Zenless Zone Zero Joint Investigation Event: Full Details &
Explore the Divine Maze: Joint Investigation event schedule, rewards, and co-op mechanics in Zenless Zone Zero. Find out eligibility and optimal prep.
Zoe Chen Zenless Zone Zero Joint Investigation Event: Divine Maze Co-op Rewards & Strategies
Zenless Zone Zero steps into 2026 with one of its most ambitious multiplayer events to date: the Joint Investigation into the Divine Maze. With collaborative and solo content, rare cosmetics, and advanced challenges, this event serves as a perfect snapshot of where Hoyoverse’s urban action RPG is heading, especially for players ready to push beyond the game’s opening acts.
Spoiler note: This article discusses story and event progression through Chapter 1 Intermission and beyond.
Why the Joint Investigation Event Matters Now
Launching in early 2026, the Divine Maze event is Zenless Zone Zero’s answer to those craving high-stakes co-op PvE alongside valuable one-time rewards. With escalating difficulties and exclusive titles, the event also sets a benchmark for how co-op mechanics are evolving in gacha-centric live service games.
At a Glance: Event Key Facts
- Event Duration: 2026-01-03 10:00 to 2026-01-22 03:59 (server time)
- Eligibility: Inter-Knot Level 20+ and Chapter 1 Intermission completion
- Location: Initiate at Failume Heights, speak with the event NPC
- Event Modes: Solo and Joint (multiplayer); three difficulties for Joint
- Major Rewards: Event-exclusive namecard, exclusive titles, Polychromes, upgrade materials
| Mode | Particip. | Difficulty Choices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo Investigation | Single Player | N/A | Standard solo event structure |
| Joint Investigation | Co-op (2–4?) | Standard, High Risk, Nightmare | Multiplayer; advanced teamwork needed |
(Exact party sizes for co-op are not stated in official materials; default is assumed.)
How the Divine Maze Changes the Game
Canon Sources & Event Structure
Players must speak to an unnamed troubled woman in Failume Heights to begin the investigation sequence within the Divine Maze. The event splits into two core experiences:
- Solo Investigation: A traditional single-player challenge, likely retuning familiar mechanics for individual efficiency.
- Joint Investigation: Designed for multiplayer, with selectable difficulty (Standard, High Risk, and Nightmare)—each boosting complexity, coordination requirements, and presumably, the quality of loot.
Rewards include the exclusive namecard “Maze Exit”, event titles like “Silver Thread of Dreams” and “Thin Line of Reality”, Polychromes (essential gacha currency), and a suite of upgrade items. Notably, these cosmetic and progression rewards may signal future value—past Hoyoverse patterns indicate that unique event namecards, in particular, become rare status markers after their debut.
Timeline Connections & Event Context
The requirement to reach Inter-Knot Level 20 and clear Chapter 1 Intermission positions the event for proactive, core players with a solid grasp of ZZZ’s systems. This echoes similar gating seen in Genshin Impact’s flagship co-op events and signals Hoyoverse’s intent: major competitive or social features won’t be open to absolute newcomers. While this means more dedicated players reap the best rewards, it also deepens endgame content for those invested.
Scheduling the event over almost three weeks offers a fair window for even daily logins and low-spenders to collect most rewards—especially important given the event’s infrequent nature and exclusive cosmetics.
Rewards: Exclusive Titles, Namecard, and More
The following major rewards are confirmed in official materials:
- Namecard: “Maze Exit”
- Titles: “Silver Thread of Dreams”, “Thin Line of Reality”
- Polychromes: (premium currency—quantity not specified)
- Upgrade Materials: (specifics not stated)
Quantities and full breakdowns remain unconfirmed.
F2P and Low-Spend Strategy
As Polychromes remain the universal hard-currency, maximizing event participation is essential for F2P and budget players. Expect that Nightmare mode may offer the highest rewards per clear, but require team comp optimization or reliable multiplayer partners. Even lower-tier clears, though, are worthwhile for cosmetics and currency—don’t skip if you’re not an endgame build yet.
Event Preparation Checklist
- Verify Inter-Knot Lv. 20+ and Chapter 1 Intermission completion
- Identify your roster’s strongest comps for co-op synergy (see [EarlyGG ZZZ team guides])
- Schedule playtime with friends for higher difficulties when possible
- Stock up on consumables/upgrades that boost survivability and damage in team play
- Research boss mechanics if Nightmare stages prove difficult (EarlyGG boss mechanics guide TBA)
Analysis: What the Divine Maze Teaches Us
Divine Maze is more than a test of mechanical skill—it reflects Hoyoverse’s intentions for Zenless Zone Zero’s long-term multiplayer direction. By offering unique, non-repeatable rewards and ramping up challenge, the event incentivizes both community interaction and individual preparation. The gating is significant: this is not introductory content, and the structure emphasizes endgame dedication rather than casual participation.
Prominently, cosmetic awards like event-exclusive namecards and titles also hint at a future prestige economy: these might be highly visible markers in player profiles or future online modes (subject to confirmation in future patches).
Speculative Threads (Clearly Labeled)
Unconfirmed—subject to change: If past Hoyoverse events are any guide, Joint Investigation could see reruns or tie-ins, possibly expanding on the Divine Maze’s lore or introducing new characters tied to its setting. No such plans are confirmed for 2026; all rerun speculation remains unverified until noted by official patch notes or livestreams.
What’s Next After the Divine Maze Event?
As Zenless Zone Zero matures, keep an eye on evolving event mechanics and the potential introduction of ranked or seasonal co-op. With Divine Maze raising the bar for multiplayer integration, future patches may widen eligibility or offer cross-region team play. For now, ensure progress through Chapter 1 and Inter-Knot Level 20 to secure your rewards and experience ZZZ’s most robust co-op challenge to date.
Suggested Visuals
- Screenshot of the Failume Heights event start scene (shows the event NPC and location)
- Alt text: In-game scene at Failume Heights, NPC visible for Joint Investigation initiation in Zenless Zone Zero.
- Table visual summarizing Solo vs. Joint event differences
- Alt text: Side-by-side comparison table of event modes, showing key differences for player strategy.
- Shot of the exclusive namecard/rewards screen (if available)
- Alt text: Zenless Zone Zero event rewards preview highlighting the Maze Exit namecard and titles.
For deeper strategy or co-op build theory, see [Zenless Zone Zero team compositions at EarlyGG].