Everyone playing Zenless Zone Zero eventually hits that wall. You've cleared the main story, your Agents are decently leveled, and you're looking for that extra hit of Polychrome. That’s where the Inter Knot hot topic achievements guide comes in. Honestly, most players just stumble into these by accident, but if you're trying to 100% your achievement list, some of these are weirdly specific.
It's not just about grinding levels. It’s about being a weirdly observant citizen of New Eridu.
What the Heck is the Inter-Knot Hot Topic Category?
In ZZZ, achievements are bundled into groups. Most are self-explanatory—combat, story, hollow exploration. But "Inter-Knot Hot Topic" is the catch-all for the "life" of the city. These are the social, quirky, and sometimes flat-out hidden interactions that make the world feel alive.
Basically, if you aren't talking to random NPCs or checking your in-game phone like a doom-scroller, you're missing out.
The Marcel Maze Mystery
There’s a specific achievement called "So Did You Do It or Not?" and it's the perfect example of how these work. You need to find a post on the Inter-Knot (your in-game forum) titled "First time playing Marcel Maze, doesn't seem too difficult." Don't just read it. You have to reply. It sounds simple, but since the feed updates as you progress, people often blow right past it.
Soldier 11 and the Art of Timing
One of the most frustrating ones for people who aren't "rhythm gamers" is Mind Art Master. You have to use Soldier 11 and hit her Fire Suppression basic attack 11 times in a row.
Timing is everything.
If you don't own her, you can actually cheese this in the trial stages or specific character demos. Just keep an eye on the visual flare on her sword. It’s a 4-hit combo, and you have to keep the rhythm perfectly for nearly three full cycles.
Hidden Gems and Weird Triggers
You've probably noticed that New Eridu changes based on the time of day. This is crucial for the Inter Knot hot topic achievements guide because several "Hot Topic" markers only appear when the sun goes down or when the city is in that weird late-night "limbo" state.
Midnight Whispers is a classic. Go to the payphone on Sixth Street (it’s right across from the 141 convenience store) at late night. If it’s ringing, answer it. Boom. Achievement.
The Cat Postures. There's a cat named Cookie on Sixth Street. You can't just pet it once. You have to observe it in multiple different "postures" or locations over several days. It’s basically a lesson in patience.
Officer Mewmew’s Medals. While these are technically their own thing, completing the pages for specific districts often triggers "Hot Topic" milestones. For instance, finishing the first page for Sixth Street unlocks the Street Life achievement.
Version-Specific Additions
As the game has updated through versions 1.2, 2.1, and into the current 2026 content, more have been added:
- Fierce Office Politics: Go to the HIA Club late at night. You’ll see two "Overtimeboos" arguing about Hoshimi Miyabi. Interacting with them gives you the achievement. Fun fact: these two are actually cameos of the game's producer and lead artist.
- "Consequences" of Trusting Inter-Knot: This one showed up in version 2.3. You have to find a poster in Failume Heights that says "Don't Trust Inter-Knot" after finishing the "When Dreams Remain Unfinished" event.
- If I Had Long Ears: A weirdly meta achievement in the Section 6 office where you overhear a conversation about fan art (the "long ears" meme for Miyabi).
The Grind: Inter-Knot Level Milestones
While the "Hot Topic" section is for flavor, your actual Inter-Knot Level (the "Proxy Business" category) is the backbone of your account. You'll see these achievements pop naturally, but here’s the reality of the curve:
- No Shortcuts to Leveling Up: Hit Level 20.
- I'll Level Up Myself!: Hit Level 40. This is the big one because it unlocks the ability to pick main stats on Drive Discs.
- Lv. 60! The Return of the King!: This is the current ceiling.
Pro Tip for Leveling: If you're stuck, spend your Battery Charge. 10 Battery equals 100 Inter-Knot EXP. It’s a 1:10 ratio that never changes. If you’re at Level 48 and desperate for 50, just burn some energy on material farming.
Why You Should Care About These
Polychromes. Obviously.
But also, the "Hot Topic" achievements often give you unique "Pendants" or themes for your profile. If you want your Proxy profile to look like you actually know what you're doing, you need these badges of honor.
How to Not Miss Future Achievements
The game loves to hide these in plain sight. Every time a new "Story" or "Event" drops, check the HIA Club and the local hangouts (like the coffee shop or the noodle bar) at different times of day.
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Look for NPCs with "..." speech bubbles that aren't marked on your map. These are almost always the trigger for a hidden "Hot Topic" interaction. Honestly, just talk to everyone. Even the Bangboos. Especially the Bangboos.
If you’re hunting for the Inter-Knot Hot Topic achievements guide specifically to clear out your log, start with the "Witness" series. These usually involve just standing near a conversation at the HIA Club or the new resort areas added in the recent expansions.
Actionable Next Steps
To make a real dent in your list right now, do these three things:
- Check the HIA Club at Midnight. Look for the fighting Overtimeboos or the retired investigator talking about the Simulated Battle Trial.
- Visit the Payphone. If it's late night in-game and you haven't done it, go to Sixth Street and interact with the phone.
- Audit your Inter-Knot posts. Open your phone menu, go to the Inter-Knot, and scroll back. Look for any post that allows a "Reply" button. There are at least three achievements tied specifically to replying to the right thread at the right time.
By focusing on these "untracked" goals, you'll pick up the stray Polychromes that most players leave on the table. It makes the world of New Eridu feel a lot bigger than just a series of combat arenas.