Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Meta Deep Dive: Tier List Shifts & F2P-Friendly Team Builds

Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Meta Deep Dive: Tier List Shifts & F2P-Friendly Team Builds

With the arrival of #zenlesszonezero 2.5 version, titled “To Be Fuel for the Night”, the game’s meta has undergone a dramatic transformation. The introduction of two S-Rank Agents and the revolutionary Potential Reflection System have reshuffled tier rankings, creating new opportunities for both veteran players and F2P newcomers. Whether you’re chasing endgame dominance in Shiyu Defense or Deadly Assault, or simply want to build a powerful team without overspending, this guide breaks down the key meta shifts, tier list changes, and accessible team compositions for #zzzero’s latest update.

2.5 Meta Shifts: Which Characters Risen, Fallen, and Dominated?

Version 2.5 has upended the established meta with impactful character buffs and game-changing new additions. Understanding these shifts is critical to avoiding resource waste and investing in characters that will remain viable long-term.

New Meta Titans: YeShunguang and Zhao (VoidHunterRises)

The two new S-Rank Agents have immediately secured their spots as top-tier picks, redefining team-building strategies across all content types.

YeShunguang, a Physical (Honed Edge) Attack DPS, has rocketed to Tier 0 (SS) status, claiming the title of the game’s best hyper carry. Her dual-form combat—switching to the devastating Enlightened Mind state via Qingming Sword Force—delivers unparalleled burst damage that outpaces all existing DPS options. She excels in both single-target and crowd-control scenarios, making her a versatile core for any endgame team.

Zhao, the free Ice-element Defense/Support, has landed in Tier 1+ (S/S+ tier) and become an indispensable asset for every account. Her Ether Veil: Wellspring ability grants massive team-wide Attack and Damage % buffs, perfectly complementing YeShunguang’s hyper carry playstyle. As a free character obtainable via login rewards, Zhao eliminates the need for expensive support pulls, leveling the playing field for F2P players.

Character Tier Movements: Buffs and Power Creep Effects

The Potential Reflection System has breathed new life into several older characters, pushing them up the tier rankings:

● Soldier 11 and Ellen have climbed from Tier 2 to Tier 1, thanks to improved skill mechanics and damage output.

● Grace has jumped from Tier 4 to Tier 3, becoming a viable budget option for players lacking top-tier DPS.

Conversely, some previously dominant characters have slipped due to meta shifts and power creep:

● Qingyi and Caesar have dropped from Tier 1+ to Tier 1, as their utility is now overshadowed by Zhao and other enhanced supports.

● Seth and Rina have fallen from Tier 1 to Tier 2, struggling to compete with YeShunguang’s burst and the improved crowd-control options.

● Miyabi, once a Tier 0 Anomaly DPS, now sits at Tier 1 in certain boss scenarios due to counters to her Frostburn-focused playstyle.

2.5 Tier List for Endgame: Who’s Worth Investing In?

Based on aggregated community data and endgame performance, the 2.5 tier list prioritizes characters that excel in high-difficulty content like Shiyu Defense and Deadly Assault. Tier placements may vary slightly based on boss mechanics and team synergies, but these rankings reflect overall versatility and power.

Tier 0 / S-Tier: Meta-Defining Elite

These characters are irreplaceable in their roles, offering game-changing utility or damage that no other character can match.

● DPS: YeShunguang (Physical), Yixuan (Rupture), Miyabi (Anomaly)

● Stun/Control: Di Alyn, Ju Fufu, Trigger

● Support: Astra Yao, Yuzuha (Anomaly), Lucia (Rupture), Nicole

Tier 1 / A-Tier: Powerful Specialists

These characters perform exceptionally well in specific scenarios or team comps, providing reliable value without being meta-defining.

● DPS: Evelyn, Soldier 0, An By, Vivian, Alice, Seed

● Stun/Control: Lighter, Qingyi

● Support: Zhao, Caesar

Tier 2-3: Budget-Friendly Options

Ideal for F2P players or those without top-tier pulls, these characters work well in niche roles or as placeholders while you build your dream team.

● DPS: Grace, Soldier 11, Ellen

● Support: Basic free-to-obtain characters like Billy

F2P-Friendly Team Compositions: No Paid Pulls Required

zenlesszonezero 2.5 version is a game-changer for F2P players, with free access to Zhao and buffed low-tier characters creating viable teams without spending Polychrome on premium pulls. Here are three budget-friendly comps that perform well in endgame content:

Budget Physical Hyper Carry Team

● Core: YeShunguang (free trial or targeted pull) + Di Alyn (farmable) + Zhao (free)

● Synergy: Di Alyn provides free Ultimates and extended stun to keep enemies controlled, while Zhao’s buffs amplify YeShunguang’s Enlightened Mind damage. Di Alyn is easily obtainable through event rewards, making this comp accessible even to new players.

F2P Rupture Team

● Core: Soldier 11 (buffed, free) + Ju Fufu (farmable) + Lucia (event-locked, free)

● Synergy: Soldier 11’s enhanced damage output handles main DPS duties, Ju Fufu delivers reliable stun, and Lucia boosts Rupture damage with her Sheer Force ability. All three characters are obtainable without paid pulls, making this a perfect starting comp for F2P accounts.

Anomaly Budget Team

● Core: Grace (buffed, free) + Lighter (farmable) + Yuzuha (free via login)

● Synergy: Grace’s improved Anomaly damage pairs with Yuzuha’s Anomaly-focused buffs (damage, Attack, and buildup rate), while Lighter provides crowd control. This comp excels against enemies weak to Anomaly effects and requires no premium pulls.

Safe & Affordable Monochrome for F2P Progression

Even with budget-friendly teams, Monochrome remains essential for upgrading weapons, drive discs, and materials. F2P players can get affordable Monochrome through buffget, which offers a 20% discount on top-ups. buffget’s secure transaction system and fast delivery ensure you can safely stock up on Monochrome without overspending, letting you invest in character upgrades that matter most for your meta team.

 zenlesszonezero 2.5 version has opened up new possibilities for players of all spending levels, with free powerhouses like Zhao and buffed older characters leveling the playing field. By aligning your team with the latest meta shifts and focusing on accessible comps, you can dominate endgame content without wasting resources on underperforming characters. Whether you’re chasing Tier 0 dominance or building a solid F2P team, this guide gives you the tools to succeed in the game’s latest update.

Would you like me to craft a 2.5 Meta Counter Guide? It will break down how to beat top-tier teams and endgame bosses using budget characters, helping you navigate high-difficulty content with confidence.