In the neon-drenched, rain-slicked streets of New Eridu, a legend walks in two forms. Belle and Wise, the sibling duo known as the Proxy Phatheon, are not just characters to be selected; they are the twin souls through which players first breathe the chaotic air of Zenless Zone Zero. This initial choice feels monumental, a first step into an urban labyrinth. Yet, the city whispers a secret: this decision is one of heart and aesthetic, not of consequence. For in the grand dance of New Eridu’s dangers, neither sibling wields a blade in combat. Their battlefield is the city itself—its secrets, its challenges, its video store. They guide others through the perilous Hollows, a pair of spectral shepherds in a digital wilderness. So, who will you walk beside? The answer paints your world in subtle, personal hues.
🏃♂️🏃♀️ The Pulse of the City: Core Differences
At its core, choosing between Belle and Wise is choosing the lens through which you view New Eridu. The differences are nuanced, a collection of small details that, together, craft a unique experience.
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The Rhythm of Motion: It seems the city’s pulse beats just a tad faster for Wise. Players have felt it—an almost imperceptible quickness in his stride compared to Belle’s. Maybe it’s those long legs of his, huh? The developers at HoYoverse, in their playful attention to detail, might have simply let realism guide this quirk. Belle, in contrast, moves with a different energy, her pace a lively counterpoint to her brother’s steady clip.
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Aesthetic and Identity: This choice fundamentally decides whether you experience the story as a male or female protagonist. Belle, the sister, is a splash of vibrant color against the grey—blue hair, a practical yet stylish grey skirt, and an aura of boundless energy. Wise, the brother, cuts a taller, more reserved figure with his grey hair and classic jeans-jacket combo. You can’t customize their looks, so go with whoever’s style speaks to you. It’s perfectly fine to pick based on vibes alone!
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Personality in the Frame: Their spirits color every interaction. Wise is the calm in the storm, his demeanor cooler, more analytical. Belle is the spark, the energetic force that charges into situations. This divergence shapes the game’s narrative fabric.
🎬 The Storyteller’s Chair: Narrative & Scenes
Your chosen sibling isn’t just an avatar; they’re the director of your journey. They take the leading role in cutscenes, piloting the trusty Bangboo into the Hollow while the other provides tech support from the sidelines. This isn’t just cosmetic.
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Dialogue & Delivery: Scenes play out with slight but meaningful variations. A line delivered by Belle carries her infectious enthusiasm, while Wise might offer the same information with grounded calm. Their personalities shine through in these moments, offering fresh perspectives on familiar events.
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A Personal Sanctuary: Step into the video store, and you’ll find your sanctuary waiting. Choose Belle, and you inherit the left-hand bedroom—a vibrant, cozy space that hums with her lively spirit. Choose Wise, and the right-hand room welcomes you with a modern, darker aesthetic that mirrors his composed nature. Both rooms function the same (yes, you can still nap and display your photos), but the soul of the space is entirely different. It’s your corner of New Eridu.
- First Impressions Last: Even the game’s main menu remembers your choice. The Dynamic Wallpaper automatically features your selected sibling, a constant digital companion. But don’t worry, the other’s wallpaper is unlocked too, so you can switch if you ever miss the other half of the legend.
🔒 Permanence and Flexibility
Now, here’s the thing about legends—they’re not easily rewritten.
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A Binding Choice: You cannot permanently switch your protagonist after the initial decision. Belle or Wise, that’s your partner for this journey through New Eridu. The bond you choose is final.
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Glimpses of the Other Side: The story, in its wisdom, does offer fleeting moments where control shifts to the other sibling for plot-critical reasons. Perhaps your chosen Proxy is deep in the Hollow’s data stream, leaving their sibling to mind the storefront. These moments are rare gifts, letting you feel the city through a different rhythm.
🎭 The Voices Behind the Legend
The soul of a character is given breath by their voice. In 2026, the performances behind Belle and Wise remain iconic pillars of the Zenless Zone Zero experience.
| Character | English Voice Actor | Notable Roles (EN) | Chinese Voice Actor | Japanese Voice Actor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle | Courtney Steele | Egeria & Emerald (Genshin Impact) | Yi Koujing | Senbongi Sayaka |
| Wise | Stephen Fu | Starfield, Spider-Man 2, FFVII Rebirth | Lin Jing | Abe Atsushi |
Belle’s voice, courtesy of Courtney Steele, carries a familiar warmth for veterans of HoYoverse worlds, while Stephen Fu imbues Wise with a versatile depth earned across gaming’s biggest titles. Their performances are the final, crucial layer that makes the Proxy Phatheon feel truly alive.
💫 The Heart of the Choice
So, as you stand at the threshold of New Eridu, the question lingers: Belle or Wise? Remember, there is no wrong answer, only different shades of the same thrilling tale. Your choice weaves itself into the city’s fabric—in the speed of a dash down an alley, the color of your room’s light, the tone of a whispered plan. It decides who stands in the spotlight when the Bangboo boots up and who offers support from the shadows. In the end, you are not just picking a character; you are choosing which heartbeat will sync with yours as you unravel the mysteries of the Hollows. The legend of Phatheon has two authors. Which one will you be?