In the sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis of New Eridu, where the echoes of the Hollow reverberate through every street, Proxy operators and their Agents seek glory and fortune. Among the myriad challenges that test their mettle, the Notorious Hunts stand as a pinnacle of weekly combat trials. These elite elimination missions, accessible from the strategic hub of Scott Outpost just beyond the Hollow Zero periphery, represent a recurring test of tactical prowess and Agent development. Each week, a fresh roster of formidable Ethereal adversaries emerges from the chaotic depths, presenting commanders with a fresh set of objectives that demand precise preparation and flawless execution to overcome. For those seeking to prove their dominance and reap exclusive rewards, mastering the rhythm of these weekly hunts becomes an essential part of the Proxy's journey in the ever-evolving landscape of 2026.

🗝️ How to Unlock the Gateway to Elite Hunts

The path to confronting these notorious entities is not immediately open to all. Gaining access requires significant progression and dedication. Proxy commanders must first navigate through the narrative crucible of Chapter 2: A Call from the Hollow's Heart. This foundational journey provides the necessary context and experience. Furthermore, aspirants must achieve an Inter-Knot Level of at least 26, demonstrating their growing influence within the city's complex networks. The final key to unlocking this challenging content lies in personal power: at least one trusted Agent must be forged into a formidable combatant by reaching Level 30. This trifecta of requirements—story progression, network rank, and individual strength—serves as the initial filter, ensuring only the most prepared Proxies can face the horrors that await.

Upon meeting these prerequisites, a new avenue opens. After unlocking the feature and visiting the eclectic Bardic Needle Music store, a return trip to Scott Outpost the following day reveals the next step. There, the enigmatic figure of Ophelia awaits, ready to brief commanders on her group's specialized operations targeting 'notorious ethereals'—the very origin of the hunt's menacing name.

⚔️ Anatomy of a Notorious Hunt

Each weekly Notorious Hunt distills combat to its purest, most intense form: a single, devastating confrontation with a high-level target Ethereal. Unlike the chaotic skirmishes within the Hollow, these engagements are deliberate duels. No lesser minions or distracting allies swarm the battlefield; the focus is entirely on the primary adversary. This singular focus, however, does not equate to simplicity. These notorious entities are apex predators of the ether, possessing complex attack patterns, devastating abilities, and resilience that can overwhelm an unprepared squad.

The structure of these hunts is governed by clear limitations and strategic layers:

• Weekly Reward Cap: There is a strict limit on the exclusive bounties a squad can claim each week, encouraging consistent participation over time.

• Attempt Limitations: Commanders have a finite number of tries to defeat their chosen target within the weekly period. Failure expends an attempt, though consolation rewards in the form of Dennies, the city's currency, are offered. Once attempts are depleted, alternative missions become available to continue earning resources.

• Strategic Intel Screen: The mission selection interface is a treasure trove of tactical data.

🔍 Deciphering the Target: Weaknesses and Effects

Success in a Notorious Hunt hinges on preparation, and the game provides crucial intelligence on the mission screen. The left side displays a haunting visage of the target Ethereal, while the right panel details its elemental and typological weaknesses. This information is paramount; assembling a squad with Agents whose attributes exploit these vulnerabilities can mean the difference between a swift victory and a costly defeat.

Beneath the weaknesses bar lies a descriptive text box that outlines any special environmental effects or battle conditions active during the hunt. These can range from debilitating fields that sap energy to empowering auras that boost specific attack types. Sometimes, this box also hints at the types of Resonia—powerful ability-enhancing crystals—that might be available as loot, allowing for pre-battle team optimization.

Naturally, the potential spoils of victory are displayed prominently at the bottom of this menu, serving as a powerful motivator. The current reward structure for 2026 includes coveted materials for Agent advancement, exclusive currency, and high-tier upgrade components.

⚙️ Customizing the Challenge

For those seeking an even greater test or who have significantly powered up their roster, the challenge level is not fixed. In the top right corner of the hunt selection screen, commanders can adjust the difficulty tier of the engagement. While the baseline entry point remains at Level 30, elevating the challenge increases the enemy's power and, correspondingly, the quality and quantity of rewards on offer. This scalable system ensures the content remains engaging for veterans with max-level squads.

With intel gathered and difficulty set, the final step is assembling the perfect three-Agent team, synergizing their skills to counter the target's strengths and exploit its flaws. Then, it's a matter of stepping into the arena, surviving the onslaught, and executing the takedown.

📋 Tracking Weekly Objectives and Claiming Rewards

The Notorious Hunt system extends beyond the core battle. A dedicated menu, accessible via an icon in the bottom left corner of the main hunt console at Scott Base, houses the weekly challenge list. This panel is crucial for proactive commanders. It displays:

• All active bonus objectives for the current hunt week (e.g., "Defeat the target with a team of only [Element] Agents," "Complete the hunt within 90 seconds").

• The specific rewards tied to each challenge, which often include premium materials.

• A direct interface to claim any rewards already earned but not yet collected.

Most importantly, adjacent to this menu icon, a prominent countdown timer ticks away, displaying exactly how much time remains before the current weekly set of Notorious Hunts and their associated challenges expire and refresh. This constant reminder keeps commanders on schedule in their pursuit of glory and loot.

🏆 The Hunter's Legacy

In the dynamic world of Zenless Zone Zero, Notorious Hunts represent a cornerstone of endgame aspiration. They are a weekly ritual that combines deep strategic planning, mastery of combat mechanics, and efficient team building. The rewards they offer are essential for pushing Agents to their maximum potential, whether one is refining the ultimate build for a stalwart defender like Koleda, optimizing the electro-assassin techniques of Rina, or mastering the fluid, icy elegance of Ellen's playstyle. For Proxies navigating New Eridu in 2026, conquering these weekly hunts is not just a task—it's a statement of prowess and a direct path to power in an unforgiving city.