Icedrift Hollow Commission: A 2024 Zenless Zone Zero Event Revisited in 2026

In the summer of 2024, the Hollow Investigative Association issued a public commission to independent investigators concerning the Icedrift Hollow, a fragile and unstable region within the world of Zenless Zone Zero. The limited-time event ran from 2024/07/24 10:00:00 (server time) to 2024/08/05 03:59:59 (server time). It required players to reach Inter-Knot Lv. 30 and complete Main Story Chapter 2 Interlude - Intermission. Although the original commission window closed long ago, the event remains a notable example of how the game combines exploration, route planning, and tiered commission design. As of 2026, the Icedrift Hollow commission is no longer active in its original form; players who missed it can only hope for a future rerun or similar Hollow investigation event.

The association's public notice was unusual in its emphasis on information control. Rather than revealing the entire Icedrift Hollow at once, the Hollow Investigative Association planned to steadily release more information on different areas within the hollow over the course of the commission period. That staggered rollout encouraged investigators to return, check for updates, and adapt their strategies. It also reinforced the fiction of a live investigation: the Association was not simply handing out a map, but managing a hazardous operation.

The most distinctive mechanic of the event was the fragile ground. Passing by a location created fissures. If a player passed by the same location again, they would fall to a lower level of the Hollow. This meant that careless movement could literally drop investigators into a deeper, potentially more dangerous layer. Route planning therefore became essential. Players had to think about traversal order, avoid unnecessary backtracking, and decide when to push forward versus when to circle around. The mechanic turned ordinary movement into a puzzle, and it gave the Icedrift Hollow a tense, unstable identity that matched its name.

Another core feature was the progression from Easy Commissions to Hard Commissions. By entering different areas of the Icedrift Hollow and completing Easy Commissions, players unlocked Hard Commissions. In those Hard Commissions, they could collect scattered HIA data samples. The structure created a clear loop: explore, complete easier tasks, unlock tougher challenges, and gather valuable data. The HIA data samples served as both a collectible and a narrative device, tying the player's actions directly to the Hollow Investigative Association's research goals.

Rewards included Polychromes, Hamster Cage Pass, and other items. For many players, Polychromes were the main draw, because they could be used for character and W-Engine banners. Hamster Cage Pass also had clear value for progression. The event therefore offered both premium currency and practical resources, making it worth the time for eligible investigators. Completing Event Commissions was the primary way to earn these rewards, so players who wanted to maximize their gains needed to engage with the full commission structure rather than simply rushing through one area.

From a 2026 perspective, the Icedrift Hollow commission is a closed chapter. The original dates—July 24 to August 5, 2024—have passed, and the event is not currently listed as active content in Zenless Zone Zero. That means new players cannot experience it through normal means. However, the design lessons remain relevant. The fragile ground mechanic, the staged release of area information, and the Easy-to-Hard commission unlock system all show how the developers can turn a simple exploration event into a structured investigation.

For players who did participate, the event likely left a strong impression. The constant risk of falling to a lower level made every step matter. The Association's gradual information releases made the hollow feel like an evolving mystery. The HIA data samples gave each Hard Commission a concrete objective. And the rewards provided a satisfying reason to keep exploring. Even though the event is over, it remains a useful reference point for future Hollow-related content.

As of 2026, the best advice for players interested in similar events is to watch official announcements for reruns or successor commissions. Limited-time events in Zenless Zone Zero sometimes return, but there is no guarantee. Players who want to be ready should maintain their Inter-Knot level, complete main story chapters, and keep an eye on event requirements. The Icedrift Hollow commission required Inter-Knot Lv. 30 and Main Story Chapter 2 Interlude - Intermission, which means preparation matters. When a new Hollow investigation appears, being caught up on story and level progression can make the difference between participating on day one and missing the window entirely.

In summary, the Icedrift Hollow commission was a 2024 limited-time event that challenged investigators with unstable terrain, tiered commissions, and valuable rewards. Its original run is over, but its design continues to inform how players think about exploration events in Zenless Zone Zero. For 2026 players, it stands as a reminder that limited-time content can disappear quickly—and that careful route planning, both in-game and in real life, is always wise. 🧊🕳️📋