Zenless Zone Zero just made history. Version 2.5’s Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze marks the game’s first real-time co-op combat event, transforming New Eridu from a solo experience into a multiplayer battleground. Running until January 22, 2026, this limited-time event introduces Chain Overdrive mechanics, themed combat stages, and premium rewards including Polychromes and exclusive gear. Here’s your complete guide to dominating alongside fellow Proxies.
Table of Contents
Zenless Zone Zero: Event Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Duration | January 3-22, 2026 (10:00 AM Server Time) |
| Unlock Requirements | Inter-Knot Level 20 + Chapter 1 Intermission |
| Team Size | 3 Players (Solo & Co-Op Modes) |
| Difficulties | Standard, High Risk, Nightmare |
| Max Exploration Level | 18 (via Survey Data Points) |
| Total Polychromes | 1,400+ (plus Gear Boxes & materials) |
How Divine Maze Works
Two Modes, One Goal
Joint Investigation features Solo Investigation mode first, which introduces standard event stages and helps players understand core mechanics through guided combat. Once completed, Joint Investigation unlocks, allowing three-player squads to tackle progressively difficult themed stages together.
Each stage has specific objectives like executing set numbers of Ultimate attacks or landing Defensive Assists. Success requires coordination, not just individual skill—a dramatic shift from ZZZ’s traditional solo gameplay loop.
Chain Overdrive: Your Secret Weapon
The Chain Overdrive mechanic charges as players perform techniques, and when full, all three players can activate a synchronized Chain Attack dealing massive team-wide damage. Timing these devastating bursts during enemy vulnerability windows becomes the difference between victory and wipeouts, especially in Nightmare difficulty.
Fallen teammates can be revived mid-battle, maintaining team DPS and improving success rates. Unlike traditional co-op games where knockouts mean instant restarts, Divine Maze rewards teams who communicate and support each other through challenging encounters.
Three Themed Stage Mechanics
Each stage type introduces unique environmental challenges that fundamentally change combat strategy:
Blazing Thunder Stages: Lightning strikes occur during combat where players can use Perfect Assist at the right moment to redirect strikes toward enemies, dealing heavy damage to shields. Failing the timing causes strikes to hit players instead—high risk, high reward gameplay at its finest.
Joyful Blaze Stages: Meteorites continuously fall during combat, and dodging, dashing, or using Special Attacks at the right moment destroys them and releases shockwaves that heavily build Daze on enemies. Missing timing creates burning zones dealing continuous damage to the entire squad.
Pale Breath Stages: Attacking enemies and using coordinated actions gradually charge the Miasma Quelling gauge, which releases a powerful shockwave weakening enemy shields and boosting players’ basic attacks temporarily.
These mechanics reward players who master ZZZ’s combat fundamentals while introducing cooperative timing elements that solo play never demanded.
Progression System Explained
Survey Data Points & Exploration Levels
Survey Data Points are earned by completing stages in both modes and increase Exploration Level up to level 18. Each level unlocks rewards including Polychromes, Gear Boxes, and event-exclusive materials. Focus on completing varied stages rather than grinding single difficulties to maximize point acquisition.
The event grants a total of 1,400 Battle Pass EXP upon reaching exploration level 12, making it valuable for players pushing toward Battle Pass completion before season rollover.
Gears & Resoniums
These are event-exclusive gear buffs that can be equipped by agents in co-op mode. Strategic Gear selection based on team composition dramatically impacts performance—coordinate with teammates before entering stages to ensure balanced coverage across offense, defense, and utility slots.
Team Composition Strategies
For the co-op event, each player can choose one Agent from nine available characters. While the full roster remains unconfirmed, expect the selection to emphasize diverse roles ensuring teams can build balanced compositions.
Essential Roles:
- DPS Agents: Focus Chain Overdrive generation through aggressive combos
- Break Specialists: Prioritize shield destruction for vulnerability windows
- Support Characters: Provide buffs, healing, or defensive utilities
Communication through preset emotes replaces traditional text chat, making visual coordination critical. Establish simple signals for Chain Overdrive timing and revive priorities before diving into Nightmare difficulties.
Maximizing Rewards
Complete all Solo Investigation stages first to unlock the full co-op experience and understand mechanics risk-free. Afterward, prioritize Standard difficulty runs to rapidly increase Exploration Level before tackling High Risk and Nightmare for bonus rewards.
During the event, Proxies can head to Failume Heights and talk to the troubled lady to start the Joint Investigation into the Divine Maze. Check your Events menu daily for refresh timers and limited-time bonuses that increase Survey Data Point earnings.
For complete agent build recommendations optimized for co-op play, visit our ZZZ character guides and team composition strategies. Join our action RPG community for real-time co-op matchmaking and strategy discussions.
Story Quest Progression
Divine Maze features four sequential story quests unlocking throughout the event:
- Breaking Thunder: Initial exploration introducing co-op mechanics
- Joyful Blaze: Second phase investigating Papago Hollow mysteries
- Pale Breath: Third quest addressing Miasma-induced illusions
- Final Battle: Concluding encounter featuring High Risk challenges
Each quest unlocks after completing the previous stage, with story cutscenes providing context for your investigation. Budget approximately 6-8 hours for complete story progression plus co-op stage farming.
Future Implications
According to developers during the version 2.5 Special Program, there is a chance that this mode could be added as a permanent system in the future. Player feedback during this event directly influences whether co-op becomes a permanent ZZZ feature, making participation crucial for shaping the game’s multiplayer evolution.
HoYoverse appears committed to expanding ZZZ’s social features following community requests since launch. Success of Divine Maze could pave the way for permanent co-op Hollow exploration, multiplayer endgame content, and expanded social features in future updates.
The event represents more than limited-time content—it’s a beta test for ZZZ’s multiplayer infrastructure. Smart Proxies should participate extensively, providing constructive feedback through official surveys to help shape New Eridu’s cooperative future.
Ready to dive in? Download Zenless Zone Zero on PlayStation, PC, iOS, or Android and gather your squad before January 22 when Divine Maze closes its gates permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the unlock requirements for Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze in ZZZ 2.5?
Players must reach Inter-Knot Level 20 and complete Main Story Chapter 1 – Intermission to participate. The event runs from January 3-22, 2026, at server time.
How does Chain Overdrive work in Zenless Zone Zero co-op mode?
Chain Overdrive charges as all three players perform techniques during combat. When the meter fills completely, a prompt appears allowing the entire team to execute a synchronized Chain Attack dealing massive damage to all enemies simultaneously.
