Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 Release Date, Banners, Events, and New Characters Explained

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is gearing up for one of its biggest updates yet with Version 2.1, set to launch this July. This summer-themed patch introduces new Agents like Yuzuha and Alice, fresh story chapters, vibrant new maps, stylish skins, and a lineup of limited-time events. Whether you’re saving up Polychrome for upcoming banners or excited to dive into new quests, here’s everything you need to know about the ZZZ 2.1 release

Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 Release Date, Banners, Events, and New Characters Explained
Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 Release Date, Banners, Events, and New Characters Explained

When Does Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 Release?

Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 officially goes live on July 16, 2025, with the update rolling out at different times depending on your region. Maintenance typically lasts around 5 hours, after which the servers reopen with all new content.

Note: Depending on your region, ZZZ 2.1’s release date may fall on July 15 or July 16, 2025. Players in the Americas will see the update drop the evening of July 15, while those in Europe, Asia, and Oceania will receive it on July 16.

Here’s a quick look at some key release times:

  • Pacific Time (PT): July 15, 8:00 PM
  • Eastern Time (ET): July 15, 11:00 PM
  • British Summer Time (BST): July 16, 4:00 AM
  • Central European Time (CET): July 16, 5:00 AM
  • India Standard Time (IST): July 16, 8:30 AM
  • Singapore Time (SGT): July 16, 11:00 AM
  • Japan Standard Time (JST): July 16, 12:00 PM
  • Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): July 16, 1:00 PM

As usual, HoYoverse will distribute compensation Polychrome for each hour of maintenance downtime, totaling around 300 Polychrome if maintenance runs 5 hours.

The update will run until August 26 or 27, 2025, depending on your time zone, following HoYoverse’s typical 6-week patch cycle.

New Agents Arriving in 2.1

Version 2.1 introduces two highly anticipated Agents:

  • Ukinami Yuzuha
    • Role: Physical, Support
    • Banner Phase: July 16 – August 6, 2025
    • A-Rank rate-ups: Piper and Billy
    • Signature W-Engine: Metanukimorphosis
  • Alice Thymefield
    • Role: Physical, Anomaly
    • Banner Phase: August 6 – August 26, 2025
    • A-Rank rate-ups: Soukaku and Seth
    • Signature W-Engine: Practiced Perfection

Fans looking to boost their roster will have plenty of reasons to spend their Polychrome in 2.1’s double-banner setup.

Alongside these new banners, Miyabi will return in Phase 1 (July 16 – August 6) with Piper and Billy as A-Rank rate-ups, and Yanagi will rerun in Phase 2 (August 6 – August 26) with Soukaku and Seth as A-Rank rate-ups.

What’s New in ZZZ 2.1’s Story?

The 2.1 update, titled The Impending Crash of Waves, continues the narrative threads left hanging after Phaethon and Yunkui Summit thwarted the Exaltist plot in Aerospace City. The new chapter takes the story to Sailume Bay, a district with ties to Waifei Peninsula’s less glamorous side.

  • Alice Thymefield leads an investigation into a corruption crisis affecting Porcelumex’s mining operations.
  • Players will also visit the Fantasy Resort, a sunny beachfront locale hiding secrets amid a financial crisis and a mysterious music festival.
  • Expect new characters like Miss Isolde and deeper involvement from the Spook Shack faction.

The story balances serious investigative missions with the lighter summer vibes of a resort getaway.

Summer Skins, Accessories, and Events

The summer theme is in full swing for Version 2.1, offering a mix of cosmetic rewards and limited-time events:

Summer Skins

  • Yuzuha – Tanuki in Broad Daylight (Paid skin, discounted for a limited time)
  • Alice – Sea of Thyme (Paid skin, discounted for a limited time)
  • Wise – Peaceful Waves (Free via Tales of Midsummer Dreams event quest)
  • Belle – Summer Skies (Free via Tales of Midsummer Dreams event quest)

Skins earned during the event become purchasable later in the shop if you miss them.

Three new accessories will also be available from Devon Pawnshop when Version 2.1 goes live.

Maps and Exploration

2.1 expands the world of Zenless Zone Zero with new and updated maps:

  • Sailume Bay – Part of the broader Failume Heights region, carrying significant story connections.
  • Fantasy Resort – Located in the Throne Quarter and the main venue for the Tales of Midsummer Dreams event.
  • Lemnian Hollow – Will gain two new areas during the story.

Players can look forward to unique quest locations and scenic summer landscapes.

Gameplay and System Updates

Version 2.1 introduces several gameplay optimizations and quality-of-life improvements:

  • Controller Keybinding Customization: Greater flexibility in customizing buttons, including L2/LT.
  • Minimap Enhancements: New guiding lines help track multiple quests simultaneously.
  • Quick Nav Pinning: Players can pin maps for faster navigation.
  • Crafting System Improvements: At Suibian Temple, crafting screens now automatically update material counts and show item prices. Selecting an item in the Good Goods menu will automatically highlight it for crafting.
  • Agent Skin Preview: Players can zoom in, out, and rotate characters to preview outfits more closely in the Proxy Wardrobe screen.
  • Notorious Hunt Changes: Option to skip Resonium buffs for a direct challenge.
  • Deadly Assault Rankings: Deadly Assault will now display rankings for players who achieve 9 stars during the season.
  • Combat Updates: Endless Tower: Glory replaces The Last Stand, offering new challenges. Yuzuha and Alice will have unique buffs in Hollow Zero and join the Task Force Investigation rotation. Hollow Zero: Phantom Paths introduces new enemies to battle.

These refinements aim to make the gameplay smoother and navigation more intuitive for all Proxies.

New Events in Zenless Zone Zero 2.1

2.1’s event lineup is packed with activities and challenges offering unique rewards. Highlights include:

  • Tales of Midsummer Dreams: Seasonal event granting free summer skins and other rewards.
  • Endless Tower: Glory– A new iteration of the Endless Tower mode with unique challenges.
  • Hollow Zero: Phantom Paths– Fresh enemies and mechanics for high-level content.

Other confirmed events include:

  • All-New Program
  • En-Nah Into Your Lap
  • “En-Nah” Chess Legend
  • Ghost Ship Adventure
  • JoJo’s Space Mystery
  • Legend of the Marvelous Fish Stall
  • Failume Summer Puzzle
  • Advanced Bounty: Routine Cleanup
  • Data Bounty: Combat Simulation

Proxies looking to stockpile Polychrome or grab exclusive cosmetics will have plenty to keep them busy.

Livestream Bonuses and Redeem Codes

The Version 2.1 livestream aired on July 4, 2025, and distributed special codes for players to redeem limited-time Polychrome and other resources, so be sure to check if any codes are still valid.

Anniversary Bonuses

In celebration of the game’s ongoing success, HoYoverse is offering an Anniversary Surprise in 2.1. Log in between July 4 and September 3, 2025, to claim 1,600 Polychromes alongside a special thank-you letter in your inbox.

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Zenless Zone Zero 2.1 is shaping up to be one of the game’s most content-rich patches yet. From new Agents and thrilling storylines to summer events and quality-of-life upgrades, there’s something for every Proxy to enjoy. Whether you’re chasing banners, exploring new maps, or diving into high-level battles, 2.1 promises to keep New Eridu buzzing all summer long.

Prepare your Polychrome, clear your schedule, and get ready to step into the summer vibes of Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.1!

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