Zenless Zone Zero 2.6: Sunna’s Grand Entrance, Banner Details & Day-One Strategy Guide
Zenless Zone Zero 2.6: Sunna’s Grand Entrance, Banner Details, and Your Day-One Strategy
The highly anticipated Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) 2.6 update is scheduled to deploy on February 5, 2026, at 22:00 ET (UTC-5), bringing with it one of the most significant character introductions since the game’s debut. For devoted followers of the Virtual Idols’ unfolding narrative, patch 2.6 is a landmark occasion: the Angels of Delusion officially join the roster, with Sunna headlining Phase One’s banners, followed by Aria later in the update cycle.
However, this update isn’t solely about new faces. It also introduces adjustments to early-game team compositions, hints at future character reruns, and implements crucial timing changes that necessitate careful resource allocation. Here’s an expert, streamlined overview of everything players should know and prioritize immediately.
ZZZ 2.6: Key Information at a Glance
- Patch Deployment: February 5, 2026, 22:00 ET (UTC-5)
- Primary Banner Phase 1: Sunna’s premiere alongside a Yixuan rerun
- Phase 2: Aria’s dedicated banner (specific dates pending)
- Boosted A-Rank Units: Billy, Corin
- Update Duration: Concludes March 23, 2026 (exact timing varies by time zone—consult the official schedule)
- Scheduled Maintenance: A 5-hour downtime period (refer to timings below)
Banner & Release Calendar: Dates, Stages, and Precise Times
A consolidated table presenting all official times across various time zones:
ZZZ 2.6 Banner Schedule (Phase 1: Sunna & Yixuan)
| Phase | Start (ET) | End (ET) | Featured Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2026-02-05, 22:00 UTC-5 | 2026-03-04, 16:00 UTC-5 | Sunna, Yixuan (rerun), Billy (A), Corin (A) |
Official sources have not yet disclosed the specific dates or rate-up list for Phase 2 (Aria). Stay informed by monitoring official HoYoverse announcements or checking GenshinBuilds’ comprehensive update tracker.
Global Patch 2.6 End Dates
| Region | Release Date & Time | End Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| NA (ET) | 2026-02-05, 22:00 | 2026-03-23, 17:00 |
| EU (CET) | 2026-02-06, 04:00 | 2026-03-23, 23:00 |
| Asia (SGT) | 2026-02-06, 11:00 | 2026-03-24, 06:00 |
| JP (JST) | 2026-02-06, 12:00 | 2026-03-24, 07:00 |
For a complete, real-time regional schedule, consult the Zenless Zone Zero event tracking page on GenshinBuilds.
Anticipated Maintenance Period (Downtime)
| Timezone | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| ET | 2026-02-05, 17:00 | 2026-02-05, 22:00 |
| CET | 2026-02-05, 23:00 | 2026-02-06, 04:00 |
| JST | 2026-02-06, 07:00 | 2026-02-06, 12:00 |
Details regarding compensation (such as Polychromes) have not been officially released; players should expect to claim these via in-game mail once maintenance concludes.
Major Additions: The Angels of Delusion Join the Gacha System
Sunna is set to make her highly anticipated playable entrance, leading the charge for the newly introduced Angels of Delusion faction (previously known as the Virtual Idols). This marks the group’s official arrival as playable characters, an event keenly observed by both lore enthusiasts and those focused on optimizing their team compositions. Aria and Nangong Yu are confirmed members of this ensemble, with Aria slated for the second phase of the update (full specifics still to be announced).
Banner Mechanics Explained:– Sunna’s banner in Phase One will run concurrently with a Yixuan rerun. This dual-feature strategy mirrors approaches seen in other popular gacha titles, offering both a highly sought-after new 5-star unit and the opportunity for players to acquire a dependable meta staple.- Enhanced A-Rank Units: Both Billy and Corin will receive rate-ups, expanding viable options for physical damage-focused teams. This is particularly beneficial for free-to-play players and those making early investments in the game.- The standard pity, rate, and currency systems familiar to players will remain in effect (refer to GenshinBuilds’ redeem code guide for tips).
Should You Aim for Sunna?– For Competitive Players: Sunna’s arrival is expected to significantly influence current team priorities, thanks to her unique abilities and the inherent resonance of the Angels of Delusion. She pairs exceptionally well with boosted physical units or established S-rank damage dealers for maximum impact.- For F2P / Budget-Conscious Players: If Yixuan is absent from your roster, this update presents a low-risk chance to acquire a strong character; both banners support robust physical team compositions. However, unconfirmed reports suggest powerful support or rerun units may appear later in 2026 (Note: This is speculative and subject to change). Prioritize units that align best with your existing Drive Disc collection and available resources.- Banner Overlap Considerations: Sunna’s banner coincides with reruns of other proven top-tier characters. Strategic spending and meticulous pity management are essential, as ZZZ banners do not carry over pity across different events.
Patch 2.6 Events & Quality of Life Improvements
- Events: No major events featuring unique mechanics have been formally announced. Players can anticipate standard limited-time login bonuses and minor tasks, but details remain unconfirmed by official sources.
- Angels of Delusion story missions will become accessible upon Sunna’s release, offering valuable lore, in-game currency, and potential upgrade materials.
- System Enhancements: Inventory management, shop refresh cycles, and daily reset times will remain consistent throughout this patch. No expansions to Drive Disc or weapon storage, nor major UI overhauls, have been announced.
- Polychrome Codes: Keep an eye on HoYoverse’s official livestreams and social media channels; GenshinBuilds will post active codes promptly for your pulling needs.
Preparation & Day-One Priorities
Before the 2.6 Update Goes Live:– Ensure completion of all currently active event shops; verify remaining banner durations (especially for Yixuan’s standard banner).- Accumulate essential upgrade materials for Sunna if you plan to pull for her (obtainable from daily Calamity runs and weekly boss encounters).- Redeem any outstanding Polychrome and resource codes you may have.- Reserve your Physical and multi-attack Drive Disc items for potential Sunna builds.
On Day-One, Post-2.6 Deployment:– Collect your maintenance compensation from the in-game mail.- Begin the Angels of Delusion story arcs to unlock content and immerse yourself in the world-building.- Experiment with synergies involving Sunna, Yixuan, Billy, and Corin (refer to GenshinBuilds’ detailed character guides).- Continuously monitor the event tabs for any surprise limited-time activities dropped by HoYoverse.
Unconfirmed Information / Subject to Change
- Aria’s banner schedule and rate-up list: Expected in the second phase, but not yet officially detailed.
- Future reruns and meta shifts: Community discussions suggest a significant balance update or powerful enhancement banners later in 2026, though no official roadmap has been released.
Summary: ZZZ 2.6 Marks a Pivotal Moment—Plan Accordingly
The 2.6 update for Zenless Zone Zero transcends a mere patch; it represents a reevaluation of player priorities, from banner choices to optimal team construction. Sunna’s inaugural appearance is particularly impactful for both collectors and meta-focused Proxies, while the convergence of resource timings and banner availability presents challenging decisions even for seasoned players. Keep following GenshinBuilds for in-depth build guides and breaking banner news as Phase Two approaches.
For Further Reading, Visit:– Zenless Zone Zero Redeem Codes– ZZZ Banner History & Upcoming Schedules– Yixuan Build Guide– Corin Best Weapon & Drive Disc– Billy Guide
All information presented has been verified against HoYoverse’s most recent official patch notes and event schedules. Any unconfirmed items are explicitly labeled and should not be used for concrete planning.