Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.8 Phase II Banners: Starlight Billy, Orphie & Magus, and Limited W-Engines Explained
Version 2.8 Phase II introduces some of the most important limited-time Signal Search events currently available in Zenless Zone Zero. Players can pull for the new S-Rank Agent Starlight Billy, the powerful duo Orphie & Magus, and their signature S-Rank W-Engines before the banners conclude on June 16, 2026.
In addition to the featured Signal Search channels, HoYoverse has also launched the Final Callback – Audition Stage event. This limited-time activity allows players to test several featured Agents and earn rewards for completing trial stages.
For players planning how to spend their Polychromes, understanding the available banners, featured Agents, and event rewards is essential before Version 2.8 Phase II ends.
What Is Included in Version 2.8 Phase II?
The update introduces four major Signal Search channels
The biggest feature of Phase II is the arrival of two Agent banners and two W-Engine banners running simultaneously.
Players can choose to recruit new Agents or strengthen their roster with signature W-Engines designed for specific playstyles.
The featured content includes:
Starlight Billy (Physical – Rupture)
Orphie & Magus (Fire – Attack)
Starlight Rider Faceplate (Rupture W-Engine)
Bellicose Blaze (Attack W-Engine)
All four limited items remain available until June 16, 2026, at 14:59 server time.
The banners focus heavily on offensive playstyles
The featured Agents and W-Engines emphasize damage output and aggressive team compositions.
Starlight Billy specializes in sustained Physical Rupture damage, while Orphie & Magus focus on Fire-based offensive pressure. Their signature W-Engines further strengthen these combat roles, making the banners particularly attractive for players looking to improve their damage-focused lineups.
Version 2.8 Phase II Banner Overview
Players can choose between two featured S-Rank Agents
The Agent Signal Search channels offer two premium character options with different gameplay styles.
Both banners also include increased reception rates for the same A-Rank Agents:
Pan Yinhu (Physical – Defense)
Komano Manato (Fire – Rupture)
This gives players additional opportunities to strengthen their roster regardless of which S-Rank banner they choose.
The featured W-Engines support the headline characters
Players interested in maximizing performance can also target the dedicated W-Engine channels.
The limited S-Rank W-Engines are designed to complement the featured characters while providing powerful bonuses for their respective specialties.
Importantly, these W-Engines will not be added to the permanent Star-Studded Cast Stable Channel after the event ends.
Limited W-Engine Banner Details
Two premium W-Engines headline the equipment banners
The W-Engine channels mirror the Agent banners by offering signature equipment options.
These banners allow players to pursue optimal equipment setups for their preferred characters.
Because W-Engines can significantly improve performance, many players view them as important long-term investments after securing the featured Agent.
Why Starlight Billy Is a Major Highlight
Starlight Billy represents one of Version 2.8’s biggest releases
The most discussed addition in Phase II is Starlight Billy.
As an S-Rank Physical Rupture Agent, Billy brings an upgraded version of one of Zenless Zone Zero’s most recognizable characters. His heroic personality, Starlight Knight inspiration, and aggressive combat style have helped generate significant community interest.
The limited “Starlight, Shine Bright!” banner is the primary opportunity for players to recruit him in Version 2.8.
His signature W-Engine is designed around Rupture gameplay
Starlight Rider Faceplate complements Billy’s combat identity.
Players who intend to build Billy as a primary damage dealer may find additional value in pursuing both the Agent and the corresponding W-Engine banner.
This synergy is one reason the Starlight Billy banner has become a major focus of the current update cycle.
Why Orphie & Magus Stand Out
The duo offers a completely different playstyle
Players seeking a Fire-focused attacker may find Orphie & Magus particularly appealing.
Unlike Billy’s Rupture specialization, Orphie & Magus focus on direct offensive pressure through Attack-based gameplay. This distinction allows players to choose a banner based on team needs rather than rarity alone.
The duo’s unique presentation and combat identity also help them stand apart from many previous Agent releases.
Bellicose Blaze strengthens their offensive potential
The Bellicose Blaze W-Engine is positioned as the ideal companion for Orphie & Magus.
By enhancing Attack-focused performance, the equipment provides an additional progression path for players who invest heavily in Fire-based team compositions.
Final Callback Event Offers Free Trial Rewards
Players can test featured Agents before committing resources
One of the most useful additions in Phase II is the Final Callback – Audition Stage event.
This limited-time activity lets players try out several featured Agents before deciding whether to spend Polychromes on their banners.
The available trial characters include:
Starlight Billy
Orphie & Magus
Pan Yinhu
Komano Manato
Each trial stage grants rewards upon first completion.
Participation requirements are relatively accessible
Players only need to reach Inter-Knot Level 8 and unlock the Event feature during the Main Story Prologue – Intermission.
Once these requirements are met, all eligible trial stages become available during the event period.
For newer players, this offers an excellent opportunity to experience high-profile Agents without committing resources immediately.
Community Interest and Merchandise Relevance
Version 2.8 continues generating strong fan engagement
Major banner releases consistently attract attention across the Zenless Zone Zero community.
New characters, limited W-Engines, and trial events often create increased discussion among collectors and players alike. At Animon Life, we typically see heightened interest whenever HoYoverse launches major banner cycles featuring highly anticipated characters.
This type of official merchandise is usually distributed through licensed retailers such as Animon Life in North America, particularly when fan-favorite characters receive premium releases.
Final Thoughts
Version 2.8 Phase II offers one of the strongest banner lineups in recent Zenless Zone Zero updates. Between Starlight Billy, Orphie & Magus, their signature W-Engines, and the Final Callback event, players have multiple opportunities to strengthen their accounts before the banners conclude.
Whether your priority is Physical Rupture damage, Fire-based offense, or collecting limited characters, the current Signal Search lineup provides meaningful options across several playstyles.
Animon Life continues to follow and update official merchandise releases like this for North American customers.
FAQ
When do the Version 2.8 Phase II banners end?
All featured Agent and W-Engine banners end on June 16, 2026, at 14:59 server time.
Who are the featured S-Rank Agents in Phase II?
The featured S-Rank Agents are Starlight Billy (Physical – Rupture) and Orphie & Magus (Fire – Attack).
Can players test the featured characters before pulling?
Yes. The Final Callback – Audition Stage event allows players to try Starlight Billy, Orphie & Magus, Pan Yinhu, and Komano Manato.
Will the limited S-Rank Agents and W-Engines join the permanent banner?
No. The featured limited S-Rank Agents and S-Rank W-Engines will not be added to the Star-Studded Cast Stable Channel after the event ends.
