I’ve been deep in the Hollows as a Proxy since the early days, and honestly, nothing gets the community buzzing like a fresh character trailer from HoYoverse. Today’s drop is one for the books — an electrifying new look at Billy, the smooth-talking cyborg and proud member of the Gentle House (otherwise known as the Cunning Hares). This demo, titled “It’s Showtime!”, reminds us exactly why Billy has remained such a beloved part of Zenless Zone Zero’s ever-expanding roster.
If you’ve spent any time wandering New Eridu’s back alleys, you already know Billy. He’s got that carefree, devil-may-care attitude that makes him impossible to dislike — and an obsession with the fictional Starlight Knight series that borders on adorable. In the trailer, he doesn’t just reference his favorite show; he practically lives it. He calls himself a Starlight Knight, recites iconic lines with utter seriousness, and treats every skirmish like a stage performance. It’s all part of his charm.
Then there are his weapons. Billy affectionately refers to his twin high-caliber revolvers as “the girls” — and yes, he talks to them. In the trailer, you’ll catch him murmuring words of encouragement to his firearms mid-combat, as if they’re trusted companions. It’s quirky, but it’s also a brilliant bit of character building. You feel that bond, and it makes every stylish dodge and rapid-fire combo feel personal.
Before I dive deeper into the trailer itself, let’s set the stage for those who are new to this chaotic world. Zenless Zone Zero takes place after contemporary civilization was shattered by a supernatural catastrophe called the Hollows. These reality-warping zones swallowed entire cities, leaving behind a dangerous new order. But from the ruins, New Eridu rose — the last beacon of modern society, built on technologies specifically designed to explore and exploit the Hollows. As a Proxy, players like us guide squads into these perilous dimensions, piecing together secrets and battling the enigmatic Ethereals.
The combat system is where the game truly shines. It’s a fluid, cinematic spectacle that blends real-time action with chain attacks, perfect dodges, and ultimate abilities. Every character feels distinct, and Billy exemplifies the high-mobility gunslinger archetype. His fighting style revolves around acrobatic leaps, rapid gunfire, and crowd-control abilities that harken back to classic arcade shooters. The trailer highlights his ability to juggle enemies mid-air while peppering them with bullets, all without breaking a sweat.
Speaking of the trailer — “It’s Showtime!” opens with Billy walking through a dimly lit corridor, humming the Starlight Knight theme. The atmosphere quickly shifts as he is ambushed by a squad of thugs. What follows is a ballet of bullets and one-liners. Billy twirls between enemy strikes, unleashes a barrage that paints the screen with neon muzzle flashes, and caps it off by striking a heroic pose. The editing is razor-sharp, syncing each gunshot with a beat of the background track. It’s less a character demo and more a miniature action movie.
By 2026, Zenless Zone Zero has firmly established itself as a mainstay in the ARPG genre. Available on PC, Android, and consoles, the game receives regular content updates that introduce new story chapters, limited-time events, and of course, character trailers that expand the lore. The community remains incredibly active, with whole forums dedicated to dissecting each new reveal. Billy’s trailer, for instance, immediately sparked discussions about potential Starlight Knight-themed skins and even a possible crossover event. A lot of players are hoping his energetic persona gets translated into a rhythm-based mini-game — and honestly, I’m right there with them.
What stands out to me after watching this trailer multiple times is how HoYoverse continues to nail character personality through pure visual storytelling. Billy doesn’t need a lengthy backstory monologue; everything is telegraphed through his movement, his dialogue snippets, and the way he lovingly pats his revolvers after a fight. It’s economical and deeply effective. Plus, the voice acting (available in multiple languages) adds layers of nuance. His English VA delivers that theatrical bravado perfectly, while the Japanese performance leans harder into the tokusatsu hero vibe.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how the Gentle House faction evolves. With Billy, Anby, and Nicole already fan favorites, the dynamic between the Cunning Hares could drive some of the most compelling narrative arcs in upcoming updates. Rumor has it that a co-op raid mode is in testing, and a character like Billy — with his crowd-control specialization — would absolutely dominate in that environment.
For now, this trailer serves as both a nostalgic nod for day-one players and an open invitation to newcomers. If you haven’t yet descended into New Eridu’s neon-drenched streets, 2026 is as good a year as any to start. Billy’s “It’s Showtime!” trailer perfectly encapsulates the game’s core appeal: stylish action, unforgettable characters, and a world that feels alive with danger and charm. I’ll be rewatching it until the next character reveal drops — and knowing HoYoverse, that won’t be far off.