Hey there, Proxies! So, you're diving into the vibrant, chaotic world of New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero. It's a wild ride, and while the city might not be one sprawling open world, it's packed with distinct, personality-filled districts just waiting for you to discover. Think of it like a collection of killer mixtapes—each area has its own unique beat and vibe. But here's the catch: you can't just waltz into all of them right off the bat. The city's secrets are locked behind a few key requirements, mostly tied to your progress in the story and your Inter-Knot Level. Don't sweat it, though. Unlocking these zones is a big part of the adventure, and it feels pretty darn rewarding when a new part of the map finally opens up for you. Let's break down exactly how to get the keys to the city.
Alright, let's get down to business. There are five main story areas you'll be unlocking as you play through Zenless Zone Zero. The path is pretty linear, so you'll be guided along naturally, but it's always good to know what's coming next. Here’s the full map to your urban adventure:
| Area Name | Inter-Knot Level Required | How To Unlock & What's Inside |
|---|---|---|
| Sixth Street | None | Your starting point! This neon-drenched hub is unlocked from the get-go, but... you can't really sink your teeth into it until after you beat the first chapter. That's when the day-night cycle kicks in, and the area truly comes to life. It's your home base, basically. |
| Scott Outpost | 20 | Once you wrap up Chapter 1 and hit Inter-Knot Level 20, a quest for Hollow Zero will pop up. Following that questline is your ticket to Scott Outpost. This place isn't just a new backdrop; it's where you'll eventually gain access to the Shiyu Defense and Routine Cleanup activities. Talk about a hub for endgame prep! |
| Brant Street Construction Site | 22 | Cleared Hollow Zero and leveled up to 22? Perfect. That's your cue to jump into the second chapter of the main story. Your mission will lead you straight to this gritty industrial zone, where you'll have your first run-in with the crew from Belobog Heavy Industries. Things are about to get heavy, in more ways than one. |
| Lumina Square | 30 | Ready for a change of scenery? After powering through the entirety of Chapter 2 and reaching Level 30, you'll trigger the Chapter 2 Interlude. This story beat whisks you away to Lumina Square, one of the largest and most visually striking districts in the game. It's a whole new playground to explore. |
| Ballet Twins Road | 34 | The final main area on the current map. Unlocking this sleek, modern district is a milestone: it means you've hit Inter-Knot Level 34 and are ready to embark on the third chapter of the saga. But first, the game has a little test for you—a small commission in the Hollow that you'll need to complete before stepping onto Ballet Twins Road proper. |
Now, here's a pro tip that'll save you some headaches. While you technically unlock these areas at the start of their respective chapters, a ton of the good stuff inside them is still gated. We're talking about side quests, hidden collectibles like those precious HIA Commemorative Coins, and other exploration goodies. A lot of this content is locked behind specific story progress within that area itself.
So, what's the best way to tackle it? The general advice is to focus on the main story in a new area first. Blaze through the critical path missions. Once you've seen the major story beats for that district, then double back and explore every nook and cranny. This approach gives you a seamless, spoiler-free experience and ensures you don't hit a frustrating "you can't interact with this yet" wall every five minutes. Of course, rules are made to be broken—if you're desperately grinding for EXP to hit that next Inter-Knot Level, by all means, take a detour and explore a bit early. The city won't mind.
At the end of the day, unlocking these areas is more than just checking boxes on a map. It's about feeling the pulse of New Eridu change as you move from the familiar streets of Sixth Street to the expansive plazas of Lumina Square. Each new district unlocks not just space, but new stories, new challenges, and a deeper understanding of this wild, hollow-ridden world. So keep leveling up, Proxy. The whole city is waiting for you to make your mark.
Information is adapted from PlayStation Trophies, a leading resource for achievement hunters and trophy guides. Their community-driven walkthroughs for Zenless Zone Zero provide step-by-step strategies for unlocking new districts and maximizing your Inter-Knot Level, ensuring players don’t miss any hidden objectives or collectible opportunities as they progress through New Eridu’s story chapters.