Hoyoverse revealed the next upcoming update to its free-to-play character-action RPG Zenless Zone Zero, releasing on December 18.
Update 1.4 “A Storm Of Falling Stars” is bringing at least one massive change to the game, and that’s how you explore dungeons in the main story. The Main Story missions from the Prologue up to Chapter 3 will replace the TV mode exploration with on-the-ground free-form exploration.
Previously, exploring the Hollows in ZZZ is abstracted by a top-down map presented in an array of TVs. The story and unique mechanics and puzzles as seen in the Main Story are brilliant design choice, but looks like Hoyoverse has the capacity to turn them all into proper AAA experiences at the cost of the charming TV exploration. Hollow Zero, the sort-of roguelike mode, still uses TV mode though, as they should.
Main Story missions moving forward will not have TV mode exploration. Instead, players will explore around as Eous. You’re still playing as the Proxy, who is only there in the Hollows by proxy (i.e. through controlling the little Bangboo, Eous) in these story missions.
Another gameplay change is the combat. Previously, Decibels, the ultimate meter, is shared across your party of three Agents. Now, every character has their own Decibel gauge which on one end, you can unleash Ultimate attacks three-in-a-row. And on another, you need all three Agents to have screen time and buttons being pressed, and also be sufficiently built up. On the latter, a new feature will guide players on what needs upgrading to get them combat-ready.
In addition, players can now explore the city of New Eridu not just your selected character between the siblings (Belle/Wise), any unlocked Agents can be controlled.
With two new Agents, a new story (Chapter 5) and PS5 Pro enhancements, Update 1.4 is a hefty content drop.
Zenless Zone Zero Update 1.4 New Content And Features
- Redesigned Story Mode missions
- Prologue, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 missions now have full exploration, mo more TV Mode
- New Story Missions will not feature TV Mode, full exploration as Eous
- Explore New Eridu as unlocked Agents
- Quality Time Mode – Hang Out with Agents
- Decibel gauge (Ultimate meter) now character-specific, not shared
- Quick Sweep feature for Shinyu Defense
- New Story: Chapter 5
- New Areas:
- Port Elpis
- Reverb Arena
- Includes new MewMew challenges and more HIA Commemorative Coins
- New Agents
- Hoshimi Miyabi (S-Rank)
- Faction: Section 6
- Frost, Anomaly
- Asaba Harumasa (S-Rank)
- Faction: Section 6
- Electric, Attack
- Agent Story included
- Free to unlock by reaching Inter-Knot Level 8, available until Version 1.6 update
- Hoshimi Miyabi (S-Rank)
- New Bangboo
- Agent Gulliver (S-Rank)
- Brawlerboo (A-Rank)
- New W-Engines
- New Disc Drive Series
- Branch & Blade Song (CRIT damage)
- Astral Voice (increase damage via Assists)
- New Partner Archives
- “Special Training Plan” – Game tells you what to prioritise in upgrading character for combat readiness
- Coffee shop streamlined- menus are permanent
- Hollow Zero major update: Shadows Lost
- New periodic operation: Deadly Assault
- New Gear, Bangboo Assists skills and Resonia
- Bangboo VS Ethereal Tower Defense mini-game (limited-time event)
- PS5 Pro Enhancements
Zenless Zone Zero is out now on PS5, PC, iOS and Android. Check out our review of the game’s 1.0 launch here.