Zenless Zone Zero Marks “Almost” First Anniversary with Major Version 2.0 Update and Xbox Series Console Launch

I’m diving into the chaos of New Eridu today, where Zenless Zone Zero decided to throw a giant bash for its first anniversary. Picture this: Version 2.0 launches, finally giving us that Xbox port everyone’s been begging for, and there’s a log-in event that’s basically handing out free stuff like it’s a candy parade. Free S-Rank Agents, free S-Rank W-Engine—whatever that means—and 1,600 Polychrome, which I guess translates to 10 pulls on the gacha. Honestly, I didn’t even know I needed an exclusive title and avatar until they offered it.

I mean, can you believe it’s almost been a year since Zenless hit the scene? Okay, technically, the birthday’s not for another month—July 4, 2024, if you’re counting—but HoYo’s in the habit of doing six-week cycles, so anniversaries always crash the party a bit early. Apparently, they want to make sure you have 40 days to hoard all those bonuses. I’m not complaining.

Anyway—oh wait, gotta mention this odd little tidbit. Zenless Zone Zero’s this sci-fi urban RPG where siblings Belle and Wise run a retro video store that’s a front for… wait for it… escorting Agents through crazy danger zones called “Hollows.” Sounds intense, right? Here’s the twist: Belle and Wise are more like NPCs when you’re out exploring; the real action is with the Agent characters in the thick of battle. Bucking the trend, y’know?

Now, Version 2.0 is launching this whole second season story. It’s supposed to dive deeper into the mysteries we’ve been mulling over for a year. Oh, and we’re meeting two new Agents: Yixuan—an S-Rank—who shows up with this brand-new damage type, a “Rupture Agent,” no less. Then there’s Pan Yinhu at A-Rank. They’re also introducing the 11th faction, Yunkui Summit. So, new faces, new drama.

But, oh hey! Big news: Zenless is finally hitting Xbox Series consoles and Xbox Cloud Gaming. It was already on PC, PS5, and mobile, so this feels like a long time coming. And for the collectors out there, there’s Yixuan making her crashing debut with a first-time rerun of Astra Yao. Pan Yinhu will stick around once the anniversary buzz dies down.

Sneaking in here is this backdrop of drama with the folks at HoYoverse. They’re in the middle of a spat with US-based voice actors. A bunch has been switched out across their titles, including a heap from Zenless. The actors are hopping mad on social media, linking it to strike action over AI practices. HoYoverse, though, is playing it cool, blaming “recording scheduling arrangements.” Hmm, kinda makes you wonder what’s really cooking behind the scenes.