Guess who just turned one? Zenless Zone Zero! And to celebrate, the devs are throwing us Proxies the mother of all parties: the Festival Channel! Forget scrounging for pulls – they're handing out a FREE S-Rank Agent AND a FREE S-Rank W-Engine straight from the Standard Banner. Yeah, you read that right. Free. Top-tier loot. Is this real life, or did I finally appease the gacha gods? While these beauties might not be the latest limited-time flavour-of-the-month, getting ANY S-Rank for zero pulls is an absolute win, especially considering how those Standard Banner W-Engines can seriously buff up specific Agents. Some of you sharp cookies already know exactly who and what you're grabbing. But if you're staring at that selection screen like a Bangboo caught in headlights, sweating bullets over who to pick, worry not! Your friendly neighbourhood veteran Proxy (that's me!) is here to break down the smartest picks for your precious freebies. Let's dive into the loot piñata!

⚔️ S-Rank Agent Showdown: Who Deserves Your Golden Ticket?

Alright, let's cut to the chase. Choosing an S-Rank Agent is the main event. The Festival Channel lets you pick ANY S-Rank currently chilling on the Standard Banner. Is Nekomata still the queen of Physical DPS? Should you chase Rina's M1 potential? It depends heavily on YOUR current roster and what holes need plugging. Here’s a quick rundown of top contenders, factoring in versatility and power:

• 👑 Lycaon: Still reigning supreme! Top-tier support, fits into almost ANY team. Universally recommended. The 'safe' choice that rarely disappoints. If you don't have him, GET HIM.

• 💥 Grace: Your go-to gal if your team screams "WE NEED ANOMALY DPS!" She melts shields like butter. If Anomaly is your weak spot, she's a game-changer.

• 🌟 Rina M1: Here’s the kicker! Base Rina (M0) is decent support, but unlocking her first Memory (M1) cranks her utility WAY up. Is Rina worth it without M1? Honestly, less so. But if you have her base version already, grabbing her M1 via the Festival Channel is a brilliant move.

• 🔥 Soldier 11: Does your team lack serious Firepower (pun intended)? Soldier 11 delivers consistent Fire DPS. Solid pick if that's your missing element.

• 🛡️ Koleda: A sturdy defender. Great if you find your teams getting squished too often and need that reliable shield/taunt.

• 🐱 Nekomata: The OG Physical damage dealer. Still hits like a truck! Fantastic choice if Physical DPS is what you're lacking.

Bottom Line: Need universal support? Lycaon. Need a specific damage type? Grace (Anomaly), Soldier 11 (Fire), Nekomata (Physical). Already have base Rina? Grab her M1! Don't pick someone you already own unless you really know what you're doing with Dupes!

🔫 S-Rank W-Engine Wonderland: Which Bang Stick Boosts Your Best?

Free S-Rank weapon? Yes please! But hold your horses, Bangboo buddy. Zenless Zone Zero's weapon system has a crucial twist: A W-Engine's passive ability ONLY activates when wielded by an Agent of the matching Specialty (Attack, Support, Stun, Defense, Anomaly). So, picking a flashy sword does you no good if you don't have the right Agent type to wield it! Which W-Engine offers the best bang for your free buck? It entirely depends on your existing S-Rank Agents and their needs.

Here’s a quick reference table for the Standard Banner S-Rank W-Engines and their ideal wielders:

So, how do you choose? Simple! Look at your existing S-Rank Agents:

1. Who is your main carry or most used S-Rank?

2. Do they already have a good W-Engine? If not, check their Specialty and pick the matching W-Engine from the table above.

3. Is there a W-Engine that perfectly complements their role? (e.g., Starlight Engine for Rina/Nicole is almost mandatory for peak support performance).

People Also Ask: Should I prioritize a character or their signature weapon? Generally, a new S-Rank Agent provides more value (a whole new playstyle/team comp!) than a weapon for an existing character. BUT, if you already have a top-tier S-Rank like Lycaon who desperately needs Frostfire to truly shine, grabbing the weapon can be equally transformative for that specific team. Assess your roster!

❓ Festival Channel FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered!

Let's tackle those lingering questions before you hit that 'Claim' button:

• Q: Can I pick a limited S-Rank character like [Insert Latest Hype Character] from the Festival Channel?

  • A: Nope! Sorry to burst the bubble. The Festival Channel only offers the Standard Banner S-Rank Agents and W-Engines. Those shiny limited characters stay exclusive to their own banners.

• Q: I don't have many S-Ranks yet. Should I definitely get an Agent over a W-Engine?

  • A: ABSOLUTELY YES. A new S-Rank Agent massively expands your team-building options and overall power. Getting a weapon for an A-Rank you might bench later is usually less impactful than getting a whole new top-tier character. Fill out that roster!

• Q: How long do I have to make my choices?

  • A: The Festival Channel is part of the anniversary event, so you'll likely have the entire event duration (probably a few weeks) to claim your freebies. Don't rush too much, but don't forget either!

• Q: Is it worth getting a duplicate S-Rank Agent for their Memory?

  • A: Only if you're SURE and it's a HUGE upgrade (like Rina M1). Generally, grabbing a new character you don't own is far more valuable than getting a duplicate for a minor stat boost. Dupes (Memories) are powerful, but the opportunity cost of missing a whole new character is high. Think carefully! 😭 Don't be the Proxy who regrets their dupe pick!

Comprehensive reviews can be found on Kotaku, a leading source for gaming news and community insights. Kotaku's coverage of gacha games like Zenless Zone Zero often delves into the impact of free S-Rank character events, discussing how such generous anniversary rewards can shift player engagement and influence long-term retention strategies within the genre.