Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.0 is expected to arrive on June 17, 2026, kicking off Season 3 and ushering in the game's second anniversary season.
The update introduces Velina as the first-ever Wind attribute Agent, Norma as a new Fire Stun specialist, and Pyrois — the Etheric Other combat form of Phaethon — alongside a brand-new explorable region: the floating sky city Roscaelifer.
HoYoverse has officially confirmed that Version 2.9 is skipped — the game jumps directly from 2.8 to 3.0. With three new Agents, a new element, and the anniversary window stacking back-to-back, this is a patch that demands early planning. Here is a full breakdown of everything confirmed so far.
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💡 This article is based on officially confirmed information from the ZTALK Season 3 Special (April 21, 2026), the "Before the Wind Rises" teaser (April 30, 2026), official drip marketing, the Version 2.8 Special Program livestream, and Version 3.0 closed beta data (May 2026).
Beta details are clearly labeled and may change before launch. We will update this page once the 3.0 Special Program livestream confirms final kits and banner order.
ZZZ 3.0 Update Schedule
Version 2.8 "New: Eridan Sunset" is now live, serving as the final chapter of Season 2. With no Version 2.9 in between, here is the full timeline from the current patch through the start of Season 3:
The 3.0 Special Program livestream will confirm the final banner order, full kit reveals, and any anniversary-related rewards — keep an eye out for it in early June.
ZZZ 3.0 Banner Overview
Version 3.0 introduces three new playable Agents. Based on drip marketing and official reveals, here is the expected banner structure.
New S-Rank Agents
Pyrois — Phaethon's Combat Form
Pyrois's rarity has evolved significantly since the initial drip marketing. The 3.0 beta now classifies Pyrois as a Z-Rank (Infinity-Rank) Agent — a brand-new rarity tier that has never existed in ZZZ before.
This places Pyrois above S-Rank and is consistent with how other HoYoverse titles treat their protagonist combat forms at a premium tier. Beta data also confirms a signature W-Engine called Sol Exuvia.
While this is not yet officially announced, the Z-Rank classification and free acquisition method are widely corroborated across beta sources. Final confirmation is expected in the 3.0 Special Program livestream.
Velina Airgid: First Wind Agent in ZZZ History
Velina leads the External Strategy Department in Roscaelifer and will act as the Proxies’ guide to the floating sky city. Calm, sharp, and extremely efficient, she has a talent for solving problems in ways nobody expects, whether she is dealing with paperwork or difficult people.
As the first-ever Wind Anomaly Agent, Velina single-handedly defines the archetype from the ground up. There are no existing Wind units to compare her to, meaning her kit sets the benchmark for all future Wind characters.
Velina first appeared as an NPC alongside Norma in the “Encore for an Old Dream” Season 2 Interlude in Version 2.7. She later returned in the “New: Eridan Sunset (A)” Season 2 Epilogue.
In-game, she is presented as an ESD specialist who handles important documents and high-level meetings. Her design is easy to recognize, with long gray hair, a large white bow, gold accessories, and a folding hand fan.
Expected Combat Mechanics
Velina's kit revolves around the new Windswept status and Vortex compound reaction. Version 2.8's Wind boss already lets you test these mechanics before she drops. As the sole Wind Agent at launch, she has zero competition — and first-movers on new elements historically get strong initial tuning. For a full breakdown of how Wind works, see the Wind Attribute section below.
The 3.0 beta paints a clear picture: Velina is an Anomaly sub-DPS / team amplifier, not a traditional main carry. Here's how her loop works:
💡 All kit details above are from the 3.0 closed beta (May 2026) and may change. A new Wind-specific Drive Disc set is also expected in 3.0 (boosts Anomaly Proficiency on EX Specials + DMG after Windswept trigger) — do not pre-invest in existing sets. Wait for the 3.0 livestream.
For a full breakdown of Velina's skills, best builds, W-Engine options, Drive Disc recommendations, and team compositions, see our dedicated Velina Airgid Build & Kit Guide.
Norma Hollowell: Fire Stun Specialist
Norma is the ESD’s Chief Technician and works closely with Velina as her partner. She is energetic, unpredictable, and fully believes that “destruction is the mother of creation.” That mindset also explains why the ESD hallways have fire suppression systems installed every thirty meters.
She is also known for her work with Bangboo, especially when it comes to building and modifying them.
Like Velina, Norma first appeared as an NPC in the Version 2.7 Interlude, introducing herself as a specialist from the Marcel Group's Special Affairs department. She was the one who introduced Velina to the Proxies.
Norma enters the Fire Stun space, joining established names like Qingyi, Lighter, and the more recent Dialyn (2.6). The niche is competitive. However, Norma still has room to stand out thanks to her unique mechanics.
Her faction synergy with Velina also helps, since both belong to ESD. This could give Norma a distinct role in mixed-element teams. She may be especially valuable in teams built around the new Vortex reaction.
In that setup, a Fire Stun unit paired with a Wind Anomaly unit opens up entirely new combo paths. Full kit details have not been officially revealed yet. We will update this section once the 3.0 beta or livestream confirms her abilities.
Pyrois: Phaethon's Combat Form
Pyrois is the Etheric Other — the combat manifestation of the power hidden within the Phaethon siblings since their time at Helios Academy. This is the first time in Zenless Zone Zero that the Proxy (player character) will have a direct, physical presence in Hollow combat.
As the developers stated in the ZTALK Season 3 Special: "The power that's been hidden inside Phaethon all along, or what we call the legacy of Helios Academy, will officially make its appearance to everyone in the form of the Etheric Other, Pyrois."
Pyrois is the second Ether Attack Agent in ZZZ, after Zhu Yuan. According to the official drip marketing, Pyrois can perceive everything within the Proxy's senses and fight in combat, while also monitoring the Proxy's condition during exploration.
Pyrois can also unlock special techniques for enhanced gameplay and exploration.
The 3.0 beta reveals a detailed kit centered around Kinetic Energy — a unique resource Pyrois builds through combat and spends on powerful finishers.
The headline mechanic is a four-branch Ultimate system: instead of a single Ultimate animation, players choose between four directional finisher paths during combat, each with different damage profiles and tactical applications.
Combined with coordinated attack mechanics and the signature W-Engine Sol Exuvia, Pyrois is shaping up as an aggressive Ether DPS with a playstyle unlike any existing Agent — fast, flexible, and rewarding mechanical skill.
Early beta impressions suggest Pyrois can compete with top-tier S-Rank DPS units. Full details remain subject to change pending the 3.0 livestream.
Lore Significance
The name "Pyrois" carries mythological weight: in Ancient Greek mythology, Pyrois ("The Fiery One") and Eous ("He of the Dawn") were among the four Horses of Helios that pulled the sun chariot.
Phaethon, a mortal son of Helios, famously attempted to drive the chariot and lost control — a narrative parallel that likely foreshadows Season 3's storyline.
Notably, the Proxy's Bangboo is already named Eous — corresponding to another of the four horses. Community theorists speculate that with two horses still unrevealed, the Proxies may unlock additional combat forms in future versions, potentially forming a full squad.
Free or Gacha?
HoYoverse has not made an official announcement, but the evidence is now much stronger than community speculation alone. Multiple beta sources confirm Pyrois is obtainable for free through story progression in Version 3.0 — similar to how the Traveler works in Genshin Impact or the Trailblazer in Honkai: Star Rail.
Since Pyrois is the combat form of the Proxy (Belle/Wise), and the story explicitly frames Pyrois's awakening as a narrative milestone, a gacha lock would break the precedent HoYoverse has set across all its titles. Additionally, beta data shows Pyrois is tied to new exploration mechanics in Roscaelifer, further suggesting story-gated access rather than banner pulls.
The Wind Attribute: A New Combat Era
Version 3.0 doesn't just add characters — it fundamentally expands the combat system by introducing Wind, the first new element added to ZZZ since launch.
- ▶ Windswept (Weathered) Wind's signature Anomaly status, applied through Wind damage. Causes interruption and Wind damage to afflicted targets.
- ▶ Erosion Increases the target's Wind direct damage taken for 20 seconds.
- ▶ Vortex A compound reaction triggered when Wind Anomaly interacts with other Attribute Anomalies. Deals AoE damage matching the applied element. Rewards multi-attribute team compositions.
- ⚠ Disorder Replacement This is the critical detail most guides miss: Wind disables Disorder entirely. When a Wind Agent is on your team, the Disorder reaction is replaced by Vortex. Existing multi-Anomaly teams that rely on Disorder triggers (e.g., dual-element Anomaly comps) will lose that synergy if you slot in Velina. This is not a bug — it is by design. Plan your teams accordingly.
These mechanics were first shared by reliable leaker Leifa prior to the beta and have since been confirmed by the 3.0 closed beta and the Version 2.8 in-game Wind boss encounter. The Vortex mechanic is already active in 2.8 when fighting the Wind Anomaly boss, giving players a preview of how the system works before Velina arrives.
Meta Impact
With no existing Wind Agents or W-Engines in the game, Velina will define the entire Wind meta from day one. Players who invest early gain the advantage of building around a completely uncontested element.
However, the lack of supporting Wind teammates means Velina's initial team compositions may require creative cross-element pairing until more Wind units arrive in later versions.
New Region: Roscaelifer — The Sky City
Season 3 takes Proxies to Roscaelifer, a classified airspace zone and floating city that has been teased since Version 1.0 through in-game texts.
Setting & Aesthetics
The city's visual identity is described as retro-futuristic — blending vintage European architecture with advanced technology.
Originally established as a sanctuary during the Old Eridu period, Roscaelifer is designed around a "warm nostalgia" aesthetic, emphasizing atmosphere and lived-in spaces rather than spectacle.
The Season 3 teaser showcased flying cars, opulent buildings, double-decker buses, and a relaxed atmosphere where Bangboos appear to live more freely than anywhere else in New Eridu.
Roscaelifer was founded by Lady Sunbringer, a legendary figure who is the creator of Bangboos, the former CEO of the Marcel Group, and one of the original Void Hunters. The city operates as a "Bangboo utopia" under her rule.
New Systems & Exploration
The ZTALK Season 3 Special confirmed multiple new systems launching alongside Roscaelifer:
Season 3 Story Preview
The story continues after the end of Season 2. The power inside the Phaethon siblings has been unstable since their encounter with The Creator in Version 2.5. The affected sibling has struggled with weakness and headaches ever since, and Version 2.8’s trailer makes it clear that the situation is getting worse.
Key Narrative Threads
Pyrois & Helios Academy
The Etheric Other's awakening forces the siblings to confront events from their past at Helios Academy, the top-tier research institution of Old Eridu that was destroyed when the Old Capital fell.
The Hunt for Ramiel
Revealed as Remielle Dan. In the Season 3 trailer, her wings have turned white — a stark contrast to the black wings seen in Version 2.7.
Faction Politics
Multiple factions collide in Roscaelifer: the External Strategy Department, Krampus Compliance, Public Safety, and Marcel Group remnants.
Lady Sunbringer
Ruler of Roscaelifer and original Void Hunter. Her true nature is a major mystery; intel suggests her strength is on par with Void Hunters.
The Storyteller
A mysterious figure with an ominous presence connected to Phaethon's childhood past.
The developers confirmed that the narrative structure is shifting to a two-patch build for major story climaxes:
| Version | Title | Notes |
| 3.0 | A Sleepwalker's Confession | Season 3 opening chapter |
| 3.1 | The Long Goodbye | 2nd Anniversary celebration version (game launched July 4, 2024) |
Full Season 3 Character Roster
The official "Before the Wind Rises" teaser introduced 10 named characters with confirmed voice actors. Not all are confirmed playable — banner timing beyond 3.0 is unknown.
Severian has been gaining story weight since Version 2.6, especially through his links to Cissia and the Remielle arc. Based on current community speculation and early beta references, Remielle and Sigrid are the two strongest candidates for playable releases in Version 3.1. Severian is also widely expected, though his banner timing is less certain.
As for the four new characters, Claret, Roxy, Sigrid, and Phoenix, their attributes, roles, and banner timing have not been revealed yet.
Pull Strategy: Should You Pull in 3.0?
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Final Thoughts
Version 3.0 is shaping up to be the biggest update since launch. It brings a new element, a new sky city, the Proxy’s first combat form, and three new Agents in one patch, all landing at the start of the game’s second anniversary season.
For now, the safest plan is to farm the Wind boss in Version 2.8 so you can prepare Velina's materials early — but do not pre-farm Drive Discs, as a new Wind-specific set is expected in 3.0. Keep enough Polychrome saved for the Phase 1 banner, but wait for the 3.0 livestream before making final pull decisions. One critical thing to keep in mind: Wind replaces Disorder with Vortex, so if your current endgame teams rely on Disorder procs, adding Velina will fundamentally change how those comps work. Test the mechanic against the 2.8 Wind boss before committing.
Bookmark this page for updates once the official kits and banner schedule are confirmed. Follow GamsGo for more Zenless Zone Zero banner news and strategy guides.
FAQ
When Does Zenless Zone Zero 3.0 Launch?
Version 3.0 is expected on June 17, 2026. HoYoverse has confirmed that Version 2.9 is skipped, so the game jumps directly from 2.8 to 3.0. The Special Program livestream should air in early June, approximately one week before the update.
Who Are the New Characters in ZZZ 3.0?
Three new Agents are confirmed: Velina Airgid (S-Rank Wind Anomaly), Norma Hollowell (S-Rank Fire Stun), and Pyrois (Z-Rank Ether Attack, Phaethon's combat form — expected free story unlock). Velina is the first Wind Agent in ZZZ history, and Pyrois introduces the game's first Z-Rank rarity tier.
What Is the Wind Attribute?
Wind is the first new element added to ZZZ since launch. It introduces the Windswept/Weathered Anomaly status, the Erosion debuff (increases Wind damage taken for 20 seconds), and the Vortex compound reaction, which triggers when Wind Anomaly interacts with other Attribute Anomalies. Crucially, Vortex replaces Disorder in any team that includes a Wind Agent — this means existing dual-Anomaly teams will need to be rebuilt around the new reaction if you add Velina.
What Is Roscaelifer?
Roscaelifer is a classified airspace zone — a floating sky city ruled by Lady Sunbringer. Originally established during the Old Eridu period, it serves as the new explorable region in Season 3, featuring retro-futuristic aesthetics, flying vehicles, and a Bangboo-centric society.
Should I Skip 3.0 and Save for the Anniversary in 3.1?
Version 3.1 "The Long Goodbye" is the official 2nd anniversary patch (the game launched July 4, 2024). Anniversary versions historically bring generous freebies and high-impact limited characters — early leaks suggest Remielle and Sigrid as 3.1 banner candidates. If your Polychrome reserves are low, prioritizing Velina in 3.0 Phase 1 and then saving for 3.1 is the safest strategy. With Pyrois confirmed free in beta, that's one fewer pull target competing for your budget.
How Many Polychromes Do I Need to Guarantee an S-Rank Agent?
ZZZ's hard pity is at 90 pulls for an S-Rank Agent. In the worst-case scenario (losing the 50/50 and hitting hard pity twice), you need up to 180 pulls. At 160 Polychromes per pull, that's approximately 28,800 Polychromes for an absolute guarantee. Soft pity kicks in around pull 75, so most players secure an S-Rank between 75–85 pulls.
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