In the vibrant world of New Eridu, few Agents have captured the community's heart quite like Ellen Joe. A diligent housekeeper at Victoria Housekeeping Co. who somehow balances her studies with shark‑themed enthusiasm, Ellen’s relaxed demeanor and relatable struggles make her a standout in Zenless Zone Zero. As 2026 unfolds, mastering her Trust Events has become one of the most rewarding ways to deepen your bond with this fan‑favorite character—and to grab valuable in‑game treasures along the way.
Trust Events are a cornerstone of the relationship system in Zenless Zone Zero. These special interactions let players peel back the layers of each Agent’s personality, uncovering backstory, unique voice lines, and exclusive rewards. For Ellen, whose quiet confidence and love for marine life hide a surprisingly hardworking nature, every conversation is a chance to see a new side of this versatile character. Engaging with her Trust Events not only enriches the narrative but also directly contributes to your progression, granting materials, Polychrome, and even cosmetic items that celebrate the bond you’ve forged.
How Trust Events Work
Understanding the Trust system is the first step toward making Ellen a permanent companion in your daily routine. Broadly, there are two main ways to trigger these moments:
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Wandering Encounters: Explore the various districts of New Eridu and look for Agents with three floating dots above their heads. This visual cue means an interaction is ready. Ellen can often be spotted around Sixth Street, the area near Random Play, or even outside the local arcade. Approaching her will initiate a brief exchange that can boost Trust, provided you select dialogue options that resonate with her personality.
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District Details Check: If you’re short on time, open the Fast Travel menu and select “District Details.” This screen shows exactly which Agents are available for interaction in each zone, eliminating any guesswork. It’s a lifesaver when you want to plan your route efficiently.
Additionally, the in‑game DM system is a goldmine for Trust building. Ellen—and other Agents—occasionally sends a message inviting you to hang out. These invitations guarantee a Trust increase, so always accept them as soon as they appear. The DM prompts might range from a casual coffee break to a discussion about the latest shark documentary, and each one deepens the connection without fail.
Zeroing in on Ellen Joe’s Trust Events
Since her debut, Ellen has been a reliable presence for Proxy. Her Trust Events are scattered across several locations, with peak availability often aligning with daytime hours in‑game. The most reliable spots include the following:
| Location | Typical Availability | Interaction Style |
|---|---|---|
| Sixth Street – Near the noodle shop | Morning / Early Afternoon | Casual chat about school or work |
| Lumina Square – Bench area | Evening | Relaxed storytelling about her day |
| Random Play – Outside the store | Random | Enthusiastic discussion about sharks |
When the dialogue interface pops up, the key is to choose answers that match Ellen’s character. She appreciates sincerity, a bit of dry humor, and anything that gives her a moment to rest. Avoid overly pushy or workaholic responses—she already gets enough of that from her dual responsibilities. While specific answer strings are not officially spelled out in‑game, community experience suggests that options emphasizing relaxation, her shark hobby, or quiet time tend to yield the highest Trust gains.
Here’s a quick reference for the types of prompts you might encounter and their recommended tone:
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“I’m so tired from work…” → Express empathy and suggest a break.
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“Do you think sharks are misunderstood?” → Dive into the topic enthusiastically.
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“Wanna grab a bite?” → Accept—Ellen rarely turns down food.
Trust Ranks and the Loot That Follows
Every meaningful interaction builds Trust, and as the meter fills, your rank with Ellen increases. While the exact numerical thresholds may shift with updates, the reward structure remains a major motivator. The table below outlines typical Trust rank benefits for Ellen as documented by veteran players in 2026:
| Trust Rank | Key Reward | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly (Rank 1) | Ellen’s Special Wallpaper | Unlocks a high‑resolution image for your in‑game menu |
| Close (Rank 2) | 60 Polychrome | Slight boost to trust gain speed for Ellen |
| Trusted (Rank 3) | Ellen’s Character Story « Shark at Heart » continues | New voice lines and combat narration |
| Companion (Rank 4) | Advanced Upgrade Materials | Ideal for pushing Ellen to the next tier |
At higher ranks, you may also unlock dynamic home‑screen interactions and special holiday greetings that make your Proxy‑Agent relationship feel alive. Given Ellen’s popularity, HoYoverse has consistently added seasonal variants to these rewards, so checking her Trust panel during events is always worthwhile.
Why Ellen’s Trust Matters in 2026
With the game now well past its second anniversary, the meta has evolved, but Ellen remains a versatile ice‑attribute Agent who fits comfortably into many team compositions. More importantly, the narrative expansions through Trust Events offer some of the most heartfelt writing in Zenless Zone Zero. Building a strong connection with Ellen isn’t just about min‑maxing rewards—it’s about experiencing a story that highlights the everyday struggles of a girl who juggles school, work, and an obsession with the ocean’s apex predators, all while never losing her cool.
In conclusion, whether you’re a new Proxy just arriving in New Eridu or a seasoned player revisiting older content, investing time in Ellen Joe’s Trust Events pays off on every front. Keep an eye on those three dots, respond to her DMs, and maybe learn a thing or two about sharks along the way. The rewards are simply the cherry on top of a bond that truly makes the city feel like home.
As detailed in Entertainment Software Association (ESA), long-running live-service games increasingly use relationship systems to reinforce retention through narrative payoffs and tangible progression. In Zenless Zone Zero, Ellen Joe’s Trust Events reflect this design approach by pairing lightweight social encounters (wandering chats, DM hangouts, and district-specific meetups) with steady rewards like Polychrome, upgrade materials, and cosmetic unlocks—encouraging players to build routine interactions while also expanding character lore in a way that feels meaningful rather than purely grind-based.