Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Sword Seeker Chronicles Guide: How to Get the Free Cauldron of Clarity W-Engine

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Updated January 2026

The epic saga of Season 2 in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) may have concluded, but Proxies chasing power, lore, and limited-time rewards have a new adventure. The ambitious side event, Sword Seeker Chronicles, is now live, offering a sandbox-style exploration within the legendary Qingming Sword.

This updated 2026 guide covers everything you need to dive into the event, claim the free A-Rank Cauldron of Clarity W-Engine, and secure all rewards before the February 5 deadline.

🗓️ Event Basics: Dates, Unlock Requirements, and Story Context

Event Period

Start                                    End                                    Server Time
Dec 31, 2025, 10:00 AMFeb 5, 2026, 3:59 AMServer Time

You have just over a month to complete all objectives and claim limited-time rewards.

How to Unlock Sword Seeker Chronicles

Zenless Zone Zero 2.5 Sword Seeker Chronicles Guide

To access the event, you must:

  1. Reach Inter-Knot Level 20.

  2. Complete Main Story: Season 1 Chapter 1 – Intermission.

  3. Unlock and access Failume Heights (introduced in Version 2.0).

Story Placement & Daily Structure

  • Sword Seeker Chronicles acts as an epilogue-style narrative following Version 2.5’s Chapter 6, “To Be Fuel for the Night.”

  • Completing the main chapter first is recommended for full story context.

  • Time-gated release of quests:

    • Dec 31 – Jan 3: New quests and trial stages unlocked daily.

    • Jan 3: Nightmare Gauntlet became available.

🎮 How Sword Seeker Chronicles Works: Sandbox Exploration

Unlike traditional ZZZ events, this event features:

  • Contained World: Qingming Realm housed inside the Qingming Sword.

  • Playable Characters:

    • Ye Shunguang (S-Rank trial version) – primary control.

    • Zhao (free S-Rank) – selectable in combat sections.

Core Event Systems

  1. Qingming Sword Abilities

    • Unlock combat and traversal techniques like Swift Strike.

    • Essential for hidden areas, advanced encounters, and collectibles.

  2. Sword Will Resonance

    • Event-exclusive buff system enhancing damage and survivability.

    • Crucial for tackling later challenges, including the Nightmare Gauntlet.

Main Objectives

  • Complete daily combat and exploration trials.

  • Collect all Sword Memories (lore collectibles).

  • Conquer the Nightmare Gauntlet (final event challenge).

🏆 Complete Reward Breakdown: What You Can Earn

Headline Reward

  • Cauldron of Clarity (A-Rank W-Engine) – obtained by completing limited-time missions.

  • Enhancement Materials for the W-Engine.

Premium Currency & Materials

  • Polychrome – mission completion, stage clears, achievements.

  • W-Engine Energy Modules, Original Chips, Denny, Hamster Cage Passes.

Exclusive Cosmetics & Title

  • Earrings for Belle and Wise (Suibian Temple outfits).

  • Event title: “The Swordmaster Who Sunders the Sky” – earned by clearing the Nightmare Gauntlet.

Achievements

  • 5 unique achievements (e.g., Qingming Vagrant, Truth in Ink) that grant bonus Polychrome.

⚔️ Is the Cauldron of Clarity W-Engine Worth It?

Yes! The Cauldron of Clarity is a powerful A-Rank Rupture-type W-Engine with:

  • Significant damage boost.

  • Increased Critical Rate.

Synergy:

  • Works well with Attack and Anomaly-based Rupture agents.

Top Users:

  • Banyue (S-Rank, Ether/Rupture)

  • Yixuan (A-Rank, Fire/Rupture)

For new players: great early-to-mid game option.
For veterans: strong zero-cost weapon for multiple team comps.

💎 Pro Tips for Efficient Completion (2026)

  1. Prioritize Limited-Time Missions – Unlock Cauldron of Clarity and materials.

  2. Unlock Sword Abilities Early – Access hidden paths and collectibles.

  3. Explore for Lore & Rewards – Collect Sword Memories and Yijiang’s notes.

  4. Conquer the Nightmare Gauntlet – Use Sword Will Resonance buffs and familiarize yourself with Ye Shunguang’s trial kit.

  5. Mind the Deadline – After Feb 5, 2026, rewards, cosmetics, and W-Engine will no longer be available.

✅ Final Completion Checklist

  • Reach Inter-Knot Level 20.

  • Complete Season 1 Chapter 1 – Intermission.

  • Enter Qingming Realm via Suibian Temple in Failume Heights.

  • Unlock Ye Shunguang’s Qingming Sword abilities.

  • Clear all Limited-Time Reward Missions.

  • Obtain the Cauldron of Clarity.

  • Collect all Sword Memories and notes.

  • Activate Sword Will Resonance buffs.

  • Defeat the Nightmare Gauntlet to earn the title.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss This Polished Experience

Sword Seeker Chronicles is more than a side event—it's a blend of lore, challenge, and meaningful rewards.

  • Deepens the mythology of the Qingming Sword.

  • Lets you explore Ye Shunguang’s combat style.

  • Offers one of the best free W-Engines available.

The event is live now, so step into the Qingming Realm and claim your rewards before February 5, 2026!                    

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