The Illuminating Mystery

Zhao’s very name hints at her potential significance in the game’s narrative. In Mandarin, “照” (Zhào) translates to “to shine” or “to illuminate,” suggesting she may play a pivotal role in shedding light on the mysteries surrounding New Eridu and the dangerous Hollows that threaten the last human metropolis.

What makes Zhao particularly intriguing is the stark contrast between her diminutive, rabbit-like appearance and the oversized weapon she wields. This juxtaposition has led many players to speculate about hidden depths to her character—perhaps superhuman strength or abilities that belie her small stature.

The Void Hunter Theory

The most prominent theory circulating within the ZZZ community centers on Zhao potentially being a “Void Hunter”—a prestigious title reserved for extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to combating the threats from the Hollows. While this remains unconfirmed by official sources, several factors fuel this speculation:

• Her distinctive design that sets her apart from typical NPCs
• The mysterious circumstances surrounding her introduction
• Her apparent combat capabilities despite her size
• The attention she receives in promotional materials

However, the community remains divided on this theory, with some players proposing alternative candidates for the next Void Hunter or questioning whether the available evidence truly supports Zhao filling this role.

Future Playability and Community Anticipation

Perhaps the most exciting prospect for ZZZ players is the strong indication that Zhao will eventually become a playable character. Leaks and community discussions suggest she could debut as early as Version 2.3, potentially alongside other mysterious characters like Alice and Fu Bo You Ye.

The anticipation surrounding her potential playability has created a buzz within the community, with players eagerly theorizing about her combat style, abilities, and how she might fit into existing team compositions. Her partnership dynamics with other characters—particularly comparisons drawn to successful character pairings in HoYoverse’s other titles—suggest she could bring unique gameplay mechanics to the table.

A Character That Embodies ZZZ’s Appeal

Zhao represents everything that makes Zenless Zone Zero compelling: mysterious lore, striking character design, and the promise of deeper narrative revelations. Her rabbit-like appearance combined with her apparent combat prowess creates an immediately memorable character that stands out in a crowded field of action RPG protagonists.

As New Eridu continues to face threats from the Hollows, characters like Zhao remind players that in this world, appearances can be deceiving—and even the smallest figures might cast the longest shadows. Whether she ultimately proves to be a Void Hunter, a key story character, or something entirely unexpected, one thing is certain: Zhao has already secured her place as one of ZZZ’s most intriguing mysteries.

For now, players can only wait and theorize about this illuminating character who promises to bring new light to the shadows of New Eridu’s complex narrative landscape.