Back in September 2024, I sat in my dim apartment, scrolling through the Zenless Zone Zero dev notes while my cursor hovered over the download button. I had been a Proxy since launch, but the grind was starting to wear me down. Then I read the line that made me laugh out loud: 'Are you making those changes?' 'Yes, I'm doing it! Really!' It felt like the developers were talking directly to me. Now, in 2026, I can look back and say they actually did it. Those promises didn't just arrive; they reshaped how I play every single day.
The Upcoming Optimizations That Became My Routine
The first change I latched onto was Agent control. In 2024, the note said that after acquiring Caesar or Burnice, Proxies could freely switch to playing as them and explore the city. By Version 1.4, that expanded to any contracted Agent in most non-combat environments. I remember the first time I walked through Sixth Street as Caesar, her shield clanking with every step. It was silly, but it made New Eridu feel like a place I lived in, not just a menu I clicked through.
Then came Fairy Auto Explore. I used to dread revisiting old TV-mode commissions just to sweep up missed Observation Data. The note promised that for some completed commissions, Fairy would help gather unclaimed Observation Data and rewards from previous attempts. In 2026, Fairy is my silent co-op partner. I send her out, make coffee, and come back to a tidy pile of rewards. It is not glamorous, but it respects my time.
The Backup Battery Charge system was another quality-of-life win. When Battery Charge reaches or exceeds its upper limit, the Backup Battery Charge accumulates up to 2,400 points. I used to set alarms to avoid wasting energy. Now I can log in after a long day and still find a reserve waiting. It is the kind of change that sounds small until you live with it.
Hollow Zero got Blitz Operation mode. The note said Proxies could jump straight into combat without exploring the TV board, and clearing challenges would grant Investigation Points for weekly Bounty Commissions. I still enjoy a slow TV crawl when I am in the mood, but on busy weeks, Blitz is a blessing. It turned Hollow Zero from a weekend project into a lunch-break ritual.
Notorious Hunt materials also became easier to farm. Once the weekly reward limit is reached, Proxies can spend Battery Charge to obtain more materials. Selectable Core Skill Material Chests appeared at the Outpost Logistics Shop, where we can exchange for what we need. As someone who once spent weeks chasing a single core skill drop, I nearly cried when I saw that shop.
And the biggest shift: in Version 1.2 and important future storylines, TV mode was replaced with story stages as the major means of experience. I had mixed feelings at first. I loved the TV aesthetic, but the story flowed better with cinematic stages. By 2026, that choice feels natural, and the developers kept the TV spirit alive in side content.
The Future Plans That Actually Happened
The dev notes also outlined future optimizations, and I have watched them unfold over the years. Shared Decibels when Agents use Ultimate skills was a hot topic. The team explored options, and combat now feels more flexible. Enemy lock-on logic has improved, and new enemy types with varied combat animations keep fights unpredictable.
New modes in Hollow Zero arrived with a focus on combat diversity. New changes to combat mechanics and more enjoyable TV mode gameplay were added. I have lost entire evenings to those modes, and I regret nothing.
More Battle Rank criteria were added. Some combat stages now introduce new challenge targets beyond time limits. That change pushed me to build teams around survivability, parries, and combo uptime instead of pure speed. It made me a better player.
An Agent accompany mode was added. I can hang out with my favorite Agents in the city and interact with them. The models for some Agents, like Hoshimi Miyabi, have been continuously improved for a better visual experience. I have taken more screenshots than I care to admit.
Finally, a client resource management function was added. I can reduce my package size by managing game resources. On my old laptop, that feature was the difference between playing and watching slideshows.
What It All Means in 2026
When I read those 2024 notes, I thought they were just a wish list. Now I see them as a blueprint. The developers asked if they were making changes, and they answered with action. I am still a Proxy, still chasing better gear, still laughing at Bangboo antics. But the game respects my time, my wallet, and my love for these characters. That is rare.
If you are a new Proxy in 2026, you might take these systems for granted. I do not. I remember the grind before Fairy, before Blitz, before Agent control. And I am grateful that the team kept their promise. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a Hollow Zero run to finish. 🎮✨
Comments