Image: HoyoVerse
Zenless Zone Zero has unveiled all of the content coming in its next Version 1.3 update.
HoyoVerse’s Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.3 “Virtual Revenge” Special Program has officially wrapped up, offering an early look at what players can expect to see in the game’s next major content update. Version 1.3 is a big one, adding two new S-Rank playable Agents to the roster: Section 6’s Tsukishiro Yanagi and Sons of Calydon’s Lighter.
The update will also add a new story chapter and location tying into the Section 6 faction, an Agent Story for Lighter, lots of new modes and events, and more! Before we dig into all of that, however, here’s the live stream's redemption code for some free in-game goodies:
VIRTUALREVENGE - 300 PolyChrome, 30,000 Denny, 2 Senior Investigation Log, 3 W-Engine Energy Module
Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.3 character banners: Yanagi and Lighter
Tsukishiro Yanagi kicks things off as the first Exclusive Signal Search banner of Zenless Zone Zero Version 1.3. Yanagi is an S-Rank Electric Anomaly Agent. She wields a naginata in combat, allowing her to fight at medium range with multiple combat stances. You’ll have to continuously switch between all of her stances to enjoy their unique buffs simultaneously. Yanagi will be accompanied by a new W-Engine banner, allowing players to grab her S-Rank W-Engine Timeweaver. For the duration of her banner, players will also get boosted pull rates for Anby and Billy.
Yanagi and Section 6 will feature heavily in Version 1.3’s new Special Episode: Virtual Revenge. A trailer for this new drop of story content seems to hint that we’ll see Yanagi and Hoshimi Miyabi do battle - which is interesting, considering that they should be on the same side. This new Special Episode will add a new location to the game: the headquarters of HAND (Hollow Affairs and Neutralisation Department), under which Section 6 is its sixth unit.
Lighter is an S-Rank Fire/Stun Agent, belonging to the Sons of Calydon faction. Lighter also buffs fellow Fire Agents or Sons of Calydon teammates by allowing them to deal more Fire and Ice damage. Lighter fights with his fists unlike most other Agents, applying rapid Stun on enemies thanks to his lightning-fast attacks. Also available in the back half of this update is a Signal Search banner where players can pick up his Blazing Laurel W-Engine. For the duration of his banner, players will also get boosted pull rates for Ben Bigger and Corin.
The new update adds two new Bangboos: Baddieboo and Knightboo. You’ll only be able to pick up Knightboo by completing an event (we’ll get to that event in a second), which is a little unusual for this game, as most of them can simply be recruited from the Bangboo Signal Search banner.
Version 1.3’s new game modes and events give you lots to do
New check-in events: ‘All-New Program’ and ‘En-Nah Into Your Lap’ will allow players to collect up to 10 Encrypted Master Tapes and Boopons, respectively, for every day that they log in.
Combat Showcases: Another Combat Showcase allows you to play as Lighter in sidescroller-like beat-em-up levels for special rewards.
Simulated Battle Trial: A new permanent game mode has players survive endless trials of combat as they strive to climb a tower.
The Mystery of Arpeggio Fault: In this mode, players can use the HDD to take on a series of roguelike encounters - much like the HDD encounters we used to get in Exploration missions. This seems to be tailored for people who miss in-game TV content, which was almost completely missing in Version 1.2. This mode has permanent and limited-time rewards, one of which is rather important: Knightboo!
Virtual Battlefield Mayhem: The HIA is hosting this event, allowing players to engage in test battles with specific buffs for each stage.
When Sandwiches Come A Knocking: Players will help out a sandwich shop catering to their favourite Agents and NPCs.
“En-Nah” Assistant Program: Various Bangboos can be encountered for special quests, and you’ll get rewards for helping them out.
Help Kai: This limited-time event also has you help out a Bangboo by completing certain tasks for special rewards.
Data Bounty: Combat Simulation and Advanced Bounty: Routine Cleanup: Limited-time boosted x2 drops are coming for these modes.
More new content/quality of life changes
The compendium, which comprises player dailies and weeklies, has been revamped for easier usability. The compendium will also have a new Tactics tab to access training missions within a single tab. Players can also now decorate their profiles with titles and medals that they obtain from completing in-game missions. While we’re on decorations, a new store is finally opening in Lumina Square to allow players to decorate the Display Stand in their rooms!
As for building your Agents out, a few changes are coming to make things a lot easier for anyone struggling to grind their roster out. Crafting has been simplified, allowing players to automatically craft the resources they need to upgrade Agents with the press of a button. You’ll be able to craft more advanced tuning items by breaking down lower-level tuning items.
For more information, you can check out the full Version 1.3 live stream here. The update is likely to drop in November, but has no confirmed release date yet.