Awright, so here’s the thing. New Eridu’s going absolutely nuts today. Why? Zenless Zone Zero is throwing down big time for its first anniversary. We’re talking Version 2.0, an Xbox port finally landing, and this log-in event that’s practically screaming for attention. I mean, you’re getting a free S-Rank Agent and W-Engine, 1,600 Polychrome (which, heads up, is good for 10 pulls on a banner), and an exclusive title and avatar to flaunt. Pretty wild, right?
I know what you’re thinking — “Wait, it hasn’t been a year, has it?” And you’d be right! The actual launch date isn’t for another month. ZZZ kicked off on July 4, 2024. But, apparently, HoYo rolls with a quirky six-week routine, so they celebrate when it fits into the update schedule. Kind of makes sense? Sort of. Anyway, players have a good chunk of time to grab their goodies.
Sidebar: If you’re having that annoying cookie message pop-up, join the club. I couldn’t avoid mentioning it.
So here’s the deal with Zenless Zone Zero. It’s this urban science-fantasy RPG. Basically, you follow Belle and Wise as they pretend to run a video store, but really, they’re sneaking trained “Agents” through these sketchy exclusion zones called “Hollows.” Perfect twin sibling goals, right? Side note: You play as them in the hub, not during combat — they flipped the usual HoYo script on this.
Now Version 2.0 is like, the saga continues. New story arcs, new secrets unraveling, fresh characters… and let’s not gloss over Yixuan and Pan Yinhu — new kids on the block rated S-Rank and A-Rank. Plus, they’re introducing a snazzy new faction, Yunkui Summit. Yixuan’s bringing a new damage type to the table, “Rupture.” Can’t say I saw that coming.
And Xbox players, rejoice! ZZZ is finally on the Series X, and yep, it’s also on Xbox Cloud Gaming. The game launched on PC, PS5, and mobile, so it’s cool to see it branching out.
There’s more though — brace yourself — there’s this drama happening with HoYoverse. They’re knee-deep in a labor dispute with US-based voice actors. A bunch of them got replaced lately, including some major Zenless voices. It’s all wrapped up in a strike about getting proper protections against AI messing with their work. Meanwhile, HoYoverse is playing it coy, saying it’s all about “scheduling.” Sure, maybe. But, feels like there’s more under the surface, doesn’t it?
Anyway, that’s the scoop. Let me know if you spot any more chaos — feels like there’s always something.
