What can you do as a free member?

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and unlock all our premium features and tools to enhance your gaming experience.

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and save articles to your watchlist and get notified when they're updated with new information.

Member benefits illustration

Create your free account today and save your favorite games for quick access later, synced across all your devices.

Member benefits illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you'll receive instant notifications when someone replies to your posts.

Comment rating feature illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you can make use of convenient features in the comments section, such as rating and sorting comments.

Premium archive feature illustration

By creating a Game8 account and logging in, you can access Premium articles that are exclusively available to members.

Site Interface

Guest
Free Member
Article Watchlist
Game Bookmarks
Cross-device Sync
Light/Dark Theme Toggle
User Profiles
Direct Feedback
Comment Rating

Game Tools

Guest
Free Member
Interactive Map Access
Interactive Map Pins
Interactive Map Comments
Interactive Map Pins Cross-Device
Check List
Event Choice Checker
Deck Builder Cross-Device
Message Board Notification
Message Board Cross-Device
Build Planner
Stat Calculator
Diagnostic Tool
Weapon/Armor Wishlist

Want more information?Learn more

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)

Simulation Challenge Guide

Add to Watchlist

☆ New: Tier List Maker & Community Tier List Contest!
★ Upcoming: Version 2.5, Zhao, & Ye Shunguang!
☆ 2.4 Agents: Dialyn, & Banyue
★ 2.3 Phase 2: Yidhari Release & Ju Fufu Rerun
☆ Tier Lists: Agents | W-Engines | Bangboos | Teams
★ Redeem Codes for free Polychromes!

Zenless Zone Zero Simulation Challenge Guide

Simulation Challenge stages are additional encounters for the When Dreams Remain Unfinished Event in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) 2.3. See stage information, companion recommendations, and how to clear each challenge here!

When Dreams Remain Unfinished Guides
Event Guide Event Guide Light Nap Day 1 Guide Light Nap Day 1 Guide Deep Sleep Day 2 Guide Deep Sleep Day 2 Guide
Dream Abyss Day 3 Guide Dream Abyss Day 3 Guide Simulation Challenge Simulation Challenge Companion Database Companion Database

List of Contents

Simulation Challenge Guide

All Simulation Challenges

Unlock Date Challenge
October 17, 2025
Simulation Challenge IconSimulation Challenge I
Simulation Challenge IconSimulation Challenge II
October 19, 2025
Simulation Challenge Locked IconSimulation Challenge III
Simulation Challenge Locked IconSimulation Challenge IV
October 21, 2025
Simulation Challenge Locked IconSimulation Challenge V
Simulation Challenge Locked IconSimulation Challenge VI

Simulation Challenge I Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Deploy only 1 ally
Dream Description Special Mechanic
When allies attack an enemy with a mark, they gain an extra 20 Energy.
Best Companions
Thracian Thracian
Rec. Plug-In Let's Try It Again
After a Mark is removed, your fastest unit takes another action immediately. Limited to once per round.
Enemies
Terror Raptor Terror Raptor x1
Beholder Engine Beholder Engine x3
Companion - MachineMedium Patroller x1
Companion - MachineLight Patroller x3

Attack Swift Clocks

Swift Clock
Attack the Swift Clock Scene Prop that can appear on the battlefield. This will allow you to take an extra action during your turn.

Use AoE Attacks

Thracian AoE
While the Terror Raptor will be your main focus, using Thracian's AoE attacks will get rid of multiple smaller targets faster. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed, since you will only use one companion for the objective.

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge II Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Complete the challenge within 4 rounds
Dream Description Special Mechanic
Trouble-Maker Rank enemies have increased HP and ATK, and enter battle with a large shield. Once all other enemies are defeated, the Troublemaker's shield vanishes and all allies can act again immediately.
Best Companions
Thracian Thracian
Dullahan Dullahan
Frenzied Maniac Frenzied Maniac
Ionized - Nassellaria Ionized - Nassellaria
Rec. Plug-In Let's Try It Again
After a Mark is removed, your fastest unit takes another action immediately. Limited to once per round.
Enemies
Typhon Slugger Typhon Slugger x1
Beholder Engine Beholder Engine x3
Companion - MachineMedium Patroller x1

Use Dullahan to Gather Enemies

Dullahan Tail Swipe
It's important to try to take out multiple enemies at once in this stage to increase your chances of clearing the objective. Using Dullahan's Tail Swipe will pull enemies together, making them more susceptible to AoE attacks.

Clear Smaller Enemies First

Smaller Enemies First
The Typhon Slugger will begin the encounter with a large shield that prevents it from taking significant damage. You can get rid of this shield by eliminating the Beholder engines and Patrollers surrounding it.

Focus Down the Typhon Slugger

Focus Down Typhon Slugger,
After you get rid of the Typhon Slugger's shield, use all of your heavy-hitting attacks to eliminate it within 4 rounds to hit the objective.

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge III Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Complete the challenge within 3 rounds
Dream Description Special Mechanic
When allies succeed in an quick-time interaction, they gain an extra 20 Energy.
Best Companions
Companion - MachineMedium Patroller
Terror Raptor Terror Raptor
Heavy Striker MK II Heavy Striker MK II
Beholder Engine Beholder Engine
Rec. Plug-In Soul Eater Plug-In
Defeating enemies restores 60 Energy.
Your Turn Belongs to My Plug-In
Upon an enemy's defeat, the one who dealt the final blow may act instantly. Limited to once per round
Enemies
Exalting Hymnist Exalting Hymnist (Dreaming) x3
Bulky Enforcer Bulky Enforcer x2

Defeat the Dreaming Hymnist First

To finish the stage within three rounds, you must defeat the Dreaming Hymnist, a variation of the Exalting Hymnist within Round 1. They will buff the Bulky Enforcer, making it harder to beat them.

Focus on Bulky Enforcer

Afterward, you can focus on the Bulky Enforcers and use the Terror Raptor's Burst as often as possible to defeat them!

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge IV Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Complete the challenge without support allies
Dream Description Special Mechanic
Troublemaker-Rank enemies have increased HP and ATK. Only 3 allies can be deployed in this battle. However, at the start of each turn, allies restore 40 extra Energy and gain 3 stacks of a buff (increasing DMG dealt and reducing DMG taken).
Best Companions
Thracian Thracian
Terror Raptor Terror Raptor
Heavy Striker MK II Heavy Striker MK II
Rec. Plug-In Speed King Plug-In
Successfully performing quick-time interactions grants 20 bonus Energy.
Weaken Plug-In
When using a skill, if the target is an enemy, randomly dispel one stat buff from the main target
Enemies
Rampant Brute Rampant Brute x1
Bulky Enforcer Bulky Enforcer x2

Defeat Rampant Brute As Soon As Possible

The Rampant Brute has a powerful AoE attack, which they demonstrate right at the beginning. All firepower must focus on the Rampant Brute with both Burst and AoE attacks.

To also defeat the Bulky Enforcers, ensure that when you use AoE attacks, they are near the Rampant Brute, so they get splash damage!

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge V Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Complete the challenge within 3 rounds
Dream Description Special Mechanic
At the start of each turn, allies receive a Mark. If already marked, they instead receive 3 stacks of a CRIT buff (increasing CRIT Rate and CRIT DMG).
Best Companions
Rampant Brute Rampant Brute
Bulky Enforcer Bulky Enforcer
Flame Cantor Flame Cantor (Dreamer)
Medium Patroller Medium Patroller
Rec. Plug-In Speed King Plug-In
Successfully performing quick-time interactions grants 20 bonus Energy.
Your Turn Belongs to My Plug-In
Upon an enemy's defeat, the one who dealt the final blow may act instantly. Limited to once per round
For All Plug-In
When a support ally uses a skill that grants a buff, it grants an extra turn. Limited to once per round.
Enemies
Frenzied Maniac Frenzied Maniac x3
Medium Patroller Medium Patroller x1

Defeat the Medium Patroller

Focus on the Medium Patroller as soon as you enter the stage, to avoid it buffing the Frenzied Maniacs. Once you defeat the buffer, you can focus on picking on the Frenzied Maniac one by one.

You can also keep using the Scene Prop: Swift Clock, but remember to have your DPS break it instead of a support to deal more DMG.

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge V Guide

Objectives
Check Mark Complete the challenge within 5 rounds
Dream Description Special Mechanic
Troublemaker-Rank enemies have increased HP and ATK. Each time enemies land a hit, they apply a Mark to allies, dealing increased DMG to all allies with a Mark. When a Mark is removed, allies recover HP.
Best Companions
Rampant Brute Rampant Brute
Bulky Enforcer Bulky Enforcer
Flame Cantor Flame Dreamer
Exalting Hymnist Dreaming Hymnist
Rec. Plug-In Speed King Plug-In
Successfully performing quick-time interactions grants 20 bonus Energy.
Purification Plug-In
Dispels the mark on allies when they receive a stat buff
For All Plug-In
When a support ally uses a skill that grants a buff, it grants an extra turn. Limited to once per round.
Enemies
Notorious - Dead End Butcher Notorious - Dead End Butcher x1
Dullahan Dullahan x2
Frenzied Maniac Frenzied Maniac x1

Focus on Enemies Capable of Marking

As soon as you enter the stage, use the Flame Dreamer's Buff to boost the entire party's DMG and reduce DMG taken. If you get another turn with them, use their AoE to target any of the enemies that can mark, like the Dullahan or Frenzied Maniac.

Chip Off Boss HP with AoE DMG

Throughout the stage, focus on the Dullahan and the Frenzied Maniac while also making sure that whatever attack you use, it's AoE so the Dead End Butcher can get splash DMG.

Try to defeat all of the minor enemies within Round 3, so all your focus is on your Notorious Dead End Butcher for the last two rounds.

Use Hymnists to Crack Healing Pods

The way to use Hymnists during this stage is to make sure they are far away from any of the enemies before you use any skill. As well as to use them to crack any healing pods when you need healing.

Their main buffing target should be the Rampant Brute, who's capable of AoE DMG with their Burst.

Charge Rampant Brute and Bulky Enforcer

Rampant Brute and Bulky Enforcer are capable of buffing themselves, which can restore a certain amount of Energy that would allow them to use their Bursts fast.

In Bulky Enforcer's part, you must use his buff as often as possible since it can also deal DMG. For Rampant Brute, simply make sure they have 60 Energy, so you can use their Single Target and Buff interchangeably.

▲ Return to Stage List

Simulation Challenge Rewards

Simulation Challenge Rewards

Objective Rewards
Complete Simulation Challenge (I)
Polychrome Polychrome x50
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000
Complete Simulation Challenge (II)
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000
Complete Simulation Challenge (III)
Polychrome Polychrome x50
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000
Complete Simulation Challenge (IV)
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000
Complete Simulation Challenge (V)
Polychrome Polychrome x50
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000
Complete Simulation Challenge (VI)
W-Engine Energy Module W-Engine Energy Module x1
Denny Denny x10,000

Simulation Challenge Event Information

Part of the When Dreams Remain Unfinished Event

When Dreams Remain Unfinished

Simulation Challenge is a part of the When Dreams Remain Unfinished event, where players can challenge extra stages with special objectives.

Stages unlock every other day from October 17, 2025 to October 21, 2025.

When Dreams Remain Unfinished Event Guide

Zenless Zone Zero Related Guides

When Dreams Remain Unfinished Slim

When Dreams Remain Unfinished Event

Dreams Remain Unfinished Guides

When Dreams Remain Unfinished Guides
Simulation Challenge Simulation Challenge Companion Database Companion Database

All Dream Investigation Quests

Unlock Day Quest & Stage Guides
Oct. 17, 2025 Event Day 1 Light Nap Quest and Battle Guide
Oct. 19, 2025 Event Day 2 Deep Sleep Quest and Battle Guide
Oct. 21, 2025 Event Day 3 Dream Abyss Quest and Battle Guide

Other Current and Upcoming Events

Zenless Zone Zero - Events

All Events and Schedule

Comment

Post (0 Comments)

Author

Zenless Zone Zero Walkthrough Team
This article was created by Game8's elite team of writers and gamers.
    Leave feedback(Login required)
    Please participate in our site
    improvement survey
    12/2025
    Would you assist in
    improving Game8's site?
    ×
    This survey will take about 1 minute.
    Your answers will help us to improve our website.
    We are listening to our users' valuable opinions and discussing how to act on them.
    The information collected through this survey will be used for the purpose of improving our services. In addition, the information will only be disclosed a part of a statistic in a format that will not allow identification of personal information.
    Begin Survey
    Not Now
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Advertisements.
    Amount of Ads
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Placement of Ads
    Timing of Ad Display
    Ad Loading Speed
    Safeness of Ads
    Content of Ads
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Quality of Articles.
    Amount of information
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Frequency of updates
    Speed of new information
    Accuracy of articles
    Understandibility of articles
    Readability of sentences
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Usability of the Site.
    Ease of finding information
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Loading Speed
    Use of Color
    Font Size
    Visibility of Images
    Easy to Understand Layout
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Message Boards, Comments.
    Ease of Writing
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Readability
    Ease in Finding Information
    Comment Quality
    Comment Quantity
    Admin Response
    ×
    Please rate each item regarding Game8.co's Site's new design.
    Please rate our site's new design
    Very Dissatisfied
    Somewhat Dissatisfied
    Fine
    Somewhat Satisfied
    Highly Satisfied
    Do you think that the website's design change makes the site easier to use?
    Has the new design made it easier for you to find information on the site?
    Has the new design improved the overall visual appeal of the site?
    How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the new design of the site?
    ×
    How likely are you to recommend Game8 to someone you know?
    Very Unlikely
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    Very Likely
    If you have other opinions regarding potential improvement to the website, please share them with us. We would appreciate your honest opinion.
    Note: This is a free response section, so you can proceed without entering anything.
    Note: Please be sure not to enter any kind of personal information into your response.
    ×
    Thank You
    ×
    Thank you for participating in our survey! Your answers will help us to improve the quality of our website and services.
    We hope you continue to make use of Game8.
    Close
    For other opinions or comments, go here.

    Rankings

    Popular Articles
    Message Board

    Gaming News

    Tides of Annihilation Gameplay Trailer Deep Dive: Dual Frontline System & More Analyzed

    Tides of Annihilation Gameplay Trailer Deep Dive: Dual Fr...

    Popular Games

    Recommended Games

    All rights reserved

    Copyright © 2024 HoYoverse, COGNOSPHERE. All Rights Reserved.

    The copyrights of videos of games used in our content and other intellectual property rights belong to the provider of the game.
    The contents we provide on this site were created personally by members of the Game8 editorial department.
    We refuse the right to reuse or repost content taken without our permission such as data or images to other sites.

    Zenless Zone Zero Walkthrough & Guides Wiki

    Quick Access
    Guide Index

    Latest News

    Redeem Codes

    Tier Lists

    Gacha Banners

    Character Guides

    Upcoming Characters

    Released Characters

    Characters by Attribute

    Characters by Specialty

    Characters by Type

    Characters by Faction

    Other Character Guides

    W-Engine (Weapon) Guides

    Bangboo Guides

    S-Rank Bangboos

    A-Rank Bangboos

    Other Bangboo Guides

    Drive Disc Guides

    Trust Events

    Event Guides

    Commissions (Quests)

    Main Story Season 1

    Main Story Season 2

    Agent Story

    Special Episodes

    Combat

    Travel (Map) Guides

    Shop Guides

    Arcade Guides

    Item Guides

    Material Sources

    Tips and Tricks

    Gameplay Guides

    Combat Guides

    Items and Collectibles

    Game Modes and Dailies

    FAQs

    Japanese Walkthrough

    All HoYoverse Wikis