Just like always, the pre-installation files for Zenless Zone Zero’s upcoming update turned into a goldmine for leakers. Dataminers digging through the files claim they’ve found hints about who the next Void Hunter–tier character could be.
Who Is Zhao?
When the Season 2 preview dropped, fans buzzed with theories about Zhao’s identity. As the first fully fleshed-out Thiren model, many wondered if she’d actually be playable. Now, fresh leaks suggest she’ll be joining the roster.
Details on Zhao are still scarce. We only know her from the trailer and a shot of her alongside Damian, hinting they could be working together. What exactly they’re plotting is still a mystery.
If you’ve been keeping up with the story, you’ll know Damian’s already a shady figure with secrets of his own. It wouldn’t be a stretch to guess that he and Zhao are tied to Krampus, the faction introduced at the end of the 2.1 storyline. Krampus operates as an Internal Affairs division within TOPS, which lines up neatly with Damian’s activities in Porcelumex
In-Game Model and Sealed Powers
About a month ago, the devs dropped a subtle tease in a video on the game’s combat design. They hinted that a future character would use a weapon that hadn’t yet shown its true power. But once awakened, it would become “an ultimate weapon of mass destruction”.
That the tease was likely about Zhao. Just take a look at her weapon, it fits the bill perfectly.
Zhao’s weapon appears to have three distinct forms. The first resembles a standard sword, the second takes on an axe-like shape, but it’s the third form that really stands out. Not only does it suggest Zhao will be an Ice character, while also fueling fan theories about the weapon’s hidden power.
Some players believe the ice itself is what’s keeping the weapon from reaching its full potential, possibly locking away that third form. Nothing’s confirmed, but the idea adds an interesting twist, especially since Zhao is rumored to be the next Void Hunter-tier character.
For those eager to see more, her in-game model and appearance have already leaked, giving fans a closer look at Zenless Zone Zero’s latest Thiren addition.
Zhao is set to be Zenless Zone Zero’s first fully playable Thiren character. Unlike Lucia or Yihdari, who are half-Thirens, Zhao has a completely new body type that mirrors the Thiren NPCs players have already seen roaming the city.
What are your thoughts about Zhao? Do you think she has the vibe of a Void Hunter?
