What to know
- Version 2.5 adds two brand-new playable characters, both at S-Rank.
- One is a dual-form Void Hunter attacker built around stance switching.
- One is a free Ice Defense agent, available to all players during the patch.
- Rerun banners return popular agents, but they are not new additions.
Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5 continues HoYoverse’s steady expansion of its roster, focusing on mechanical depth rather than sheer quantity. Instead of multiple new faces, this update introduces two carefully designed S-Rank agents who directly affect team-building options, survivability, and combat flow.
Below is a complete breakdown of all new characters in Zenless Zone Zero 2.5, how they play, and why they matter.
Ye Shunguang introduces dual-form Void Hunter combat
Ye Shunguang is the headline character of Version 2.5 and the first playable dual-form Void Hunter in Zenless Zone Zero. His kit revolves around switching between two combat states, each designed for different damage windows and enemy situations.
In his standard form, Ye Shunguang focuses on rapid Ether-based strikes that build momentum and pressure. After meeting specific conditions, you can shift into his empowered Void Hunter form, significantly boosting attack speed, AoE coverage, and burst damage potential.
This design rewards timing and rotation discipline. You’re encouraged to plan swaps carefully, enter Void Hunter form during stun windows, and unload heavy damage before reverting back to setup mode.
Ye Shunguang combat strengths
- High burst potential when Void Hunter form is active
- Strong Ether synergy for anomaly-focused teams
- Excels in boss encounters and elite Hollow fights
- Skill ceiling rewards experienced, aggressive play
Best team fit
Ye Shunguang works best with:
- Stun agents that create long damage windows
- Supports that boost Ether damage or energy recovery
- Teams built around short, explosive rotations
Zhao becomes a free S-Rank Ice Defense anchor
Zhao is the second new character in Version 2.5 and stands out immediately for one reason: she’s free. Every active player can obtain this S-Rank Ice Defense agent during the update period.
Zhao is built around damage mitigation, crowd control, and Ice application. Her kit emphasizes shielding, defensive buffs, and consistent freezing pressure, making her especially valuable for players who prioritize survivability or are still building optimized teams.
Unlike many defense units that slow combat pacing, Zhao actively contributes through Ice status effects, enabling safer engagements without sacrificing momentum.
Zhao’s role in team compositions
- Provides reliable damage reduction and shielding
- Applies Ice consistently for freeze setups
- Smooths out difficulty spikes in late-game content
- Ideal for both new players and endgame clears
Rerun characters featured in Version 2.5 banners
While Version 2.5 only adds two new agents, it also brings back several popular characters through rerun banners. These agents are not new, but they are available again during the patch cycle:
- Alice
- Soldier 0 – Anby
- Astra Yao
If you missed these characters previously, Version 2.5 offers another opportunity to add them to your roster.
How Version 2.5 shifts the meta
From a balance perspective, Version 2.5 focuses on depth over volume. Ye Shunguang raises the skill ceiling for attack-oriented players, while Zhao stabilizes team survivability across nearly all content types.
Together, they encourage:
- More deliberate rotation planning
- Increased value for defense-focused setups
- Stronger Ice and Ether team archetypes
This makes the update impactful even with a smaller number of new characters.
Version 2.5 adds fewer agents than some past updates, but each new character meaningfully expands how you approach combat. Ye Shunguang pushes aggressive, high-risk burst gameplay, while Zhao offers a universally useful defensive backbone that every player can access.
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