ZZZ 2.5 Banner Leak Overview & Credibility Check
What We Actually Know vs. What's Speculation
Here's the thing about leaks—some are rock solid, others are wishful thinking. The good news? Zhao's looking pretty confirmed.
Beta test data mining has given us detailed character animations and skill breakdowns for new S-Rank Agent Zhao. Official social media's been dropping teasers confirming her Ice Defense role and that transformable weapon system (which, honestly, looks incredible). Version 2.5 launches December 30, 2025, at 11 AM UTC+8 with the usual 50-day duration—they've stuck to this pattern since version 1.5, so no surprises there.
Phase 1 runs from December 30, 2025 to January 21, 2026. That's when Zhao makes her debut. Phase 2? January 21 to February 17, 2026, and this is where things get interesting with potential Ellen reruns.
Quick note for anyone planning their pulls: Zenless Zone Zero banner currency top up through BitTopup offers competitive rates and instant delivery. Their 24/7 support has saved me during those last-minute banner decisions more than once.
The Verified Stuff vs. The Maybe Stuff
What's confirmed: Zhao's Ice Defense classification, her transformable weapon system, ties to the Krampus Compliance Authority, and a storyline involving Porcelumek Company violations on Waifei Peninsula.
What's still up in the air: Ye Shungguang (Physical Attack), Ye Shiyuan, and that Shy Girl from Tales of Midsummer Dreams. Take these with a grain of salt until we see more concrete evidence.
New S-Rank Characters in Version 2.5
Zhao's Kit Breakdown—And Why It Matters
Zhao's transformable weapon is the real star here. Three forms: sword, axe, ice sword. Each serves different purposes, which already sets her apart from the typical one-trick ponies we've been seeing.
Her basic attack sequence delivers four hits, ending with this massive smash that includes invincibility frames. Smart design choice—gives her both offense and defensive utility. The EX Special Skill? Four seconds of extended damage with multiple hits. That's different from the single-instance abilities we see with Caesar and Pan Yinhu, potentially offering better sustained pressure.
The Ultimate showcases an aerial assault with serious burst potential. There's even this quirky assist attack animation where she wobbles on top of her weapon (honestly, it's endearing). Despite wielding what looks like a building-sized greatsword, her dash animation maintains solid agility with those crucial invincibility frames.
Where She Fits in the Meta
As an Ice Defense agent, Zhao converts Defense stats into Resistance Penetration for the whole team. Clever way to avoid stepping on Caesar's toes while filling that critical gap in Ice team compositions.
She brings Stun capabilities too, which is huge for content featuring Daze Efficiency weaknesses. This support-DPS hybrid positioning could make her invaluable for Ice teams moving forward.
Planning to secure her? Fast Zenless Zone Zero recharge for pulls through BitTopup's streamlined platform has been my go-to for instant processing when banners drop.
Rerun Banner Analysis—What's Actually Worth It
Ellen's Potential Return
Phase 2 predictions are centering on Ellen's Ice Attack rerun, and honestly? The synergy with Zhao looks exceptional.
Ellen's established DPS capabilities would complement Zhao's resistance penetration perfectly. We're talking about direct elemental synergy, proven endgame performance, and strong future-proofing for Ice-favored content. Plus, established W-Engine compatibility means less guesswork on builds.
The combined cost could hit 360 pulls worst-case scenario for both characters. But you're getting a complete Ice team core with serious long-term viability. That's not terrible value, especially considering how long these characters typically stay relevant.
W-Engine Banner Strategy—Skip or Splurge?
The Math on W-Engine Pulls
W-Engine banners focus on Defense-oriented weapons that enhance Zhao's resistance penetration mechanics. Here's where it gets interesting—80-pull hard pity versus the usual 90-pull character banners. Better value proposition right there.
S-Rank W-Engine rates sit at 1% base with 50% featured chances. Maximum 160 pulls for guarantees (25,600 Monochromes or roughly $394 USD). Ouch.
My pull priority recommendation? Characters first, always. Then evaluate W-Engine needs based on what you actually pulled. Target featured W-Engines only for significant upgrades over your current gear. Consider Bangboo alternatives using 80 Boopons at pity—sometimes the cheaper option works just fine.
Complete Pull Strategy Guide for 2.5
F2P Players—Make Every Pull Count
You're looking at 300 Polychrome daily through events and missions, targeting 14,400 for single pity. Not exactly generous, but workable with planning.
Strategic approach: save everything for Zhao if you're building Ice teams. Skip W-Engine banners unless your character needs are completely met. Use those free event pulls wisely, and track your pity like your gaming life depends on it—because it kind of does.
Low Spenders—Where to Invest
First-time purchase bonuses effectively halve Monochrome costs. Budget around $222 USD for single pity or $444 for guaranteed featured character. Monthly pass holders get additional daily Polychrome, potentially enabling dual-character acquisition within single versions.
That's actually reasonable for what you're getting, especially compared to some other gacha games I could mention.
Whale Territory
Complete banner coverage including characters, W-Engines, and Bangboo selections runs $800-1200 depending on luck. Whale strategies emphasize immediate meta optimization and experimental team compositions. If you're in this category, you probably already know what you're doing.
Polychrome Budgeting—The Real Numbers
What Everything Actually Costs
Let's break down the complete cost structure without the marketing fluff:
- Single character pity: 14,400 Polychrome (90 pulls)
- Guaranteed featured character: 28,800 Polychrome (180 pulls)
- W-Engine pity: 12,800 Polychrome (80 pulls)
- Guaranteed featured W-Engine: 25,600 Polychrome (160 pulls)
Soft pity kicks in around pull 70-80, hard pity at 90. The 50/50 system creates those strategic decision points we all love to hate. Losing guarantees your next featured character, winning resets the system.
Pro tip: never build pity on unwanted banners. I've seen too many players accidentally pull characters they didn't want and waste months of saved resources.
Team Building with 2.5 Units
Zhao-Centered Ice Teams
Core setup: Zhao as Defense/Support providing penetration buffs, Ellen (or similar Ice DPS) for primary damage, Pan Yinhu for healing support, with a flexible fourth slot for content-specific needs.
Mixed elemental teams incorporating Zhao with Physical Attack characters create versatile options too. Version 2.5 content featuring Daze Efficiency weaknesses should favor Zhao's Stun capabilities combined with that resistance penetration support.
Her 4-second EX Special provides sustained pressure against challenging bosses—something we've been needing in the Ice element for a while now.
Banner Mistakes That'll Haunt You
Don't Do These Things
Never build pity on unwanted banners. Just don't. The risk of accidental S-Rank acquisition isn't worth whatever small progress you think you're making.
Always prepare for worst-case scenarios requiring 180 pulls for guaranteed featured characters. Don't pull immediately when banners release without evaluating the complete version content first—sometimes waiting reveals better strategies.
Track pity carryover between banners to maximize your accumulated progress. Prioritize characters that enhance existing teams over collecting individuals without synergistic support.
Timeline & Future Planning
What's Coming When
Version 2.5 launches December 30, 2025 with that 50-day duration, creating the January 21, 2026 Phase 2 transition and concluding February 17, 2026. Alternative six-week scheduling could compress the timeline to February 11, 2026—we'll see which pattern they stick with.
Rerun patterns suggest major characters return every 6-8 months. Balance immediate meta needs with future content preparation. Version 2.5 represents a significant Ice meta shift, making related character investments valuable for extended periods.
FAQ
When exactly does Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 release? December 30, 2025, at 11 AM UTC+8. Phase 1 banners featuring Zhao run until January 21, 2026.
How much Polychrome do I need for guaranteed Zhao? 28,800 Polychrome (180 pulls) worst-case through the 50/50 system. Many players need less, but plan for the worst.
Should I pull for Zhao or wait for Ellen's rerun? Prioritize Zhao first for Ice teams—her resistance penetration enhances all Ice DPS. Ellen's Phase 2 rerun provides excellent synergy afterward.
Are the 2.5 character leaks reliable? High credibility through beta test data mining and official social media confirmations, particularly for Zhao's abilities. The supporting characters are less certain.
What's the best W-Engine strategy for version 2.5? Secure desired characters first, then evaluate W-Engine needs. Only pull for significant upgrades over existing equipment.
How should F2P players approach 2.5 banners? Focus all resources on single priority character (Zhao for Ice teams), skip W-Engine banners, utilize event rewards to supplement Polychrome spending. Patience pays off here.
