Popular Games
All Games
Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 Update Live: Aria Build, Rhythm Mode & Patch Notes
2026-01-29
The Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 update brings major gameplay improvements, new characters, and deeper anomaly-based combat mechanics. Headlined by the debut of Aria, an S-Rank Ether Anomaly DPS, Version 2.6 shifts the focus toward rotation timing, resource management, and burst optimization.
In this guide from BuffBuff.com, we provide a clear ZZZ version 2.6 summary, covering Aria’s recommended build, the meaning of her Rhythm Mode, key ZZZ 2.6 patch notes, maintenance rewards, and what players need to know about the latest update. Please don’t hesitate to scroll down now!
ZZZ 2.6 New Characters Overview
Version 2.6 introduces new characters, such as Aria, that significantly influence team composition strategies.
 | |
| Rarity | S-Rank |
| Attribute | Ether |
| Role | Anomaly Main DPS |
| Faction | Angles of Delusion |
Aria is designed to lead anomaly-focused teams rather than act as a secondary trigger unit. This makes her especially valuable for players seeking long-term roster depth.
Many players searching for how to unlock new characters in ZZZ should note that Aria is obtained through limited-time banners using encrypted master tapes.
Rhythm Mode and Patch Notes of ZZZ 2.6 Aria
In Zenless Zone Zero 2.6, Rhythm Mode refers to Aria’s unique combat rhythm and damage cycle, rather than a standalone gameplay mode. It describes how her kit encourages players to follow a structured tempo of buildup and release to maximize Ether Anomaly damage.
Aria’s combat flow revolves around four key steps:
1️⃣Accumulate Support Energy: Aria generates Support Energy through normal attacks and skill usage, forming the foundation of her rotation.
2️⃣Charge Her Core Attacks: Support Energy is consumed to enhance her Charged Attacks, increasing Anomaly efficiency and damage potential.
3️⃣Trigger Abloom: When enemies are affected by any Attribute Anomaly, Aria can activate Abloom, converting accumulated anomaly effects into powerful burst damage.
4️⃣Reset and Repeat: After releasing her burst, Aria re-enters the buildup phase, maintaining a steady damage rhythm throughout combat.
Because her output depends heavily on timing, anomaly uptime, and rotation management, players often describe her gameplay as Rhythm Mode, a loop that rewards precision and planning rather than continuous spam.
In the ZZZ 2.6 patch notes, the Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 update officially introduces Aria, a new S-Rank Ether main DPS. Her release further expands the game’s anomaly-focused combat system, significantly strengthening Ether-based team compositions and adding greater strategic depth to burst rotations and overall gameplay.
Aria Signature Aberrant Engine
First, let’s explore Aria’s signature Aberrant Engine, a key component that significantly boosts her Ether damage and anomaly-based playstyle. At maximum level, it provides 714 base attack and increases Aberrant Attribute Mastery by 40%, greatly improving Ether anomaly scaling.
Its passive effect boosts the equipper’s Ether Anomaly Buildup Rate by 40%, enabling faster anomaly application during combat. When the character enters the battlefield or activates a Special Attack or EX Special Attack, they gain a powerful damage buff for 12 seconds:
- 20% increased damage against enemies affected by any Attribute Anomaly
- Additional 20% damage bonus against enemies affected by Ether Attribute Anomaly
This effect can be refreshed repeatedly but is removed immediately when the character switches off the field. Due to its strong synergy with anomaly mechanics, this Aberrant Engine is considered Aria’s optimal W-Engine choice for both sustained DPS and burst rotations.
If needed, you can also check out another guide on building the Zenless Zone Zero Aria kit.
 Fusion Compiler | This W-Engine increases the character’s ATK by 12%-24%, improving overall damage output. After using a Special Attack or EX Special Attack, the equipper gains 25-50 Anomaly Proficiency for 8 seconds, stacking up to 3 times. Each stack’s duration is calculated separately. |
 The Brimstone | Hitting an enemy with a Basic Attack, Dash Attack, or Dodge Counter increases ATK by 3.5%-7% for 8 seconds, stacking up to 8 times. Each stack has an independent duration, and the effect can trigger once every 0.5 seconds. |
 Electro-Lip Gloss | When enemies on the field are afflicted with an Attribute Anomaly, the equipper gains a 10%-16% ATK bonus and deals 15%-25% increased damage to those targets. This makes the effect especially powerful for Zenless Zone Zero anomaly-focused team compositions. |
Aria ZZZ Build
When discussing the Aria ZZZ build, it’s important to understand that she does not scale like traditional crit-based DPS characters. Instead, her strength lies in anomaly accumulation and controlled burst timing.
Recommended Aria Team Composition
| Main DPS | Sub-DPS | Support |
 Aria (S-Rank) |  Billy (A-Rank) |  Sunna(S-Rank) |
- As the main DPS, Aria deals burst damage through Support Energy accumulation and Anomaly Linkage.
- Billy reliably applies Physical anomaly from the backline to activate Aria’s passive, while his AoE Ultimate compensates for her limited area damage.
- Sunna triggers the faction bond effect, providing energy regeneration and ATK buffs to reduce downtime and boost overall output.
Without a doubt, this team performs well in both boss fights and multi-enemy content.
Other Alternatives
| Main DPS | Sub-DPS | Support |
 Aria (S-Rank) |  Anby (A-Rank) |  Sunna(S-Rank) |
- Anby applies Ether Anomaly from the backline to trigger Aria’s passive while providing energy support to reduce burst downtime.
- Nico groups enemies to cover Aria’s AoE weakness and grants ATK buffs to boost burst damage.
Both are easy to obtain and low-cost, making them ideal early-game supports for Aria’s Ether Anomaly build.
| Main DPS | Sub-DPS | Support |
 Aria (S-Rank) |  Anton (A-Rank) |  Sunna(S-Rank) |
- As an Ether main DPS, Aria triggers Abloom through Support Energy buildup and Charged Bursts.
- Anton, an A-rank Physical sub-DPS, provides reliable AoE damage without interfering with anomaly triggers.
- Sunna supports the team with debuff cleansing, shields, and energy regeneration to stabilize Aria’s burst cycle.
This low-cost team is easy to build early, especially when paired with an Ether-focused Bangboo for consistent anomaly activation.
Conclusion
The Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 update brings a major shift to anomaly-focused combat, with S-Rank Ether Agent Aria as the standout main DPS. After reading the above content, you may have a good grasp of Aria’s build, rhythm mode, and patch notes.
In short, her rotation-based playstyle emphasizes Support Energy management, Charged Bursts, precise Abloom timing, and sustained Ether Anomaly application in the new Rhythm Mode, moving away from crit-heavy damage toward timing, team synergy, and anomaly uptime.
Overall, ZZZ 2.6 deepens strategic gameplay and team-building, marking a significant evolution for Zenless Zone Zero. Please note that all upcoming Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 content, including Aria skills and Rhythm Mode changes, is subject to change and may differ from the final release. If you want to learn more about ZZZ new characters, please remember to check the official website.
FAQs
This section also includes helpful tips on ZZZ. You might want to take a look if you're interested.
1. What about Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 banners leaks?
According to drip marketing, Version 2.6 will introduce two new limited S-Rank agents, Aria and Sunna, affiliated with the Angels of Delusion faction. Aria will be available in Phase 1, while Sunna will be introduced in Phase 2. As for the rerun agents, no official confirmation or details have been released yet. For more information, check out the new characters scheduled for the Zenless Zone Zero 2.6 banners.
2. How do you unlock new characters in ZZZ?
To unlock most characters in Zenless Zone Zero, you have to get them through the game's gacha system, which is called Signal Search. Some characters become stronger for a limited time during special banners in the Signal Search Exclusive Channel. You'll need to use Encrypted Master Tapes to try and get these characters during the temporary banner events.
3. Does ZZZ give you a free s-rank?
Yes, it does. After the Version 2.5 update, all players can get the limited S-Rank Agent Zhao for free, along with materials to upgrade an Agent to level 40.
