Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 Release Date and New Characters

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 is shaping up to be one of those updates that quietly does a lot of heavy lifting. Titled Encore for an Old Dream, this patch pulls players back into New Eridu at a moment where the story slows down just enough to breathe, then hits again with new characters, events, and systems that matter.

Rather than pushing a full seasonal reset, Version 2.6 leans into atmosphere and momentum. Gilded Carrot Day turns the city into a neon-lit festival zone, Angels of Delusion finally step into the spotlight, and two new S-Rank agents arrive with kits that could seriously affect how teams are built going forward.

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 Release Date and Patch Overview

HoYoverse has confirmed that Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 launches globally on February 6, 2026. The update acts as a narrative bridge following the events of Version 2.5, shifting the focus back to Sixth Street and New Eridu rather than introducing an entirely new region.

At the center of the patch is Gilded Carrot Day, a citywide celebration that brings decorations, music, and festival-themed content to familiar locations. The 404 Error music venue becomes a major hub, tying directly into the story focus of Version 2.6 and setting the stage for Angels of Delusion to play a key role in both narrative and gameplay.

This patch feels deliberately paced. It is less about shock value and more about reinforcing the world, characters, and systems that keep Zenless Zone Zero grounded between major story beats.

See Also: Zenless Zone Zero Combat Stats & Mechanics Guide for Beginners

New Playable Agents in Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6

Character banners are always the headline act, and Version 2.6 comes with two officially confirmed S-Rank agents, both tied to Angels of Delusion.

Sunna: Physical Support S-Rank Agent

Sunna enters Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 as a Physical Support agent built entirely around team amplification and controlled burst windows. Her kit focuses on marking enemies, triggering follow-up damage, and enhancing teammates through assist-driven mechanics.

She is clearly designed to reward smart rotations rather than raw button mashing. In content like Hollow Zero and Operation Matrix, Sunna’s value comes from how well she enables Anomaly and Attack agents to hit harder and more consistently. Her Ultimate plays a central role in this loop, turning setup into payoff with satisfying clarity.

For players who enjoy optimizing team synergy rather than chasing solo damage numbers, Sunna fits naturally into the current meta direction.

Aria: Ether Anomaly Burst Specialist

Aria brings a very different energy to Version 2.6. As an Ether Anomaly S-Rank agent, her gameplay revolves around switching between two distinct forms that change how she approaches combat.

Her Construct Form emphasizes structure and buildup, while her Idol Projection form shifts into explosive burst damage. Aria thrives in teams that already apply Attribute Anomalies, capitalizing on existing setups to deal massive follow-up damage.

She is flashy without being shallow, and her kit feels intentionally designed to reward players who understand timing and positioning. Like Sunna, Aria also arrives with new themed outfits and a signature W-Engine that reinforces her identity and playstyle.

ZZZ V2.6 Rumored Third Character

Community discussion around Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 has also pointed to the possibility of a third playable character tied to Angels of Delusion. Names like Chinatsu and Nangong Yu frequently appear in leak discussions across Reddit and social platforms.

At this time, none of these characters have been officially confirmed. They remain speculation, and players should treat them as such until HoYoverse makes an announcement. Planning ahead is fine, but the confirmed banner lineup for Version 2.6 currently consists only of Sunna and Aria.

See Also: Evelyn Zenless Zone Zero Build Guide – Skills, Gear & Teams

Events and Gameplay Features in Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6

Version 2.6 goes beyond banners by introducing events and system updates that give players reasons to log in daily and experiment with new mechanics.

A Harmony of Delusions Event

The flagship event of Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 is A Harmony of Delusions, a limited-time experience centered around Angels of Delusion. This event blends story progression with gameplay variety, putting players behind the scenes of the idol group’s activities.

Gameplay includes rhythm-based segments tied to performances, management-style tasks involving training and promotion, and expanded Marcel Adventure content that adds new areas and challenges. It is a lighter tonal shift that still fits the world, offering something different without feeling disconnected from the core game loop.

Hollow Zero Update: Operation Matrix

Hollow Zero receives a meaningful upgrade in Version 2.6 through Operation Matrix, a rotating challenge mode that adds new modifiers and team composition rules. Players now field three primary agents alongside support roles, increasing strategic depth and encouraging roster diversity.

This change pushes players to think more carefully about synergy and preparation, especially during weekly progression cycles.

Login Rewards and Polychrome Events

To support the patch launch, Version 2.6 includes daily login rewards, Inter-Knot Membership bonuses, and a special lucky draw event running from February 14 to February 23. The draw features a shared prize pool totaling 4 billion Polychromes. Giving both free-to-play and spending players solid incentives to stay active throughout the update.

See Also: Zenless Zone Zero Harumasa Build Guide: Best Gear & Teams

Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.6 does not try to reinvent the game, and that is exactly why it works. The update strengthens existing systems, expands the world through character-driven storytelling, and introduces agents who feel thoughtfully designed rather than rushed.

Between the festival atmosphere, Angels of Delusion’s debut, meaningful gameplay additions, and generous rewards, Version 2.6 offers steady momentum without burnout. It’s a patch that respects player investment while quietly setting up what comes next.

If you are preparing for the banners or stocking up on resources, this is a great time to stay active. And when you are ready to pull, you can always top up Zenless Zone Zero on Joytify and jump straight into the encore.