So you've managed to snag Grace Howard, the electrifying Iron Witch herself, and now you're wondering how to become her BFF in New Eridu? Well, buckle up, because building trust with this brilliant engineer isn't just about nodding along to her technical jargon – it's about choosing your words carefully, or you might find yourself getting the cold shoulder faster than you can say "Bangboo."
The trust system in Zenless Zone Zero is no joke, folks. Pick the wrong dialogue option during a hangout or trust event, and you'll actually lose trust points with Grace. That's right – this isn't one of those games where every choice leads to sunshine and rainbows. Grace has standards, and if you want to unlock all her juicy rewards, you'd better bring your A-game to every conversation. 🎯
Getting Started: Unlocking Grace's Trust Events
Before you can even think about cozying up to Grace, you'll need to jump through a few hoops. First things first – you gotta pull her from a Banner. Since she's an S-Rank character (because of course she is), your best bet is the Star-Studded Cast Banner, where you're guaranteed an S-Rank after 50 pulls. If you're the patient type with deep pockets, pulling 300 times on this banner lets you select her as your free regular S-Rank character. Talk about commitment!
Alternatively, if Lady Luck isn't on your side, you might snag Grace from limited-time character banners when you lose the 50/50. Silver linings and all that jazz.
Once you've got Grace in your roster, you'll need to complete her Agent Story, "The Iron Witch." This three-part saga requires you to reach Inter-Knot Level 32 for the final chapter, so you've got some grinding ahead of you. The good news? By the time you hit Level 32, you'll have naturally completed "Anby's Problem," so that's one less thing to worry about.
Physical Labor Day: The Construction Site Hangout
When you suggest meeting up at the Brant Street Construction Site, you'll trigger this short but sweet hangout. Don't let its brevity fool you – this is actually one of the best trust-building opportunities in the game.
The Winning Answers:
-
"Okay, on it!" - Standard trust increase
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"I can do even more!" - Significant trust increase 💪
Here's a pro tip: since you can replay hangouts, this one's a goldmine for farming trust points. Two trust bonuses in one short event? That's what we call efficiency, baby! Grace appreciates a can-do attitude, so showing enthusiasm for helping out at the construction site is the way to her heart (or at least her trust meter).
A Little Spoils of War: Video Store Vibes
Invite Grace over to Random Play, and she'll show up outside the video store for this brief encounter. Despite its short length, nail the dialogue choice here and you'll walk away with a significant trust boost.
The key here is understanding Grace's personality – she's practical, straightforward, and appreciates genuine gestures. Choose wisely, and you'll see that trust meter climb faster than a Bangboo up a ladder.
Trust Events: Where the Real Magic Happens
Brant Street Construction Site Events
The construction site is Grace's natural habitat, so it's no surprise that multiple trust events pop up here. These encounters range from solo conversations to interactions involving other Belobog Heavy Industries members like Ben and Koleda.
Event 1: Morning Encounter
Swing by the construction site during morning hours, and you might catch Grace in a chatty mood. This event is straightforward – just show interest in her work and you'll earn a trust increase.
Event 2: The Cement Mixer Chat
One day you'll find Grace discussing technical matters with Ben near the cement mixer. This is your chance to demonstrate that you understand (or at least appreciate) the complexities of construction work. Pick the right response, and you'll see your trust level rise.
Event 3: Koleda Conversation
When you stumble upon Grace chatting with Koleda, you've hit the jackpot – this event offers a significant trust increase if you choose correctly. The dynamic between these two Belobog members is fascinating, and showing that you understand their working relationship will pay dividends.
Sixth Street Shenanigans
Event 1: The Coff Cafe Trigger
Here's a quirky one – you need to enter and exit Coff Cafe to trigger this event. Once you do, you'll automatically start talking to Grace. This event is particularly tricky because choosing the wrong answer means you get zero trust increase. No pressure, right? 😅
Event 2: Noodle Shop Encounter
The second Sixth Street event takes place at the local noodle shop. Grace appreciates good food and good company, so make sure you're bringing both to the table (pun absolutely intended).
Unlocking Grace as a Promoter: The Special Event
As you build trust with Grace, you'll eventually receive a DM from her requesting a specific video tape. This triggers a special trust event that unlocks her as a promoter for Random Play. The exact trust level requirement is a bit fuzzy – some players report it happening shortly after unlocking hangouts, while others say it's tied to a specific level.
The good news? This event is super easy to complete. Just respond to her DMs, wait for her to arrive at the store, head outside to chat, and boom – you've got yourself a new promoter. The dialogue choices during this event don't affect your trust level, and it's replayable through Grace's Partner Archive, so feel free to explore all the conversation options.
The Rewards: What's in It for You?
Let's talk turkey – or in this case, Polychrome and other goodies. Here's what you'll earn as you climb the trust ladder with Grace:
Trust Level Rewards Breakdown
| Trust Level | Rewards |
|---|---|
| Friendly (Level 2) | 20 Polychrome, 3 Advanced Shock Chips, 5,000 Denny |
| Close (Level 3) | 30 Polychrome, Bangboo Give Me Strength Affinity, 10,000 Denny |
| Trusted (Level 4) | 30 Polychrome, Grace's Dynamic Wallpaper, 15,000 Denny |
But wait, there's more! The Bangboo Give Me Strength Affinity isn't just a cool name – it unlocks a special event in Hollow Zero that activates specific Mindscapes for Grace during the current round. If you're running Grace in your squad, this can be a game-changer in certain areas.
Grace's Dynamic Wallpaper is another neat perk. Once unlocked, you can set it up by selecting the button above the "More" option on the pause screen. It's a small touch, but it's these little details that make the trust system feel rewarding.
And let's not forget the cherry on top – completing the "Heart of Machines" achievement nets you an additional 5 Polychrome. Every little bit counts when you're saving up for your next banner pull! 💎
Pro Tips for Trust Building
1. Replay Your Favorites
Since hangouts are replayable, focus on the ones that give you the most trust bang for your buck. Physical Labor Day is particularly efficient with its double trust bonuses.
2. Morning Routine
Many trust events trigger during specific times of day. Make it a habit to visit the Brant Street Construction Site in the morning to maximize your chances of encountering Grace.
3. Pay Attention to Context
Grace is a practical, no-nonsense engineer. When in doubt, choose responses that show enthusiasm for work, appreciation for technical skill, and genuine interest in her projects.
4. Don't Rush It
Building trust takes time, and that's okay. The journey to Trusted Level 4 is meant to be gradual, giving you time to learn more about Grace's character and backstory.
5. Keep Your Eyes Peeled
Trust events can pop up unexpectedly as you explore New Eridu. Always be ready to engage with Grace when you spot her around town.
The Bottom Line
Building trust with Grace in Zenless Zone Zero is like assembling a complex piece of machinery – it requires patience, precision, and the right tools (or in this case, dialogue choices). But the payoff is worth it: not only do you unlock valuable rewards and gameplay bonuses, but you also get to experience some genuinely entertaining character interactions.
Grace is more than just a powerful S-Rank character – she's a well-written personality with depth and charm. Taking the time to build trust with her enriches your overall Zenless Zone Zero experience and gives you a deeper appreciation for the game's character development.
So get out there, choose your words carefully, and show the Iron Witch that you're worthy of her trust. Who knows? You might just find yourself with a new favorite character in the process. After all, in the world of Zenless Zone Zero, trust isn't just a game mechanic – it's the foundation of every great partnership. 🔧⚡