Zenless Zone Zero Update 2.5: The “Return to Ridu” Event—Full Guide and Rewards
Zenless Zone Zero Update 2.5: The “Return to Ridu” Event—Full Guide and Rewards
Expert Analysis: Why “Return to Ridu” Sets a New Standard for ZZZ Events
HoYoverse’s urban action-RPG, Zenless Zone Zero, enters a pivotal phase with its Version 2.5 release. The “Assembly Commission: Return to Ridu” event, running from December 30, 2025, to February 6, 2026 (UTC+8), is strategically designed to revitalize the player base by drawing back inactive Proxies while substantially rewarding its dedicated community. With offerings including up to 740 Polychrome, unique physical collectibles, and even a PlayStation 5 console, this initiative is arguably ZZZ’s most competitive foray into the wider gacha game landscape, directly addressing concerns about player retention and the demand for increased free-to-play value.
For veteran players familiar with incentive programs from other HoYoverse titles, “Return to Ridu” distinguishes itself through an unparalleled array of both digital resources and tangible prizes available globally. Its reward structure is notably aggressive, and the collaboration mechanism between returning and active Proxies is tailored to benefit all participants. For those who play for free or with minimal spending, fully leveraging these rewards is practically essential as Version 2.x progresses.
Quick Overview: Assembly Commission Essentials
- Event Period: Commencing with the v2.5 launch on December 30, 2025, until February 6, 2026, at 05:59:59 (UTC+8).
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to both re-engaging (previously inactive) and currently active Proxies; requires an invitation and code-linking process.
- Key Payouts:
- 740 Polychrome per Proxy (obtained via invitations and challenge completions).
- 60 Polychrome for each Returning or Inactive Proxy who links with your unique code.
- Automatic entry into a random prize draw: PlayStation 5 Pro, Nekomiya Mana 1/7 Scale Figure, Sixth Street Building Blocks, and themed Plush Keychains.
- Primary Objectives: Extend invitations to lapsed players, complete specific event challenges, and engage with the web-based lucky draw via the official event portal.
Event Schedule Details
| Milestone | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Patch 2.5 Rollout | 2025-12-30 | 2026-02-06 (05:59, UTC+8) |
| Event Website Accessibility | 2025-12-30 | 2026-02-06 (05:59, UTC+8) |
| Lucky Draw Participation Window | 2025-12-30 | 2026-02-06 (05:59, UTC+8) |
All timings are based on UTC+8, as specified by official announcements.
A New Approach to Comeback Incentives
Interconnected Returns & Polychrome Economy
The “Return to Ridu” event transcends typical login bonuses or returning player campaigns. By mandating a direct interaction through invite codes between veteran and re-engaging Proxies, it establishes a distinct reciprocal incentive. Both the inviter and the invitee secure valuable Polychrome—an essential currency for character and weapon pulls, particularly significant with upcoming limited-time banner reruns on the horizon.
This mutually beneficial framework signifies a departure from single-sided rewards, bridging the gap between ongoing player dedication and community revitalization. Historically, premium pull currencies have rarely been integrated so directly into social engagement structures within other HoYoverse titles. This method also naturally limits individual abuse and fosters a more consistent player engagement curve throughout the patch cycle.
Event Mechanism Breakdown
- Referral System: Active Proxies generate unique codes to enlist inactive or returning players.
- Returnee Participation: Link the received invite code on the official event webpage, then fulfill specific “Assembly Commission” challenges (details on these challenges are not yet officially released).
- Reward Allocation: Polychrome is distributed upon task completion; entry into the lucky draw is web-based and becomes available after successfully linking a code.
- Physical Rewards: Major items such as the PS5, collectible figure, building blocks, and plushies are awarded via the lucky draw. Regional restrictions on terms and shipping may apply (specifics currently undisclosed in official communications).
Community Dialogue & Contextual History
Discussions across various online platforms often compare “Return to Ridu” to Genshin Impact’s “Stellar Reunion” event, but with the consensus that ZZZ’s iteration offers more tangible benefits and avoids the frustrating time-gated requirements of past comeback events. Some posts on subreddits suggest this could indicate an evolving trend: gacha events are shifting towards hybrid in-game/web experiences, with more F2P-friendly rewards being introduced at the start of patches rather than mid-cycle.
Notably, the inclusion of a Nekomiya Mana 1/7 scale figure as a prize is a clear acknowledgment of the burgeoning collector’s market surrounding HoYoverse intellectual properties, echoing initiatives like Honkai: Star Rail’s recent acrylic stand promotions. The availability of Polychrome as a primary reward, linked to social interaction, is widely regarded as a strategic and equitable incentive, especially with increasing speculation about Version 2.6’s next S-rank banner (Unconfirmed, subject to change).
For Maximizers: Strategies to Optimize Rewards
If you primarily play for free or with limited spending:- Polychrome Optimization: Focus on inviting friends whose accounts have been recently inactive. Both the inviter and the invitee must engage in the event to unlock the maximum Polychrome payout. (Consult GenshinBuilds’ Polychrome management guide for in-depth strategies).- Pull Planning: Always align the event timeline with upcoming banners. Resist the urge to spend newly acquired Polychrome immediately; instead, reserve it for high-priority S-rank Agents or reruns hinted at in internal game files.- Physical Prize Draws: View participation as a bonus. Never rely on or plan around winning rare merchandise; consider any win pure good fortune.- Resource Preparation: While the event descriptions don’t detail specific farmable ascension or upgrade materials, it’s prudent to tailor your daily gameplay to prepare for potential new challenges that might resemble standard Assembly Commissions.
Banner Considerations: Spend or Save Your Polychrome?
The timing of Patch 2.5, immediately following the holiday season, often correlates with the release of high-value banners in HoYoverse titles. Based on previous ZZZ release patterns, a new S-rank Agent phase is anticipated within either 2.5 or 2.6. Unless an exceptionally coveted rerun or a critical signature build component is unveiled (Unconfirmed), it is generally advisable to conserve Polychrome for potential shifts in the game’s meta.
Recommended Pull Strategy Overview
| Player Category | Suggested Polychrome Utilization |
|---|---|
| Free-to-Play (F2P) | Save; only pull for absolutely essential S-Rank Banners. |
| Low-Spend Player | Accrue for signature Agent or weapon banner releases. |
| Collector Player | Allocate some to event pulls, but prioritize meta-defining units. |
Latent Clues: What Artwork and Lore Suggest
The official promotional art, showcasing dynamic Ridu streets, several Agents, and subtle background details, often provides implicit hints about future playable characters or narrative developments. Keen observers might notice a distinct mask emblem in the background, reminiscent of NPC factions teased but not yet fully revealed since early 2.0 datamines (Unconfirmed—requires cross-referencing with NDA-protected leaks).
Furthermore, the modular design of the “Sixth Street Series” building blocks featured in the lucky draw could foreshadow upcoming merchandise collaborations. Keep an eye on future promotional materials, as these often precede significant narrative expansions by approximately one patch cycle. The artwork vividly portrays a bustling Ridu cityscape at night, featuring various in-game Agents and environmental elements that hint at potential new characters and deeper lore, effectively illustrating the event’s thematic and narrative backdrop.
Verdict: Is Maximum Participation Worth It?
The “Assembly Commission: Return to Ridu” event in Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 represents a high-reward, minimal-risk opportunity for all player types. By intelligently integrating social engagement and regular gameplay with both premium in-game currency and physical prizes, HoYoverse clearly demonstrates an ongoing commitment to nurturing an active and valued community.
Ensure you maximize your involvement from the outset—strategically invite players, review the comprehensive timeline, and meticulously plan your Polychrome allocations around projected banners. As ZZZ progresses into its later 2.x phase, it is expected that similar hybrid events will become a standard feature, blurring the traditional distinctions between in-game activities and external incentives.
More from GenshinBuilds: [Zenless Zone Zero tier lists], [Upcoming banners and patch cycles], [Material farming guides].
For complete event specifics and participation guidelines, please refer to the official HoYoverse event page.