New Eridu’s Version 2.5 Power Spike: Free S-Ranks and the End of the "TV Slog"

The Bottom Line: Zenless Zone Zero is currently in its most generous phase since launch. Between the giveaway of the new S-Rank agent Zhao, a massive character selector event, and the long-awaited "Blitz" mode for Hollow Zero, HoYoverse is pivoting hard toward player retention and combat-centric gameplay. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, the current event window (closing early February) is the optimal time to min-max your roster without touching your wallet.

The Meta Shift: A Free Zhao and the S-Rank Selector

We’ve seen HoYoverse get generous before, but the Special Visitor event is a massive statement. Claiming Zhao just for hitting Inter-Knot Level 8 is a low-friction entry point that reminds us of the Dr. Ratio giveaway in Honkai: Star Rail. For veterans, the real meat is the Filmgoer Thank-You Gift. While tied to top-ups, the ability to hand-pick meta-defining units like Jane Doe or Burnice—along with their signature W-Engines—is a rare opportunity to shore up team comps that missed their initial banners.

Gameplay Overhaul: Quality of Life or Content Thinning?

The most controversial yet celebrated update in our analysis is the Hollow Zero: Blitz Withering Garden. For months, the community has been split over the "TV Board" exploration. By introducing a mode that lets Proxies skip the board and dive straight into combat to cap weekly points, HoYoverse is acknowledging that the core loop needed more adrenaline and less navigation. We believe this is a net positive for the game’s longevity, even if it trims some of the "Hollow" atmosphere.

Permanent Content Deep Dive

• As Time Passes: Suibian Temple: This isn't just another minigame. This business management sim offers a significant break from the high-octane combat, providing a steady stream of Cloud Crests and cosmetics. It’s a smart move to diversify the daily login experience.
• Endless Tower: The Last Stand: This is a significant upgrade over the version 1.3 trial. The new 10-floor phase system and the risk/reward modifiers add a layer of tactical depth that was previously missing. If you’re looking to test your "clutch" playstyle, this is where the real endgame lives now.
• Deadly Assault (HIA): The rotation of three high-risk enemies every two weeks is ZZZ’s answer to a shifting meta. Forcing players to use different agents and Bangboo for each encounter prevents "one-team-clears-all" stagnation.

The "New Proxy" Checklist

If you're just starting, the Road to Proxy Greatness and Rookie on the Road events are your primary resource engines. We’ve broken down the priority milestones below to ensure you don't leave Polychromes on the table:

• Inter-Knot Level 30: This is the "sweet spot" where you’ll have banked 1,600 Polychromes and 75+ Boopons.
• Shiyu Defense (Third Frontier): Completing this is mandatory for unlocking Soukaku, a staple A-Rank support that remains relevant in high-tier Ice comps.
• Turbo Remodeling Shop: Do not ignore the Chapter 1 Intermission; Bagboo is a top-tier F2P Bangboo that significantly boosts your early-game chain attack potential.

The Verdict

Our analysis suggests that Zenless Zone Zero is currently doubling down on its strengths: style and combat. By streamlining the Hollow Zero experience and handing out S-Rank powerhouses, the developers are clearly aiming to lower the barrier to entry for the "hardcore" endgame. The January 30 livestream will be the next major pivot point—we expect announcements regarding the next chapter of the Main Story and potentially a new faction to rival the Cunning Hares.

Editor's Note: Make sure to hit the Assembly Commission: Return to Ridu web event if you have friends who dropped off after v1.1. The 740 Polychrome bounty is one of the highest referral rewards we've seen in the HoYo ecosystem lately.