Get ready, Proxies! Version 2.5 “To Be Fuel for the Night” launches on December 30, 2025, bringing two highly anticipated S-Rank agents to New Eridu. What makes this update extraordinary? HoYoverse is giving away Agent Zhao completely free, alongside 1,000 Polychromes and a complimentary Jane Doe outfit. Let’s break down everything you need to know about these game-changing characters.

Zenless Zone Zero: Release Schedule Quick Reference

Details	Information
Update Launch	December 30, 2025 (11 AM UTC+8)
Version	2.5 “To Be Fuel for the Night”
New S-Rank Agents	Ye Shunguang, Zhao
Free Agent	Zhao (Limited Time)
Banner Duration	Entire patch (~6 weeks)
Phase 2 Reruns	Astra Yao, Alice, Soldier 0 Anby
Free Rewards	1,000 Polychromes, Jane Doe skin

Source: Sportskeeda Esports

Ye Shunguang: The Dual-Form Void Hunter

As the game’s first dual-form Void Hunter, Ye Shunguang unleashes fluid strikes and explosive burst phases with the Qingming Sword. This young senior disciple of Yunkui Summit represents a breakthrough in ZZZ’s combat mechanics, transforming between her normal and Enlightened Mind states for devastating damage output.

Combat Mechanics: Ye Shunguang accumulates Qingming Sword Force through attacks, and upon reaching 6 stacks, she can enter Enlightened Mind State for increased damage. Her unique attribute, Honed Edge—a variant of Physical similar to Miyabi’s Frost—applies the exclusive Assault Anomaly status to enemies.

The real game-changer? Ye Shunguang thrives when an Ether Veil is present, applying special Vulnerability that increases damage enemies receive. This synergy makes her exceptionally powerful when paired with supportive agents who can activate Ether Veil.

Best Team Compositions: Ye Shunguang excels alongside Dialyn, whose Chain Attack transitions perfectly into finishing moves. Zhao, the free bunny character, activates Ether Veil—crucial for Shunguang’s finishing move stance. This creates an accessible yet powerful team composition available to all players.

Explore more character guides and team building strategies on our gaming hub.

Zhao: Your Free S-Rank Defensive Powerhouse

Despite her adorable appearance, Zhao holds the legacy of the unbeaten legend of Krampus Compliance Authority. As an Ice Defense agent with abilities linked to max HP, she brings healing, protection, and crucial Ether Veil activation to any team.

Why Zhao Matters: Defense agents traditionally struggle in ZZZ’s meta, which favors invincibility periods and damage-boosting supports. Zhao changes this equation by combining protection with unique support effects that benefit multiple elements, making her versatile for various team compositions.

Availability Window: Zhao remains free throughout Versions 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7, giving players ample time to claim this S-Rank agent and gather her promotion materials. New players especially benefit from her straightforward kit and elemental versatility.

For additional ZZZ tips and agent reviews, check our comprehensive esports section.

Version 2.5 Additional Content

Beyond the new agents, this update concludes Season 2’s narrative arc with Chapter 6. Proxies will venture into the ruins of the Lumite Mine to investigate anomalies and face the ultimate battle in Waifei Peninsula.

Character Buffs: Soldier 11, Grace, Burnice, Ellen, and Soldier 0 Anby receive buffs through the new Potential Vision system, with six levels of enhancements unlockable using Daily Performance currency.

New Bangboo: Sprout, Ye Shunguang’s solo bangboo, joins the roster alongside new disc sets and combat stages.

Quality of Life: HoYoverse continues improving accessibility with the Advance Screening function, allowing players to jump directly into Version 2.5’s story regardless of progression status.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will Ye Shunguang and Zhao’s banners run in Version 2.5?

Both Ye Shunguang and Zhao will be available throughout the entire Version 2.5 patch, which launches December 30, 2025, and runs approximately six weeks until mid-February 2026. Unlike typical banner structures where new characters rotate after three weeks, these agents remain pullable for the full duration. This extended availability gives players maximum flexibility to accumulate Polychromes through events, daily activities, and the version’s free rewards. The second phase introduces reruns for Astra Yao, Alice, and Soldier 0 Anby starting January 21, 2025, running alongside the new agents until patch conclusion.

What makes getting Zhao as a free S-Rank agent so valuable for players?

Zhao represents a new free S-rank character that fills a crucial role in team compositions without requiring gacha pulls. As an Ice Defense agent, she provides healing, protection, and—most importantly—Ether Veil activation that directly synergizes with Ye Shunguang’s kit. While her base stats are intentionally lower than standard S-Rank agents due to her free availability, her versatility makes her ideal for new players building their first competitive teams. The ability to obtain promotion materials alongside her character ensures players can immediately begin strengthening Zhao. Her availability extends through Version 2.7, eliminating any time pressure while still creating urgency for players who want to maximize their roster efficiency during the promotional period.