potential.
- Playstyle preference: Select an agent whose mechanics align with how you enjoy playing the game.
- Future banners: Consider upcoming character releases that might synergize particularly well with certain S-Rank agents.
Remember that while some agents may be considered stronger in the current meta, the most valuable choice is one that enhances your personal gameplay experience and team compositions.
Beyond the Free S-Rank: Additional Anniversary Rewards in Season 2
While the free S-Rank agent is undoubtedly the highlight of Zenless Zone Zero’s first anniversary celebrations, Season 2 brings several other valuable rewards worth noting:
Free S-Rank W-Engine
In addition to a free character, players can also select one S-Rank W-Engine during the anniversary event. These powerful weapons can significantly enhance your agents’ capabilities. Available options include:
- Fusion Compiler
- Weeping Cradle
- The Brimstone
- Steel Cushion
- The Restrained
- Hellfire Gears
When selecting your W-Engine, consider which of your agents (including your new free S-Rank) would benefit most from these weapons.
New Character Outfits
By progressing through Season 2’s main story quest chapter, players can unlock new outfits for Belle and Wise. These cosmetic rewards add visual variety to your roster and celebrate the anniversary in style.
Anniversary Event Activities
The anniversary celebration will feature special event pages and activities through the “Festival Channel” interface. These events typically offer additional rewards such as Polychromes, upgrade materials, and commemorative items.
Potential Additional Rewards
Based on HoYoverse’s patterns with their other games, players might also expect:
- Anniversary-themed furniture for your base
- Special commemorative items
- Limited-time event challenges
- Login bonuses spanning multiple days
To maximize your rewards during this period, be sure to log in daily and participate in all available anniversary activities.
How to Get Fortnite on iPhone in the EU: The Complete 2025 Guide for Gamers
FAQ
When exactly can I claim the free S-Rank agent in Zenless Zone Zero?
You can claim your free S-Rank agent starting from June 6, 2025, when Season 2 officially launches. This date marks Zenless Zone Zero’s first anniversary. The event page will be accessible immediately upon logging in after the version update. While HoYoverse hasn’t specified an end date for this offer, anniversary events typically run for 2-4 weeks, so it’s advisable to claim your free agent as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
The claiming process is straightforward—simply log in, navigate to the anniversary event page, and select your preferred S-Rank agent from the available options. Once claimed, the character will be permanently added to your roster, just like any agent obtained through the gacha system.
Is this free S-Rank agent offer available to new players who haven’t played Zenless Zone Zero before?
Yes, the free S-Rank agent offer is available to all players, including complete newcomers who install Zenless Zone Zero during the anniversary period. This makes it an excellent time for new players to start their journey in New Eridu, as they’ll immediately have access to a powerful S-Rank character to help them progress through early content.
New players should prioritize completing the tutorial and reaching the necessary Adventure Rank to access event rewards, which typically requires completing the game’s prologue chapter. For beginners, Lycaon is often recommended as the free S-Rank choice due to his straightforward playstyle and consistent performance across various team compositions. The anniversary period also typically includes additional new player bonuses, making it doubly rewarding for those just starting their ZZZ experience.
