ZZZ Banner Analysis: Why the Angels of Delusion Shift the Meta
We’ve been tracking Zenless Zone Zero’s banner cadence since the early betas, and Version 2.6 is shaping up to be the most significant meta-shift since launch. With the long-awaited arrival of the Angels of Delusion idol faction, HoYoverse is finally delivering on hype that’s been building since 2024. If you’ve been hoarding Polychrome, the wait is almost over, but the current "Exclusive Rescreening" offers a rare tactical advantage that shouldn't be ignored.
Current Banners: The Phase Two Power Play
The current rotation, running through February 5, 2026, is a dual-threat. While Ye Shunguang and Zhao are the headline acts, the real story for veteran Proxies is the Exclusive Rescreening banner.
We believe this "Rescreening" is a massive win for player agency. By removing the 50/50 coin flip for your first S-Rank, HoYoverse is giving players a guaranteed path to top-tier units like Alice. If you’re missing a specific element to round out your Shiyu Defense teams, this is where you spend.
| Banner Name | S-Rank Agent | A-Rank Boosts | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Upon Fingertips | Ye Shunguang (Attack) | Nicole, Lucy | High DPS potential; Lucy remains a top-tier support. |
| Priceless Heart | Zhao | Anby, Ben | Strong defensive core; great for newer accounts. |
| Exclusive Rescreening | Choice: Alice, Soldier 0, Astra Yao | N/A | Guaranteed S-Rank; 20% discount on first 10-pull. |
Looking Ahead: The Version 2.6 Idol Meta
The upcoming Version 2.6 update is where the "power creep" conversation starts. We’re finally getting the Angels of Delusion. Our analysis suggests that Sunna (Support) and Aria (Anomaly) will likely redefine their respective roles. Sunna, in particular, is expected to be the lynchpin for the new "Rupture" mechanic.
Upcoming 2.6 Banner Schedule
- Phase One: Sunna (S-Rank, Support) & Yixuan (S-Rank, Rupture).
- Phase Two: Aria (S-Rank, Anomaly) & Yuzuha (S-Rank, Attack).
Expert Tip: Keep an eye on Nangong Yu. We expect her to drop in the subsequent update to complete the Idol faction synergy. If you're min-maxing, you'll want to save enough to secure the full team core.
W-Engine Value: Is it Worth the Pull?
Pulling for signature W-Engines is usually a luxury, but the current Dissonant Sonata and W-Engine Reverberation banners offer some clutch options. Specifically, Practiced Perfection (Anomaly) is a game-changer for builds focusing on status effects. However, if you are F2P (Free to Play), we suggest holding off until the 2.6 Idol signatures drop, as they typically offer higher synergy with the new mechanics.
The Bangboo Factor: A Consumer-Friendly Win
One thing we appreciate about ZZZ compared to Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail is the Bangboo system. Using "Boopons" instead of premium currency is a breath of fresh air. Our Strategy: Don’t just pull randomly. Since you can select your S-Rank Bangboo and are guaranteed it within 80 pulls, wait until you’ve pulled your 2.6 Agents, then select the Bangboo that specifically buffs their faction or element.
Mastering the Pity System
If you're new to HoYoverse games, understanding "Soft Pity" is vital for resource management. While the hard cap is 90 pulls, our data shows a significant increase in S-Rank rates starting at pull 75.
- The 50/50 Rule: On limited banners, your first S-Rank has a 50% chance of being the featured character. If you "lose" and get a standard character, your next S-Rank is a 100% guarantee.
- Persistence: Pity counts carry over between banners. If you're at 70 pulls on Zhao's banner but want Sunna, stop pulling now. Those 70 pulls count toward your Sunna pity.
- A-Rank Guarantee: You get a 4-star (A-Rank) every 10 pulls. This is the best way to "constellation" out your supports like Nicole or Soukaku.
The current landscape is busy, but the smart move for long-term account health is clear: use the Rescreening to fix your team's weaknesses, then go all-in on the Version 2.6 Idols to stay ahead of the meta curve.