HoYoverse has begun the second closed beta for Zenless Zone Zero, a dynamic action RPG, and players are quickly noting notable differences from the initial phase. Among the most discussed changes is a visible adjustment to the heroine Nicole’s character model, particularly a reduction in her chest size paired with a simplification of her physical animation. In the first beta, Nicole’s gaze appeared prominent on the character selection screen; in the latest build, that gaze has shifted to a different position, altering the way players perceive the character during selection.
Other cast members have also received updates. For instance, Soldier 11’s design has been softened with longer socks visible, and Nekomata sports shorts that cover more of her legs, signaling a broader trend toward redesigned silhouettes across the roster. These tweaks suggest the team is refining visual fidelity and animation flow based on player feedback and internal quality checks, while preserving recognizable traits that fans associate with each character.
Beyond character visuals, the beta has seen a moderation of violent content. Several cutscenes have been toned down or altered to reduce graphic impact, with one sequence in which a character’s jaw is ripped away no longer present in the new build. This adjustment aligns Zenless Zone Zero with broader audience considerations while maintaining the game’s narrative momentum and action-forward tempo.
Zenless Zone Zero carries a 16+ rating, reflecting its mature themes and combat gameplay. Some players have speculated that the developer might be nudging the game toward a lower, more accessible rating to widen its audience. While such conversations are common around updates of this nature, no official rating change has been announced, and the current 16+ designation remains in place for the time being as the game evolves through ongoing testing and feedback.
HoYoverse, the studio behind the popular Genshin Impact, has not issued public comments addressing the specific changes observed in Zenless Zone Zero’s beta. The absence of a formal statement leaves the community to interpret the adjustments as part of a broader iteration cycle, one that aims to balance visual authenticity with player comfort and market considerations.
Earlier reports noted that Atomic Heart introduced a free Russian shooter titled Xtract, a separate project that has begun to attract attention in various circles. This juxtaposition underscores the increasingly dynamic landscape of action games, where studios frequently recalibrate design choices in response to evolving player expectations and regional regulations, ensuring that titles engage audiences while meeting platform and content guidelines.