HoYoverse has officially revealed two fresh faces joining the roster in the upcoming Zenless Zone Zero version 3.0 update. Velina and Norma arrive as part of a major content expansion that promises deeper story arcs, challenging new Hollow explorations, and expanded gameplay systems for Proxies across New Eridu.
The announcement came through an official developer livestream and teaser trailer, sparking immediate buzz among the community. Version 3.0 is shaping up to be one of the largest updates yet, with these two agents positioned as key players in a new narrative chapter centered on forgotten urban legends and high-stakes faction alliances.
Meet Velina: The Electric Enigma
Velina debuts as an S-rank Anomaly agent specializing in Electric damage. Styled as a sleek, tech-savvy operative with a mysterious past, she brings a striking visual design that blends cyberpunk elegance with street fashion. Her long silver hair flows under a hooded jacket adorned with glowing circuit patterns, and her combat animations emphasize fluid, lightning-fast strikes that chain into area-wide disruptions.
In battle, Velina excels at building Electric Anomaly stacks to trigger chain reactions that stun groups of enemies while boosting team Ether efficiency. Her signature move, "Pulse Cascade," unleashes a surging wave of electricity that marks foes for follow-up attacks from squad members. Fans can expect her to pair exceptionally well with existing Electric specialists and support agents focused on crowd control.
Lore-wise, Velina hails from a secretive research collective operating on the fringes of New Eridu. Her recruitment into the Proxy network hints at larger threats emerging from corrupted data streams within the Hollows. Voice lines suggest a calm yet calculating personality, with dry humor that lightens tense moments during commissions.
Meet Norma: The Steadfast Guardian
Norma enters as an A-rank Support agent with an Ice attribute. Her design draws from rugged, everyday New Eridu life: a sturdy build, practical winter gear layered over work overalls, and a tool belt packed with repair gadgets. Short-cropped auburn hair and a no-nonsense expression complete her look as the reliable backbone of any squad.
Her kit focuses on defensive utility and team sustain. Norma’s abilities generate protective Ice shields that absorb incoming damage and gradually restore energy for the active agent. Her ultimate, "Frost Anchor," deploys a stationary field that slows enemy movement while providing continuous healing and resistance buffs to allies within range. This makes her an ideal pick for players tackling difficult endgame content or prolonged Hollow dives.
Story integration reveals Norma as a former Hollow maintenance technician who survived a catastrophic incident that left her with enhanced Ice manipulation abilities. Her grounded, straightforward demeanor contrasts nicely with more flamboyant agents, offering heartfelt dialogue that explores themes of resilience and community support in the face of New Eridu’s dangers.
What Version 3.0 Means for Players
Both characters will launch alongside dedicated banners in the gacha system, complete with signature W-Engines and Drive Disc sets tailored to their playstyles. Early access details indicate Velina will headline the first phase, followed by Norma in the second. The update also introduces new story quests, a fresh commission hub, and balance adjustments to existing agents to better accommodate these additions.
Gameplay trailers showcased seamless integration into real-time combat, with environmental interactions that highlight their unique attributes. Community reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how the duo expands team-building options for both casual and competitive players.
HoYoverse confirmed that version 3.0 will roll out in the coming weeks, with full patch notes and exact dates to follow in upcoming announcements. Proxies are encouraged to prepare their Inter-Knot accounts for the influx of new commissions and events tied to Velina and Norma’s arrival.
This expansion continues Zenless Zone Zero’s tradition of delivering stylish, story-rich content that keeps the streets of New Eridu feeling alive and unpredictable. Whether you main Attack teams or prefer defensive setups, these new agents look set to shake up the meta in exciting ways. Stay tuned for more details as the launch approaches.