Zenelss Zone Zero Version 2.6 has you playing as an event planner and social media manager for an idol group

Zenless Zone Zero’s latest Special Program has delivered a tonne of information about the game’s big upcoming update, Version 2.6. This latest addition kicks off celebrations in New Eridu, and it’s dubbed Encore for an Old Dream.

Version 2.6 is not far off, either, arriving in ZZZ on February 6 – exactly one week from today. Encore for an Old Dream is something of an in-between story that takes place after the end of Season 2.

The narrative of 2.6 sees the Proxies’ return to Sixth Street for New Eridu’s annual Gilded Carrot Day. At the centre of the celebrations is the debut of idol group Angels of Delusion at the 404 Error music venue, but not all is as it seems.

The story follows the Proxies getting invited backstage to support the group, which also includes helping them set up practice schedules, organise events and manage social media activities. There’s a rhythm minigame as part of that, along with new maps and mechanics for Marcel Adventure.

Angels of Delusion is also the group that the two new Agents being introduced in this update belong to. Members of the same group are capable of performing coordinated attacks. The new arrivals are Sunna and Aria.

Sunna is a an S-Rank Physical Support Agent who specialises in boosting teammates using Attack and Anomaly. Her Ultimate sees her pull out a giant hammer to land heavy damage, and bring teammates into combat using Quick Assist. Sunna’s companion, Bubblegum, can cast Cat’s Gaze on enemies, marking them for detonation. Bubblegum can also buff the squad’s attack.

Aria is the other new arrival, the group’s lead vocalist who can shift between two forms, idol projection and construct. Aria is an Ether Anomaly Agent who also deals high burst damage, specifically against enemies who suffer from any Attribute Anomalies.

Sunna and Aria also benefit from the support of the amusingly named Bangboo Biggest Fan, a fan club president who can heal them over time, and boost the squad’s Attack any time two or more Angels of Delusion members are present.

Version 2.6’s S-Rank re-runs are Yixuan (Auric Ink – Rupture), and Yuzuha (Physical – Support), who you can look forward to as part of the banners.

Version 2.6 will also expand Hollow Zero with a new game mode, Operation Matrix. The mode offers themed stages that rotate weekly, each offering new mechanics. You can now also Sweep in Hollow Zero.

Beyond all the celebrations, this update also brings combat kit overhauls to a couple of older S-Rank characters, Lycaon and Harumasa. You can look forward to multiple limited-time events, too, including one where you can earn a new outfit for Pan Yinhu.

The big event is naturally going to be themed around Gilded Carrot Day, and it actually starts today. There’s the usual run of login rewards (about 3,300 Polychromes), as well as daily activities. Yet another login event – Gilded Surprise, Wonderful Boo-ns – will be available February 14-23, offering daily draws from a pool of 4 billion Polychrome.

As always, there’s no reason not to catch up on the latest set of Zenless Zone Zero codes for some free in-game items.