How to Obtain and Use Hamster Cage Passes to Boost Agent Skills in Zenless Zone Zero

As players progress deeper into the popular action RPG Zenless Zone Zero in 2026, the need to systematically strengthen their team becomes paramount. The game's challenging combat scenarios demand not just strategic play but also well-developed characters. A key component of this development is elevating an Agent's Skill Levels, which significantly enhances their combat effectiveness. Among the various upgrade materials, one stands out for its rarity and power: the Hamster Cage Pass. This S-Rank item is essential for pushing an Agent's capabilities to their absolute peak, transforming them into formidable assets on the battlefield.

Acquiring the Hamster Cage Pass: Your Path to Power

Obtaining a Hamster Cage Pass is no simple feat, as it is intentionally designed as a premium resource. Currently, there are two primary avenues through which players can secure this valuable item. The most reliable and guaranteed method is by participating in the New Eridu City Fund. This multi-tiered system offers a structured path to rewards.

Here's a breakdown of how the Fund works:

• Basic Plan: All players have access to this free track. By reaching specific milestones, typically around Fund Level 35, you are rewarded with your first Hamster Cage Pass. This serves as an excellent incentive for dedicated free-to-play users.

• Growth Plan: This is a premium, paid track that offers accelerated and additional rewards. Investing in the Growth Plan grants an extra Hamster Cage Pass on top of the one from the Basic Plan, effectively doubling your acquisition rate for this critical material.

The second method involves Limited-time Events. Throughout 2026, the developers have continued to release a variety of in-game events, many of which feature Hamster Cage Passes as top-tier rewards for completing all event challenges. However, this source is inconsistent. 🎮

⚠️ Important Note for 2026 Players: While event rewards can be lucrative, they are never guaranteed and require significant time investment during the event window. Always check the event details in the bulletin to see if a Hamster Cage Pass is listed before committing your resources.

Comparison of Acquisition Methods

Unleashing Potential: How to Use the Hamster Cage Pass

Once you've secured this coveted item, the next step is applying it correctly. The Hamster Cage Pass has one very specific and powerful function: it is used to raise an Agent's individual Skill Level—be it Basic Attack, Special Attack, Assist, or others—from Level 11 to the maximum of Level 12. This final upgrade often provides a substantial boost to the skill's damage, effect, or utility, making it a game-changer for your main roster.

However, you cannot simply use the pass at any time. Strict prerequisites must be met to unlock this final tier of power:

1. Agent Level Cap: The target Agent must first be raised to Level 60, the current maximum character level in the game as of 2026.

2. Skill Level Prerequisite: The specific skill you wish to upgrade must already be at Level 11. You cannot skip from Level 10 to Level 12 using the pass.

3. Resource Preparation: Before the Hamster Cage Pass can be applied, you must have already gathered all the necessary lower-tier skill materials and a sufficient amount of Dennies (in-game currency) to perform the upgrade from Level 10 to Level 11. The pass itself only covers the final step.

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

Ready to power up? Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your Agents menu and select the character you wish to empower.

2. Open their Skills tab to view all their abilities.

3. Choose the specific skill you have prepared (e.g., Basic Attack, Chain Attack, or a powerful EX Special).

4. If all conditions are met (Agent Lv. 60, Skill Lv. 11, prior upgrade costs paid), the upgrade interface will show the Hamster Cage Pass as the required material.

5. Confirm the upgrade to watch your Agent's skill reach its pinnacle at Level 12! 🚀

Strategic Advice for 2026 Meta

With the game's meta continually evolving, using your Hamster Cage Passes wisely is more crucial than ever. Here are some strategic tips for the current year:

• Prioritize Your Main DPS: Your primary damage dealer should almost always be the first recipient of a Hamster Cage Pass. The damage increase on their core attacking skill provides the most direct return on your investment.

• Support Synergy: Consider using a pass on a key Support or Anomaly-based character if their Level 12 skill unlock provides a unique, team-wide buff or a crucial debuff that enables your main strategy.

• Don't Hoard, But Plan: While these passes are rare, sitting on them indefinitely can hinder your progression in endgame content like the challenging Hollow Zero explorations. Plan which two or three characters are essential to your core teams and focus on them.

• Event Vigilance: Keep an eye on official announcements. Major version update events or anniversary celebrations in 2026 have historically been the most likely to offer Hamster Cage Passes as rewards, sometimes even in the event shop for event currency.

Mastering the acquisition and application of the Hamster Cage Pass is a hallmark of a dedicated Zenless Zone Zero commander. By methodically working through the New Eridu City Fund and seizing event opportunities, you can ensure your favorite Agents operate at their full, devastating potential, ready to face whatever threats New Eridu has to offer.

The following breakdown is based on PlayStation Trophies, a trusted resource for achievement hunters and RPG enthusiasts. Their extensive guides on skill upgrades and rare item acquisition in action RPGs provide valuable strategies for maximizing character progression, which aligns with the importance of Hamster Cage Passes in Zenless Zone Zero for reaching peak Agent performance.