Version 1.3 is one of those Zenless Zone Zero updates that quietly reshapes how the game feels the moment you log in. It’s not just about new banners or a fresh coat of UI polish; this patch tightens combat pacing, re-centers team synergy, and pushes the live-service loop forward in ways that directly affect how often you dodge, swap, and spend your Battery Charge.
The update goes live immediately after scheduled maintenance, which begins at 06:00 (UTC+8) and is expected to last around five hours, following HoYoverse’s standard update cadence. That puts Version 1.3 online at roughly 11:00 (UTC+8), translating to 03:00 UTC, 23:00 ET, 20:00 PT the previous day, and early morning hours across Europe. As usual, servers come up globally at the same time, so no region gets early access.
Downtime compensation is straightforward and worth logging in for immediately. Players can expect at least 300 Polychrome sent via in-game mail, with additional compensation if maintenance runs long. These rewards typically expire within a limited window, so even casual players will want to claim them as soon as the servers stabilize.
Why Version 1.3 Hits Different
Version 1.3 matters because it sharpens Zenless Zone Zero’s core identity as a high-tempo, reaction-driven action RPG. Combat adjustments subtly change how forgiving I-frames feel during perfect dodges, while enemy behavior tweaks make aggro management more important in multi-wave encounters. If you’ve been face-tanking on muscle memory alone, this patch pushes back.
Character kits introduced or spotlighted in this update are clearly designed around tighter rotations and faster swap windows. That means better rewards for players who actively weave Assist Follow-Ups and chain skills instead of sitting on a single on-field DPS. Team composition starts to matter more than raw stats, especially in higher-difficulty combat zones.
What Players See the Moment They Log In
Once maintenance ends, players are dropped straight into Version 1.3’s new event cycle. Limited-time banners go live immediately, along with fresh W-Engine options that reinforce the patch’s focus on aggressive, momentum-based playstyles. If you’ve been hoarding Polychrome, this is a deliberate pressure point from the devs.
New events and commissions are available right away, designed to funnel players back into daily engagement without bloating playtime. Expect combat challenges that stress positioning and timing over raw DPS checks, plus narrative beats that quietly expand the lore around New Eridu’s power players.
System Tweaks That Change the Grind
Beyond characters and events, Version 1.3 introduces quality-of-life changes that directly impact long-term progression. Resource flow feels more intentional, with adjustments that reduce wasted stamina and make targeted farming less RNG-heavy. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of change veterans feel after a week of optimized runs.
Taken together, Version 1.3 isn’t about reinventing Zenless Zone Zero. It’s about refining what already works, smoothing friction points, and setting the tone for more demanding content ahead. Players who adapt quickly will feel stronger, faster, and more in control from the very first login.
Official Version 1.3 Release Date & Global Launch Times (All Regions and Time Zones)
With all the mechanical changes and new content outlined above, the real question for most players is simple: when can you actually play it. HoYoverse sticks to a predictable update cadence, and Version 1.3 follows that familiar rhythm almost to the minute. If you’ve lived through Genshin or Honkai maintenance cycles, this one should feel immediately recognizable.
Version 1.3 is scheduled to go live on Wednesday, September 25, immediately after server maintenance concludes. As always, the update rolls out simultaneously worldwide, meaning the exact clock time depends on your region rather than your server.
Maintenance Schedule and Expected Downtime
Server maintenance is expected to begin at 06:00 (UTC+8) and last roughly five hours. That puts the projected end time at around 11:00 (UTC+8), assuming there are no last-minute extensions. Zenless Zone Zero maintenance has been historically consistent, but combat-system updates like this always carry a small risk of delays.
During maintenance, all servers will be completely inaccessible. If you’re mid-farm or planning last-minute banner pulls, make sure everything is wrapped up before the servers go down to avoid wasting stamina or time-limited resources.
Global Release Times by Region
Once maintenance ends, Version 1.3 unlocks instantly across all regions. Here’s when players can expect to log in, depending on location:
For West Coast North America (PDT), servers come back online at 20:00 on Tuesday, September 24. East Coast players (EDT) can jump in at 23:00 the same night.
In the UK (BST), the update goes live at 04:00 on Wednesday, September 25. Central European players (CEST) get access at 05:00, while players in Eastern Europe (EEST) can log in starting at 06:00.
For Asia-Pacific regions, the timing is more straightforward. Japan and Korea (JST/KST) unlock at 12:00 on September 25, while players in Australia (AEST) can expect servers at 13:00.
Downtime Compensation and Immediate Login Rewards
As with every major Zenless Zone Zero update, players will receive Polychrome compensation for server downtime. The standard rate applies, calculated per hour of maintenance, and the rewards are sent directly to in-game mail shortly after servers go live. Make sure to claim them before they expire, especially if you’re planning banner pulls.
The moment you log in, Version 1.3’s limited banners, events, and commissions are already active. There’s no staggered rollout or delayed unlocks, so prepared players can immediately start pulling, theorycrafting new team rotations, and testing how those combat tweaks feel in real encounters.
Maintenance Schedule Breakdown — Start Time, Expected Downtime, and Server Reopen Window
This is the critical window every active Zenless Zone Zero player needs locked in, especially if you’re planning last-minute farming or lining up pulls the second banners go live. Version 1.3 follows HoYoverse’s standard major-patch cadence, which means a hard server shutdown and a synchronized global reopen.
If you’ve played through previous combat-focused updates, you already know the routine. Still, timing matters here more than usual due to system adjustments landing alongside new content.
Official Maintenance Start Time
Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.3 maintenance begins at 06:00 (UTC+8). At that moment, all servers go offline simultaneously, and any active sessions are force-closed.
Once maintenance starts, you won’t be able to log in, claim commissions, burn stamina, or make banner pulls. If you’re mid-grind or sitting on capped resources, wrapping things up beforehand is non-negotiable.
Expected Downtime Duration
HoYoverse has scheduled approximately five hours of downtime for Version 1.3. That places the expected maintenance end at around 11:00 (UTC+8), assuming everything goes according to plan.
Historically, Zenless Zone Zero maintenance windows are reliable, but updates that tweak combat flow, enemy behavior, or system logic always carry a small extension risk. It’s rare, but not impossible, so don’t plan anything mission-critical down to the minute.
Server Reopen Window and Global Sync
When maintenance ends, servers reopen globally with no staggered rollout. The moment servers are live, Version 1.3 is fully accessible across all regions.
That means banners, events, new commissions, and system changes are active immediately. There’s no grace period or delayed unlock, so players who log in right at reopen can jump straight into testing DPS rotations, evaluating survivability changes, and spending Polychrome without waiting on timers.
What Happens the Moment You Log In
Shortly after servers reopen, downtime compensation is delivered via in-game mail. The amount scales with maintenance length, following HoYoverse’s standard per-hour Polychrome payout.
Once claimed, you’re free to move directly into pulls, event progression, or theorycrafting new team comps. For players chasing optimal efficiency, this is the cleanest possible reset point, with zero friction between login and gameplay.
Maintenance Compensation & Free Rewards — Polychromes, Conditions, and Claim Deadline
If you log in right after servers come back online, the first thing you’ll notice is the familiar red notification icon. As with every major Zenless Zone Zero update, HoYoverse issues maintenance compensation immediately after Version 1.3 goes live, delivered straight to your in-game mail.
This isn’t tied to banners, events, or progression. It’s a baseline reward for server downtime, and every eligible player gets the full amount as long as they meet the minimum conditions.
How Many Polychromes You’ll Get
HoYoverse follows its standard maintenance payout structure for Zenless Zone Zero: Polychromes awarded per hour of downtime. With Version 1.3 scheduled for roughly five hours of maintenance, players can expect the usual compensation total, assuming there are no unexpected extensions.
If maintenance runs longer than planned, additional Polychromes are automatically added. You don’t need to file a ticket or wait for a follow-up mail, as the system accounts for the final downtime length before rewards are sent.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
To qualify for maintenance compensation, your account must have reached Inter-Knot Level 4 before maintenance begins. This is a very low threshold and effectively includes anyone who has cleared the tutorial and unlocked core systems.
There’s no requirement to log in immediately after maintenance ends. As long as your account was eligible when servers went offline, the mail will be waiting for you once you return.
Mail Delivery Timing and Claim Window
Maintenance compensation mail is typically delivered within minutes of server reopen. In some cases, it may take a short while to appear if server traffic is heavy, especially during peak login hours.
Once delivered, you’ll have a limited claim window. HoYoverse generally sets a 30-day expiration on maintenance mail, so skipping a few days won’t cost you anything, but ignoring it entirely will. If you’re planning pulls around Version 1.3 banners, claiming early keeps your Polychrome total accurate for pity tracking and RNG planning.
What This Means for Version 1.3 Pull Planning
Because compensation arrives before you do anything else, those Polychromes are immediately usable on new banners the moment Version 1.3 goes live. There’s no lockout, cooldown, or progression gate.
For players sitting near soft pity or evaluating whether to commit to Day 1 pulls, this free currency can be the difference between waiting and rolling immediately. It’s a small reward on paper, but in a gacha economy, every pull-ready Polychrome matters.
What Goes Live Immediately After Maintenance Ends (Banners, Events, Story Content)
Once servers come back online, Version 1.3 is fully live the moment you pass the login screen. There’s no staggered rollout, no delayed banners, and no grace period where content is locked. If maintenance ends at the scheduled time for your region, everything tied to Version 1.3 is immediately accessible.
This is why HoYoverse maintenance windows matter so much for pull planning and daily progression. The second you log in, you’re stepping into a completely updated build with new banners, fresh events, and story content ready to go.
Version 1.3 Banners Go Live Instantly
All Version 1.3 signal searches activate as soon as maintenance ends, including limited-time S-Rank and A-Rank rate-up banners. There’s no banner delay based on region beyond the global server reopen time, so North America, Europe, and Asia all gain access the moment their servers are back.
If you’ve been tracking pity, guarantee state, or 50/50 risk, nothing resets during maintenance. Your banner history, soft pity count, and lost 50/50 status all carry over seamlessly, making Day 1 pulls safe from any hidden backend resets.
For players aiming to pull immediately, this is where those maintenance Polychromes matter. They’re already in your inbox before you open the Signal Search menu, meaning you can roll the moment you regain control of your character.
Limited-Time Events Begin on Day One
Version 1.3’s flagship events go live alongside the banners, not days later. Event tabs populate instantly, with all participation requirements active as soon as you log in. If an event requires story progress or Inter-Knot level, the gate is already in place and clearly listed.
Energy-based events also start counting from server reopen, which matters for players optimizing battery usage and daily stamina cycles. Logging in late doesn’t lock you out of rewards, but logging in early lets you front-load progress and avoid last-week rushes.
Time-limited shops, event currencies, and milestone rewards are all available immediately. If you’re the type who plans clears around daily resets, Version 1.3 gives you full control from minute one.
New Story Content Unlocks Immediately
Any main story chapters, agent stories, or narrative commissions added in Version 1.3 are accessible right after maintenance, provided you meet the progression requirements. There’s no separate story unlock timer or delayed narrative release.
For lore-focused players, this means you can jump straight into new cutscenes and combat encounters without touching banners or events first. For progression-focused players, it allows you to clear story content early to unlock any systems, modes, or event eligibility tied to narrative completion.
Because story content is available immediately, it’s also a common source of early Polychromes. Clearing it first can slightly adjust your pull strategy before committing to deeper banner investment.
System Updates, QoL Changes, and Balance Adjustments
All Version 1.3 system changes go live the moment servers reopen. This includes balance adjustments, bug fixes, combat tuning, UI improvements, and any changes to enemy behavior or hitbox interactions.
If an agent received buffs, nerfs, or skill adjustments, those changes are active instantly. Testing DPS rotations, I-frame timings, and team synergies on Day 1 reflects the final Version 1.3 balance state, not a transitional build.
For players pushing high-difficulty content or optimizing clears, this makes early testing valuable. The meta doesn’t wait, and neither do leaderboard-focused players once maintenance ends.
Daily and Weekly Reset Timing After Maintenance
Maintenance does not reset daily or weekly activities unless it overlaps directly with the server reset window. If Version 1.3 goes live before your region’s daily reset, you can complete daily tasks twice in close succession by waiting for the reset afterward.
This creates a small optimization window for players chasing efficiency. You can log in immediately after maintenance, explore new content, then handle daily commissions again once the next reset hits.
It’s a minor edge, but for active players tracking resources tightly, Version 1.3’s post-maintenance timing can influence how you structure your first session.
Version 1.3 Signal Banners Explained — New Agents, W-Engines, and Rotation Details
Once servers reopen and Version 1.3 goes live, Signal banners update immediately. There’s no grace period or delayed banner swap, meaning your first pull after maintenance is already rolling on the new lineup.
For players planning to spend Polychromes earned from early story clears or downtime compensation, banner awareness matters on Day 1. The rotation structure in Version 1.3 follows HoYoverse’s familiar two-phase format, with each half emphasizing different team archetypes and combat roles.
Version 1.3 Featured Agent Signals
Version 1.3 introduces at least one new featured S-Rank Agent per phase, each headlining their own limited-time Signal banner. These banners use the standard limited pity system, carrying over progress from previous limited Agent Signals.
Hard pity remains fixed, soft pity ramps in the later pulls, and the 50/50 system still applies. If you lost your previous featured coin flip, Version 1.3’s first S-Rank pull is guaranteed to be the banner Agent, making early pulls especially high value for unlucky players banking pity.
Each phase also includes boosted A-Rank Agents, typically chosen to synergize with the featured S-Rank’s damage type, role, or crowd-control needs. Even if you’re skipping the S-Rank, these rate-ups can meaningfully improve team depth for midgame and endgame content.
W-Engine Signal Banners and Power Spikes
Running alongside each Agent banner is a corresponding W-Engine Signal featuring a signature S-Rank W-Engine. These weapons are tuned specifically around the featured Agent’s kit, often enabling smoother rotations, stronger burst windows, or better energy flow.
Unlike Agents, W-Engine banners have a different guarantee structure, but they also carry pity forward between versions. That makes Version 1.3 a viable time to finish a near-pity W-Engine chase if you were already invested from earlier patches.
For F2P and light spenders, the key question is opportunity cost. Signature W-Engines offer noticeable DPS gains, but A-Rank alternatives remain viable, especially if your Polychromes are better spent securing future Agents instead of marginal stat increases.
Banner Rotation Timing and Regional Availability
All Version 1.3 Signal banners activate the moment maintenance ends in your region. If maintenance concludes before the daily reset, you can pull immediately and still collect daily rewards again after reset, effectively stacking early resources into banner attempts.
The first banner phase typically runs for roughly half the patch cycle, with the second phase swapping in new featured Signals without another maintenance. Knowing this helps players decide whether to commit early or wait for officially announced Phase 2 Agents before spending.
Because banners, pity, and compensation rewards all go live at once, your first login after maintenance is the optimal planning window. Check banner details, confirm your pity count, and align pulls with your team needs before committing Polychromes you won’t get back.
What to Do Before Your First Pull
Before rolling, test your existing Agents under Version 1.3’s balance changes. Buffs, nerfs, and combat tweaks can shift DPS hierarchies and make previously overlooked Agents more competitive without pulling anything new.
If story and events grant immediate Polychromes, clear those first. Even a small currency bump can be the difference between triggering soft pity or missing it by a few pulls, especially during the opening hours of a new banner cycle.
Version 1.3’s Signal lineup isn’t just about new characters. It’s about timing, resource flow, and understanding how banner mechanics interact with maintenance rewards and reset windows the moment the servers come back online.
System Updates, Balance Adjustments, and Quality-of-Life Improvements in 1.3
Once your pulls are planned, Version 1.3’s real impact shows up in the systems underneath the banners. HoYoverse patches rarely change just one layer of the game, and this update follows that philosophy with combat tuning, interface refinements, and backend adjustments that affect every login session.
Version 1.3 goes live immediately after maintenance ends, with no staggered rollout. For most regions, maintenance is expected to last around five hours, starting early morning server time and ending before or just after the daily reset depending on your region.
Version 1.3 Maintenance Schedule and Release Timing
Maintenance typically begins at 06:00 (UTC+8), aligning with Zenless Zone Zero’s primary server infrastructure. If the schedule holds, players in North America can expect servers to come back online late evening the previous day, while European regions usually see uptime return early morning.
All servers come online simultaneously, meaning banners, events, and system changes activate the moment maintenance ends. There is no phased unlock by region, so once the client lets you in, everything is live.
As usual, HoYoverse compensates downtime with Polychromes delivered via in-game mail. These rewards are available immediately upon first login after maintenance and should be claimed early, especially if you plan to pull before daily reset.
Combat Balance Adjustments and Agent Tuning
Version 1.3 introduces targeted balance changes rather than sweeping reworks. Expect small but meaningful adjustments to Agent skill scaling, anomaly buildup rates, and energy flow that subtly shift DPS ceilings and team rotations.
These tweaks matter most in longer encounters where optimization compounds over time. Agents that previously felt energy-starved or awkward in rotation windows may now feel smoother, especially in multi-wave combat where uptime and skill cycling define clear speed.
Because these changes apply retroactively, testing your existing roster before pulling is critical. A familiar Agent with improved consistency can outperform a fresh pull that doesn’t slot cleanly into your current teams.
System and Interface Improvements
On the system side, Version 1.3 continues refining menus and combat readability. Expect faster menu transitions, clearer buff and debuff indicators, and minor UI adjustments that reduce friction when swapping teams or managing equipment.
Load times between hubs and combat instances are also being optimized. While not flashy, these changes reduce downtime between runs, which adds up quickly for players grinding materials or events.
Controller and input responsiveness receive quiet tuning as well. Movement buffering, dodge timing, and skill input prioritization feel tighter, especially during high-action sequences where dropped inputs previously caused frustration.
Quality-of-Life Changes You’ll Notice Immediately
The moment you log in after maintenance, several QoL updates become apparent. Event navigation is cleaner, with fewer clicks needed to track objectives, claim rewards, or jump directly into limited-time content.
Inventory and upgrade screens now surface key information more clearly, reducing the need to jump between tabs. This is especially helpful when deciding whether to invest resources into an Agent after balance changes.
Together, these improvements reinforce Version 1.3 as more than just a banner update. Even before spending a single Polychrome, players will feel the difference in how smoothly Zenless Zone Zero plays the moment the servers come back online.
What Players Should Do Before Maintenance Starts (Preload, Resource Prep, and Warnings)
With Version 1.3 refining combat flow and smoothing out core systems, preparation matters more than usual. HoYoverse updates tend to go live on a tight, predictable cadence, and players who plan ahead will be back in New Eridu the moment servers reopen instead of scrambling afterward.
This is especially important if you’re juggling limited-time events, capped resources, or testing teams affected by the new balance adjustments discussed earlier.
Maintenance Timing, Downtime, and Release Windows
Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.3 is scheduled to begin maintenance at 06:00 (UTC+8), with an expected downtime of roughly five hours. If the schedule holds, servers should come back online around 11:00 (UTC+8).
For regional timing, that places the update at approximately 15:00 PT / 18:00 ET the previous day, assuming no delays. As always, maintenance can end early or run long, but HoYoverse typically sticks close to the projected window.
As compensation, players can expect downtime rewards delivered via in-game mail once servers are live. This is usually 300 Polychrome, scaling with maintenance duration, and is claimable for a limited time, so don’t forget to log in.
Preload the Update to Avoid Login Congestion
If you’re on PC or mobile, preloading Version 1.3 as soon as it becomes available is strongly recommended. Preloads usually go live one to two days before maintenance and significantly reduce post-update download times.
Skipping the preload often means sitting in download queues right as servers reopen, especially during high-traffic patches tied to balance changes or popular banners. Console players typically receive the update automatically but should still ensure enough storage space is available.
Once preloaded, you’ll be able to log in almost immediately after maintenance ends, jump straight into testing rotations, and check how your Agents feel under the new tuning.
Resource Management: What to Spend and What to Save
Before maintenance starts, make sure your Battery Charge isn’t sitting at cap. Any overflow during downtime is effectively wasted, and that’s lost progression you won’t get back.
It’s also smart to hold off on major upgrades unless you’re finishing a build you already rely on. With balance tweaks applying retroactively, some Agents may scale better than expected post-update, changing who’s actually worth investing in.
Polychrome, Master Tapes, and premium currency should generally be saved until you’ve had time to test Version 1.3’s changes. A smoother-feeling Agent you already own may outperform a new pull once rotations and energy flow settle.
Critical Warnings Before Servers Go Down
Do not start long combat activities or challenge modes right before maintenance. If the servers shut down mid-run, progress is usually lost, and support won’t restore incomplete attempts.
Make sure to log out cleanly rather than idling in menus. This reduces the risk of account sync issues when the update goes live, especially on slower connections.
Finally, screenshot or note any teams you plan to test post-update. With combat feel, input buffering, and UI clarity all being adjusted, having a baseline makes it easier to immediately feel what Version 1.3 changes the moment you step back into combat.
First-Login Checklist After the Update — Priority Tasks for Day One Players
Once maintenance ends and servers come back online, Version 1.3 follows HoYoverse’s standard rollout pattern. Servers are expected to open immediately after maintenance concludes, which typically lasts around five hours. If the schedule holds, that puts the live time at 11:00 AM (UTC+8), translating to 8:00 PM PT / 11:00 PM ET the previous day for North America, and early morning for most of Europe.
The moment you’re in, don’t rush into combat just yet. Day one efficiency in Zenless Zone Zero is about knowing what to claim, what to test, and what to delay until the meta dust settles.
Confirm Compensation and Maintenance Rewards First
Your first stop should always be the in-game mail. HoYoverse consistently distributes Polychrome compensation based on maintenance duration, usually alongside minor bug-fix rewards or apology items.
Claiming these immediately matters because it updates your actual pull count and resource totals. That clarity helps you make smarter banner decisions, especially if Version 1.3 introduces a high-value Agent or W-Engine that looks tempting but may not fit your teams long-term.
Check Banners Without Pulling Immediately
After rewards, open the Signal Search menu and review all active banners. Pay attention to which banners are Phase 1 versus Phase 2, since HoYoverse often spaces out the most anticipated Agents.
Do not pull right away unless you’re already committed. Early testing and community findings in the first 24 hours often reveal animation cancels, energy quirks, or synergy issues that aren’t obvious from trailers alone.
Skim the Update Notice for Hidden Combat Changes
Before spending Battery Charge, read the Version 1.3 update notes inside the game. Zenless Zone Zero patches often include subtle combat tuning like adjusted I-frame windows, altered assist timing, or enemy hitbox fixes that directly affect DPS rotations.
These details explain why an Agent might suddenly feel smoother or clunkier than before. Knowing what changed prevents you from misjudging a character based purely on muscle memory from the previous version.
Test Core Teams in Low-Stakes Content First
Jump into routine combat stages or daily content before tackling Hollow Zero or high-pressure challenges. This is where you should test basic rotations, assist flow, and energy regeneration under the new patch.
Focus on feel rather than numbers. If an Agent’s combo chain flows more cleanly or dodge counters feel more consistent, that’s a strong signal they may deserve more investment post-update.
Spend Battery Charge Strategically, Not Instantly
It’s safe to spend Battery Charge on daily activities right away, but avoid dumping everything into Agent upgrades on day one. Meta shifts in Zenless Zone Zero tend to emerge quickly once players test optimal builds and team synergies.
Use the first login window to gather materials, not lock them in. Waiting even a single day can prevent wasting resources on an Agent that falls out of favor once Version 1.3’s balance changes are fully understood.
Plan Your Week Based on Event Unlocks
Finally, check the event tab to see what content is live immediately versus time-gated. Some Version 1.3 events may unlock over several days, and pacing your playtime around those schedules prevents burnout.
Mark down any limited-time rewards tied to daily participation. Missing day one isn’t catastrophic, but falling behind early can mean rushing content later under less favorable conditions.
If there’s one rule to follow after servers come back up, it’s this: observe before committing. Zenless Zone Zero rewards players who adapt, not those who panic-pull or over-invest too early. Version 1.3 is all about refinement, and the smartest players will feel that advantage before the week is over.