You just finished the frantic battle against the Dead End Butcher. Your hands are probably still a little sweaty from dodging those massive saw blades. You’re riding that high, ready to sprint into the next major plot point of Zenless Zone Zero, but then the game hits the brakes. Hard. Suddenly, the flashy "Chapter 1 Intermission" screen pops up, and instead of a world-ending threat, you're told to go check your Inter-Knot notifications and maybe get a coffee.
It feels like a wall. Honestly, it kind of is.
The Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission is the first real test of your patience as a Proxy. It isn't just a narrative break; it’s a gate. If you aren’t at the right Inter-Knot Level (IKL), you aren't going anywhere. Most players hit this wall around Level 20 or 22, realizing they need to hit Level 26 or higher to trigger the actual meat of Chapter 2. It’s a pacing choice by HoYoverse that feels jarring compared to the breakneck speed of the early game. You’ve gone from being a legendary hacker to basically being an errand boy for New Eriu’s citizens.
But here’s the thing: if you ignore the "boring" stuff during this intermission, you’re going to be severely underleveled for the Belobog Heavy Industries arc that follows.
What is the Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission Actually For?
Basically, it’s training wheels. This segment exists to force you into the "daily life" loop of New Eriu. The developers want you to stop staring at the TV screen (the Hollow Deep Dive system) and start walking around Sixth Street.
You’ll notice that your main objective becomes "Increase your Inter-Knot Level." That’s vague. It’s annoying. But it’s where the game opens up its side content. You start seeing "Combat Commissions" and "Exploration Commissions" popping up in your schedule. This is also the period where the game introduces the "Officer Mewmew" medals and the "Trust" system with your agents.
If you just try to "mainline" the story, you'll find yourself stuck in a loop of staring at the schedule wondering why nothing is happening. You have to actively seek out the blue and yellow exclamation marks on your map.
The Inter-Knot Level 26 Barrier
Most players get frustrated because they do three side quests and realize they are still Level 23. The gap between 23 and 26 feels massive because the XP requirements start scaling.
Don't panic. You haven't run out of content.
The most efficient way to bridge this gap during the Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission is through the HIA Club. If you haven't been spending your Battery Charge (Stamina), now is the time to dump it all. Combat simulations for character XP materials and W-Engine power-ups provide a decent chunk of Inter-Knot XP. It’s a "two birds, one stone" situation—you get the levels you need to unlock the next chapter, and you ensure your team isn't getting one-shot by the mechanical bosses in the next zone.
Navigating the "Intermission" Quests
The missions you find during this time are a mixed bag. Some are genuinely funny, like helping a robot find its soul, while others are "go here, click this, come back."
The Hollow Zero Introduction: This is the big one. During the intermission, you’ll be nudged toward Scott Outpost. This is ZZZ's roguelike mode. Do not skip this. It gives massive Inter-Knot XP and unlocks the weekly rewards system. Even if you find the TV-grid movement a bit slow, the rewards here are non-negotiable for progression.
The Mewmew Challenge: Officer Mewmew is that weird cat-container thing on the corner of the street. Talk to him. He has a checklist of "achievements" for Sixth Street. Many of these are simple, like "talk to this person at night" or "fix this vending machine." They give small amounts of XP that add up quickly.
Character Story Commissions: You might see specific requests from agents like Anby or Billy. These are the "Agent Stories." They are much more narrative-focused and provide some of the best writing in the game. More importantly, they give huge chunks of XP compared to random street errands.
Managing Your Time in New Eriu
The day/night cycle in Zenless Zone Zero is actually relevant during the Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission. Some quests only appear in the "Evening" or "Midnight."
If you find yourself with no quests left and you still haven't hit the level cap for Chapter 2, go to your bed in the Random Play video store and rest. This advances the time of day. Sometimes, a new notification will only ping your Inter-Knot app once the clock moves from Afternoon to Evening.
Also, check the newsstand. Reading the daily paper can occasionally trigger a small interaction that leads to a quest. It’s these small, immersive details that fill the XP gap.
Common Misconceptions About the Intermission
A lot of people think the game is "broken" or they missed a trigger because the main quest icon disappears. It hasn't. The game is just waiting for you to hit a specific numerical value.
- "I'm stuck at Level 24 and there are no quests." Check your "Schedule" tab. Often, there is a commission hiding in there that requires you to go to a specific location (like the Construction Site) to trigger a cutscene.
- "Is this the end of the beta content?" No. While the initial release had some pacing issues, Chapter 1 Intermission is just a bridge. There are several more chapters of high-octane story waiting once you hit the Level 26-30 range.
- "Should I save my energy?" No. Spend your Battery Charge. It caps at 240. Every minute it sits at the cap, you are wasting potential Inter-Knot XP.
Preparing for the Belobog Arc
Once you finally claw your way through the Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission, you’ll be thrust into the "Unthinkable" questline involving Belobog Heavy Industries. This is a massive spike in difficulty.
The enemies here are largely mechanical. They have high physical resistance and are weak to Electric damage. If you spent your intermission time leveling up Anby and her W-Engine, you're going to have a much easier time. If you spent it just clicking through menus, you're going to struggle.
Use the intermission to "Pre-farm." Look at the ascension materials for your main DPS character. Use your daily energy in the HIA club to stock up on those specific chips. When the story finally unlocks, you don't want to be stopped again because your characters are too weak to survive the first combat encounter.
Actionable Steps to Clear the Intermission Fast
If you are currently staring at that "Level Up" prompt and feeling stuck, follow this specific order of operations. It’s the fastest way to get back to the actual story.
- Drain your Battery Charge immediately. Go to the HIA Club and run the highest level "Basic Material" simulations you can. This is the fastest source of "raw" Inter-Knot XP.
- Complete the "Hollow Zero" license levels. Even the first few tiers give massive boosts.
- Check the "Trial" tab in your menu. Often there are small character trials that offer rewards and XP for just playing a 2-minute combat stage.
- Talk to every NPC with a speech bubble. Not just the ones with icons. Sometimes, talking to a regular NPC triggers a hidden quest that won't show on the map until you interact with them.
- Eat at Turbo's. Getting a buff from the noodle shop isn't just for combat; some side quests involve interacting with the shopkeepers or trying specific dishes.
The Zenless Zone Zero Chapter 1 Intermission isn't a mistake in game design, though it feels like a speed bump. It’s the game’s way of making sure you understand the world of New Eriu before things get complicated. Once you hit that level requirement, the story picks up right where it left off, and the stakes get significantly higher. Focus on your daily tasks, keep your battery low, and keep your Inter-Knot notifications clear. You'll be back in the thick of it before you know it.
