Enigma of the Labyrinth Gameplay Guide: Base Mechanics in Zenless Zone Zero 3.1
Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel is a permanent game mode added in Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1, with access opening after August 5, 2026, at 10:00 server time. The mode takes Agents into the Hollow to collect supplies, manage their resources, and escape safely. It also introduces gameplay adjustments that change how certain Agents work inside the Labyrinth.
The official “Enigma of the Labyrinth” Gameplay Guide — Base Mechanics was released as part of the Version 3.1 rollout. HoYoverse later expanded the system with separate guides covering its infrastructure, commissions, maps, and items.
For players following the wider Zenless Zone Zero ecosystem, Animon Life can also be useful as a reference point for official merchandise and character-related releases. At the same time, this guide focuses specifically on the game’s mechanics.
Enigma of the Labyrinth: Quick Overview
Operation Bagel is built around an extraction-style gameplay loop rather than a conventional combat stage. Players enter the Hollow, search for valuable supplies, deal with enemies and other hazards, and then try to evacuate with what they collected.
| Gameplay Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Game | Zenless Zone Zero |
| Version | Version 3.1 “The Long Goodbye” |
| Mode | Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel |
| Mode Type | Permanent gameplay mode |
| Release | August 5, 2026 |
| Unlock Time | 10:00 server time |
| Entry Requirement | Inter-Knot Level 40 |
| Main Location | Hollow |
| Core Objective | Collect supplies and evacuate |
| Main Uses for Supplies | Infrastructure upgrades and equipment crafting |
The mode is not simply another combat challenge because your success depends on what you collect and whether you can safely leave the Hollow. The supplies gathered during exploration can contribute to the research station’s infrastructure and equipment systems.
How the Basic Gameplay Loop Works
The basic loop is enter, explore, collect, and extract. This gives Operation Bagel a different rhythm from regular Zenless Zone Zero combat content.
Enter the Hollow
Players begin each run by entering the Labyrinth and preparing for an exploration session. The mode provides its own progression and equipment systems, meaning the way you approach a run is different from simply selecting an Agent team for a standard combat stage.
The Hollow contains supplies and other objects that contribute to your overall progress. The objective is not necessarily to defeat everything you encounter.
Search for Supplies
Collecting valuable supplies is one of the central reasons to explore the Labyrinth. These resources can later support infrastructure development or the creation of equipment intended to improve Agent performance inside the Hollow.
This creates an important risk-and-reward element. Spending too much time searching can expose the team to additional threats, while leaving too early can reduce the amount of useful material collected during the run.
Reach the Extraction Point
Getting out of the Hollow is essential because exploration centers on extraction. Players must manage their run and reach an appropriate evacuation point rather than treating the stage as a straightforward fight-to-the-end mission.
This extraction structure gives the mode its own identity within Version 3.1.
Agent Mechanics Are Adjusted Inside the Labyrinth
Certain Agents receive adjusted mechanics when used in Enigma of the Labyrinth. HoYoverse specifically notes that Agent mechanics have been adapted for this game mode rather than functioning exactly as they do in ordinary combat content.
That distinction matters because players should not automatically assume that their usual Agent rotations will behave identically inside Operation Bagel.
| Normal ZZZ Gameplay | Enigma of the Labyrinth |
|---|---|
| Agents use their regular combat systems | Certain Agent mechanics are adapted |
| Combat is usually the main focus | Exploration and extraction are central |
| Standard combat progression applies | Mode-specific progression is introduced |
| Team building focuses on conventional combat | Players also need to consider Labyrinth equipment and resources |
| Stage completion is usually the objective | Collecting supplies and evacuating are key objectives |
The official base-mechanics announcement doesn't include a complete list of every Agent adjustment. Instead, it introduces the system, with later guides covering the additional infrastructure, commission, map, and item information.
Why Infrastructure Matters
The supplies you obtain in the Hollow have a purpose beyond a single run because they can help develop the research station. Infrastructure is one of the systems introduced alongside the Labyrinth’s core gameplay.
The later Version 3.1 information confirms that resources gathered through the mode can be used to build infrastructure and craft equipment that strengthens Agents during Hollow exploration.
This means Operation Bagel has a progression layer outside individual expeditions. A successful run can contribute to improvements that make future exploration more manageable.
Crafting and Equipment
Equipment crafting gives collected materials another practical use. Instead of treating every item as a simple score contribution, players can use supplies as part of the mode’s wider preparation and progression systems.
HoYoverse introduced the infrastructure and commission systems separately, immediately after the base-mechanics guide, followed by the maps and items guide.
Commissions and Rewards
Commissions provide another progression path within Enigma of the Labyrinth and connect exploration with permanent rewards. Completing content in the mode contributes toward rewards such as Polychromes and items available through its dedicated systems.
Version 3.1 also introduced Agent Focus: Pyrois as a reward that can be redeemed through commissions and the related Store. Season Commissions additionally provide Twilight Afterimage and Proxy accessories, including Belle: Chipi-Meow and Wise: Dubi-Meow.
| Reward / Progression | How It Relates to the Mode |
|---|---|
| Polychromes | Earned through Labyrinth progression and related activities |
| Agent Focus: Pyrois | Available through the mode's Store progression |
| Twilight Afterimage | Obtained through Season Commissions |
| Belle: Chipi-Meow | Proxy accessory tied to Season Commission rewards |
| Wise: Dubi-Meow | Proxy accessory tied to Season Commission rewards |
| Pyrois Mindscapes | Available through Operation Bagel's progression and Store systems |
The Pyrois Mindscapes are particularly relevant to players working on the Agent’s progression. Later guides confirm that additional Pyrois Mindscapes can be obtained through Operation Bagel’s dedicated currency and Store progression.
What Makes Operation Bagel Different From Regular Combat
Operation Bagel combines exploration, resource management, combat, and extraction into one permanent system. That makes preparation important even when combat remains part of the experience.
Players need to think about more than damage output. The value of supplies, the team's condition, the equipment available inside the mode, and when to leave can all affect an expedition's outcome.
The mode therefore works more like a repeated expedition system than a traditional one-time stage. You enter with a goal, gather resources, improve your progression, and return for another run.
Version 3.1 Availability and Unlock Requirement
Enigma of the Labyrinth became available on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 server time for players who meet the required progression level. The Version 3.1 update lists Inter-Knot Level 40 as the requirement for accessing the mode.
Although Version 3.1 moved on to Version 3.2 on September 9, 2026, Enigma of the Labyrinth is a permanent mode, so it isn't tied exclusively to the Version 3.1 update period.
That distinction is important for newer players. Missing the original Version 3.1 launch date does not mean the entire game mode disappears.
What Players Should Know Before Starting
The most important thing to understand is that Enigma of the Labyrinth is not just another combat stage. Its systems focus on exploration and extraction, with resources feeding into longer-term progression.
Keep these points in mind:
Reach Inter-Knot Level 40 before attempting to unlock the mode.
Learn the extraction objective before focusing entirely on combat.
Collect useful supplies because they contribute to infrastructure and equipment.
Pay attention to mode-specific Agent adjustments rather than assuming every normal ability interaction remains unchanged.
Check commissions and Store rewards as you progress.
Use the infrastructure system to improve your future runs.
Treat Operation Bagel as permanent content, not a short event to complete during Version 3.1.
For players who also follow official Zenless Zone Zero merchandise, licensed retailers such as Animon Life may cover related character and franchise products, but those releases are separate from the in-game rewards discussed here.
Summary
Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel is Zenless Zone Zero’s permanent extraction-focused mode introduced in Version 3.1. It became available on August 5, 2026, at 10:00 server time, and requires Inter-Knot Level 40 to access.
The core gameplay revolves around entering the Hollow, collecting supplies, managing your expedition, and extracting successfully. Those supplies can support infrastructure upgrades and equipment crafting, while commissions provide additional progression and rewards.
Certain Agents also have mechanics specifically adapted for the Labyrinth. Because of that, players should approach the mode as its own gameplay system rather than simply treating it as another version of standard Zenless Zone Zero combat.
FAQs
What is Enigma of the Labyrinth in Zenless Zone Zero?
Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel is a permanent game mode introduced in Version 3.1. Players explore the Hollow, collect supplies, work toward commissions and progression, and extract from the area.
When did Enigma of the Labyrinth launch?
The mode became available after August 5, 2026, at 10:00 server time. It was introduced alongside Zenless Zone Zero Version 3.1.
What level is required to unlock Operation Bagel?
Players need to reach Inter-Knot Level 40 to access Enigma of the Labyrinth.
Are Agent abilities different in Enigma of the Labyrinth?
Yes, some Agent mechanics are adapted for the mode. HoYoverse specifically notes that certain Agents’ mechanics have been adjusted to work within Enigma of the Labyrinth.
Animon Life continues to follow official merchandise releases and Zenless Zone Zero-related updates for North American customers.
