Hello, Proxies! I am Cross Shi, the technical lead of the Zenless Zone Zero dev team. We are very grateful for your support of our new game over the past few months. With the highly anticipated version 1.4, A Storm of Falling Stars, launching on December 18, I am eager to share our latest game content and optimizations with you! Also, I’m excited to announce that Zenless Zone Zero will be arriving on PS5 Pro with a multitude of optimizations for the new console.
Heart-pounding combat with legendary characters
After turning the tide of the explosive crime engineered by the Vision Corporation, Proxies forged bonds with a diverse array of Agents, and the conspiracy surrounding the Sacrifice begins to surface. With new crises drawing near, the contours of truth emerge in the upcoming Chapter 5. In this chapter, our long-standing acquaintance Perlman finally awakens, granting us a glimpse into the secrets behind the Sacrifice and exploring the mysteries surrounding the siblings’ background. At the same time, the New Eridu Public Security is undergoing its election, igniting an undercurrent of turmoil throughout the city. Proxies should be prepared to face a climactic battle against the formidable enemy, Sacrifice.
The highly anticipated character, Hoshimi Miyabi, as the chief of Section 6 and the youngest Void Hunter, also joins your team. As a Frost Anomaly agent, she’s a powerhouse with her cursed blade Tailless. Every enemy should fear her masterful swordsmanship and swift movements. This determined agent doesn’t stand alone. Asaba Harumasa, the Electric Attack agent whose weapon can shift between bow and blade, is also ready to maneuver seamlessly on the battlefield.
Hollow Zero major update, new engaging gameplay and explorable areas
To offer Proxies diversified combat experiences, we launched the battle tower, aka the Simulated Battle Trial, in version 1.3. We’re delighted that Proxies push their limits and embrace these electrifying challenges. In version 1.4, Hollow Zero will undergo the major update, Shadows Lost, where Proxies plunge into fierce battles within the Lost Void, armed with additional support and equipment including weapons, Bangboo assist skill, and Resonia. Agents such as Miyabi, Ellen, Yanagi, and Billy will have the chance to showcase their exclusive Gear. Upon completing missions, Proxies receive new A-level Brawlerboo and other rewards.
Hollows remain fraught with danger, and Melinoe, the intricately complex new Hollow, is beckoning Proxies and Section 6’s exploration and support. Proxies and Eous navigate puzzles and explore paths to lead the way. As they progress through these perilous terrains, Miyabi and Yanagi gradually release their full potential. Amid combat as allies, not only do Proxies gain access to the new W-Engine and plentiful rewards, but they also learn more stories of Section 6.
Furthermore, the uncharted areas known as Port Elpis and Reverb Arena offer their own new maps and captivating stories. Beloved Bangboo fights a tower defense against Ethereals under the strategic guidance of Proxies. The event showcasing enthusiastic support for Section 6 unfolds within the vibrant atmosphere of the Reverb Arena.
Optimizations for a more immersive experience
In version 1.4, we not only introduce new content but continually make optimizations for a better game experience. First, the story flow of the Prologue to Chapter 3 was redesigned for smooth combat experiences. The TV mode is replaced with stage narratives where Proxies command Eous to aid in Hollow exploration. Proxies who have previously completed the chapters can also revisit them through the HDD system for a fresh experience. Second, to provide an improved pacing, we optimized the Inter-Knot level-up experience and lowered the threshold for progressing.
As for combat, Decibels arw no longer shared when Agents use Ultimate skills in combat. This change provides more opportunities for each agent to unleash their Ultimate Skill, contributing to a more spectacular battle experience. When an Agent earns Decibels through attacks or remarkable actions, other Agents also obtain a percent of those Decibels. Among others, the Quick Sweep feature for Shiyu Defense and the new espresso in the coffee shop will be introduced along with further optimizations for character building and advancement.
To enhance immersion and interactions with Agents, in version 1.4, all contracted Agents are controllable in the city as we promised. The Quality Time mode, which allows Proxies to invite Agents to hang out in New Eridu together, will also be launched. Whether it’s soaking in the beautiful scenery, capturing cool snapshots, or enjoying a sip of coffee, Agents love to spend quality time with you.
Enhanced graphics and tactile combat on PS5 Pro
Our game comes to PS5 Pro with major enhancements in both performance and visual presentation. With the PS5 Pro’s upgraded GPU and support for High Frequency mode, we’ve achieved native 4K resolution and 60 FPS simultaneously with the average frame rate increasing by nearly ten frames. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant world of New Eridu or engaging in intense battles, the enhanced performance on the PS5 Pro ensures that your adventure is seamless and exhilarating.
To deliver stunning visuals, version 1.4 of Zenless Zone Zero introduces exciting engine features, particularly ray tracing, newly optimized specifically for the PS5 Pro. The PS5 Pro version resolves reflection issues for off-screen objects and enhances indirect highlights for significant improvements in reflections on mirrors, water surfaces, puddles, and other metallic or glossy materials. We’ve also improved the rendering of strong light in darker areas, the real-time response to indirect diffuse lighting, and added occlusion effects between objects. Along with support for HDR and VRR and the new PSSR on the PS5 Pro, the graphics now offer higher rendering precision and enhanced tessellation, making your journey through New Eridu even more immersive.
Beyond the overall improvements in visuals and performance, we’re particularly enthused to share the optimizations we’ve made for DualSense wireless controllers, which feature effective haptic feedback capabilities. We’ve tailored the vibration feedback for different combat actions, such as Basic and Special Attacks, providing a nuanced tactile experience for immersive combat. With these enhancements and the new gameplay experiences introduced in version 1.4, get ready to feel the exhilarated tension of every hit at your fingertips!
Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the players who have shown tremendous support and interest in Zenless Zone Zero. Your continued support means the world to us. As a token of appreciation for the incredible journey we have embarked on over the past six months, we prepared generous in-game rewards, including the exclusive S-level Agent Asaba Harumasa for all players around the globe. We sincerely hope that you enjoy our newly updated version 1.4 and relish the combat experiences on December 18. Your enthusiasm drives us to keep improving and enhancing the game for all of you. Thank you for being an essential part of the Zenless Zone Zero community.
Source: Playstation Blog
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