Angels of Delusion debuts in Zenless Zone Zero version 2.6 on February 6, 2026, featuring three S-Rank agents: Aria (Ether Anomaly DPS), Sunna (Physical Support), and Nangong Yu (Physical Stunner). The ReDreaming Angel MV contains critical visual storytelling that previews combat mechanics, character designs, and narrative roles. This analysis decodes nine specific visual clues, providing actionable prep strategies for the 21-day banner phases requiring 3.7 million Dennies per character.
Angels of Delusion: Faction Overview & Version 2.6 Context
A.O.D. represents a major faction addition to ZZZ's roster. Previously known as Virtual Idols, this three-member group was teased since version 2.1's Tales of Midsummer Dreams event where Sunna first appeared. Their dedicated account @AODENOfficial has built anticipation since July 2026.
Version 2.6 launches February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC+8 with dual-phase banners. Phase 1 runs February 6-27 (21 days) featuring Sunna and Aria simultaneously. Phase 2 spans February 27-March 20 (21 days) showcasing Nangong Yu. This differs from previous faction introductions, allowing two agents within the same banner window. For pulls, Zenless Zone Zero top up monochrome through BitTopup ensures secure transactions with competitive pricing for the 28,800 Polychrome needed to guarantee an S-Rank at hard pity.
The faction's musical identity extends beyond promos. A.O.D. released two EPs: ReDreaming Angel and Turn Heartbeats Into Tempo, establishing them as the first faction with dedicated musical content integrated into their narrative.
What We Know from Official Sources
Aria: S-Rank Ether Anomaly Main DPS. Robotic form transforms into humanoid with four pink pigtails. Mesmerized Mark deals 500% ATK damage with 50% CRIT DMG bonus for 12 seconds.
Sunna: Physical Support with signature pink bookbag. Her W-Engine provides 713 Base ATK, 60% Energy Regen, stacking 20% DMG and 12.5% ATK bonuses. Ether Veil: Idol buff grants +50 ATK for 30 seconds. Fever state generates ATK bonuses up to 1,000.
Nangong Yu: Physical Stunner wielding giant mace. Loneliness Corruption Syndrome applies 5% DEF reduction per stack, maxing at three stacks (15% total) for 15 seconds.
Version 2.6 Story Positioning
A.O.D. introduction follows ZZZ's pattern of faction-focused story arcs. Since July 4, 2024 release across Android, iOS, PC, and PlayStation 5, each major update expanded New Eridu's factional landscape. The teaser premiered at The Game Awards December 11-12, 2025, positioning version 2.6 as flagship content.
Their narrative placement suggests connections to Hollow Zero exploration and Ether-based phenomena. Aria's Ether Anomaly specialization ties into corruption mechanics, while the musical theme may explore psychological effects within Hollow environments.
Why ReDreaming Angel MV Matters
MVs in ZZZ serve dual purposes: entertainment and narrative foreshadowing. The ReDreaming Angel MV contains frame-specific visual info about combat animations, environmental settings, and character interactions previewing gameplay months before release. Background architecture, lighting, and character positioning provide contextual clues about faction territories, story conflicts, and thematic connections to existing lore.
Visual Clue #1-3: Character Design & Silhouette Analysis
Clue #1: Primary Silhouettes and Weapon Types
Aria's robotic-to-humanoid transformation creates the most distinctive visual identifier. Four pink pigtails create unique silhouette instantly recognizable in combat. Transformation suggests stance-switching gameplay tied to her Ether Anomaly specialization. Weapon type remains visually ambiguous, indicating possible unconventional attack patterns or summoned weaponry.
Nangong Yu's giant mace establishes her as heavy weapon specialist. Size relative to character model indicates slow, high-impact attacks characteristic of Stunner roles. Visual weight distribution suggests charged attack mechanics requiring precise timing. Ornate detailing incorporates Ether-channeling components.
Sunna's pink bookbag serves as visual identifier and potential gameplay element. Support characters often feature accessory-based mechanics (buffs, deployables, area effects). Prominent placement suggests active involvement in her skill set. Overall silhouette emphasizes mobility and positioning flexibility.
Clue #2: Secondary Design Elements and Faction Aesthetics
Color palette centers on pink, white, and technological blue accents, distinguishing them from existing factions. Pink dominates Sunna's design, white features in Aria's transformed state, Nangong Yu incorporates darker tones suggesting aggressive combat role.
Costume details reveal technological integration across all three. Aria's robotic components indicate advanced cybernetic enhancement or AI origins. Sunna's outfit combines idol aesthetics with practical combat gear. Nangong Yu's armor plating around mace-wielding arm shows reinforcement for heavy weapon handling.
Facial expressions and body language communicate personality traits. Aria's transformation shows confident, dynamic poses suggesting aggressive playstyle. Sunna's expressions lean toward supportive, team-focused energy. Nangong Yu displays determined intensity appropriate for frontline Stunner.
Clue #3: Costume Details Hinting Combat Roles
Aria's costume features flowing elements responding to Ether energy, visible in MV frames showing purple particle effects. Reactive components suggest Anomaly specialization involves sustained Ether application rather than burst damage. Four pigtails may function as visual indicators for buff stacks or ability charges.
Sunna's bookbag straps avoid interfering with arm movement, indicating frequent gesture-based skills. Costume's lightweight appearance supports high mobility requirements for optimal positioning during support rotations.
Nangong Yu's reinforced gauntlet and shoulder armor concentrate protection on weapon-wielding side, suggesting tanking capabilities beyond standard Stunner roles. Asymmetrical armor allows unrestricted movement for off-hand, potentially indicating grab mechanics or secondary attack patterns.
Visual Clue #4-6: Environmental Storytelling & Symbolism
Clue #4: Location Settings and Hollow Connections
ReDreaming Angel MV showcases multiple distinct environments. Urban performance spaces suggest public-facing idol activities, while corrupted Hollow zones indicate combat operations. Transition between pristine city and distorted Hollow spaces visually represents dual nature as entertainers and fighters.
Specific architectural elements match existing New Eridu districts, predicting story mission locations. Stage-like platforms with advanced holographic systems appear in several scenes, suggesting performance venues as key story locations. These may serve as faction headquarters or mission hubs.
Hollow corruption patterns show advanced Ether saturation levels. Visual density indicates high-level Hollow zones, suggesting endgame content integration. Environmental hazards may preview new Hollow mechanics specific to A.O.D. story missions.
Clue #5: Ether Manifestation Patterns
Aria's Ether Anomaly manifests as purple particle effects with distinctive swirling patterns. Effects differ from existing Ether characters, suggesting unique application mechanics. Mesmerized Mark dealing 500% ATK damage with 50% CRIT DMG bonus for 12 seconds indicates sustained damage windows requiring precise timing.
Sunna's Physical Support shows yellow-orange energy patterns typical of Physical element. Fever state generating ATK bonuses up to 1,000 suggests stacking mechanics requiring active gameplay. Ether Veil: Idol buff's +50 ATK for 30 seconds provides sustained team damage amplification.
Nangong Yu's Physical Stunner abilities display impact-focused visual effects. Loneliness Corruption Syndrome's stacking DEF reduction creates clear visual feedback through debuff indicators. Three-stack maximum with 15-second duration requires strategic timing during damage windows.
Clue #6: Background Architecture and Territory Hints
Stage architecture features advanced holographic projection systems and dynamic lighting rigs, suggesting A.O.D. operates from dedicated performance venue. This location likely serves as faction base, similar to Victoria Housekeeping's mansion headquarters. Technological sophistication indicates significant resource backing, potentially connecting to Vision Corporation.
Hollow zone backgrounds show unique corruption patterns not present in existing areas. Crystalline formations and geometric distortions suggest specific Hollow type associated with faction's story arc. Environmental details may preview new exploration mechanics or enemy types exclusive to version 2.6.
Juxtaposition of pristine performance spaces and corrupted Hollows creates visual narrative tension. Environmental contrast likely reflects faction's central conflict: maintaining public idol personas while conducting dangerous Hollow operations.
Visual Clue #7-9: Combat Animation & Playstyle Predictions
Clue #7: Attack Animation Frames and Combo Structure
Aria's attack animations show rapid multi-hit sequences characteristic of Anomaly DPS. Frame analysis reveals 3-5 hit combos with minimal recovery frames, suggesting high attack speed and sustained damage application. Transformed state unlocks enhanced combo extensions, potentially tied to stance-switching. Visual flow indicates smooth canceling options to maximize DPS uptime.
Nangong Yu's mace attacks feature exaggerated wind-up animations followed by wide-area impact effects. Attack patterns match established Stunner archetypes requiring precise timing to land heavy hits during enemy vulnerability windows. Combo structure builds toward powerful finisher, visible in frames showing charged attack preparation.
Sunna's combat animations emphasize positioning and buff application over direct damage. Attack frames show supportive gestures and area-of-effect indicators, confirming team enabler role. Animation timing suggests quick skill rotations allowing frequent buff refreshes.
Clue #8: Special Effect Patterns Suggesting Ultimates
Aria's ultimate likely involves Mesmerized Mark, based on dramatic visual escalation in specific MV frames. Purple Ether energy concentrates around transformed state before exploding outward in radial patterns. 500% ATK damage with 50% CRIT DMG bonus for 12 seconds suggests damage amplification window requiring coordinated team rotations.
Sunna's ultimate triggers Fever state, visible in frames showing golden energy waves emanating from her position. ATK bonus scaling up to 1,000 indicates ramping mechanic rewarding sustained combat engagement. Signature W-Engine's 20% DMG and 12.5% ATK stacking synergizes directly with ultimate design.
Nangong Yu's ultimate showcases maximum Loneliness Corruption Syndrome application, with visual effects showing three distinct debuff layers. 15% DEF reduction at maximum stacks creates substantial damage windows for Physical teams. Extended animation duration suggests crowd-control components beyond pure damage.
Clue #9: Movement Mechanics and Dodge/Parry Indicators
Aria's mobility animations show aerial maneuverability uncommon in existing kits. Transformed state enables enhanced movement options, potentially including air dashes or extended jump mechanics. Movement capabilities support Anomaly DPS role by enabling aggressive positioning while maintaining safety.
Sunna's dodge animations emphasize quick repositioning over invulnerability frames, typical of support characters requiring frequent position adjustments. Movement speed appears enhanced, allowing rapid response to team positioning needs.
Nangong Yu's defensive animations show parry indicators rather than standard dodges. Frames depicting mace raised in defensive stance suggest counter-attack mechanics rewarding precise timing. Defensive capability enhances Stunner role by creating additional stun windows through successful parries.
Lyric Analysis: Story Themes & Character Motivations
ReDreaming Angel lyrics explore themes of identity, performance, and authenticity within New Eridu's entertainment industry. Phrases referencing dreams and reality suggest the faction grapples with dual existence as public idols and Hollow operatives. This thematic tension likely drives version 2.6's narrative conflict.
References to tempo and heartbeats connect to musical identity while suggesting synchronization mechanics in team composition. Turn Heartbeats Into Tempo EP title reinforces this theme, potentially hinting at rhythm-based gameplay elements or timing-dependent buffs.
Lyrical emphasis on collective identity (we rather than I) establishes faction unity as central to their strength. Story content will likely explore relationships and interdependence, potentially including faction-specific team bonuses when fielding multiple A.O.D. members together.
Lyrics convey determination mixed with vulnerability, reflecting pressure of maintaining idol personas while facing Hollow dangers. Aria's transformation may symbolize shedding public facades to reveal true combat capabilities. Sunna's support role aligns with lyrical themes of uplifting others. Nangong Yu's aggressive combat style contrasts with melodic elements, suggesting she represents the faction's protective force. Her Loneliness Corruption Syndrome ability name hints at personal isolation despite group membership.
Playstyle Predictions Based on Visual Evidence
Predicted Character Roles
Aria: Primary Ether Anomaly DPS with stance-switching mechanics. Kit requires active management of transformation state to maximize Mesmerized Mark's 500% ATK damage window. Optimal play involves timing transformations to align with team buff windows and enemy vulnerability phases. High attack speed demands precise input execution.
Sunna: Energy-focused Physical Support generating resources while providing sustained ATK buffs. Fever state rewards extended field time, creating tension between maximizing personal buff stacks and rotating to other members. Players must balance energy generation with optimal buff timing.
Nangong Yu: Physical Stunner with defensive capabilities. Playstyle centers on applying maximum Loneliness Corruption Syndrome stacks before switching to DPS characters. 15-second debuff duration creates specific rotation timing requirements. Potential parry mechanics add skill expression.
Element Type and Team Synergy
Physical-Ether element combination creates clear team building pathways. Aria's Ether Anomaly pairs naturally with existing Ether supports, while Sunna and Nangong Yu form Physical damage core. Dual-element approach allows flexible compositions addressing different enemy resistances.
Sunna's Ether Veil: Idol buff providing +50 ATK for 30 seconds benefits all damage types, making her viable in mixed-element teams. Signature W-Engine's Energy Regen focus enables frequent ultimate rotations. 60% Energy Regen stat positions her as premier battery character.
Nangong Yu's DEF reduction debuff amplifies all damage sources, not just Physical attacks. Universal utility makes her valuable in diverse team compositions. Stunner role provides crowd control for protecting fragile DPS characters, particularly important for Aria's aggressive positioning requirements.
Comparison with Existing Archetypes
Aria's stance-switching Anomaly DPS resembles existing transformation-based characters but with Ether element focus. 12-second Mesmerized Mark duration creates longer damage windows than typical burst DPS, requiring sustained aggression rather than quick rotation cycles.
Sunna's energy generation and ATK buffing position her similarly to existing supports but with Physical element synergy. Fever state's ramping mechanic differentiates her from static buff providers, rewarding skilled play. 1,000 ATK bonus ceiling represents substantial team damage amplification.
Nangong Yu's Stunner role with defensive mechanics creates unique hybrid archetype. Most Stunners focus purely on crowd control, but her parry capabilities add survivability typically reserved for dedicated tanks. This versatility may enable new team compositions reducing healer dependency. For roster prep, securing sufficient Polychrome through buy ZZZ monochrome recharge online at BitTopup ensures readiness for all three banner phases.
Version 2.6 Story Integration Theories
A.O.D. introduction likely explores New Eridu's entertainment industry as front for Hollow operations. Public idol status provides narrative justification for access to resources and information networks. Version 2.6's story may reveal how entertainment venues serve as Hollow monitoring stations or recruitment centers.
Their technological sophistication, particularly Aria's robotic nature, suggests connections to advanced research programs. Faction may represent experimental approaches to Hollow combat, testing whether performance-based psychological conditioning improves operative effectiveness.
Dual-phase banner structure spanning 42 days indicates substantial story content. Phase 1's simultaneous Sunna and Aria banner suggests intertwined story arcs, while Nangong Yu's separate Phase 2 banner may indicate different narrative beats or conflict resolution.
Potential Faction Conflicts
A.O.D.'s corporate backing and public profile may create tension with independent operators like Phaethon. Official status could position them as rivals or obstacles to Proxy operations, particularly if missions conflict with player objectives.
Entertainment industry connections may reveal corruption or exploitation within New Eridu's corporate structure. Story missions could involve exposing darker aspects of idol culture while A.O.D. grapples with their complicity.
Advanced technology and resources may attract attention from antagonistic forces seeking to exploit or control them. Faction could become targets for Hollow-based threats or corporate espionage, requiring player intervention.
Predicted Story Missions
Version 2.6 story missions likely include performance venue infiltration, combining social stealth with combat encounters. Players may maintain cover while investigating Hollow corruption within entertainment districts. Missions would blend investigation mechanics with action sequences.
New Hollow zones featuring crystalline corruption patterns may introduce environmental puzzles based on sound or rhythm mechanics. Areas could require timing-based navigation or combat encounters synchronized to musical cues.
Character-specific story missions exploring individual backstories will likely unlock through friendship levels. Aria's robotic origins, Sunna's support role burden, and Nangong Yu's isolation themes each provide narrative material for dedicated character quests.
Preparation Guide: Resources & Strategy
Polychrome and Master Tape Farming
Each S-Rank requires 28,800 Polychrome to guarantee acquisition at 180-pull hard pity. Three characters across two banner phases need 86,400 Polychrome total. S-Rank base rate is 0.6% with soft pity at 75-80 pulls, but conservative planning assumes worst-case scenarios.
21-day banner phases provide limited farming windows. Complete all story content, exploration objectives, and event missions immediately upon version 2.6 launch. Daily commissions and weekly assignments provide approximately 3,000-4,000 Polychrome per banner phase for active players.
Master Tape conversion becomes critical for players lacking sufficient Polychrome reserves. Each Master Tape costs 160 Polychrome, making direct Polychrome farming more efficient. However, event rewards often provide Master Tapes directly.
Pre-Farming Materials
Sunna's ascension requires:
800,000 Dennies
4 Basic Support Certification Seals
32 Advanced Support Certification Seals
30 Ruler Support Certification Seals
Skill upgrades demand:
25 Basic Physical Chips
75 Advanced Physical Chips
250 Specialized Physical Chips
5 Hamster Cage Passes
2,905,000 Dennies
Total: 3,705,000 Dennies
Aria's ascension costs:
800,000 Dennies
4 Basic Anomaly Certification Seals
32 Advanced Anomaly Certification Seals
30 Controller Anomaly Certification Seals
Skill upgrades require:
25 Basic Ether Chips
75 Advanced Ether Chips
250 Specialized Ether Chips
5 Hamster Cage Passes
9 Clouded Crystalline Substance
60 Higher Dimensional Data: Spiked Corruption Core
2,905,000 Dennies
Total: 3,705,000 Dennies
Nangong Yu's ascension needs:
800,000 Dennies
4 Basic Stunner Certification Seals
32 Advanced Stunner Certification Seals
30 Specialized Stunner Certification Seals
Skill upgrades follow similar patterns:
250 Specialized chips
2,905,000 Dennies
Total: 3,705,000 Dennies
Players targeting all three characters should stockpile 11,115,000 Dennies and 750 Specialized chips across Physical and Ether types.
Team Building for Meta Shifts
Physical teams gain substantial power with Sunna and Nangong Yu synergy. Sunna's ATK buffing and energy generation enable extended DPS windows, while Nangong Yu's DEF reduction amplifies Physical damage output. Existing Physical DPS characters will benefit significantly.
Ether Anomaly teams receive premier DPS option in Aria. Her 500% ATK damage Mesmerized Mark with 50% CRIT DMG bonus creates massive damage windows when properly supported. Pairing her with Ether supports and Anomaly amplifiers maximizes output.
Mixed-element teams become viable through Sunna's universal ATK buffing and Nangong Yu's element-agnostic DEF reduction. Players can construct flexible rosters addressing multiple enemy types without sacrificing team synergy.
Drive Disc Optimization
Sunna priorities: Energy Regen, HP%, DEF%. Slot 4 should feature HP% or DEF% for survivability. Slot 6 demands Energy Regen between 15-20% to maximize ultimate uptime. Substats: Energy Regen > HP% > DEF%. Signature W-Engine's 60% Energy Regen synergizes with Energy Regen-focused builds, enabling near-constant ultimate availability.
Aria build splits between CRIT-focused and Anomaly Proficiency approaches. Slot 4 accepts CRIT Rate, CRIT DMG, or Anomaly Proficiency depending on team composition. Slot 5 prioritizes Attribute DMG or PEN. Slot 6 should feature ATK% or Energy Regen based on energy generation needs. Mesmerized Mark's 50% CRIT DMG bonus favors CRIT-focused builds when paired with CRIT Rate supports.
Nangong Yu requirements remain speculative, but Stunner archetypes typically prioritize Impact and Energy Regen. Defensive capabilities may justify HP% or DEF% investments in Slot 4. Slot 6 likely demands Energy Regen for frequent ultimate access. DEF reduction debuff's value scales with application frequency, making Energy Regen critical.
FAQ
What is Angels of Delusion in Zenless Zone Zero? A.O.D. is a three-member faction consisting of Aria (Ether Anomaly DPS), Sunna (Physical Support), and Nangong Yu (Physical Stunner). Previously known as Virtual Idols, they debut in version 2.6 on February 6, 2026, combining idol entertainment personas with Hollow combat operations.
When will Angels of Delusion be released in ZZZ? Version 2.6 launches February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC+8. Phase 1 features Sunna and Aria from February 6-27 (21 days). Phase 2 showcases Nangong Yu from February 27-March 20 (21 days). 42 total days to acquire all three characters.
How much Polychrome do I need for Angels of Delusion characters? Each S-Rank requires 28,800 Polychrome to guarantee acquisition at 180-pull hard pity. Targeting all three demands 86,400 Polychrome total. S-Rank base rate is 0.6% with soft pity at 75-80 pulls.
What materials should I pre-farm for Angels of Delusion? Each character requires 3,705,000 Dennies total (800,000 ascension + 2,905,000 skill upgrades). Sunna and Nangong Yu need 250 Specialized Physical Chips each. Aria requires 250 Specialized Ether Chips. All three need 5 Hamster Cage Passes and faction-specific Certification Seals. Complete faction: 11,115,000 Dennies minimum.
What team compositions work best with Angels of Delusion? Sunna and Nangong Yu form Physical support core. Sunna provides ATK buffs (up to 1,000 bonus) and energy generation. Nangong Yu applies 15% DEF reduction. Aria functions as Ether Anomaly DPS requiring Ether supports to maximize Mesmerized Mark's 500% ATK damage windows. Mixed-element teams benefit from Sunna's universal ATK buffing and Nangong Yu's element-agnostic debuffs.
How do Angels of Delusion fit into ZZZ's story? Faction explores New Eridu's entertainment industry as cover for Hollow operations, examining themes of identity and authenticity. Technological sophistication, particularly Aria's robotic nature, suggests connections to advanced research programs. Version 2.6's story likely reveals how performance venues serve as Hollow monitoring stations while developing individual character arcs around dual existence as idols and operatives.