zzz Zenless Zone Zero Patch 1.2 Patch Notes and Maintenance Times

[Shikhu 12]

Patch notes for 1.2 are available, read on to see the new gameplay additions, quality of life changes as well as update times available for proxies.

For patch 1.2, maintenance begins 25/09/2024 at 06:00(UTC+8) and will take roughly 5 hours to complete. Proxies can look forward to 300 free Polychromes in their mail once they log in for the first time this patch. There is also an additional 300 Polychromes on top of that for issue fixes.

The full patch notes are available on the official site for Zenless Zone Zero.

1. New Characters
● S-Rank Agent Caesar (Defense - Physical)

Caesar combines the ability to stun with survivability while also providing shields and buffs for all squad members.

She activates Perfect Block when she performs her EX Special Attack while being attacked by an enemy. This allows her to block the incoming DMG and counterattack with her shield dealing significant Physical DMG.

*The time-limited S-Rank Agent Caesar (Defense - Physical) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on the Ember-Crowned Overlord channel.

● S-Rank Agent Burnice (Anomaly - Fire)

Burnice is a powerful Anomaly character who quickly builds up Fire Anomaly by launching EX Special Attacks, which accumulates Heat. Once enough Heat is generated, Burnice enters the Nitro-Fuel Cocktail state, which applies Scorched to enemies. Fire DMG and Fire Anomaly Buildup continues when she is off-field.

*The time-limited S-Rank Agent Burnice (Anomaly - Fire) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on a future channel.

2. New W-Engines
● S-Rank W-Engine Tusks of Fury (Defense)

*The time-limited S-Rank W-Engine Tusks of Fury (Defense) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on the Dissonant Sonata channel.

● S-Rank W-Engine Flamemaker Shaker (Anomaly)

*The time-limited S-Rank W-Engine Flamemaker Shaker (Anomaly) can be unlocked by Signal Searching on a future channel.

3. New Bangboo
● S-Rank Bangboo Red Moccus

*Can be obtained via An Outstanding Partner channel.

4. New Story
● Chapter 4: Tour de Inferno

In the wilderness far from the city, new legends rumble and roar.

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.2 goes live

Requirements: Complete the special episode Undercover R&B

● Burnice's Agent Story: A Stroke of Luck

Get rich quick with Burnice~

Duration: Permanently available after 2024/10/16 12:00 (server time)

Requirements: Complete Leisurely Lull: Unexpected New Customer

● Agent Trust Events

Agent Trust events added for Caesar, Burnice, Lucy, and Piper

Availability: Permanently available after Version 1.2 goes live

Requirements: Unlock the corresponding Agent and complete Leisurely Lull: Unexpected New Customer

5. New Area
● Blazewood: Unlocked during Main Story Chapter 4 "Tour de Inferno."

Located in the Outer Ring of New Eridu, Blazewood is where the Sons of Calydon are most active.

6. New Events
● New Release

Login for 7 days total to get Encrypted Master Tape x10!

Event Duration: Starts when Version 1.2 goes live and ends on 2024/11/05 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 8 and unlock the Events function during Main Story Prologue - Intermission

● Overlord's Feast

Heroes set the wasteland ablaze. The following fiery feast won't fail to amaze.

All great adventure stories end in an old tavern...

Event Duration: 2024/09/26 10:00 – 2024/11/04 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Complete Leisurely Lull: Unexpected New Customer

● Don't Walk Alone

Complete time-limited missions in Bizarre Brigade to win exclusive rewards.

An unlucky soul in a dangerous wonderland. At home, count on yourself, but on the road, trust in your companions.

Event Duration: 2024/09/30 10:00 – 2024/10/14 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15 and complete Agent Story "Mole in the Hole (I)"

● "En-Nah" Into Your Lap

Login for 7 days total to get Boopon x10!

Event Duration: 2024/10/16 10:00 – 2024/11/05 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 8 and unlock the Events function in Main Story Prologue - Intermission

● Data Bounty: Combat Simulation

During the event, rewards for Combat Simulation will be doubled.

"There are many things that require your assistance, but you'll be well compensated~"

Event Duration: 2024/09/30 04:00 – 2024/10/05 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Unlock Combat Simulation in Main Story Chapter 1 "Cat's Lost & Found"

● Ridu for You

Tickets for "The Ridu Tour" are available! Purchase to get a "Silhouette" series puzzle!

Gather up the silhouettes of the city to piece together your urban life.

Event Duration: 2024/10/07 10:00 – 2024/10/21 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15 and complete Agent Story "Mole in the Hole (I)"

● Roaming the Ether

A gift from the Cunning Hares — Precious data from Hollow Zero and... a virus?

It's time for a journey into the world of electronic Ether!

Event Duration: 2024/10/16 10:00 – 2024/10/28 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15 and complete Agent Story "Mole in the Hole (I)"

● Advanced Bounty: Routine Cleanup

During the event period, rewards for Routine Cleanup will be doubled.

Battle is almost upon us! Rest assured, the Defense Force will show you who we truly are.

Event Duration: 2024/10/21 04:00 – 2024/10/26 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Unlock Routine Cleanup via Chapter 2 - Intermission

● 141 Friendship Fair

141's new business plan is in effect! All business owners are welcome!

Plan Progress: Building friendships...

Event Duration: 2024/10/27 10:00 – 2024/11/04 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 30 and reach Chapter 2 Interlude - Intermission

7. Returning Event
● Vicious Dogs Within

Time-limited rewards now available at Godfinger!

Beware, the Soul Hound doesn't bite, but it eats your tokens!

Event Duration: 2024/10/25 10:00 – 2024/11/01 03:59 (server time)

Requirements: Reach Inter-Knot Lv. 15 and complete Agent Story "Mole in the Hole (I)"

8. New Gameplay
● New HIA Investigator Training Course Available

Aside from combat skills, what else do you need to survive the Hollows?

"Investigator Training Course" will provide Agents with the most practical experience and the best rewards!

Event Duration: Permanent

Requirements: Complete Main Story Chapter 2 Interlude "Mission Unthinkable"

● Blitz Mode Added to Hollow Zero - Withering Garden

1. A new Blitz mode has been added to Hollow Zero - Withering Garden, "Withering Garden: Seedbed". Clear Ether Activity 3 from "Withering Garden: Core" one time to unlock.

2. In Blitz mode, you can attack enemies directly without having to explore Hollows via the Monitor Array. Earn Investigation Points upon completion.

3. In Blitz mode, you can choose the intensity of Ether activity. You can earn more Investigation Points completing combat with high-intensity Ether activity.

9. New Systems
● Back in Business

Proxies who meet return conditions can select one A-Rank W-Engine and also claim Polychromes, Master Tapes, and other rewards.

Event Duration: Date of activation until 16 days after at 04:00 (server time).

Return Conditions:

1. Completed the Chapter 1 commission "Earlybird Ticket to Safety."

2. Haven't logged in for 14 days or more.

3. Have not participated in Back in Business for at least 40 days.

● New Backup Battery Charge System

In Version 1.2, when your battery charge reaches its maximum limit or higher, the Backup Battery Charge kicks in: 1 point is restored every 18 minutes, up to a maximum of 2,400.

Additional Notes:

1. If a Proxy has < 240 Battery at the time of maintenance, the charge will recover to the max of 240 over time. After Battery Charge exceeds 240, it will recover charge proportionally;

2. If a Proxy has ≥ 240 Battery Charge at the time of maintenance, the Backup Battery Charge will begin to recover over time.

● Adds New Fairy-Auto Explore Mode to HDD

1. Use Fairy to explore for you after clearing Exploration and Story commissions for the first time;

2. Fairy can keep exploring after Proxies go offline;

3. Once Fairy has finished exploring, Proxies can claim all rewards from the commission.

● Adds city "Character Select" function

After switching to the corresponding character in the top-left corner, you can free roam in the city using the selected character.

(In this version, Proxies will be able to switch between Belle and Wise. Obtain the Agents Caesar and Burnice to freely roam around the city as these Agents.)

10. Other New Content
1. New Commissions

● New series of combat commissions added: Night Rain's Request. Complete certain prerequisite commissions to take them on;

● New series of Rally commissions added: Cactus Flower's Invitation. Complete certain prerequisite commissions to take them on;

● After progressing the main plot in Chapter 4: Tour de Inferno, accept new commissions in all in-game areas and via Inter-Knot notifications;

● After progressing the main plot in Chapter 4: Tour de Inferno, Officer Mewmew will arrive at Blazewood. Chat with Officer Mewmew to get Mewmew's Blazewood Notes, and complete Mewmew challenges to earn each corresponding medal. Challenges consist of City side missions, Bangboo repairs, finding mini cargo trucks, and earning commemorative coins.

2. New Content

● Adds new dynamic wallpapers for Caesar, Burnice, Piper, and Lucy. Unlock a corresponding Agent and increase their Trust level to a certain threshold to unlock an Agent's dynamic wallpaper.

● Adds new chat emojis for Caesar and Burnice.

● Adds new function for checking Agent equipment "Stat Bonuses." Select "Stat Bonuses" from the Agent equipment screen to view.

● Adds new "Skill Enhancement Suggestions." Go to the Agent Skill Enhancement screen and tap on Suggestions to view.

● Adds new enemies: Corrupted Overlord - Pompey, Hati Pack Leader - Energized, Autonomous Tactical Unit - Shielded Defender, Mors, Pulchra, Bellum, Doppelganger - Mors, Doppelganger - Pulchra, Doppelganger - Bellum.

● Adds new visuals for the enemy Doppelganger - Jane.

● Adds new Swap Squads function to Shiyu Defense, letting you swap out the order of the first and second squads from a frontier at the press of a button.

● Adds new Preset Config function: Edit your squad from the main screen - "More > Preset Config" to quickly apply a preset lineup while not in story mode.

● License Level for Hollow Zero has been increased from 60 to 90. This takes effect at 04:00 on the first Monday after the update (server time).

● Adds ability to tap any part of the screen when exploring Hollow Zero via Monitor Array to skip animations such as Resonium collection and catalysis (Press "Confirm" in controller mode to skip some animations).

● Adds new items "Reserved Relics" and "W-Engine Chip" to Casper's Outpost Logistics store at Scott Outpost. Use Reserved Relic to select one precious relic (core skill enhancement item).

● Adds new Pursuit to the Depths function in Notorious Hunt. After completing 3 challenges without Battery Charge in one week, spend 60 Battery Charge to repeat the challenge for partial rewards.

● Adds new challenge Corrupted Overlord - Pompey to Notorious Hunt.

● Adds new challenge Doppelganger - Jane to Expert Challenge.

● Adds new challenge Hunter and Beast to Routine Cleanup; challenge to earn the all-new series of Drive Discs, Chaos Jazz and Proto Punk.

● Adds new Arcade game Bizarre Brigade launched alongside Don't Walk Alone.

● Adds UI hide feature to the dynamic wallpaper screen. Tap "Hide" button to view the dynamic wallpaper in fullscreen.

● Adds new visuals related to the Blazewood area.

● Adds a new TV show "Attack on Cyberz" to the game login screen and Random Play TV.

● Adds new dialog and supplemented some street encounters in Lumina Square.

● Adds new Social Media Settings function to the Inter-Knot Friends screen where you can choose whether to disclose your personal info and whether to accept Friend requests.

● Adds new Manual Lock-On Switching Sensitivity option to "Options > Input."

● Adds new Global Illumination screen setting to "Options > Graphics."

(Default setting is Medium; set to High to apply high-fidelity light rendering effects in areas new to Version 1.2 and areas from previous versions.)

● Adds a new trophy set to the PlayStation®5™ platform: Zenless Zone Zero - Tour de Inferno.

3. Shiyu Defense

Ambush Node

Adds new node during Version 1.2: Ambush Node. Ambush Node has five Frontiers and is no longer time-limited. Gain two Ether Dewdrops before challenging each frontier (which automatically restores Agent health after a defeat); ratings for each challenge are based on total defeats for an Agent.

Requirements: Complete Chapter 2 Interlude: Mission Unthinkable and clear the Stable Node: Tenth Frontier to unlock.

Node ends at 04:00 (server time) on 11/6/2024.

Critical Node

After Version 1.2 updates, buff effects of Critical Node are:

Phase I:

● Increases Agent ATK and DMG taken by 20%.
● When receiving a shield, all squad members recover 10 Energy while increasing ATK by an extra 20% for 20 seconds. Can trigger at most once every 20 seconds.

Phase II:

● When bearing a shield, Agent Anomaly Buildup Rate increases by 25%.
● When hitting an enemy that is afflicted with Attribute Anomaly, Agent DMG increases by 35%.

Phase III:

● Increases Agent DMG dealt by 25%.
● Increases Agent ATK by 20% for 15 seconds when inflicting Burn or Shock on an enemy. Instantly grants 20% Daze if the enemy is not Stunned when triggered.

[Adjustments & Optimizations]
1. Agents
● Optimizes 3D model for Agent Zhu Yuan without her weapon in city areas.
● Optimizes parts of 3D models for Agents Caesar, Burnice, and Hoshimi Miyabi.
● Optimizes some animations for some Agents.
● Optimizes camera visuals for some Agents on the deployment screen.
● Optimizes mission guidance for Agent Seth's Trust event. The Lumina Square noodle shop Trust event for Agent Seth can be viewed and tracked via the Schedule.
● Optimizes the text description for Mindscape Cinema 06 "Break the Limit" for Agent Anton, which is textual only and does not impact actual skill effects.

2. Enemies
● Optimizes visuals of Twin Marionettes battlefield.
● Optimizes 3D mode for Doppelganger - Jane;
● Optimizes logic of enemy target lock for Chain Attacks launched by Agents' Perfect Assists.
● Optimizes text description for "Heavy Striker," which is textual only and does not impact gameplay.

3. Systems
● Raises the level cap for New Eridu City Fund. Adds rewards for City Fund Levels 51–60.
● Optimizes W-Engine Recycle function. Proxies do not need to spend Dennies to recycle W-Engines. After the update, Proxies can claim the Denny cost for recycling W-Engines in previous updates via Mail.
● Adds a new option to "Drag to Switch to Previous Character" on mobile devices via "Options > Other."
(Option is deactivated by default. Enable it to Drag to Switch to Previous Character by holding "Switch Characters" and dragging the button outwards.)
● Adds new Claim All function to Hollow Zero - Bounty Commissions screen.
● While playing out the main plot, Bangboo level for some trial Bangboo can increase as Inter-Knot Reputation increases.
● Optimizes information display for some screens in Storage.
● Optimizes prompt details when dismantling Drive Disks.
● Optimizes the interface of Drive Disc main stats at the music store.
● Optimizes logic of teleporting to the corresponding store from "Obtain Via."
● Optimizes UI effects for Character Details screen
● Adds access to Character Details when combat is paused.
● Directly opens store business screen when teleporting to the Sixth Street coffee shop and newsstand after clearing Errands - Daily.
● Optimizes display for Agent Info Panel during combat. The exclusive icon for off-field characters during battle is now displayed below the corresponding Agent's avatar.
● Optimizes time system. Proxies can now adjust in-game time freely.
● Optimizes red dot display logic for Friend requests.
● Optimizes Edit Friend Notes function, which can now be left blank.
● Optimizes UI position of Camera function.
● Optimizes Agent Invite function. After inviting an Agent you can switch to and invite a different Agent directly from the Contacts interface.
● Adds new achievements for A Ridu Journey, Phaethon's Story, Agent Trust, Hollow Zero, Enemy Target, Combat, and Hollow Exploration Guide, including some hidden achievements.
● Adds new categories of achievements: When Opportunities Converge, Inter-Knot Hot Topic, and Zero Key.
● Shifts Hollow Zero hidden commission achievements from "A Ridu Journey" to "Zero Key" without changing unlock conditions. Shifts some "Enemy Target" achievements to "Combat Skills" without changing unlock conditions.
● Corrects some names and descriptions of achievements without changing unlock conditions.

4. Gameplay
● Adjusts weekly bounty commission for Hollow Zero from Special Commission ×1 and Common Commission ×3 to Common Commission ×4 which is subdivided into S, A, B, and C tiers. Earn the corresponding number of Investigation Points to complete weekly Common Commissions. This adjustment takes effect at 04:00 on the first Monday after the update (server time).
● Adjusts the unlock criteria for Hollow Zero's "Withering Garden" Exploration Mode. Proxies who have reached Inter-Knot Lv. 42, cleared Old Capital Metro: Edge, and completed the "Enchanting and Stunning, Withering Away" commission can unlock Exploration Mode for Withering Garden.
● Optimizes regular rewards for Hollow Zero "Withering Garden: Core": Select by Ether activity effects and increase intensity to earn more Investigation Points upon completing the challenge.
● Optimizes interaction logic between Hollow Zero and some systems when exploring Hollows and events via the Monitor Array: Now you can interact quickly and directly with events.
● Speeds up some animations when exploring Hollows via Monitor Array with accelerated playback enabled.
● When your reputation reaches "Certified Proxy," Tin Master Specials go on sale at the coffee shop while New Eridu Specials is discontinued. Drinking a Tin Master Special restores 80 Battery Charge;
● After the update, all coffee will not cost Dennies when ordering in the coffee shop.

5. Mouse & Keyboard and Controller Optimizations
● Optimizes UI and controller controls for the Partner Archive screen.
● Optimizes display and controller controls for results screen at the Arcade. Buttons corresponding to "Confirm" and "Cancel" functions in the Arcade screen will follow system options.~
● Optimizes controls for redemption code screen when using a controller.
● Adds new button display for events on the HDD screen when using a controller.
● Adds ability to skip animation playback during Signal Search by pressing any button when using a controller.
● Due to additional functions being added to combat and city exploration gameplay, the default layout for functions has been adjusted for controllers. If your custom control layout conflicts with the newly added controls, the custom layout will be restored to default after the update.
● Optimizes display method for controller buttons on some screens.
● Adds a new controller-keyboard-mouse hotkey to some system screens to quickly switch between controller/keyboard/mouse on the Agent, Plot, Signal Search, Store and other screens by pushing Escape on keyboard or the Menu button on controller.
● Adjusts button layout UI for the Dismantle and Tuning screens at the music store, as well as the Drive Disc Lock and Discard buttons on the Agent Equipment screen while in controller mode.
● Optimizes logic of the "Return" function at the music store while in controller mode.
● Adds a new Match Details button to the Co-Op screen inside Arcade games.

6. Others
● Optimizes triggering rules for Chain Attacks: The same skill can only trigger one Chain Attack against the same enemy.
(If a skill that deals continual damage triggers a Chain Attack and then cancels it, it will not be triggered again.)
● Optimizes the traffic light environment at Lumina Square.
● Optimizes 3D model visuals of some NPCs.
● Optimizes English, Japanese, and Korean voiceovers for some parts of the story.
● Adjusts playback section of the song "60% Daily" in the playback device.
● Adjusts requirements for Soul Hounds III "Straight Ahead" achievement from "Dive for 100 meters while invulnerable" to "Dive for 40 meters while invulnerable."
● Adjusts, improves, and fixes the in-game text for some languages. These changes will not affect gameplay or functions.

[Issue Fixes]
1. Agents
● Fixes an issue where, after awakening Agent Lucy's Mindscape Cinema 06 Fierce Fangs of Fire, the Burn DMG is abnormal when the Guard Boars explode.
● Fixes an issue where the 3rd move of Agent Ellen's Basic is visually displayed incorrectly after connecting to a special attack.
● Fixes an issue where Agent Lucy's Interrupt Level for Chain Attacks is abnormal.
● Fixes an issue where Agent Qingyi's animations sometimes display incorrectly after performing a Perfect Assist.
● Fixes an issue that occurs when Agent Ellen is using Charged Scissor Strike and knocks back an enemy, then immediately triggers "Basic Attack: Flash Freeze Trimming," there is a chance that the first part of the attack fails to hit the enemy.
● Fixes an issue where other squad members sometimes do not correctly receive buffs when entering combat via a Chain Attack triggered by Agent Soukaku's Fly the Flag.
● Fixes an issue that occurs when Agent Ben is in combat and triggers EX Special Attack: Cashflow Counter, then follows up for another attack, there is a chance that some DMG dealt is lost.

2. Enemies
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, there is a chance that enemies cannot be locked on to.
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, some of Rampant Brute's attacks have an abnormal interrupt level.

3. Systems
● Fixes an issue that occurs when scrolling on the Drive Disc enhance screen, there is a chance that the currently selected Drive Disc's info may be displayed incorrectly.
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, some sound effects may play incorrectly.
● Fixes an issue where selecting SMAA anti-aliasing from Options > Graphics causes some scenes to display incorrectly.

4. Gameplay
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, Agent Trust events sometimes cannot be progressed normally.
● Corrects the incorrect text description for achievement "Root Eradication", which is textual only and does not affect completion requirements.
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, there is a chance that the player is unable to respawn in Snake Duel - Clash.
● Fixes an issue where, during the Exploration Commission "Scientific Explosion," the player is unable to control their character as normal.
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, there is no way of collecting the Lost Item "Button" from Hollow Zero.

5. Environments
● Fixes an issue where NPC models sometimes disappear in some environments.
● Fixes an issue where teleporting to the HDD sometimes causes the environment to display incorrectly.
● Fixes an issue where NPC models are sometimes displayed incorrectly in some environments.
● Fixes visual issues present in some environments.

6. Others
● Fixes an issue where an NPC disappears during Lycaon's Agent Trust event.
● Fixes an issue where, under certain circumstances, the 3D models for Belle and Wise are displayed incorrectly.
● Corrects typos in some text content.