I still remember the day I stepped into the neon-drenched streets of New Eridu. It was early 2026, and the city's pulse was electric, even through my monitor. My proxy terminal buzzed with uncharted proxy commissions, but my real obsession lay elsewhere: the Signal Search. I wanted to build a team that could handle the wildest Hollows, and that journey started with the Star-Studded Cast, the permanent standard banner of Zenless Zone Zero.

my-journey-into-zenless-zone-zero-s-permanent-standard-banner-image-0

From the moment I clicked the Stable Channel button, I understood the banner's true charm. It wasn't going anywhere. Unlike the timed Exclusive Banners that teased me with limited S-Tier agents, the Star-Studded Cast was a steadfast companion. Every Master Tape I earned through daily errands and story commissions felt like a step toward something permanent – a comforting rhythm in the fast-shifting meta of 2026. The banner's banner art stayed the same, a familiar splash of stoic agents and gleaming tech, mirroring how other HoYoverse titles handled their standard pools.

my-journey-into-zenless-zone-zero-s-permanent-standard-banner-image-1

The gacha ritual became my daily calm. I'd sink into my chair, clutch a virtual stack of Master Tapes, and whisper a prayer to the RNG gods. The system was merciful in its own way: a guaranteed S-Tier drop at 90 searches. The detailed rates are as follows:

Rarity Base rate Guarantee
S-Tier Agent or W-Engine 0.6% 90 pulls
A-Tier Agent or W-Engine 5.8% 10 pulls (guaranteed A-Tier or higher)
B-Tier W-Engine 93.6% –

This pity system kept my hopes alive even when I pulled nothing but B-Tier W-Engines for weeks. I learned to love the slow burn, the gradual accumulation of agency and power. My first S-Tier on this banner came at pull #82 – a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that I'd gladly chase again.

The agents themselves are the beating heart of the Star-Studded Cast. These aren't just pretty faces; they're playable legends with rich stories and combat styles that keep the game fresh. Some iconic permanent agents I've unlocked or dreamed of adding to my roster include:

  • 🐺 Von Lycaon – A graceful yet ferocious S-Tier stun unit from Victoria Housekeeping, whose sweeping attacks make him a timeless favorite.

  • 😺 Nekomata – A quick and deadly A-Tier attacker from the Cunning Hares, whose twin blades never go out of style.

  • 🔧 Grace Howard – An S-Tier anomaly agent from Belobog Heavy Industries, flinging bombs and status effects with maniacal glee.

  • 🏹 Soldier 11 – A disciplined S-Tier attacker from the Obol Squad, whose firepower ensures you always have a reliable DPS.

  • 👻 Corin Wickes – An A-Tier support agent, also from Victoria Housekeeping, whose chainsaw terrifies ethereals and whose timid personality melts hearts.

my-journey-into-zenless-zone-zero-s-permanent-standard-banner-image-2

What makes these agents so precious is their permanent availability. You never need to panic-save your polychromes for a fleeting rerun. If you don't get Von Lycaon today, he'll still be waiting in the stable channel tomorrow. This relaxed pacing let me experiment with team compositions, pairing Grace with Nekomata for a disorder-focused build, or slotting in Soldier 11 for raw fire damage. The variety turned every Hollow dive into a playground of synergies and surprises, which is exactly why the standard banner remains a bedrock for new and veteran proxies alike.

But the Star-Studded Cast doesn't stop at agents. It also dishes out W-Engines, the weapon-like artifacts that amplify stats and unlock passive bonuses. Think of them as Lightcones from Honkai Star Rail, or the signature weapons from Genshin Impact. A well-matched W-Engine transforms a good agent into an unstoppable force. Some noteworthy S-Tier W-Engines that I've pulled from this banner include:

  • The Brimstone – A hellish W-Engine that increases fire damage and synergizes beautifully with Soldier 11.

  • Fusion Compiler – A sleek anomaly amplifier that turns Grace Howard's grenades into cataclysmic events.

  • Steel Cushion – A balanced physical damage W-Engine that Nekomata wielded to shred through armored enemies.

my-journey-into-zenless-zone-zero-s-permanent-standard-banner-image-3

Equipping a W-Engine is like slotting in a missing piece of a puzzle. I vividly remember the night I finally obtained the Fusion Compiler after losing the 50/50 on a limited banner – a so-called "loss" that turned into a massive win. Grace's damage output skyrocketed, and suddenly the Shiyu Defense floors that once stonewalled me became manageable. This taught me a crucial lesson: every pull on the standard banner carries long-term value. Even a B-Tier W-Engine can be dismantled into resources to refine your main weaponry.

After countless Master Tapes and a small mountain of duplicated agents, my ZZZ account feels like a well-oiled machine. The standard banner gave me a foundation that no powercreep can erode. Whether you're a fresh proxy in 2026 or a returning one, the Star-Studded Cast waits with open arms. It's a permanent promise in an ever-evolving urban fantasy, a place where every pull inches you closer to your next obsession – and I wouldn't have it any other way. 🎰✨