Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5 Update Adds New Characters, Story Epilogue, and Quality-of-Life Changes

HoYoverse has confirmed that Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 will release on December 30, 2025. The update, which is dubbed “To Be Fuel for the Night,” concludes Season 2 with Chapter 6 but covers not only story content: it’s also new Agents, more story content on top, and some gameplay mechanic changes.

Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5

Waifei Peninsula Arc Reaches an Inflection Point

Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 main story in To Be Fuel for the Night focuses on the Waifei Peninsula arc's climax. An insignificant, self-enclosed problem, little by little, gets out of hand. The whole mess was coming from the Qingming Sword-an antique relic that was charged with the ancient power of the Creator. That power that was used to help out is now acting weird and unpredictable, creating a serious problem.

This chaos pierces Ye Shunguang, since she is bound to the sword. Her attachment puts her in the center of all this danger. The more one progresses through the story, the clearer it becomes that the backlash from the sword represents a danger not just to her but also to the entire area surrounding her. Simultaneously, white flowers of weird appearance have begun to force their way through the ground of Failume Heights at random spots, hinting that Lemnian Hollow is growing faster than anyone expected.

To find out what is really going on, players journey with their allies to the ruins of the Lumine Mine. Here, a new Perception Technique is super important, providing the ability for Proxies to dig deeper into the secrets of the Hollow. Next, the story launches into the epilogue of the Sword Seeker Chronicles as you help Shunguang deal with all of the side effects from messing with the Qingming Sword. Completion of this chapter unlocks more information on her Bladeflash Mirage ability and yields exclusive rewards, such as a new W-Engine connected with her progress.

Two New S-Rank Agents Join the Fray

One of the big highlights of the Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 update comes in the form of two new limited-time S-Rank Agents, each bringing their flair to combat and team tactics. Ye Shunguang appears as the very first dual-form Void Hunter of the game. Her combat centered around the Honed Edge attribute that allows her to turn into an Enlightened Mind state. While in this state, she utilizes her signature Ether Veil and deals sustained Honed Edge damage while weakening the defenses of enemies. Timing and a little bit of adaptability are needed to play with her, but she is formidable in the most intense of fights if she manages her form changes correctly.

There is also Zhao, an S-Rank Ice Defense Agent from the Krampus faction. Equipped with a huge weapon, Zhao can move fast and suppress enemies with rapid attacks. With the Frostbite stacks building up on enemies, she can trigger Ether Veil: Wellspring, giving buffs to the whole team. Altogether, Ye Shunguang and Zhao add even more ways to create squads, especially when you're going into tougher content where every strategy counts.

New W-Engines and Bangboo Companion

Equipment in Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 is getting a nice update, too, with three new W-Engines added to the mix. There’s Cloudcleave Radiance (S-Rank), Half-Sugar Bunny (S-Rank), and Cauldron of Clarity (A-Rank). Each one is built for certain combat roles, so players can mix and match to get their characters working the way they want.

On top of that, a new Bangboo companion called Sprout is joining the fray. Sprout sticks close to Ye Shunguang and helps out in battles by throwing sword attacks at enemies.

Free S-Rank Character Announcement

During the livestream presentation, HoYoverse also confirmed that a free S-Rank character will be distributed after the update goes live. This announcement generated noticeable attention, particularly among free-to-play players. The developers also reiterated the Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 launch date, reassuring players that the reward will be tied closely to the update’s release window.

You can also check out the Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Banners Leaked Online for hints about how these new W-Engines and Sprout might be featured in upcoming banners.

System Optimizations and Quality-of-Life Updates

Beyond new characters and story content, Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 introduces a wide range of system-level improvements. One of the most notable changes affects Shiyu Defense’s Critical Node, which has been reduced from seven nodes to four, with a fifth node planned for a future update. Despite the reduced structure, overall rewards have been increased compared to previous versions.

Deadly Assault now features optimized squad recommendations, providing players with clearer guidance as they approach challenging content. A new third-person camera option has also been added, improving visibility during fast-paced combat. Game resource optimization allows players to reduce the overall file size, addressing storage concerns on different platforms.

Advanced Tuning is another key addition, allowing players to directly select Disk Drive sub-stats rather than relying entirely on random outcomes. Ether Batteries can now be used to claim rewards from challenge stages more efficiently, and a new function menu has been added to the shortcut bar for faster navigation. Several existing Agents, including Anby, Soldier 11, Ellen Joe, and Grace Howard, will receive balance adjustments as part of the update, ensuring they remain relevant alongside newer characters.

New Outfits and Permanent Story

Cosmetic content is also part of Version 2.5. Two new outfits will be added to the in-game shop: “Touch of Dawnlight” for Ye Shunguang and “Nocturne of Light” for Jane Doe. Notably, the Nocturne of Light outfit will be available for free, as confirmed during the livestream.

The To Be Fuel for the Night story chapter will remain permanently accessible after the update goes live. This ensures that all Proxies can experience the Season 2 conclusion regardless of when they start playing. For players wanting a deeper understanding of combat strategies, the Zenless Zone Zero Zhao Kit Explained guide provides insights that complement the story content.

A Turning Point for the Game’s Direction

With its combination of story wrap-up, new playable stuff, and a bunch of system tweaks, Zenless Zone Zero version 2.5 really feels like one of the biggest updates yet. You can really see HoYoverse putting effort into balancing the story with long-term gameplay changes and setting things up for whatever comes next in the game.