Zenless Zone Zero's Version 2.5 Phase 2 introduces Exclusive Rescreening on January 21, 2026—a selectable rerun banner that guarantees your chosen character without the 50/50 gamble. Pick Alice, Soldier 0 Anby, or Astra Yao and get them guaranteed on your first S-Rank pull. This guide covers mechanics, optimal picks by account type, and resource planning.
What is Exclusive Rescreening?
Exclusive Rescreening eliminates the standard 50/50 system. Your first S-Rank is guaranteed to be your selected agent, reducing max cost from 180 to 90 pulls. Version 2.5 launches December 30, 2025 at 11 AM UTC+8. Phase 1 runs until January 21, 2026. Exclusive Rescreening operates Phase 2: January 21 - February 17, 2026.
This addresses rerun unpredictability. Previously, missing a limited character meant months of waiting with no guarantee even after heavy investment. The selectable system eliminates this uncertainty.
For pulls, Zenless Zone Zero top up through BitTopup provides instant Polychrome delivery with competitive pricing and secure transactions.
System Overview
Exclusive Rescreening is a Limited S-Rank Agent Rerun Banner featuring three selectable agents: Alice, Soldier 0 Anby, and Astra Yao. Access via Signal Search interface and designate one focus agent before pulling.
Phase 1 showcases Ye Shunguang's Debut Banner alongside Zhao's Debut Banner. Zhao is free via login rewards as an S-Rank Ice Defense agent. Phase 2 focuses entirely on Exclusive Rescreening.
Key Differences from Standard Banners
Standard banners: first S-Rank has 50% chance of being featured character or standard pool agent. Losing guarantees featured character next S-Rank—potentially 180 pulls total.
Exclusive Rescreening: first S-Rank guaranteed to be your selected agent, obtained anywhere from pull 1-90.
Currency: Encrypted Master Tapes (160 Polychrome each)
S-Rank rate: 0.6% base, A-Rank 7.2%
A-Rank pity: every 10 pulls
Hard pity: 90 pulls
Soft pity: starts pull 75
Pity carries over from previous limited banners. 60 pulls on prior banner = only 30 more needed for hard pity.
Complete Mechanics Breakdown
Selection Process
Access Signal Search menu
Locate Exclusive Rescreening banner
Choose one focus agent (Alice/Soldier 0 Anby/Astra Yao)
Selection locks permanently—cannot change
Pull using Encrypted Master Tapes
First 10 pulls get 20% discount: 1,280 Polychrome instead of 1,600 (saves 320).
Available Characters
Three S-Rank agents:
Alice: High damage dealer, specific team requirements
Soldier 0 Anby: Versatile stun support
Astra Yao: Specialized utility, niche compositions
Matching W-Engine banner Reverberation runs concurrently with selectable S-Rank weapons: Practiced Perfection, Severed Innocence, Elegant Vanity. First S-Rank W-Engine guaranteed to be your selection.
Polychrome Requirements
Single pull: 160 Polychrome
10-pull: 1,600 Polychrome (1,280 with first-time discount)
Hard pity (90 pulls): 14,080 Polychrome (with discount)
Soft pity average (pulls 75-85): ~12,500-13,100 Polychrome
Pity Mechanics
Three counters:
Pulls since last S-Rank (resets at any S-Rank)
Pulls since last A-Rank (resets every 10 or at A-Rank)
Total banner pulls
Soft pity activates pull 75, significantly increasing S-Rank rates through pull 90. Most players get S-Rank between pulls 75-85.
Pity carries between limited banners and Exclusive Rescreening but stays separate from standard banner.
Selection Lock Rules
Lock occurs immediately upon confirmation. Warning prompt appears—decision irreversible. Applies only to current banner; future Exclusive Rescreenings allow different selections.
Cannot select multiple characters or split guarantee. One selection per account for banner duration.
No-50/50 Guarantee System
Practical Impact
Standard banners: 50% chance first S-Rank is featured character. Losing requires second pity—up to 180 pulls.
Exclusive Rescreening: first S-Rank guaranteed to be selected agent within 90 pulls max. Saves potential 90 pulls (14,400 Polychrome).
Critical for F2P and low spenders who can't afford 180-pull investments. Eliminates anxiety about wasted resources.
Guarantee Conditions
Activates automatically upon selecting focus agent. No special requirements. Applies to first S-Rank only—subsequent S-Ranks revert to standard mechanics if you continue pulling.
Works even if you already own the character (gives duplicate for Mindscape Cinema). Doesn't check roster—simply ensures first S-Rank matches selection.
Pity Carryover
Pity from previous limited banners transfers directly. 65 pulls on prior banner = 25 more needed for hard pity.
Only between limited banners—standard banner pity separate. W-Engine banner has independent counter.
Pity carries forward to future limited banners if no S-Rank obtained, but no-50/50 guarantee doesn't transfer.
Best Character Picks by Account Type
F2P Priority
F2P accounts accumulate 50-70 pulls per version. Prioritize versatility and long-term value.
Soldier 0 Anby: Stun support benefits multiple team archetypes. Strong choice if lacking reliable stun options.
Alice: High damage but requires specific supports/W-Engines. Value depends on existing roster.
Astra Yao: Specialized utility—less immediate value for early-game accounts.
Low-Spender Strategy (70-90 pulls/version)
Identify team composition gaps preventing endgame content clears. Need Ice damage? Alice. Need stun support? Anby.
Consider upcoming banners. If Version 2.6 has must-have debuts, saving may provide more value.
Dolphin Optimization (120-180 pulls/version)
Balance meta with favorites. Can pursue characters improving both team strength and enjoyment.
Evaluate synergy with existing roster and planned future pulls. New characters typically better value than duplicates unless targeting specific Mindscape Cinema breakpoints.
Whale Considerations
Use for collection gaps or efficient duplicate acquisition. No-50/50 reduces average cost per Mindscape Cinema upgrade.
Evaluate if current roster justifies investment vs waiting for future Exclusive Rescreenings with different characters.
New Player Recommendations
Soldier 0 Anby: Versatile foundation character, benefits any team.
Alice: Strong but needs supporting elements new players may lack.
Consider free S-Rank Zhao (Ice Defense) from login rewards—reduces Alice priority if Ice coverage was main consideration.
Resource Planning
Polychrome Sources (Phase 2, 28 days)
Story missions: 1,000-2,000
Daily commissions: 60/day = 1,680 total
Events (2-3): 1,500-3,600
Shiyu Defense/Hollow Zero: varies by performance
Maintenance/compensation: 300-800
F2P total: ~5,000-8,000 Polychrome (31-50 pulls)
Master Tape Optimization
Acquire from limited sources before exchanging Polychrome:
Event shops
Battle pass (free: 3-5 tapes, premium: 10-15)
Monthly shop resets
Better value ratio than direct Polychrome exchange.
Cost Breakdown
Worst case (90 pulls): 14,080 Polychrome with first 10-pull discount
With existing pity: 30 pulls accumulated = 60 more needed = 9,280 Polychrome (with discount)
Average (soft pity 75-85): 12,500-13,100 Polychrome
W-Engine Budget
Reverberation banner: 80-pull hard pity, soft pity ~pull 65. Costs 12,800 Polychrome without discounts.
Prioritize character over signature W-Engine if resources limited. Characters provide bigger roster improvements.
Advanced Selection Strategy
Gap Analysis
Audit current roster: damage types, roles, team archetypes
Identify content struggles (Shiyu Defense floors, Hollow Zero)
Determine if character gaps or skill issues cause problems
Check support availability—damage dealers need specific supports
Consider faction bonuses and synergies
Endgame Performance
Shiyu Defense requires two full teams. Address weaker team's gaps, not marginal improvements to stronger team.
Floors have specific elemental weaknesses. Select characters countering consistent roadblocks.
Hollow Zero rewards consistent performance. Choose characters improving clear speed/reliability.
Future Banner Impact
Research Version 2.6+ schedules. New characters often have higher power levels than reruns.
Consider rerun frequency. Rare reruns = higher Exclusive Rescreening urgency.
Calculate resource regeneration. Can you accumulate another 90 pulls before next must-have banner?
Dupes vs New Characters
Mindscape Cinema provides performance boosts but new characters offer roster expansion.
Evaluate specific breakpoints—some characters gain substantial power at M1/M2.
Early-game: prioritize roster expansion. Endgame: duplicates provide incremental optimization.
Common Mistakes
Myth: Can Change Selection After Pulling
False. Lock activates on confirmation, not first pull. Cannot test characters before committing.
Take time for analysis—banner runs 27 days. Can select agent and delay pulling for research.
Ignoring W-Engine Compatibility
Characters need compatible W-Engines for full potential. Selecting without considering weapon availability reduces performance.
Evaluate alternative options. Characters functioning with farmable W-Engines have higher F2P value.
Design Over Functionality
For resource-limited accounts, function outweighs aesthetics. Favorite characters that don't fill roster gaps waste guaranteed system's strategic value.
Balance preferences with needs. If two characters provide similar value, pick your favorite. If one significantly outperforms, prioritize function.
Assuming Equal Value
Characters provide different value by account type, roster, and progression stage. Tier lists don't account for personal context.
Evaluate each character specifically for YOUR account. Best character varies dramatically between players.
Maximizing Your Experience
Pre-Selection Checklist
Document current roster: damage coverage, roles, teams
List content struggles and root causes
Research each character's kit, teams, W-Engine needs
Verify you own/can acquire supporting characters
Calculate available resources + expected income
Confirm you can reach pity if needed
Tracking Tools
Monitor pity via Signal Search Details tab. Track externally using spreadsheets or community calculators.
Use community tier lists and guides but filter through your account context.
Post-Pull Building
Farm materials for levels, skills, W-Engine
Test team compositions for optimal synergies
Evaluate if character enables new clears or improves times
Analyze underperformance causes: support gaps, weapons, or skill
Secure Top-Ups
Need resources? Buy Zenless Zone Zero recharge online through BitTopup for fast delivery, competitive pricing, and secure transactions.
Plan ahead to avoid last-minute shortages. Calculate needs early for strategic top-ups. First 10-pull discount adds value.
Use established platforms only—avoid suspicious sources risking account security.
FAQ
How does Exclusive Rescreening work? Selectable rerun banner launching January 21, 2026. Choose Alice, Soldier 0 Anby, or Astra Yao. First S-Rank guaranteed to be your selection without 50/50. Uses Encrypted Master Tapes, 90-pull hard pity, carries over pity from previous limited banners.
What does no-50/50 mean? Eliminates standard 50% chance mechanic. First S-Rank guaranteed to be selected agent, reducing max cost from 180 to 90 pulls.
Which character should I pick? Depends on account type and roster gaps. F2P: Soldier 0 Anby for versatility. Lacking damage types: select character filling gap. Evaluate roster, W-Engines, and team needs before deciding.
Does pity carry over? Yes, between limited banners and Exclusive Rescreening. 60 pulls on previous banner = 30 more needed. Also carries forward to future limited banners if no S-Rank obtained.
How many Polychromes needed? Hard pity (90 pulls): 14,080 with first 10-pull discount. Soft pity average (pulls 75-85): ~12,500-13,100. Existing pity reduces cost proportionally.
Can I change selection? No. Locks immediately on confirmation, even before pulling. Permanent for entire Phase 2 (ends February 17, 2026). Thoroughly evaluate before confirming.