In the bustling, neon-drenched labyrinth of New Eridu, even the smallest requests can become the most profound journeys. A quiet figure emerges from the city's endless hum, a girl cloaked in a yearning for a past she never knew. She doesn't ask for rare Bangboo parts or help with Hollow threats; her desire is simpler, yet infinitely more elusive. She seeks a glimpse into her grandfather's world through the lens of a perfect video tape, a relic from a bygone era. For the Proxy who encounters her, this is not a mission of combat but one of cultural resonance, a delicate puzzle where the only clue is a whisper of nostalgia. The city's ceaseless noise fades into the background, replaced by the soft, persistent hum of memory.
Her request hangs in the air, a riddle wrapped in sentimentality: find the old film that captures the essence of that time. No specific titles, no genre hints—just the weight of generational legacy resting on the choice of a single cassette. This quest, known as the "Nostalgic Girl's Request," has become a rite of passage for many Proxies navigating the game's intricate social web. It is a beautiful, frustrating interlude that strips away the action, reminding players that the soul of New Eridu is found not only in its chaotic Hollows but in the quiet, human connections forged between its citizens. 💿
🎬 The Cinematic Conundrum: A Guessing Game
Without clear instructions, the search becomes an exercise in educated deduction. The Proxy's inventory may hold several tapes, each labeled with intriguing names from the city's cinematic history:
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"Neon Dreams of Yesterday" (Labeled: Cult Classic)
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"Circuit Breaker's Lament" (Labeled: Action)
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"The Gutter's Symphony" (Labeled: Noir)
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"Return to Giallo City" (Labeled: Retro)
The Nostalgic Girl’s sole, cryptic criterion—it must be old—offers little guidance, as all these films hail from New Eridu's past. This ambiguity has led many to cycle through options in vain, a process untouched by one's standing or Agent Trust levels. The game offers no mechanical hints; the solution is a leap of faith, a piece of communal knowledge passed between players like a cherished secret. It underscores a core, poetic truth of Zenless Zone Zero: some answers are not found in data streams or combat logs, but in shared experience and the echoes of collective memory.
The Key to the Past: Return to Giallo City
After much trial, error, and whispered advice from fellow urban explorers, the answer crystallizes. The only tape that satisfies the Nostalgic Girl's deep-seated longing is the one bearing the stark, evocative title: "Return to Giallo City." Why this particular retro film resonates with her grandfather's era remains a mystery—a narrative breadcrumb left for players to interpret. Perhaps its aesthetic, a love letter to a specific cinematic style lost to time, perfectly encapsulates the sensory memory she seeks. Presenting this cassette is the definitive key.
The moment of handover is quiet, devoid of fanfare. Yet, in that simple exchange, a bridge is built across decades. The girl's gratitude is its own reward, but the tangible benefits of completing her poignant request are significant for any Proxy building their reputation in 2026:
| Reward Type | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Denny | Provides currency for the game's latest banner pulls and agent advancements. |
| Materials | Crucial components for refining builds and preparing teams for upcoming, challenging Hollow raids. |
| Unlocked Content | Opens the door to more complex, goal-oriented client requests with greater rewards. |
This quest is a gateway. By honoring this personal piece of history, the Proxy proves their worth beyond mere muscle, gaining access to a deeper layer of New Eridu's endless opportunities.
A Lasting Legacy of Lore
As of 2026, the quest remains as it was first discovered—a beautifully oblique test of intuition. HoYoverse has shown no indication of re-translating or simplifying the Nostalgic Girl's dialogue, preserving its charm and challenge. This serves as a gentle reminder to all Proxies: in a world of flashing quest markers and clear objectives, some of the most rewarding paths require patience, community, and a willingness to engage with the city's soul on its own terms.
For those just beginning their journey, let the Nostalgic Girl's request be a lesson. It teaches one to listen not just to the words, but to the silence between them; to value connection over conquest. In the ever-evolving landscape of Zenless Zone Zero, where new Agents and Hollows emerge with each update, these foundational human stories remain the constant, beating heart. So, when you next wander the streets of Sixth Street and hear a whisper of the past, remember the girl and her tape. Sometimes, the most powerful artifact isn't a weapon, but a memory, perfectly preserved.