Opening & PV
Dear visitor, welcome to New Eridu! When touring, please comply with the rules you are about to hear to ensure your safety
Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any consequences
1. Before applying for a New Eridu "visa," please exercise extreme caution in your words and actions
Should it be discovered that in the past year, you haven't tasted any coffee Had your fortune told, bought a scratch card, or managed your video store...
But instead have spent three straight months continuously inviting different citizens to watch movies with you twenty-four hours a day—
Your "visa" may be denied 2. New Eridu is filled with invisible walls that block your way forward
If you encounter one, please evacuate immediately This is a mysterious force that shields citizens from interdimensional Corruption
Those who insisted on breaking through it are no longer of this world 3. The Hollow is like a giant, rainbow-colored, transparent cake that everyone loves
However, under no circumstances should this cake be consumed with joy Otherwise, the two will mix inside your stomach
Causing a million bubbles to explode from your mouth, resulting in immediate death
4. Bangboo! Yes, never forget the Bangboo! Creatures that deceive you with their wiggling ears
Do not approach. Do not touch Should you fail to heed this warning, the city will fall under their control
Taking you with it At that point, you will be the one shrieking with wiggling ears
5. "Welcome to New Eridu!" If you're lucky enough to ever hear this phrase, the greatest slogan since the city's founding
Please keep calm. Don't look behind you. Find a way to leave, quickly!
Thank you again for visiting us. We wish you a happy and memorable stay in New Eridu.
...That voice from the TV just now, was it trying to warn us?
Don't worry about it. Lately, there've been all kinds of urban legends popping up, strange things like these are a dime a dozen.
First, the Proxies worked closely with the Obol Squad to defeat the Exaltists, and they prevented Isolde's ritual to "seek an audience with the Creator,"
protecting Waifei Peninsula from an even greater disaster. But, there was one person that managed to reap a dangerous reward amidst the chaos.
You're referring to Sarah. While the Exaltists were being pushed back, her objectives were progressing on the other hand.
As long as the Proxies continue towards the source of Miasma, they'll definitely encounter her again.
Hold up, that TV over there seems to be making another weird sound...?
Have you heard the town whisper? Want to know? Then play hide-and-seek with me. Find me, and I'll tell you~
So this is the "town"... It's a little different from what I imagined...
Granny says dreams are where you talk to those who've passed away
Of course. Rest easy tonight, and sweet dreams
The Night Emissary's Hollow adventure is a go!
Reaper Shockwave! Dullahan Strike! Thracian Strike!
Thanatos Storm! Ruthless Fiend, attack with me!
My dream seems to have become a reality
A new chapter begins
As foreshadowed
Noise... begone! The next page... is the ending!
Aratama-Slash! Witness... The blade of Komano Manato!
I'm here to bring you back to town, Yidhari I always... go with the flow...
But everyone leaves eventually... This is the curse the Hollow has placed upon me
Because we received the guidance of the Night Horror Oh, Chosen Ethereal, please show me your true power!
Go and show me for real A dream that's truly worth it for Komano Manato
I don't care about my "calamity." I only care about whether or not I can save her
Filth, I shall deal with you! Go! Little Hatis!
Come on, one last game of hide-and-seek. Let's all have fun together
Do you... like how it looks?
Hello everyone, welcome to the Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.3 "Memories of Dreams Bygone" special program. I'm narrative designer Black Tea.
Hey everyone! I'm narrative designer Alain. Come to think of it, this place we're at seems pretty unusual.
There's an abnormal sense of chaos in the air. That's right. As everyone saw in the trailer, this town ain't exactly peaceful.
You could even say it's downright bizarre. So what's gonna happen in New Eridu next?
New Main Story
As everyone knows, with the fall of the Exaltists, the various factions began to withdraw, granting Failume Heights a moment of peace.
But at the same time, people noticed that the area covered by Miasma was shrinking, gradually revealing an even more mysterious location hidden deep within the mist.
So, in order to mine higher quality Lumite ore, the exploration of the new area begins thus.
The Spook Shack members have also joined the exploration team. Hold up, the Spook Shack folks are going mining now? Are they really that strapped for cash?
Nah, what Spook Shack's after are those "Lemnian Hollow urban legends," like the miners who vanished in the Miasma,
the hollow echoes of a ringing bell, a monster that can read minds, and a hypnotist who can drag people into dreamscapes...
Oh wow! Lemnian Hollow's got its fair share of spooky tales too. These urban legends, be they true or false, may seem unrelated on the surface,
but in fact, everything is intricately connected to some mysterious power. Hmm? What mysterious power is that? Well, we'll have to wait for our Proxies and Spook Shack buddies to check it out together.
And the trigger that sparked this adventure is a case of missing miners and Porcelumex workers. In an unfamiliar Hollow where no one has ever set foot before,
the Proxies will encounter numerous bizzare incidents and spooky happenings while investigating the truth behind the disappearances.
But be careful now, one wrong move and you'll become part of the urban legend rather than the ones chasing it. This time, an unexpected danger will also befall our Proxies.
If you hear an eerie bell ringing while wandering in the mist, don't look back, and summon all your courage and wit to escape this danger!
I wonder, among the circles of our fellow Proxies, is there a friend who happens to live extremely far away? One who always has to leave early to get to their hangout spots on time,
having to make several transfers before you can even catch a glimpse of them? In the eyes of the Spook Shack crew,
Lucia is exactly that kind of faraway forum-mate. Luckily, they'll all get to meet each other since Spook Shack is organizing
an offline meetup at Failume Heights. But looking at Lucia's outfit, her style seems way different from how New Eridu folks dress.
Maybe it's because she grew up in a community on the urban fringes, hence she doesn't exactly fit in well with city life.
If Lucia were to rank her most troublesome foes, a "complex washing machine instructions" would probably rank way ahead of a ferocious Ethereal.
Speaking of Ethereals, Lucia especially loves stories about Ethereals among the many urban legends, and even her notebook is filled with all kinds of Ethereal sketches.
Oh, so she carries an Ethereal "encyclopedia" along with her? Hey! I bet this will provide unexpected help for the Proxies later.
Lucia's Agent Story
There's this super active person on the Spook Shack forum that frequently posts and updates spooky tales about Ethereals.
Do you know her? I do indeed! You're talking about Miss "Night Emissary," right? Yup. Did you see her thread earlier on the Spook Shack forum,
the one titled "King Hati's Journey Through the Hollow"? Oh yes, I did read it... So, can a little Hati
really punch Nineveh and kick Geppetto's butt? The answer lies with the Night Emissary,
Lucia herself. In Version 2.3's Agent Story "Tales of the Dreamless," we'll get to see why Lucia gave herself the handle "Night Emissary,"
and what prompted her to write those spooky tales. The Ethereal known as the "Night Horror" exists only in legends,
but what connection do Lucia and her Nightwatcher clan have with it? And while everyone in New Eridu steers clear of Hollows and Ethereals,
why does Lucia call herself the "Night Emissary"? She also mentioned encountering a "friendly Ethereal,"
but can an Ethereal truly defy their nature and go against their instincts to play nice with humans?
All these strange mysteries await the great Phaethon to uncover. Shh, just wait until nightfall and
Lucia will pay you a visit personally! Besides Lucia, there's another person from Failume Heights who will be participating in the offline meetup — Yidhari.
Not only is Yidhari an avid contributor to the Spook Shack forum, she is also an Agent with outstanding combat abilities as well as a Proxy herself!
A Proxy? Then she must know a lot of Agents, right? Nah, not really. She mostly takes commissions alone, ventures into the Hollow alone,
and completes them alone. Wow, sounds like a powerful lone-wolf type. But most of the time,
Yidhari enters the Hollow not because of a commission, but rather to discover stories. Oh? Can you really gather inspiration in a Hollow?
Word is, Yidhari tends to vanish for long stretches of time, and when she logs back in, she'll bring with her an extremely immersive, spine-chilling horror story.
When everyone asked her where she went, she'll always reply with a "went to the Hollow to fetch stories." Hmm... Just hearing that part alone gives me some serious creepy vibes.
After the Main Story of Version 2.3, Lucia and Yidhari will be temporarily staying in Waifei Peninsula. However, during a therapy session, Yidhari unexpectedly falls into a coma.
To wake her up, Proxy has no choice but to enter her dream to investigating some of Yidhari's past emotional troubles.
What kind of troubles does she have that can put her into a coma?? Ah well, that's how young folks are these days... Just sleep your worries away. In this dreamlike journey of healing,
Proxies'll get to see what many of our old friends looked like in the past. And in the end, you'll discover and come face to face with the past
that has haunted Yidhari for years. Sounds a little abstract... What form would a past trauma even take? Hmm... Well, this is New Eridu after all.
Most people's inner demons are actually related to the Hollows, such as powerful Ethereals, Rebel Soldiers, and lines like "Outta my way!"...
Alright, alright, that's plenty descriptive. I'm already having some traumatic flashbacks of dying endlessly in certain Shiyu Defense stages...
I just can't get past them. What a coincidence, she can't get past them either. But everyone soon discovered that only monsters within the dreamscape can damage one another.
So, under Lucia's guidance, the Proxy will also attempt to command the monsters in the dream to face off against Yidhari's inner demons.
So Lucia can finally realize her dreams of an Ethereal fighting tournament? Think bigger! I had to bribe the game designer,
and now it's not just Ethereals, but machines and other creatures fighting too! As for the gameplay and other details,
the development team will introduce them in-depth later in the event, "When Dreams Remain Unfinished."
Uh-oh, something's off about this event name... I've got a bad feeling about this. No way, don't worry about it.
Zenless Zone Zero has always been known for its laid-back and enjoyable urban atmosphere... Anyway, do look forward to your experience in the dream, Proxies.
The next Agent to take the stage is none other than an old friend, Komano Manato. Since setting foot on Waifei Peninsula,
Proxies have crossed paths with Manato numerous times already, to the point where I trust he needs no further introduction.
But even the straightforward Manato has some things he keeps hidden deep within. Through this adventure, Proxies will come to understand Manato's past
and further uncover the gentleness beneath that rough and rugged exterior. Now that's what I call a tough guy with a soft heart!
In the future, we'll also be presenting a slew of video clips that feature their various stories. I'm already looking forward to them!
Besides each Agent having their own stories, the Proxies' exploration will bring them deeper into Waifei Peninsula,
into a place called Timesworn Hills. Here, people once built a great number of research facilities,
such as a dam, observation stations, and testing grounds. But as the Miasma spread unchecked, people were forced to evacuate the area,
and only had the opportunity to return to this familiar place now. Despite being covered in Miasma, Timesworn Hills did not become a terrifying place
filled with the heavy stench of death as predicted. On the contrary, the abundant and lush greenery that sprouted here is something that has never been seen in other Hollows before.
This is thanks to the Lumite ore scattered throughout Timesworn Hills. The more remote and untouched an area is, the higher the purity of Lumite ore and the value it brings.
These Lumite ore formed a peculiar balance with the Miasma, creating this rare spectacle in the Hollow.
This has also attracted numerous miners, and even other Hollow Raiders to come seek their fortunes. In this new exploration, Proxies will also encounter some new obstacles,
and the best way to overcome them is to use what's right in front of you. That's right, there are still quite a few operational mobile platforms in the Hollow.
Find and make good use of those devices and you'll be able to easily overcome all kinds of tricky obstacles. Solve these puzzles to score some sweet rewards too!
Deep within Timesworn Hills, there's another hidden passage that leads to an abandoned experiment site.
There's an unsettling, eerie vibe seeping through that place. No wonder Spook Shack insists on going — it's a straight-up haunted hotspot!
Indeed. According to the rumors, deep within the ruins lurks a terrifying Ethereal. It may well be the subject of some creepy urban legend.
There, Proxies will encounter a type of beautiful and gigantic Miasma Flower, just like those two flowers behind us.
Its unfathomable rhizomes connect to the depths of even more distant Hollows. And there's also that familiar person whom we've never once met,
yet somehow happens to be everywhere — Sarah. Yes, the Proxies' journey to Timesworn Hills will overlap with Sarah's whereabouts in multiple locations.
This is no mere coincidence. This is where Sarah's journey began, embarking on the path of refinement to meet the Creator.
The Proxies will also traverse this very path. The Miasma calamity, Sarah's desires, the true face of the Creator...
The answers to all these mysteries lie at the end of this road. Next up, we'll bring you some combat intel on the new Agents!
Lucia Character Introduction
First up is Lucia, an S-Rank Ether Support Agent. As a hardcore Ethereal enthusiast,
she's even incorporated this passion into her moves. That's right, some of her attacks will manifest in the form of Ethereals.
And as a girl who was born to be a dreamer, her skills are also closely related to dreams. Lucia's attacks are divided into "Whim" and "Harmony,"
which comes with different effects. After entering the battlefield, Lucia will gain some Dream Points.
Using certain skills will also grant Dream Points, and when the Dream Point gauge is full, she'll enter the Dream state.
So what kind of buff does the Dream state provide? When Lucia is in the Dream state, she'll consume Dream Points when using a Whim attack
and upgrade it to become a Harmony attack instead. When Lucia is off-field and other characters hit enemies,
Lucia will consume Dream Points to trigger Aftershocks. Whether she's upgrading her skills or triggering an Aftershock,
she'll apply the Dreamer's Nursery Rhyme buff to all squad members, increasing their DMG dealt when the buff is active.
Entering the Dream state will also activate her "Ether Veil: Wellspring." Under the influence of Ether Veil: Wellspring,
the maximum HP of all squad members will be increased. As you can see, there will be some extremely enchanting bubble-like effects
floating around the screen. When activating her Special Attack, Lucia opens her notebook
and Ethereal dream bubbles will fly out from the book, attacking enemies ahead. Her EX Special Attack is of the Harmony type,
which not only deals more damage, but also grants all squad members the Darkbreaker status, granting them a Sheer Force boost.
So, Health is also a crucial factor in Lucia's abilities, huh? That's right. The Sheer Force boost from Darkbreaker
is dependent on, and increases based on Lucia's initial HP. And when Harmony skills deal DMG,
the final hit's damage will increase based on a percentage of Lucia's Health. After launching an EX Special Attack,
Lucia can also immediately follow up with her Basic Attack's fifth hit. Additionally, when there is a Rupture or Stun Agent in your squad,
the Darkbreaker state also provides additional CRIT DMG. Speaking of Basic Attacks, Lucia's Basic Attack unleashes up to five consecutive strikes forward,
with the fifth hit dealing area DMG. Lucia's Ultimate will also allow her true colors to shine.
She gets to wreak havoc while stepping on top of an Ethereal. Lucia will charge forward while riding on an Ethereal,
during which the directional buttons can control her direction and extend the movement time. While charging around wildly, her anti-interrupt level is increased,
and she won't be defeated no matter how much DMG she takes. As expected of Lucia's signature Ultimate, Charge, Great Armor!
Finally, it will deal large area DMG to its surroundings, and leave behind a Starlight Convergence that can restore Health.
If Proxies see a dreamy rainbow halo forming on the battlefield, don't hesitate to step in it a few more times!
Yup. If Lucia's in the Dream state and Ether Veil: Wellspring is active, the duration of Ether Veil: Wellspring will be extended.
If she's not in the Dream state, she'll instantly max out her Dream Points and enter the Dream state after using her Ultimate.
If she is already in the Dream state, she'll regain a full bar of Dream Points when exiting the Dream state, allowing her to re-enter her Dream.
Now, let's see all this in action! When combat begins, we'll have Lucia use her EX Special Attack first,
quickly accumulating Dream Points. While in the Dream state, activate a Whim Special Attack
and it will automatically be upgraded into a more powerful Harmony, while granting the Dreamer's Nursery Rhyme buff to the whole squad
that increases their DMG dealt. Then, swap out and let Yixuan take the stage, while Lucia continues to trigger Aftershock off-field by consuming Dream Points,
refreshing the duration of Dreamer's Nursery Rhyme. Yeah, and because she activated a Harmony skill,
she'll also apply Darkbreaker to allies, which increases their Sheer Force. Finally, we unleash our Ultimate,
rushing straight into enemy ranks to deal large area DMG. Now, we'll switch back to another Agent and step into the rainbow halo
to enjoy the Health recovery effect left behind by Lucia.
Finally, in this Hollow Zero iteration, Proxies will also get to experience brand-new mechanics for Lucia,
which we'll give everyone a sneak peek here~
Next up is our fellow Proxy Yidhari, the S-Rank Ice Rupture Agent. As a girl with a wild imagination,
Yidhari Character Introduction
Yidhari's combat style is completely wild. You could even say she treats her Health like it's her personal plaything.
Yeah. Yidhari gains additional Sheer Force based on her maximum HP, and all Ice DMG dealt by her skills is considered Sheer DMG
that ignores enemy defenses. The lower her current HP percentage is, the higher her DMG dealt.
Like the good ol' saying, the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward! When her HP drops, she can also gain additional Decibels.
Yidhari's Additional Ability will trigger when there are Stun or Support Agents in the squad.
When her HP drops below a certain percentage, her CRIT DMG increases, while her DMG taken reduces.
Moreover, she'll gain additional effects when she is within Ether Veil: Wellspring. After her Basic Attack's three-stage charged attack and EX Special Attack end,
she'll launch tentacle-shaped Ice attacks from the ground, dealing additional DMG, which will be considered as having activated an EX Special Attack,
and its DMG Multiplier increases with her EX Special Attack's level. Press the button to unleash her Basic Attack: Crushing Strike
and she will perform up to three forward strikes, dealing Ice DMG. The third Strike will restore some HP when hitting enemies,
and if the Basic Attack button is held, Yidhari will continuously consume HP to charge up,
up to three stages of charge. After release, she will unleash a powerful smash attack, dealing massive Ice DMG based on the current charge level.
After using this skill, tap Basic Attack again and she can immediately follow up with the third stage of her Basic Attack, and its DMG will increase based on the current charge level.
The tentacles on Yidhari's body can also provide support for her during combat. When Yidhari is charging or spinning
and she is hit by an enemy attack, her tentacles will block and reduce DMG. Under certain conditions, the tentacles will also counterattack enemies!
When Yidhari unleashes her Special Attack, she launches enemies ahead of her and deals Ice DMG. When using EX Special Attack: Frost Coil,
Yidhari performs two consecutive upward slashes and unleashes an Icy Mist. If she hits an enemy,
she'll restore a certain amount of HP when the skill ends. Additionally, during Basic Attack charging or spinning horizontal slashes,
when she triggers her Special Attack and it collides with an enemy's attack, it'll trigger the Surging Cold effect.
And when Yidhari's attack hits a stunned enemy, it'll trigger the Crushing Pursuit effect. Triggering either of these effects will instantly max out her charge level.
When either of these effects is active and Yidhari launches an EX Special Attack, she will dash forward,
throwing out a quick uppercut and leap up, before slamming down with brutal force. If she hits an enemy, she'll also recover a certain amount of HP.
That's right, and after her Decibel Rating hits Maximum, when landing the final hit of a Charged Attack, EX Special Attack, or Chain Attack,
she'll consume 3,000 Decibels to automatically activate Ether Veil: Wellspring. During this period, all Agents gain increased maximum HP,
and repeated triggers can extend the duration. Meanwhile, Basic Attack charging speed is increased,
along with the rate at which HP is consumed during charging. When activating Yidhari's Ultimate by pressing the button, she'll deal massive Ice DMG to enemies in a large area ahead,
which can only be activated once. Wow, Yidhari's skills keep burning and restoring her own Health. Looks like we have to be very tactical in how we can utilize her HP
to maximize the benefits of her skills. Exactly. Now, let's check it out in action. After entering battle, hold Yidhari's Basic Attack
to consume a large amount of HP while charging up. Then, release to unleash a powerful hammer strike on enemies.
Next, try activating your Special Attack during the charge period, triggering Surging Cold or Crushing Pursuit to increase her charge value.
While they are in effect, seize the chance to unleash her EX Special Attack, Glacial Crush: dash, uppercut, slam down — all in one smooth flow.
When her Decibel Rating reaches Maximum, use Basic Attack to activate Ether Veil: Wellspring to increase your squad's max HP and her charge speed.
Finally, trigger her Ultimate to deal massive DMG.
In the new Hollow Zero iteration, Proxies can also experience new unique new mechanics for Yidhari. Here's a quick preview.
Finally, the Agent that has been a reliable partner throughout our adventures in Waifei Peninsula, Komano Manato, the A-Rank Fire Rupture Agent.
As expected of the tall and mighty "SailumeSadLoneGhost," his combat stance is stylish and cool, with just a hint of a dramatic flair.
Press Basic Attack, and Manato will perform up to three slashes forward, dealing Physical DMG.
During the initiation phase of each attack, press the Special Attack button to trigger Scorchwind, causing the attack to deal additional Fire DMG.
Using Basic Attacks during Molten Edge state will make Manato launch up to four slashes forward,
dealing Fire DMG instead. When activating the skill, if Manato's HP is at a certain percentage,
he'll consume HP to trigger his Core Passive. So what's his Core Passive like?
In combat, Manato gains additional Sheer Force based on his maximum HP, and the Fire DMG dealt by his skills will be considered Sheer DMG,
ignoring the enemy's defense and using Sheer Force as the skill's DMG Multiplier. Press the Special Attack button to slash enemies in front of him,
dealing Fire DMG. If he gets hit by an enemy attack during this time, he'll restore a certain percentage of lost HP.
Hold down the Special Attack button to unleash his Special Attack, consuming his HP and accumulating Blazing Heart,
and he'll enter Molten Edge with enough Blazing Heart. In this state, Manato's Basic Attack is enhanced,
where he'll consume HP to increase CRIT DMG and Adrenaline recovery. While he's in the Molten Edge state, press EX Special Attack
to jump up and perform a falling slash on enemies ahead, dealing massive Fire DMG
while restoring a portion of his HP. Manato accumulates a ton of Blazing Heart when triggering a Defensive Assist.
During an Assist Follow-Up, repeatedly press the Basic Attack button to keep slashing up to seven strikes
while consuming HP to trigger his Core Passive. When there is a Support or Stun character in your squad,
Manato's Additional Ability will also be activated. When Manato uses an Ultimate or a Chain Attack, he'll gain a certain amount of Remnant Flame
that lasts for awhile, and repeated triggers will refresh the duration. Remnant Flame stacks are consumed under certain conditions
to restore Manato's HP. Unleash your Ultimate, jump up, and deliver a falling slash at the enemies
before triggering an explosion to deal massive Fire DMG. It's like an action movie, with all those explosions behind him while he poses coolly.
Yeah. Well, it's about time for you-know-what. Bet you've all been waiting anxiously! Alright, it's time for the redemption code!
Signal Search Info
Next up, let us introduce the Signal Search details of the new version. In the first half of Version 2.3,
the quirky Lucia comes bursting in, riding on a Ruthless Fiend. Proxies can obtain the S-Rank Agent Lucia
via the Exclusive Channel "Wandering Night Lantern" as well as the S-Rank W-Engine Dreamlit Hearth from the W-Engine Channel "Dissonant Sonata."
Great news, folks! Buy one S-Rank Agent, get one free! Granted, you're only getting a giant Ethereal along with Lucia, heh.
Come on... Can't you think of a more catchy marketing slogan? Alright alright, let's get back on track.
The A-Rank Agent, Komano Manato, can also be obtained from the first half's Exclusive Channels. There's also another special way to get him,
but you'll have to stay tuned for the upcoming events, Proxies! In the Version's second half, our octopus Thiren, Yidhari, will make her appearance then.
Through the Exclusive Channel "Alone in a Shared Dream" and W-Engine Channel "Dazzling Choir," Proxies can obtain the S-Rank Agent Yidhari
as well as the W-Engine Kraken's Cradle respectively.
Ahh, I can't wait! Similarly, we'll be welcoming past Agents with their rerun channels.
In the first phase's rerun channels, Proxies can obtain the S-Rank Agent Vivian and W-Engine Flight of Fancy.
In the second half, it's time for our senior sister, S-Rank Agent Ju Fufu and W-Engine Roaring Fur-nace to make their dazzling return!
Plus, there are some brand-new unlockable avatars that can be obtained by teaming up with the corresponding Agent.
We've also added category tabs to the namecard and avatar systems that makes it easier for Proxies to filter and view them.
Of course, with new Agents come new Trust Events. Fulfill the requirements to unlock their Quality Time too.
Go invite them to hang out together!
Meeting the conditions will also unlock the Agent's dynamic wallpapers. Let's take a look together!
Phew, finally done reading them all! Can we clock out now? Hold on... Lucia has left us with one final test.
She says that if we can't complete it, we'll forever be trapped in this nightmare called "work." Huh? Did something just flash on the TV screen again?
That is Lucia's puzzle. Question: Who's that Ethereal? Ah! I know this!
Those sharp angles, that upright posture, that chiseled face... It's Tyrfing!
Hmm... Time for the big reveal! Sorry to say, but that's Lucia. Huh? Why would anyone cosplay as an Ethereal?!
Ah whatever. It's pretty on-brand for Lucia if you think about it... One last chance!
Question: Who's that Ethereal? A spherical Ethereal? And it has four feet... Ah, now I get it!
This is Lucia! Here's the big reveal!
How did we end up here? We seem to be in Yidhari's dream. She even treated me to a bite of cake.
But when I woke up, somehow I ended up like this.
Looks like we're still in the dream. Seems like it. Hey everyone, it's Y here! Nice to see you again!
This is our new friend. Hey everyone, I'm Meowvelous, the game designer. Happy to be sharing this dream together with everyone~
Just like my narrative designer colleagues mentioned before, in Version 2.3, Proxies will experience an even more mysterious tale,
tougher and more complex challenges, but also new encounters and companionship. Though for everyone, every step is a fresh new start,
but this time, the tough journey makes it all the more meaningful. That's right, in this perilous journey,
it isn't enough to rely solely on the Proxy's strength. Luckily, we've made some new friends along the way. Regarding that, we've prepared a short teaser clip.
Let's all watch it together, Proxies!
Ye Shunguang of Yunkui Summit — Will you take upon yourself the honor and the heavy duty of the—
Besides everyone at the Spook Shack, the sagely Master Banyue, as well as Dialyn and Miss Zhao from Krampus
will also be making their acquaintances with the Proxies. Among them, the most unexpected was the sudden visit from Senior Sister Ye Shunguang.
Though it was just a brief encounter, this string of fate will blossom some time in the near future, and will become the most cherished memory during the Proxies' journey to Waifei Peninsula.
We'll walk alongside them, all the way into the distant future. As a gift for this journey,
Polychrome Gift
on top of the usual 10 Encrypted Master Tapes and 10 Boopons, we've also prepared an additional gift of 600 Polychromes for everyone.
They can be claimed via mail during Version 2.3. We hope this will make your journey even smoother, Proxies!
What's more, we've prepared extra sign-in rewards for our Proxies. Starting from September 29, which is today, until October 14,
Proxies can receive 480 Polychromes in total by logging in for 7 cumulative days. Awesome~!
Additionally, Agent Komano Manato's new outfit, White Heart Silhouette, will be distributed to everyone as a limited-time bonus.
All-New Outfits
During Version 2.3, Proxies can claim it for free after completing the Main Story mission. This outfit will also be available for purchase in the shop subsequently.
I heard that this outfit has something to do with a promise Manato made to himself when he was young. What kind of story lies behind this outfit?
Don't forget to go check it out, Proxies! Also, Vivian's swimsuit outfit will be available soon.
Vivian's bestie Lilac picked out a playful and cute new swimsuit that is still completely elegant for her!
Make best use of the soon-to-be-ending summer and spend a splashing good time with her at Fantasy Resort, Proxies!
Throughout Versions 2.3 and 2.4, by spending a total of 180 Encrypted Master Tapes on limited-time banners,
Proxies can get this swimsuit outfit, new accessories for Belle and Wise's Delicate Sunlight and Soaring Crane outfits,
Master Tapes, Prepaid Power Cards, and numerous awesome rewards. Didn't the last special program mention something about
Agent Enhancement
Soldier 0 - Anby going through some intense special training? Yeah. As we've previously said, we'll continue to work on polishing our Agents' playing experience.
In Version 2.3, Soldier 0 - Anby will be meeting everyone after awakening her potential, in which Soldier 0 - Anby will receive a bout of strengthening.
We have expanded and upgraded some action modules for Soldier 0 - Anby, optimized her Basic Attacks' skill transitions,
adjusted her damage output mechanisms, as well as enhanced her overall combat experience. We hope everyone can enjoy playing her even more.
Of course, we'll continue to keep a close eye on existing released characters as well as their teammates.
We hope the new Soldier 0 - Anby will provide a better experience for all Proxies, and we'll continue to listen to feedback and work hard to meet expectations.
Alright, up next, let's check out the details for the new events in this update! In the event "When Dreams Remain Unfinished,"
Version Events
Proxies will connect to Yidhari's dreamscape to piece together her memories and restore the truth of the past.
As previously mentioned by Black Tea and Alain, not only will you discover the secrets that lie asleep within Yidhari's heart,
you can even control monsters to fight other monsters! After entering combat, the turn order for both sides will be displayed at the right of the screen.
During our turn, Proxies can control the monsters and use suitable skills to deal with enemies. Not only that, you can control their movement,
and the distance will determine the enemy's targeting priority, so pay attention to your positioning, Proxies! Turn-based, huh? Seems like there's more to it than that.
So how do we take down the enemy? Energy is a major resource in combat: some skills can restore Energy
while others require consuming said Energy. Quick-time interactions are also essential here. By pressing Defend at the precise moment,
you can counter enemy skills to avoid taking damage! In fact, some defensive moves can even trigger a counterattack.
When your monsters are using certain skills, you can also quickly trigger a quick-time interaction, and you'll gain some sweet bonuses if you do this successfully.
Awesome, so it's a test of both reflexes and tactics. That's not all. Different monster categories also have their own unique mechanics.
For example, certain Ethereal skills can mark enemies, and attacking marked enemies will deal bonus damage.
Some skills will consume marks to trigger a follow-up attack to deal massive damage. I understand now. The trick is to keep marking enemies continuously!
That's a good strategy indeed. Other than Ethereals, monsters are also categorized into mechs and biological lifeforms, and the counter-relationships between the categories can help Proxies craft teams flexibly
and take down enemies tactically. As combat progresses, Proxies will also unlock new monster companions,
and a new buff item, Auxiliary Plug-In, will be available as drops. With all these, we hope Proxies can have an easier and more interesting time
trying to uncover the truth of the dream data within Yidhari's dreamscape.
That's right. Completing the event will reward Proxies with Polychrome and other rewards, but here's the cherry on top — you can even bring Komano Manato home for free!
Sweet! Now I've got both the Agent and his outfit. Proxies, don't keep him waiting!
Huh? Looks like Hoshimi Miyabi has arrived at Suibian Temple... Did something major happen? Long story short, strange phenomena have been appearing in multiple Companion Hollows,
so she's here to brainstorm solutions with the Proxies and Yixuan. Word is, the interior structures of the Hollows this time round
are far more chaotic than anything the Proxies have ever experienced before! Hey wait, a familiar voice
started echoing in my mind... It seems to be saying: "Master, I detect a long-awaited chance for me to make an appearance."
That's right! It's time for Proxy's Supreme Assistant Fairy to take the spotlight! The ever-reliable Fairy will set up the relevant simulation system in Suibian Temple,
and Proxies can use this system to command Agents and work together on an optimal strategy to stop the Companion Hollow's expansion!
With Fairy around, even the toughest levels are a breeze. The new game mode, Threshold Simulation
will be divided into Combat nodes and Story nodes. In Combat nodes, Proxies will need to deploy multiple teams to defend against complex combat situations,
divided into Required stages, Optional stages, and Final stages. Successfully completing the challenge targets of the Required stages
will result in a corresponding score multiplier bonus in the Final stage. Among these, Optional stages are, well, optional.
But if you take them on, you'll get to enjoy an additional multiplier too! And after that, we'll be left with the Final stage?
That's right. Complete the Final stage to clear the current combat node and receive a corresponding score and ranking for the entire challenge.
Do note that for the different stages under the same combat node, Agents cannot be deployed repeatedly.
Choose your buffs based on the enemy's weaknesses and plan your Agent's deployment strategically.
Hold up, multiple squad configurations? Won't that get complicated? As Proxy's most valuable assistant, Fairy had already given this some thought.
You can use the Preset Config function to quickly configure squads for all stages under the same combat node.
Proxies can select their Agents individually and configure their squad manually or just simply apply a preset configuration with just one tap.
That's great! But if the Proxies' current preset teams don't fulfill the battlefield conditions, won't they have to reconfigure everything again?
Not to worry, we've long predicted your concerns. The limit for preset configs will be expanded from 10 to 20,
which allows Proxies to be ready for any scenarios! Additionally, there will be two modes this time: "Easy" and "Hard."
In the permanent Easy mode, Proxies can use pre-configured trial Agents.
As for the limited-time Hard mode, Proxies will have to rely on their own Agents to tackle even more complex situations together.
Since there are more complicated scenarios now, can we expect some juicier endings then? But of course! The story nodes chosen by the Proxies
will affect the plot development, determine the final ending as well as the ultimate final boss you'll square up against.
What if I accidentally make the wrong choice then? Don't worry, you can change your choices anytime to change the course of the story.
Proxies can also experience the various endings by resetting all story nodes with a single click
through the ending records in "Final Echo." Proxies will earn different badges for completing each ending,
and you can subsequently freely configure which one you want to display. Complete challenge stages and collect different endings
to earn rewards such as Polychromes, custom avatars, namecard, title, and more! Now, let's hurry back to Sixth Street
where Sheila's camera, Mr. Click, is waiting for us, eager to prove himself in the Hollow once again.
Looks like it's time for the Proxies to show off their skills with a camera. Yup. Mr. Click is planning to participate in
the "Hollow Monster Photography Contest" organized by Save the Day magazine. He even promised to split half of the prize money with us!
Getting rewarded for snapping some shots? Count me in! In Version 2.3, the beloved combat camera event will be getting an upgrade.
This time, the Proxies will carry this "Ethereal Terror" lens with them to snap up some epic combat moments.
Each challenge has its own challenge targets and photography targets that need to be fulfilled.
Among these, reaching the required "Mr. Click's Satisfaction" level is also a crucial assessment criterion. After all, Mr. Click is the "Hollow Savior,"
so it's only natural for him to act like a big shot. Additionally, Proxies will accumulate Energy during combat,
which can be consumed to take photos. As long as the photos taken by the Proxies match the main shooting target,
you'll receive a filter buff effect that lasts for a certain duration. Yes. Keep taking photos to stack up these buff effects
while continuing to battle for a period of time. As you use this camera, the buff effect will keep getting stronger.
In other words, as long as you continue to take amazing shots, the stronger you'll get, and the fights will get more exciting.
To help all Proxies snap up quality shots, Enzo has hooked Mr. Click up with quite a few upgrades.
When entering photo mode, both time and space will freeze, and Proxies can freely adjust the camera at this point.
Whether you're zooming in or out, or moving side to side, rotating the angle, or tilting the shot, everything can be done with ease.
Time to put those years of photo-taking experience to good use. I'll use composition and angles to make everyone look like a supermodel!
Oh, also, the photo effects interface for this event now includes a new frame feature.
Be it fashionable posters and magazines or vintage old-school Polaroid vibes, there are multiple style presets to satisfy different aesthetics,
providing a richer and more enjoyable photography experience for all Proxies. Such a beautiful frame! Isn't it such a waste that they're only used
for in-Hollows photography? Heh, we've already anticipated that. After Version 2.3 goes live, Proxies can freely use the frame function in the city,
and this function will be added to the Proxy's camera permanently. Awesome! Time to train my skills and become a pro photographer!
After completing the event, Proxies can claim rewards such as Polychrome and a namecard, and even get to share those awesome shots with everyone~
Besides that, did Yixuan Shifu assign us a new task as well? Yes she did. As a disciple of Yunkui Summit,
we'll occasionally need to head down and set up a fortune-telling stall, helping citizens solve their daily problems. As Shifu's got business to attend to, we're on duty this time.
What do I need to do in this fortune-telling stall? Just listen to what the Agents and citizens have to say,
interpret their fortunes, and gently guide them, that's all. In other words, it's "massage for the mind"!
Hey, I can't reveal the Summit's secrets. However, due to power limitations, our dear Fairy
can only assist when absolutely necessary. So in this "Chronicle of Counseling" event,
Proxies will need to analyze carefully the intel that they receive and offer sensible suggestions to everyone who drops by.
Remember to check out the stall often! After you're done for the day, don't forget to claim your Polychromes and Tuning Calibrator rewards!
After completing the last battery art event, the special promoter for 141 convenience store, Sjal,
is now setting up another booth in Failume Heights. The boss at 141 was really pleased with Sjal's last job,
but he seems to have gotten too engrossed in his artistic endeavor, quickly burning through the collected batteries.
Proxies, let's help Sjal out again! Not a problem. When you've got a Fairy at home,
battery consumption is never an issue. During the event, after consuming Battery Charge for the first time each day,
Proxies will gain a Used Battery. Simply hand it over to Sjal to claim your reward! That's right, other than Polychromes,
there are also tons of items waiting for you, so don't miss out! Now that I think about it, I bet there are still
a lot of areas within Lemnian Hollow that the Proxies haven't explored yet, huh? That's very likely, so this time Fairy specially prepared
the "Timesworn Hills Explorer's Guide" for the Proxies. Follow its lead and go forth!
There are also Polychromes and other rewards waiting! In Version 2.3, the new S-Rank Agents Lucia and Yidhari
will also appear in Hollow Zero - Perpetrator Battle with brand-new challenge missions. Of course, the two of them will also receive their specially customized
Tactical Prism Programs to help them adapt to various combat environments and complete the challenges.
Consequently, new content will also be added to Perpetrator Battle. We welcome all Proxies to take on these challenges!
There are Polychrome and other event rewards to be obtained. Don't miss out! Additionally, with this new update,
a Badge Display and Battle Records features will also be added to Deadly Assault and Shiyu Defense.
In Battle Records, Proxies can review the last six cycles of battle data in addition to the combat duration and score for each round of the current cycle.
Great news for collectors and data enthusiasts! Yeah, I'll bet! Each of these two modes will also now come with its own special badge.
For Deadly Assault, the badge will display the total number of crowns, in which achieving 9 Stars in a given cycle will add 1 crown to the tally permanently.
Similarly, getting an S-Rank in every stage of Shiyu Defense will also permanently increase the count by 1.
Will there be a day when it'll be over 9,000? Well, persistence is key. On the last day before the cycle updates,
we've also added a notification to the Compendium tab as a friendly reminder for Proxies who haven't taken on the challenge yet. Don't miss out on the rewards!
Awesome! This time, I'm fighting for those crowns! Finally, an old friend that everyone is all too familiar with
will be returning: the double drop events. Double drop rates will be active for both Combat Simulation and Routine Cleanup!
Time to farm those materials~ Also, the gadget store now has a new trendy toy,
and the pawnshop has also stocked up two new accessories for the Proxies. Interested Proxies, don't forget to bring them home!
In addition to the new content mentioned above, we have also been continuously iterating and optimizing the game. Now, let us share with everyone the optimization updates coming in Version 2.3.
Ridu Renovation Talk
First, we've optimized the Drive Disc filtering system in the Equipment interface, hiding some ineffective filter options
and making it easier for Proxies to find the Drive Discs they want. Additionally, Drive Disc now includes recommended sub-stats,
and the upgrade interface is also optimized. The recommended sub-stats are also now highlighted in the list view of the Character Equipment interface.
A new sub-stat recommendation feature will also be added to the Drive Disc recommendation interface. When the Proxies fully expend their battery charge
and need to use their backup Ether Batteries, the required quantity will be automatically selected.
Yes, the system will determine the Battery Charge needed for the current stage and automatically pre-selects the corresponding number of Ether Batteries
without needing the Proxies to do the math! We've also made some improvements to the Special Training Plan interface.
Besides simplifying the number of material icons, we've also added a progress bar display where Proxies can now visually track their farming progress more clearly.
That's right, the helpful Fairy has already done all the calculations for you! We've also optimized the navigation logic,
and Proxies can now jump directly to the relevant stages to acquire the materials. When navigating from this interface to the Signal Shop to exchange items,
the required amount will be pre-selected, making exchanges even more convenient. As for the red dot notifications, we're still working on optimizing them
and we hope to bring you all a better experience. To reduce Proxies' "red dot anxiety," we've made some changes to the prompts.
First, if you receive new mail without rewards, or get new avatars, namecards, titles, or badges on your profile page,
the notification will change from a red dot to a "New" icon. The same goes for new notifications for Proxy Tools, Citizen Guide, Community,
Cloud Gaming, and so on. Plus, you can clear these prompts in bulk! When switching tabs or leaving the interface,
the "New" icons will automatically clear, so they won't bother you again. For the Inter-Knot page, the "New" notifications for new missions
on all other tabs except for "All" will also be cleared en masse following the same logic. The interface looks fresh and clean now!
As for the Compendium, we've added a button that can take you directly to the Agents Trust interface for the "Complete an Agent Invite event" errand.
At the same time, we've also optimized the time system's adjustment method. In addition to the existing manual time advancement,
when Proxies log in for the first time each day in Free Mode, the time period will also automatically advance once,
making street encounters and events easier to trigger and complete. It's so much more convenient
now that we have these minor tweaks~
The program is nearing its end. Thanks for sticking with us all this time, Proxies. Thank you all for your support.
Zenless Zone Zero couldn't have made it without each and every one of you. As we continue to grow, we're thankful for all your encouragement and guidance,
and we hope you'll stick with us for the journey ahead. In the future, we'll work hard to bring even more exciting content and events,
and hope everyone can have a great time in Zenless Zone Zero! Version 2.3 "Memories of Dreams Bygone" will be launching on October 15!
Proxies, see you there!
From <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTWIK77TcdI&t=9s>
