Cast your mind back to 2024, when New Eridu’s neon lights flickered to life for the very first time. The hype was real, the Hollows were deep, and HoYoverse dropped what can only be described as a monumental launch lineup. The Zenless Zone Zero 1.0 banners didn’t just introduce a couple of fancy characters – they unleashed a shark‑maid with ice‑cold secrets and a police chief who could pierce dimensions with her sidearm. Fast‑forward to 2026, and these banners remain etched in the memory of every Proxies who braved the dawn of the urban fantasy.

Before diving into the banner specifics, let’s set the stage. Zenless Zone Zero 1.0 was more than just a game launch; it was HoYoverse’s stylistic love letter to sci‑fi noir. You stepped into the shoes of either Belle or Wise, the sibling duo navigating the dangerous yet irresistible Hollows.

But the real stars of the launch window were the S‑Rank agents who dominated the signal searches. The 1.0 banners didn’t just offer powerhouses; they perfectly mirrored the game’s core factions, giving players a taste of Victoria Housekeeping’s polished lethality and the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team’s no‑nonsense authority.

❄️ Phase 1: The Maid with a Monstrous Secret

The first limited banner was headlined by the one and only Ellen Joe, an S‑Rank Ice Agent who turned shark memes into a devastating fighting style. On the surface, Ellen was just a part‑time worker for Victoria Housekeeping Co. – you know, the kind of company that dusts shelves and makes beds. But anyone who pulled her quickly realized she could also slice through Ethereals like a hot knife through butter.

Her attack and slash fighting styles were a joy to master. The moment she activated her EX Special Attack, a giant crystalline shark tail would materialize, slamming into enemies with bone‑crushing force. Despite her calm, almost lazy demeanor – often seen carrying a lollipop – Ellen’s combat prowess hinted at a past far darker than any brooding anime protagonist’s. Rumors of secret training and hidden ties kept the community buzzing for months. She wasn’t just a DPS queen; she was the character who made everyone ask, “What’s really going on behind those half‑closed eyes?”

🕵️ The Supporting Cast

Phase 1 also boasted some truly spicy featured A‑Rank agents. Nicole Demara, the crafty leader of the Cunning Hares, brought her signature blend of charm and firepower. She could shred defense stats while looking effortlessly cool.

Alongside her, players had the chance to grab Anby Demara (the stoic electric rapier specialist) and Billy Kid (the mechanically‑enhanced gunslinger with a heart of gold). This trio made signal searches in early July 2024 feel like assembling your own rag‑tag team of loveable rogues.

⚡ Phase 2: The Law‑Bringer’s Arrival

Once the maid‑mania subsided, HoYoverse flipped the script on July 24, 2024. Enter Zhu Yuan, the S‑Rank Ether Agent and no‑nonsense leader of the Criminal Investigation Special Response Team. Where Ellen was ice and mystery, Zhu Yuan was pure, unyielding justice – delivered via attack and pierce fighting styles that could needle the toughest foes.

Her gameplay revolved around precision. With a charged shot from her specialized gun‑lance, she could obliterate shield‑gated enemies and leave ether‑infused traps on the battlefield. Story‑wise, she became the official face of Chapter 2‑Interlude, where players finally got to witness her tactical mind and unshakable resolve. Zhu Yuan wasn’t just pulling strings from behind a desk; she was kicking down doors and demonstrating exactly why New Eridu’s Public Security had such a terrifying reputation.

This phase also shuffled the A‑Rank lineup. Players could now snag Soukaku (the adorable blue oni with a giant bag of snacks) and Ben Bigger (the brawny bear‑thiren who could counter with industrial‑grade violence). These banners underlined HoYoverse’s talent for mixing adorable aesthetics with absolute destruction.

📅 Banner Schedule at a Glance

For those who treat gacha banners like a second calendar, the 1.0 timeline was blissfully straightforward:

Phase	Start Date	Featured S‑Rank	Featured A‑Ranks
Phase 1	July 4, 2024	Ellen Joe (Ice)	Nicole, Anby, Billy
Phase 2	July 24, 2024	Zhu Yuan (Ether)	Soukaku, Ben

🗓️ Note: In 2026, these dates feel like ancient history, but trust us – the servers were absolutely on fire that month.

🕳️ Why These Banners Still Matter

Sure, Zenless Zone Zero has evolved massively since 1.0. New factions, Hollow Zero expansions, and character variants have flooded the scene. Yet the debut banners stand as a masterclass in launch strategy. Ellen Joe hooked the meta‑chasers with her raw ice damage and fluid combo loops. Zhu Yuan catered to those who craved a more deliberate, high‑impact playstyle. Together, they ensured that no matter what kind of Proxy you were, you had a reason to spend those precious Encrypted Master Tapes.

Looking back from a cozy 2026 vantage point, those early pulls feel almost romantic. The moment a player saw that glowing S‑Rank silhouette and screamed into their Discord channel is part of ZZZ folklore now. So here’s to the sharks, the sharpshooting detectives, and the unforgettable launch month that started it all. If you missed the ride, don’t worry – the reruns (and the power creep) always find a way.