Chaos Exploration in Chaos Zero Nightmare is one of the game’s most complex and rewarding systems. It’s a mix of roguelike progression, data collection, and decision-based exploration where each run contributes to your overall strength.
This guide breaks down every major mechanic — from the basics of Chaos to advanced systems like Nightmare Mode and corrupted save data — so you can make the most out of every expedition.
1. What is Chaos?
Chaos is a mysterious, unstable dimension that exists for reasons still unknown. Agents venture into this realm to gather data, fight anomalies, and uncover hidden events.
Each Chaos zone behaves differently: enemies, events, and even environmental factors can change from one exploration to another.
Completing missions within Chaos earns you:
- Credits (basic currency for supplies and training)
- Monster Cards
- Equipment
- Data Fragments for future exploration
Once you’ve fully observed a Chaos instance, it becomes repeatable through a system known as Chaos Manifestation — allowing you to re-enter and farm data more efficiently.
2. Choosing Your Fate
Before you begin an expedition, you must select a Fate.
Your chosen Fate determines:
- Special passive abilities that shape your playstyle
- How you progress through zones
- Optional buffs for combat or exploration
Each Fate acts as a path or subclass, guiding your approach to Chaos. Choosing different Fates allows experimentation and deeper synergy with your combatants’ skills.
3. Zone Types and Rewards
Within Chaos, you’ll encounter three main types of combat zones:
| Zone Type | Description | Common Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Standard combat encounters. Ideal for farming credits and basic cards. | Credits, common equipment |
| Elite | More challenging fights with mini-boss-style enemies. | Higher-tier gear, rare cards |
| Boss | Major encounter concluding a stage or sector of Chaos. | Legendary items, unique monster cards |
Higher zones naturally yield stronger enemies, but also increase the quality of loot and experience gained.
4. Special Monsters and Nightmare Encounters
During exploration, you may randomly encounter special monsters — unique enemies with unpredictable combat behavior or modifiers.
In Nightmare Mode, these encounters become even more dangerous. After clearing all enemies in certain battles, there’s a chance a “rushing” monster will appear — a powerful enemy that invades immediately.
You have two choices:
- Use a Fear Card to escape safely, or
- Defeat the monster to earn special high-grade equipment.
These Nightmare encounters are risky but highly rewarding, and often the best way to obtain top-tier gear.
5. Safe Zones and Recovery
A Safe Zone is a temporary sanctuary established inside Chaos.
Here, you can:
- Recover health
- Reduce stress
- Train to acquire new cards
- Access Dylan’s Store (if he’s present)
Dylan’s Store allows you to spend the Credits you’ve earned to buy valuable items, equipment, or cards during your run. Think of it as a rest point between major combat areas.
6. Supply Zones and Data Relays
Supply Zones function as checkpoints and data transmission hubs.
When you activate a relay, you’ll:
- Save your exploration progress
- Transmit collected data safely
- Receive new supplies or equipment drops
Activating each relay ensures you won’t lose progress if your combatant falls later on — a vital step for longer explorations.
7. Unidentified Areas and Factions
While exploring, you’ll sometimes enter Unidentified Areas — unpredictable regions with unique encounters or choices.
Inside these areas:
- You may meet factions that exist within Chaos.
- Choices can lead to alliances or hostilities, affecting your run.
- Some rare unidentified zones offer unique story events or special rewards unavailable elsewhere.
Each decision you make shapes your relationship with these internal Chaos factions and can influence your long-term exploration outcomes.
8. Save Data and Corruption
All cards, gear, and data acquired during Chaos runs are stored as Save Data.
This data can be equipped later for use in:
- Simulations
- Combat missions
- Future Chaos explorations
However, there’s a risk. If a combatant enters a deep trauma state, they acquire Corrupted Save Data.
Corrupted data can be:
- Restored through counseling, returning it to usable condition, or
- Permanently deleted if memory deletion is performed.
Managing trauma states becomes essential, as losing high-value data can severely hinder your progress.
9. The Zero System and Manifested Chaos
The Zero System is the analytical framework that processes all data gathered from Chaos explorations.
Using this system, agents can:
- Identify Singularity Coordinates
- Access unique space-time instances of Chaos
These Manifested Chaos Realms are more restricted and dangerous but offer far greater rewards than regular Chaos areas — including rare cards, exclusive equipment, and powerful data fragments.
10. Nightmare Mode
Nightmare Mode represents the highest level of Chaos difficulty.
It activates under two conditions:
- Automatically if you have a combatant with a deep trauma state in your formation.
- Manually via a control button if you wish to take on the challenge directly.
Nightmare Mode applies:
- Increased penalties
- Harsher battle conditions
- Greater loot quality and data gain
It’s intended for veteran players who want to push their teams and earn endgame resources efficiently.
Chaos Exploration in Chaos Zero Nightmare is not just about combat — it’s about management, decision-making, and long-term progression. Each run provides valuable insight and data that feed back into your future strength.