Zenless Zone Zero: My Complete Guide to Acing 'A Perilous Duty' Mission (2026 Edition)

Okay, agents, gather 'round! 🙌 Just wrapped up the 'A Perilous Duty' mission in Zenless Zone Zero, and let me tell you—this one had me scratching my head for a minute. You know how the main story puzzles are usually a walk in the park? Well, this mission is the exception that proves the rule! Whether you're a lore enthusiast or a certified dialogue-skipper (no judgment here! 😉), you'll need to put on your thinking cap for this TV gameplay section. Stuck? Don't worry, I've been there. Here's my step-by-step breakdown to get you through it smoothly and snag all those precious crates along the way.

🛠️ Phase 1: The Piston Puzzle & Helping Our Friends

As soon as you load in, you'll see Zhu Yuan and Qingyi stuck because some pistons are facing the wrong way. You'll spawn at the top with a row of three switches. This is your first test! Here’s the exact sequence:

1. First Switch (Leftmost): Hit it ONCE. Just a simple tap to get it pointing the right way.

2. Second Switch (Middle): This one's tricky! You need to activate it TWICE. Step on it to activate it once, then either step off and on again, or just interact with it directly a second time.

3. Third Switch (Rightmost): Press this button THREE TIMES. No more, no less!

Do this correctly, and you'll create a path for the officers. You'll then get to enjoy two combat scenarios featuring the awesome Zhu Yuan—for free! 🥳 After the fights, it's back to the TV screen for some detective work.

🔍 Phase 2: The Clue Hunt (Find All 5!)

Next, you'll enter a new TV scene. Move left to reveal new screens until you see the whole area. Your goal? Find all five clues scattered around. Missing even one will block your progress later!

• Clues #1, #2, & #3: These are the easy ones. You can simply pick them all up in the starting area. A nice warm-up!

• Clue #4 & A Hidden Path: After clue #3, head through the portal on the left side of the main area. It will spawn you on the top right. Here, grab the fourth clue and a purple crate. But wait, there's more! 👀 Head to the bottom right corner of this platform—you'll reveal a hidden path leading to a golden crate. Sweet!

• Clue #5 (The Tricky One): Use the conveyor belt to return to the main area. Now, use the piston on the far left. You'll end up in a middle section. Here's the move:

  1. Press the button on the top right TWICE.

  2. Then, use the piston in this section to get out.

  3. Go back to the first piston on the left, use it again to enter the left area.

  4. Press the button here ONCE.

  5. Finally, use a couple more pistons to ascend to the top platform.

Boom! 🎯 On this platform, you'll find the final clue, another purple crate, and your first Observation Data collectible.

❓ Phase 3: The Interrogation (Answer Correctly!)

With all five clues in hand, use the button on the left to enter a mindscape. Time for a quiz! You'll face three questions. The correct answers, from left to right, are:

1. Driving

2. On foot

3. The culprits'

Answer these, and a final question appears. Choose the option that says "Just not far from here!" to proceed. See? Being a detective isn't so hard!

🏃 Phase 4: The Culprit Chase & Finale

This is the last leg! You'll watch replays of the culprits' actions to trace their path and catch them.

• First Three Replays: Interact with the specific TVs in the second and third replays. This will reveal a crucial piece of info: the code for a lock is 54321. Remember that!

• Portal Puzzle: In the next section, you need to use portals in a specific order. But guess what? After watching the replay at the bottom, the helpful Fairy will automatically reveal the correct path for you. Phew! Also, grab the second Observation Data here.

• The Final Stretch: In the last area, watch the replay in the bottom-middle section. This will cause three walls to become breakable.

Smash through them, and you'll trigger the final showdown with the culprits. Defeat them, and mission accomplished! 🎉

💎 My Pro-Tips for a Flawless Run:

• Don't Rush the Clues: It's easy to miss one, especially the fifth one. Double-check each area before moving on.

• Crate Collector Mindset: Those purple and golden crates contain useful resources. Always take the slight detour to grab them!

• Observation Data is Key: Make sure you pick up both Observation Data pieces for completion's sake. They're well-hidden but worth it.

• Lock Code = 54321: Write this down if you have to! It's the only code you need in this mission.

So, there you have it! 'A Perilous Duty' might seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you'll breeze through the puzzles, ace the interrogation, and bag all the loot. Now get out there and close that case, Proxies! 💪✨