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  • Bio
  • Voice Actors

Real Name

Nekomiya Mana

Brief Name

Nekomata

Birthday

July 30

Height

148 cm (4’10”)

Gender

Female

Species

Thiren (Cat)

Faction

Cunning Hares

Former Affiliation

Red Fang Gang

Signature W-Engine

Steel Cushion

Namecards

Nekomata’s Namecard
“Patience of a Cat”

Release Date

July 4, 2024
(During Version 1.0)

English

Alice Himora

Chinese

Hualing (花玲)

Japanese

Hara Sayuri (原 紗友里)

Korean

Lee Bo-hee (이보희)

Categories

  • Playable Agents

Introduction: Zenless Zone Zero Nekomata Agent Story Guide

Nekomata, a nimble and mischievous Thiren with a sharp eye for wallets, left the Red Fang Gang—where she viewed the leader as a father figure—to join Gentle House after bonding with Nicole and the team. Despite her playful nature, her agility and determination make her a powerful ally, especially when her interest in Nicole sparks some rivalry with Anby.

Agent Story Overview

The Agent Story for Nekomata, titled “Cat and Mouse,” unfolds across three chapters, offering deeper insight into her character and motivations. Throughout the story, Nekomata takes part in a Security Service operation aimed at capturing a criminal group. Her primary goal, however, is to earn money for the “Sly Hares,” demonstrating her ever-present drive for financial gain. At one point, she is required to pose as Officer Ollie and oversee junior staff, an unexpected role that puts her adaptability to the test. As the story progresses, Ollie, having learned from Nekomata’s experience, becomes skilled enough to outwit and apprehend the criminals.

Completing this Agent Story not only provides an engaging experience but also enhances the player’s understanding of Nekomata’s personality, skills, and motivations within the world of Zenless Zone Zero.

How to Unlock the Agent Story

To unlock Nekomata’s Agent Story, “Cat and Mouse,” players must first progress to Chapter 2: Interlude in the main story. This serves as a key milestone, ensuring that players have reached a point where they can fully appreciate the context of Nekomata’s involvement in the unfolding events. Once this requirement is met, the story can be accessed through the video archive in Random Play, a feature that allows players to experience character-driven narratives independently of their roster. This means that even if players have not unlocked or acquired Nekomata as a playable character, they can still engage with her story and gain insights into her personality, motivations, and past.

Unlocking Agent Stories in Zenless Zone Zero typically involves meeting specific conditions beyond just progressing through the main campaign. These requirements may include advancing through key story chapters and reaching a particular Inter-Knot Level, which serves as a measure of a player’s overall progression and engagement with the game. These prerequisites ensure that players are sufficiently prepared to tackle the challenges and narrative developments within the Agent Story, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in Nekomata’s journey without missing crucial background details.

Agent Story Missions

Agent Story Missions

Mission 1: Cat and Mouse Misplaced

Unlocked after the start of Chapter 2: Interlude, this mission introduces players to Ollie, who initially appears timid but later reveals himself as a security officer with a fear of Ethereals.

Mission 2: Cat on Patrol

Available after completing “Cat and Mouse Misplaced” and reaching Inter-Knot Level 27, this mission has players collect data on security officers and assist in setting bait for criminals. Nekomata takes on the role of Officer Ollie, overseeing junior staff as part of the operation.

Mission 3: Caught by the Cat Burglar

Also known as “Cat and Mouse Collaboration” or “Cat the Thief on the Hunt,” this final mission unlocks after finishing “Cat on Patrol” and reaching Inter-Knot Level 28. The focus shifts to Ollie, who leads the operation and applies the knowledge gained from Nekomata to outsmart and capture the criminals.

Key Aspects of Nekomata’s Character

The three missions provide a comprehensive understanding of Nekomata’s skills, adaptability, and role within the story, showcasing her expertise and strategic mind in various situations.

“Cat on Patrol” Walkthrough

Mission: Cat on Patrol

Subquest in Nekomata’s Agent Story “Cat and Mouse Game”.

Unlock Requirements

Complete “Cat and Mouse Misplaced”.

Reach Inter-Knot Level 27.

Mission Start

Head to Sixth Street to meet Nekomata near the Metro Station.

Speak with Nekomata and proceed to Howl’s News Stand to begin the mission.

Use the HDD System at the Random Play video store to complete the commission setup.

Mission Events

Engage in dialogue with Nekomata and Ollie in an alley.

Participate in an eavesdropping sequence involving police officers.

A critical task is to determine the best location to set bait while gathering Hollow Observation Data.

Hollow Exploration Phase

Start in the middle and choose either the left or right path:

Right Path: Proceed to the lower right section, solve a puzzle, collect Observation Data, and head to the exit.

Left Path: Trigger a special event at the top, collect Observation Data, and move directly to the exit.

Extra Data: Head to the bottom left tile and follow the downward path to grab extra Hollow Observation Data before exiting on the left side.

Completion

Completing this mission progresses Nekomata’s story and provides more insights into her character and interactions with Ollie.

Trust Events & Encounters

In Zenless Zone Zero, players can build trust with Nekomata through various Trust Events & Encounters, unlocking unique interactions and rewards. As trust levels increase, players gain access to exclusive content, such as Agent-exclusive Resonium, live wallpapers, and deeper character insights.

At the Close trust level, players receive 30 Polychrome and unlock Nekomata’s Resonium, which can randomly activate during a Frontline Outpost tile while exploring Hollow Zero, granting a trust increase once per day. Additionally, Nekomata’s Mindscape: Bird Hunter ability is revealed. Upon reaching the Trusted level, players earn another 30 Polychrome and unlock a Live Wallpaper, with further trust increases continuing through Frontline Outposts.

Players can also engage in Invitation Events, which trigger unique dialogues and guaranteed trust increases regardless of choices. Events such as “I Love Watching You Shop” and “I’m So, So, So Bored” allow players to interact with Nekomata in different settings, influencing how she perceives the player. These interactions often feature multiple dialogue choices, with some options providing a significant trust boost. Similarly, the “Drawing Gacha” event presents a lighthearted moment where players can ask for Nekomata’s help, reinforcing her playful and mischievous nature.

Beyond structured invitation events, Random Events occur in key city locations, such as Coff Cafe, Box Galaxy, Random Play, and 141 Convenience Store. These encounters appear at various times of the day and typically involve casual conversations that further develop Nekomata’s personality and interests. Some events, like the ones at the 141 Convenience Store, offer higher trust increases based on player choices.

By consistently participating in Trust Events & Encounters, players strengthen their bond with Nekomata, unlocking exclusive interactions that deepen their understanding of her character. These events serve as an engaging way to explore Nekomata’s quirks, motivations, and relationships, making them a worthwhile pursuit for players invested in her story.

Rewards

Completing all three parts of Nekomata’s Agent Story, “Cat and Mouse,” provides players with a range of valuable rewards. Among the most notable are 180 Polychromes, which can be used for various in-game purchases, and 1,400 Internot Credits, essential for upgrading and progressing with in the game. Players will also receive 28,000 Denny, the primary in-game currency, which can be used for character enhancements, purchases, and other upgrades.

In addition to these general rewards, completing the Agent Story grants 6 Banbu Algorithmic Modules, vital for improving Banbu capabilities, as well as 6 Boxes with Elite Explorer Supply and 6 Senior Explorer Supply Crates, which contain valuable resources to assist players in their journey. Furthermoe, players will unlock the “No Overtime” Video Tape, an exclusive item tied to Nekomata’s story.

Beyond material rewards, finishing “Cat and Mouse” also grants a special achievement, “Can a Cat Think Evil?”, found in the Life section. Earning this achievement provides an additional 10 Polychromes, offering players a small but useful bonus for their progression.

Agent-Exclusive Resonium

Nekomata’s Agent-Exclusive Resonium becomes available once players reach “Close” status with her, which requires spending 30 Polychrome. This unique resonium enhances interactions with Nekomata and provides additional benefits while exploring Hollow Zero.

Once unlocked, the resonium can randomly activate when encountering a [Frontline Outpost] tile during exploration. When triggered, it grants a Trust increase, helping to strengthen the bond with Nekomata. However, this effect is limited to once per day, meaning players must continue exploring regularly to maximize their trust gains.

This resonium is associated with [Affinity] Apex Predator, which enables Nekomata to evoke the Mindscape: [Bird Hunter]. This enhancement reinforces her agility and combat instincts, further solidifying her role as a swift and cunning fighter in battle.

FAQ

How can I build trust with Nekomata?

Building trust with Nekomata involves participating in various Trust Events & Encounters, such as her Invitation Events like “I Love Watching You Shop” and “Drawing Gacha.” These events allow players to interact with Nekomata and influence her perception of them. As you increase her trust level, you’ll unlock rewards like Resonium and a Live Wallpaper.

What is Nekomata’s Agent-Exclusive Resonium?

Nekomata’s Agent-Exclusive Resonium becomes available once you reach the Close trust level. This resonium randomly activates when you encounter a Frontline Outpost tile during exploration, granting a daily trust boost. It’s linked to the Apex Predator Affinity, enhancing her agility and combat skills, and adds to her overall effectiveness in missions.

What is the significance of the “No Overtime” videotape in Nekomata’s story?

The “No Overtime” Video Tape is a special reward tied to the completion of Nekomata’s Agent Story. It’s an exclusive item that symbolizes the end of the “Cat and Mouse Game” arc, marking a key moment in the story. This item helps to deepen the player’s connection with Nekomata and serves as a collectible for completionists.

What is Nekomata’s Agent Story about?

Nekomata’s Agent Story, titled “Cat and Mouse Game,” explores her involvement in a Security Service operation aimed at capturing criminals. While her main goal is to earn money for the “Sly Hares,” her sharp mind and agility make her a key player. The story reveals her playful yet determined nature, as she poses as Officer Ollie and works alongside the team.

How do I complete Nekomata’s “Cat on Patrol” mission?

To complete the “Cat on Patrol” mission, first meet Nekomata near the Metro Station on Sixth Street. Then, head to Howl’s News Stand to start the mission. As you engage in eavesdropping and Hollow exploration, you’ll need to choose between paths to gather Observation Data and set bait for the criminals. The mission helps you learn more about Nekomata’s role in the story.