In 2026, the dust has settled on one of Zenless Zone Zero's more unusual limited-time events: the Hollow Deep Dive System. Back in October 2024, Proxies were tasked with capturing viruses and repairing corrupted data records, a premise that sounded more like a cyber-thriller than a gacha event. The event ran from 2024/10/16 10:00:00 to 2024/10/28 03:59:59 server time, giving players roughly twelve days to beat the clock. To participate, Proxies needed to reach Inter-Knot Lv. ≥15 and complete the Agent Story 'Mole in the Hole (I).' That was no small feat for newcomers, but veterans jumped through those hoops without breaking a sweat.

At its core, the event used the Hollow Deep Dive System as a framing device. Players did not simply fight enemies; they acted as digital exterminators, capturing viruses and restoring data records that had been corrupted. 🦠 The structure encouraged daily engagement. One new zone became available every day, and each zone was split into two difficulties: surface repairs and deep repairs. Completing a zone's surface repairs unlocked its deep repairs. This two-step design meant Proxies could not rush everything on day one. They had to return, chip away at the corruption, and slowly uncover the full picture.

Each zone contained specific viruses that could be captured there. After collecting a specified number of a type of virus, its records could be repaired for browsing. That collection loop gave the event a Pokemon-like 'gotta catch 'em all' flavor, though the creatures here were malicious code rather than cute monsters. The repair mechanic also added narrative flavor: every restored record likely shed light on the Hollow Deep Dive System's deeper mysteries. For lore hunters, that was the real bang for their buck.

Progression came in the form of the Capture Program. During the event, Proxies could increase their collection progress to earn Capture Program EXP. After the Capture Program leveled up, its Program Performance improved. Upon reaching certain levels, it gained Code Modules with special abilities. This created a satisfying feedback loop: capture viruses, repair records, level up the program, unlock modules, and become more efficient at capturing and repairing. It was a classic 'the rich get richer' system, but in a good way. Players who invested time early likely found later zones much more manageable.

Completing event stages rewarded Tuning Calibrators, Polychromes, and other items. In Zenless Zone Zero, Polychromes are the premium currency used for pulls, so their presence made the event a priority for free-to-play and low-spending Proxies alike. 💎 Tuning Calibrators also held value for players refining their W-Engines. The event did not just offer busywork; it offered meaningful account progression. For many, that was enough reason to go the extra mile.

A quick breakdown helps clarify the event's moving parts:

Feature	Detail
Event period	2024/10/16 10:00:00 – 2024/10/28 03:59:59 (server time)
Entry requirements	Inter-Knot Lv. ≥15; complete Agent Story 'Mole in the Hole (I)'
Core activity	Capture viruses and repair corrupted data records via the Hollow Deep Dive System
Zone structure	One new zone daily; each zone has surface repairs and deep repairs
Unlock rule	Complete surface repairs to unlock deep repairs
Virus collection	Each zone has specific viruses; collect a set number to repair records
Progression	Capture Program EXP; level-ups improve Program Performance; Code Modules at certain levels
Rewards	Tuning Calibrators, Polychromes, and other rewards

In 2026, this event is water under the bridge. The limited-time window closed on October 28, 2024, and there has been no permanent version of the Hollow Deep Dive System event available to all players. That means any modern player searching for a guide will find only archival information. The event cannot be replayed unless HoYoverse announces a rerun or a similar Hollow Deep Dive revival. Players should always check the current in-game events tab and official notices, because 2026's Zenless Zone Zero has moved far beyond the 1.x era. Old guides may still explain mechanics, but they cannot grant access to expired rewards.

That said, the event remains a fascinating snapshot of HoYoverse's design philosophy. It combined daily gating, collection, meta-progression, and lore delivery into a compact package. The surface/deep repair split encouraged players to master a zone before moving on. The virus collection gave completionists a clear checklist. The Capture Program's Code Modules offered a sense of growing power without relying solely on character strength. It was not a piece of cake for casual players, but it rewarded consistency.

For Proxies in 2026, the lesson is simple: limited-time events come and go. Missing one can feel like a punch in the gut, especially when Polychromes are on the line. But the Hollow Deep Dive System also shows how ZZZ experiments with nontraditional gameplay. If a similar event returns, players should prioritize Inter-Knot leveling and Agent Story completion early. Those prerequisites are often the biggest hurdles. Once inside, capturing viruses and repairing records becomes a matter of routine.

Ultimately, the Hollow Deep Dive System event was a memorable chapter in Zenless Zone Zero's first year. It asked Proxies to be part-time hackers, part-time exterminators, and full-time completionists. In 2026, the event's servers have long gone quiet, but its structure still offers lessons for future limited-time content. For veterans, it is a nostalgic badge of honor. For newcomers, it is a reminder to keep an eye on the event calendar and never sleep on Inter-Knot levels. After all, in New Eridu, the early bird catches the virus.

Data referenced from HowLongToBeat helps contextualize why Zenless Zone Zero’s Hollow Deep Dive System felt so time-sensitive: when an event drip-feeds one zone per day and locks “deep repairs” behind “surface repairs,” the practical completion time becomes as important as combat readiness, pushing Proxies to plan short daily sessions rather than attempting a single marathon clear—especially if they were also trying to fully “catch” every virus type to unlock all repaired records before the deadline.