As I settled into my chair, the familiar hum of my terminal mixing with the distant, ever-present sound of Hollows, I felt a surge of anticipation. It's 2026, and the news from HoYoverse just hit the network—a special program for Zenless Zone Zero Version 2.1: The Impending Crash of Waves is on the horizon. Marking my calendar for July 4th at 19:30 (UTC+8), I knew I had to be there. The official streams are always an event, a communal gathering for Proxies like myself before we dive back into the chaos of New Eridu. The promise of fresh intel on the narrative, upcoming activities, and, most crucially, new allies to recruit had my senses on high alert. The whispers about a new faction, the Spook Shack, were about to be confirmed, and two names kept circulating in the chatter: Ukinami Yuzuha and Alice Thymefield. It seemed the Anomaly Zone was calling us back to duty, and I was more than ready to answer.
The Unfolding Conspiracy & New Faces
The aftermath of the Waifei Peninsula incident still weighs heavily on my mind. Our collective efforts with the Yunkui Summit managed to avert a full-blown catastrophe, but the victory felt... hollow. The developers' teaser confirms my suspicions: the shadowy Exaltists haven't been idle. Their sinister schemes continue to weave a dark tapestry beneath the surface of New Eridu, and Version 2.1 promises to pull us deeper into this brewing conflict. The calm before the storm is over; the waves are indeed impending.
The real excitement, however, lies with the new arrivals. The Spook Shack faction is finally stepping out of the shadows. From the data fragments I've managed to decrypt:
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Ukinami Yuzuha: Intelligence suggests a combat style blending fluid, wave-like motions with precise, cutting strikes. Her connection to the overarching mystery of the Hollows is a subject of intense speculation among Proxy forums.
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Alice Thymefield: Field reports hint at a more technical, gadget-oriented approach, potentially controlling the battlefield with temporal or field-manipulation tech. The name 'Thymefield' itself sparks theories about ancient Eridu technology.
Not only will these enigmatic operatives be pivotal to the advancing plot, but they will also join our ranks as playable agents. Assembling a team with their unique skills could be the key to unraveling the Exaltists' next move. The livestream will be our first proper look at their abilities, personalities, and how they fit into our ever-growing roster.
More Than Just Polychromes: The Livestream Bonanza
Every special program is a treasure trove for a dedicated Proxy. Beyond the narrative and character reveals, HoYoverse always delivers tangible rewards. The teased "mysterious surprise" has the community buzzing—could it be a new game mode, a major system overhaul, or perhaps a glimpse of a future region? The speculation is rampant.
Of immediate practical value is the new promotional code for Polychromes that will be unveiled during the show. As someone who meticulously plans every pull, these bonus resources are invaluable. I've learned never to miss a stream; the codes are active for a limited time, and that extra currency can mean the difference between securing a new S-Rank agent or facing the sting of near misses.
Typical Livestream Rewards Table:
| Reward Type | Description | Usefulness for Proxies |
|---|---|---|
| Promo Codes | Free Polychromes & Boopons | Essential for recruiting new agents & advancing existing ones |
| Preview Content | Deep dives into character kits & events | Allows for strategic resource planning and team composition theorycrafting |
| Community Goals | Often include rewards for viewer milestones (e.g., retweets, concurrent viewers) | Fosters community spirit and nets everyone extra loot |
Operation Yum: A Global Proxy Gathering
Then came the announcement that truly blurred the line between New Eridu and our world: Operation Yum. Launching across London on July 15th, this initiative is a brilliant piece of cross-dimensional outreach. HoYoverse is inviting every Proxy to experience a taste of our digital world in reality. The featured item, the ZZZing Burger, will be available at all Butchies locations in the city.
This isn't just about food; it's a shared moment of joy, a celebration of the community that has formed around this game. I love the idea of Proxies from all over gathering, not in a chaotic Hollow, but in a vibrant city street, sharing stories and strategies over a themed meal. The in-game rewards are the perfect souvenir:
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Purchase the ZZZing Burger combo at a participating shop.
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Receive a physical scratch-off card.
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Redeem it for exclusive digital goods: A unique avatar and profile card to showcase your participation.
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Also get physical collectibles: A beautiful Zenless Zone Zero Operation Yum Series postcard and poster.
It's a masterful blend of tangible and virtual reward, appealing to the collector and the role-player in all of us. It turns a simple meal into a limited-time event, a memory forged both in and out of the game.
Gearing Up for the Future
As the clock ticks down to the July 4th livestream, my preparation begins. Clearing my schedule, ensuring my note-taking apps are ready, and connecting with my fellow Proxies in our chat groups. Version 2.1 isn't just an update; it's the next chapter in a living, breathing world we all inhabit. The story deepens, our teams expand, and the community finds new ways to connect. From the digital frontlines of the Spook Shack's introduction to the very real, savory taste of the ZZZing Burger in London, being a Proxy in 2026 is an endlessly engaging adventure. I'll be there, on stream, ready to witness The Impending Crash of Waves and, soon after, ready to savor the rewards of Operation Yum. The work of a Proxy is never done, but moments like these make the struggle against the Hollows profoundly worthwhile. 🎮🍔✨