[Chaos Zero Nightmare] How to Proceed with 'Sortie' [CaoZero]
In 'Sortie', a roguelite-specialized mode within Chaos Zero Nightmare, the flow is different from Chaos, so you may find it difficult to clear until you get used to it.
Once you get the hang of it, your clear frequency will increase significantly, so here are a few key points.
Prerequisites (Before you start)
About Difficulty Settings
From Lv. 80, you can increase rewards by applying penalties via 'Danger Variables'.
However, the increase in rewards is quite small, so considering the effort required for clearing, I don't think it's really necessary to apply 'Danger Variables'.
*Of course, if you can clear it with higher difficulty, that's better.
As shown below, the reward 'Black Matter' only changes by 648 between Lv. 80 stage 0 and stage 30, but the difficulty of clearing is worlds apart.
About Character Development
Only 'Level' and 'Partner' settings are applied. Equipment (Memory Fragments) is not applied. You start by selecting one character, but the characters you meet along the way are random, so it is better to level up and set partners for as many characters as possible.
Note that if you have set a partner for a character, it will be applied as is, but for characters without settings, a partner will be automatically assigned when they join. Therefore, if you have unintended partners set for Chaos clearing, etc., they will be difficult to handle, and less effective partners may be automatically assigned.
It is better to finish setting partners in advance.
《Recommended Partner Examples》
Yvonne: Automatically heals every turn, providing stability.
Arwen: Reduces damage taken, making it easier to stay stable.
Nyx: Helps avoid hand accidents. Excellent compatibility with Haidemari.
Strategy at the start of 'Sortie'
Select combatants to start
If you prioritize clearing, it is better to select a powerful character individually rather than from the 'Selected Combatants'.
(Example: Haidemari, Seleniel)
Also, from Lv. 80 onwards, heavy penalties are imposed on shields and healing, so you should focus on pushing through with firepower.
Choices immediately after starting
In the first area, you need to proceed with the selected combatant and the combatant you meet. Since there is a possibility of an accident if you are unlucky (e.g., not being able to draw attack cards, or being unable to move because all cards have high costs), it is better to prioritize stability and choose 'Request a Performance' in the center when obtaining Fate immediately after starting.
《Recommended Fate Examples》
[Fair Trade]
Every turn, choose a card to discard and gain AP equal to its cost. Excellent compatibility with Haidemari. (What is fair trade...?)
Even if not, discarding unused cards can be converted into AP, increasing stability. However, it is not compatible with Fate that reduces card costs.
[Life Ornament]
Increases survivability by gaining legendary accessories while increasing HP.
[Yellow Fate]
The cost of the first card used each turn is reduced by 1, providing stability.
[Fate Synchronization]
Increases damage, shields, and healing according to the number of Fates you have. The overall effect increases, becoming more powerful as you progress.
[Excellent Replica]
Copies a specified card and permanently reduces its cost by 1.
Joining Combatants
Basically, select a character capable of healing or shielding.
As mentioned above, it is important to set your partner in advance.
Acquiring Cards in Combat Areas
When acquiring cards in a combat area, you will choose from three options.
Generally, as the number of cards increases, the probability of drawing the card you want decreases, so if it is not effective for your team composition, you can also choose to 'Skip' and not acquire a card.
The second one is desirable, but cannot be selected due to a penalty.
The third one is often not useful, so 'Skip' is the safe choice.
About Inspirations
The mechanics of Inspirations differ significantly from Chaos.
1. Inspirations do not occur during combat.
2. With 'Flash' available in safety areas, a Divine Inspiration occurs for cards that have already had an Inspiration. At this time, the Divine Inspiration effect is added while the original effect remains the same.
Especially due to point 2, please note that once an Inspiration effect is chosen, it generally cannot be changed.
Selecting the Next Boss
(Since the update on May 27, 2026, you can now select the boss in the next area.)
Consider the attributes and composition of your attacking characters and choose a boss that is easier to fight.
For example, if you are not good at dealing with multiple enemies (like with Haidemari or Seleniel), avoid 'Formica', who summons many minions.
Equipment Obtained in Combat Areas
In Sorties, although the effects are powerful, whether you can utilize them depends on the character. It is better to 'Extract' them into credits instead of equipping them for now, and use them effectively at the Delan Shop later.
It is better to 'Extract' it for credits.
Sortie Difficulty Depends on Luck
'Sortie' has strong roguelite elements. Therefore, there is no need to lament if you cannot clear it. After all, even if you take a max-limit-break Haidemari, who is effectively the strongest character at the moment, you may still fail.
Also, the rewards obtained in 'Sortie' are items for editing save data, so while they are convenient to have, they are not essential.
The content is unlocked at Captain Lv. 32 or higher, but it is better to put it off until the development of your minimum essential main characters is complete.
When challenging, it is recommended to start at Lv. 80, stage 0 (with Hardcore Mode off) to get used to the card selection and Inspiration mechanics.
My "Sortie" Status
I have completed 28 runs.
50% are Lv. 80 Stage 0, 40% are Lv. 80 Stage 5, and 10% are Lv. 80 Stage 30.
Also, I think I've failed to reach the end at least 10 times.
As for the "Black Matter" rewards, I have over 100,000, so I have plenty for save data editing. (I used tens of thousands for the Great Rift.)
I have only been able to clear Lv. 80 Stage 30 by starting with Haidemari.
(At this point, I don't feel like I can clear it starting with any other character...)
Recently, I've also been making progress on clearing it with "Haru," who receives a buff only during sorties.
