Zenless Zone Zero’s latest Special Program has delivered the good news on Version 2.5, To Be Fuel for the Night. This chapter is a big deal for a few reasons, not least of which because it brings an end to Season 2.
To start with, Version 2.5 arrives on December 30, making it the game’s last major update of the year, which also means players are in for some freebies to celebrate the new year.
Of course, the biggest addition in Version 2.5 is Ye Shunguang, the game’s new Agent, who’s a Void Hunter, and also Zenless Zone Zero’s first dual-form Agent. Zhao also becomes a playable Agent as part of this update – two things HoYoverse teased last week at The Game Awards.
Ye Shunguang’s unique attribute is Honed Edge, through which she can enter an Enlightened Mind state. Ye Shunguang’s signature Ether Veil can deliver Honed Edge damage as she applies a vulnerability effect to enemies. She arrives alongside her sidekick, Bangboo Sprout, who keeps with her swordplay theme by calling down flying swords.
Zhao is the other playable Agent as mentioned, an S-Rank Ice Defence legend. Zhao is a fast and nimble attacker who uses her giant greataxe to suppress enemies. Zhao can trigger Ether Veil: Wellspring by using Frostbite she accumulates, which buffs the entire squad.
Narratively, this particular chapter will reveal the fate of Waifei Peninsula. The quest is gonna take the squad deeper into the Lumite Mine ruins, and the new Perception Technique is how you’ll uncover the answers hidden within.
There’s a gameplay component to that, too. Ye Shunguang’s Bladeflash Mirage ability will come in handy during the story’s big investigation, which comes with unique rewards, including a new W-Engine.
Version 2.5 is also the one set to give players the first taste of multiplayer combat thought he limited-time Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze event. As part of that, you can have three-Agent squads face off against each other in unique combat challenges.
There’s even more to get excited about in this one. Proxy Outpost lets you create your own Outposts, and join those created by other. This is more of a social feature than anything, though.
HoYoverse is also making a series of updates to Soldier 11, Grace, Soldier 0 – Anby, Ellen, and Burnice, all of whom will see their mechanics updated and their effectiveness boosted. Similar updates are on the way for other Agents, which will arrive in future updates. Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault has seen some adjustments to the gameplay loop, too.
Finally, HoYoverse is making it easier for players to jump into 2.5’s new story chapter using Advance Screening. Ye Shunguang and Zhao will be available for the entire update’s duration, and reruns in the second half will guarantee another S-Rank.
You’ll be able to pick from Alice, Soldier 0 – Anby, or Astra. Zhao will herself be available as a login bonus alongside 1,000 Polychromes, a new outfit for Jane, and more. If you’re looking to jump in on December 30, don’t do so without having a look at our Zenless Zone Zero codes page to get some freebies.