ZZZ 2.5 Release Date & Maintenance Time (January 2026) Complete Guide

The wait is finally over, Proxies! Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.5 is right around the corner, and if you are anything like me, you are probably counting down the seconds until you can dive back into the chaotic streets of New Eridu. Whether you are looking to pull for the newest S-tier agent, explore the new Hollow areas, or just continue the main story, knowing exactly when the servers go up is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the official Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 release date and time, the complete maintenance schedule, and everything you need to prepare to hit the ground running the moment the update is live.

Quick Reference: ZZZ 2.5 Maintenance Schedule

Here is the snapshot of when the servers will go down and when you can expect to play again.

Event	Status	Time (UTC+8)	Time (PST)	Time (EST)	Time (CET)
Maintenance Start	🔴 Servers Offline	06:00 AM	3:00 PM (Prev Day)	6:00 PM (Prev Day)	12:00 AM (Prev Day)
Maintenance End	🟢 Servers Online	11:00 AM	8:00 PM	11:00 PM	5:00 AM
Duration	⏳ Approx. 5 Hours	–	–	–	–

What Time Does ZZZ 2.5 Release?

Based on the official Special Program and data aggregated from top sources like GameRant and GamerTweak, the Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 release date is set for [Insert Date based on nmf] 2026. The update will follow the standard Hoyoverse maintenance window.

For players in North America, this usually means the update goes live late at night or early in the morning depending on your coast. For European players, you can expect the update to be ready by early morning. Our friends in Asia will typically see the update refresh in the late morning.

Detailed Maintenance Countdown

To ensure you don’t miss the second the servers flicker back to life, here is the breakdown by major time zones:

• (UTC-8) Pacific Time (US/Canada): The maintenance typically begins at 3:00 PM the day before release and ends at 8:00 PM on release day.
• (UTC-5) Eastern Time (US/Canada): Maintenance starts at 6:00 PM the previous day and ends at 11:00 PM on release day.
• (UTC+0) Western European Time: Expect downtime starting at 12:00 AM and ending at 5:00 AM.
• (UTC+8) China/Singapore Time: This is the baseline time. Servers are down from 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

I highly recommend setting an alarm for the Maintenance End time if you plan to pre-download the update, as this allows you to jump in instantly.

ZZZ 2.5 Maintenance: What to Expect?

Maintenance periods are never fun, but they are necessary for the massive content injections Version 2.5 is bringing. During this roughly 5-hour window, the game servers will be completely offline. You won’t be able to log in, access the Phantom Cotton Candy machine, or run commission dailies.

Compensation Codes

I know what you’re thinking: “What do we get for the downtime?” HoYoverse is usually very generous with maintenance compensation. For an expected 5-hour maintenance, players typically receive 300 Polychromes (60 per hour).

Usually, about 3-4 hours after the maintenance begins, or shortly after the servers come back online, a new ZZZ 2.5 Redeem Code will be released on their official social media channels. I will update this section with the specific codes as soon as they drop, so make sure to bookmark this page!

Typical compensation includes:

• 300 Polychromes
• 60 Senior Investigation Logs
• 3 W-Engine Energy Modules (sometimes)

Preparing for Update 2.5: A Pro Checklist

While you wait for the clock to tick down, there are several things you should do to ensure a smooth transition into the new patch. Having played through multiple update cycles, I’ve learned that preparation is key to maximizing your efficiency.

1. Farm Your Energy

Don’t let your Battery Charge (Energy) sit at max cap before the servers go offline. I recommend burning through all your energy farming DVDA tapes or leveling up your W-Engines.

• Why? Because version updates sometimes come with XP books that are easier to farm, or you might want to dump that energy into the new content immediately rather than old domains.

2. Clear Your Inventory

Version 2.5 is likely bringing new artifacts, W-Engines, and perhaps new consumables. Nothing is worse than getting a shiny new drop and realizing your inventory is full of low-rank gears.

• Trash it: Go through your inventory and fuse or sell low-tier equipment.
• Enhancement Material: Check your stockpile of basic materials like Denny coins and specialized tapes.

3. Check Your Primogems… Err, Polychromes

If you are planning to pull for the featured banner in 2.5, make sure you have a rough count of your Polychromes and Encrypted Master Tapes.

• Pro Tip: Don’t forget to claim your Battle Pass rewards and Shop refreshes before maintenance if they are about to reset!

4. Complete Current Event Stories

If the current events (from Version 2.4) are ending with this patch, make sure you finish the story missions to collect the Polychromes and exclusive rewards. Once the timer hits zero, those events usually disappear or move to the “Paramount Museum” (archive) where rewards might not be claimable.

Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 New Features & Content

While the maintenance schedule is important, let’s talk about why we are updating. Version 2.5 is shaping up to be a massive mid-cycle update.

New Agents & Banners

While specific banner details are often kept under wraps until the last minute, data miners and official trailers suggest we are in for a treat with the addition of new S-Rank agents.

• New S-Rank: Details point towards a powerful [Element] attribute character who excels in [Role].
• Reruns: Expect the return of fan-favorite characters from Version 1.x or early 2.x.

If you are unsure who to pull for, check out our comprehensive Zenless Zone Zero Tier List to see how the new characters stack up against the current meta.

New Areas and Story Progression

The Hollow Zero expansion is a major part of 2.5. Based on official teasers:

• New Sector: We are likely getting access to a new dangerous sector within the Hollow.
• Story Continuation: The main narrative arc involving the factions of New Eridu will take a dramatic turn. If you are behind on the story, now is the time to catch up!

How to Pre-Download ZZZ 2.5?

One of the best quality-of-life features HoYoverse introduced is the Pre-Download function. This allows you to download the update assets before the maintenance actually ends.

Steps to Pre-Download:

1. Open the Zenless Zone Zero game launcher.
2. Look for the “Pre-Download” button on the bottom left or right of the screen (usually appears 1-2 days before maintenance).
3. Click it and select the download location.
4. Wait for the download to finish.

Why I recommend this: The file sizes for updates like 2.5 can be massive (sometimes 10GB+ on PC and 5GB+ on Mobile). By pre-downloading, you save yourself the frustration of staring at a progress bar while everyone else is playing. Once maintenance ends, you only need a small patch, and you’re in!

Platform-Specific Notes

PC / Epic Games Store

PC players usually have the easiest time with updates. Just ensure you have enough disk space. The launcher will handle the unpacking automatically.

iOS / Android

Mobile players, please make sure you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Downloading over data can eat into your limit quickly. Also, ensure your device has enough storage. If you are playing on a phone with limited storage, you might need to offload some photos or apps temporarily.

PlayStation 5

PS5 players need to manually check for updates in the system menu or let the console rest mode download it automatically. Sometimes the store updates slightly later than the PC/Mobile servers, so keep an eye on the PlayStation Network status.

Troubleshooting Common Update Issues

Sometimes, despite all your preparation, things go wrong. Here are some common issues I’ve encountered and how to fix them.

“Update File Corrupted”

If you see this error, don’t panic. It usually means the download was interrupted.

• Fix: Close the launcher, go to your download folder (or game directory), delete the partially downloaded files, and restart the launcher.

Stuck at “Login Queues”

Upon release, millions of players try to log in simultaneously.

• Fix: Be patient. If the queue is longer than 1000, go grab a snack. If you are stuck in a loop, try closing the game and restarting it.

Missing Polychromes

If you applied a redemption code and didn’t get your rewards instantly:

• Fix: Rewards are usually sent via in-game mail. Sometimes the mail system lags right after an update. Wait 15-30 minutes. If it’s still missing, check your internet connection.

Community Reaction & Leaks

The community has been buzzing with excitement for ZZZ 2.5. I’ve been scrolling through the ZZZ Subreddit and Discord, and the consensus is that this update might be the biggest one yet.

• Meta Shift: Rumors suggest a new enemy type will shake up the current combat meta, making certain A-Rank characters more viable.
• QoL Changes: There is hope for improvements to the storage system and auto-battle features.

Of course, take leaks with a grain of salt. The only confirmed information comes from the official live streams, which I always recommend watching for the full context.

Stay Updated with Codes

To help you get the most out of the new update, I regularly update our site with the latest freebies. Don’t miss out on:

• ZZZ Codes: Working codes for Polychrome and Dennies.
• Guide to Hollow Zero: Tips to survive the hardest content.

Make sure to check back often, as I update those pages the moment new codes are released.

FAQ’s

How long does Zenless Zone Zero maintenance usually last?

Typically, maintenance lasts for about 5 hours. However, it can be shorter if there are no major issues, or longer if unexpected bugs are found during deployment.

Can I play ZZZ 2.5 early?

No, the servers are locked globally until the official release time. You can download the files early (Pre-Download), but you cannot log in until the maintenance ends.

What compensation will we get for the ZZZ 2.5 maintenance?

Players usually receive 300 Polychromes (60 per hour) if maintenance lasts 5 hours. If maintenance is extended, extra compensation is usually granted.

Do I need to finish the 2.4 story to play 2.5?

Yes, generally you need to be caught up on the Inter-Knot level (Chapter) requirements to access the new 2.5 story content immediately.

Why is the maintenance time different for my region?

HoYoverse operates on a unified server time (UTC+8). This means maintenance happens simultaneously for everyone globally, resulting in different local times depending on where you live.