Zenless Zone Zero Shadow Chase Showdown Adds VR Stages

Zenless Zone Zero opens Shadow Chase Showdown at 10:00 server time on September 16, 2026. The combat event remains available until October 5 at 03:59 server time and is part of Version 3.2 Their Secret Histories.

Players need Inter-Knot Lv. 20 and must have completed Main Story Chapter 1 - Intermission. Once those conditions are met, the event route begins in Lumina Square with Nangong Yu. Players then head to the HIA and find Lyla to access the new VR Challenge stages.

Shadow Chase Showdown contains nine VR stages split between two different formats. Six are Alliance stages and three are Special Offensive stages.

The event does not make the complete set available on the first day. One new themed stage opens each day. The Special Offensive stages also unlock progressively as the event moves forward.

This structure spreads the combat objectives across the event period rather than presenting all nine challenges at once.

Alliance stages have a stage-specific Buff Effect. Players can use that mechanic to improve their performance and work toward higher ratings.

These stages also provide trial characters. Players can choose from the available trial Agents and Bangboo offered by the challenge before entering combat.

The difference is important because Special Offensive removes the broader trial-team selection available in Alliance. Those stages are built around the characters HoYoverse provides for the challenge.

The three Special Offensive stages use a new score-based format. Simply finishing the fight is not the only factor. Players earn points by dealing damage and by performing specific combat techniques.

The final score contains three separate components:

• Damage Score, earned through damage dealt during the stage.
• Technique Score, earned by executing the techniques recognized by the challenge.
• Time Coefficient, which changes according to the time taken to complete the stage.

This means a high score depends on more than raw damage. Players also need to use the intended techniques and finish efficiently.

Technique Combos add another layer to the Special Offensive scoring system when Claret is used. Performing different techniques with Claret within the required time window builds the combo.

Maintaining that sequence increases the score through an additional multiplier. The system also requires continuous execution. If no applicable technique is used for too long, the Technique Combo state ends and the multiplier is lost.

Special Offensive stages replace the Alliance Buff Effect system with their own Tactical Buff. HoYoverse specifically directs players to make use of these stage mechanics when attempting to improve their ratings.

Because the Special Offensive stages also lock the available roster to assigned trial Agents, the challenge centers on understanding the supplied team, using the Tactical Buff and performing the techniques required by the scoring system.

For Claret stages, keeping Technique Combos active adds another objective on top of damage and clear speed.

Shadow Chase Showdown rewards players for completing its challenge objectives. HoYoverse confirms Polychromes and a Tuning Calibrator among the event rewards, along with additional items.

The September 14 event notice does not publish a complete stage-by-stage reward quantity table. The confirmed reward structure is therefore tied to completing the event challenges rather than simply entering the VR stages.

Note: Shadow Chase Showdown closes on October 5 at 03:59 server time. Players need to meet the Inter-Knot and Main Story requirements before entering the event.