It is a massive day in New Eridu as Zenless Zone Zero goes all-in on its first anniversary celebrations, together with the launch of Model 2.0, a long-hoped-for Xbox port, and a log-in occasion that presents gamers with their selection of a free S-Rank Agent and free S-Rank W-Engine from the gacha’s customary banner, together with 1,600 Polychrome (foreign money that may be exchanged for 10 pulls on any Agent or W-Engine banner within the gacha), and an unique profile title and avatar so you possibly can showcase that you simply had been there on the celebration.
Should you’re considering “wow, I can not imagine it has been a yr already since Zenless Zone Zero got here out!”, you are fairly appropriate. ZZZ’s precise first birthday is not for almost one other month – Model 1.0 launched on July 4, 2024 – however since most HoYo video games function on a daily six-week schedule, anniversary occasions are historically held throughout whichever replace interval accommodates the large day, guaranteeing that gamers have round 40 days to log in and declare all of the celebratory bonuses.
Zenless Zone Zero is an city science-fantasy RPG following the exploits of siblings Belle and Smart, whose retro video retailer is a entrance for his or her side-hustle escorting educated “Brokers” by way of forbidden and harmful exclusion zones – generally known as “Hollows” – which have sprung up round their dwelling metropolis of New Eridu following a large-scale catastrophe. In a departure from HoYoverse custom, the protagonists are solely playable within the hub world, whereas the Agent characters are those featured within the gacha and whom the participant controls throughout fight.
Model 2.0 marks the official starting of a second season story for ZZZ, promising to broaden on the mysteries launched in the course of the recreation’s first yr, in addition to introducing new characters and storylines. To that finish, as we speak additionally sees the debut of Yixuan and Pan Yinhu, two brand-new Brokers at S-Rank and A-Rank rarity, respectively; and with them the sport’s eleventh playable faction, Yunkui Summit, who’re certain to play a significant function in upcoming chapters. Yixuan can be the sport’s first Rupture Agent, a brand-new harm kind that marks the primary new fight class added to the sport since launch.
Along with the official begin of Season 2, as we speak additionally sees Zenless Zone Zero – which launched final yr for PC, PS5, and cell units – make its long-anticipated debut on Xbox Collection consoles, in addition to the Xbox Cloud Gaming service.
Zenless Zone Zero 2.0 comes out at a time when HoYoverse continues to be on the centre of an ongoing labour dispute with most of the US-based voice actors who carry out the English language dubs of ZZZ together with Genshin Impression and Honkai: Star Rail.
A number of actors from all three video games have been changed over the previous few months, together with near half of the unique lead forged of Zenless; some have taken to social media to hyperlink the lack of their roles with their participation within the strike motion, which seeks to make sure online game voice actors obtain sufficient safety consistent with different performers in opposition to generative AI being educated on their work. HoYoverse has thus far declined to touch upon the recasts past attributing them to “recording scheduling preparations”.
