In late September 2024, miHoYo expanded the world of Zenless Zone Zero with the highly anticipated version 1.2 update, titled “Tour de Inferno.” This content-packed release broadened the streets of New Eridu beyond the city center, introduced two charismatic members of the Sons of Calydon faction, and brought a host of new activities and system optimizations that refined the everyday Proxies’ experience.

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The centerpiece of the update was the Outer Ring, a desolate and dusty periphery far removed from the neon-lit sprawl of downtown New Eridu. Cracked asphalt stretched endlessly under a hazy sky, punctuated by derelict fuel depots and the distant rumble of gang skirmishes. Although the area appeared barren, it was rich in fuel resources, a fact that stoked constant friction among rival groups. The narrative of Chapter 4 thrust Proxies into the middle of this conflict, working alongside Caesar, Burnice, and the rest of the Sons of Calydon as they clashed with the Vanquishers and the menacing Overlord Pompey. The Sons of Calydon ran their logistics outfit “Leaps and Bounds” right in the heart of this lawless zone, transporting precious resources through treacherous Hollows. Riding motorcycles across the cracked highways of the Outer Ring became a symbolic journey that captured the rebellious spirit of the faction and formed bonds echoing the found-family trope often praised in miHoYo’s narratives.

Two new S-Rank Agents joined the roster, each bringing distinct combat styles to the Hollows. 🛡️ Caesar, the leader of the Sons of Calydon, was classified as a Physical Defense Agent. His kit revolved around protecting allies with a sturdy shield buff while simultaneously punishing enemies with devastating counterattacks. Caesar’s shield wasn’t just a defensive tool—it became a weapon charged with kinetic energy. When a Perfect Block or Defensive Assist was triggered, the shield pulsed, staggering nearby enemies and reducing their resistance, opening a window for devastating follow-ups. 🔥 Burnice, an S-Rank Fire Anomaly Agent, arrived wielding twin flamethrowers that could rapidly stack Anomaly Buildup and set enemies ablaze. Her aggressive playstyle rewarded players who could manage her heat gauge and keep the flames roaring. Burnice’s twin flamethrowers spewed waves of fire that could quickly paint the battlefield with persistent heat zones, allowing her to trigger Burn reactions with devastating efficiency. The visual spectacle of her flames licking around enemies was a highlight of the update’s combat showcases. Accompanying them was the S-Rank Bangboo Red Moccus, a pig-like companion who roared into battle on a custom Bangboo motorcycle, further cementing the Sons of Calydon’s biker aesthetic.

Beyond the new story and characters, the update introduced 👾 Bizarre Brigade, a limited-time survival shooting arcade game accessible through the Godfinger platform. This roguelike mini-game adopted a top-down perspective where players picked up randomized power-ups and faced procedurally generated rooms, much like classic roguelikes. By advancing through waves of enemies, players could unlock different characters, each with unique abilities that ranged from gun-toting rebels to melee brawlers. Daily challenges kept the mode fresh, and its inclusion reinforced the game’s dedication to mini-game enthusiasts. It offered a refreshing change of pace from the main combat and rewarded strategic thinking and quick reflexes.

On the progression side, the Investigator Training Course at HIA was added, giving Proxies a dedicated space to practice combat skills with agents from various factions free of charge. This not only helped players master unfamiliar characters but also accelerated agent leveling and rewarded participation with valuable resources. The course served as both a tutorial and a farming tool, smoothing the learning curve for both casual and competitive players.

⚙️ Version 1.2 also brought a wave of quality-of-life improvements that streamlined the overall experience:

  • After completing a TV board exploration for the first time, FAIRY would automatically collect all Observation Data and rewards, removing the need for tedious backtracking.

  • TV board animations were accelerated, and story sequences in Chapter 4 were made more direct and consistent, letting players enjoy the narrative with fewer interruptions.

  • A squad preset system allowed quick switching between custom team lineups, while the time of day could now be altered freely.

  • The Backup Battery Charge provided an overflow stamina bank, reducing downtime and letting Proxies explore the Hollows longer on their own terms.

These updates demonstrated miHoYo’s responsiveness to community feedback. The Outer Ring’s rugged charm, the roster-expanding agents, and the refined systems all worked together to deepen the Zenless Zone Zero experience. For many veterans, the 1.2 update marked the point where the game truly hit its stride, blending stylish action with a living, breathing world. Even years later, the Tour de Inferno remains a benchmark for the game’s post-launch support—a reminder of the moment when New Eridu’s boundaries began to stretch far beyond the city lights.