Chaos Zero Nightmare is celebrating its first anniversary with a major seasonal update, bringing new story content, a playable Combatant, and several gameplay improvements to the dark fantasy roguelike RPG. Developed by Super Creative and published by Smilegate, the game has launched A Promise Upon the Snow, which opens Galactic Disaster Season 5 and introduces players to a new chapter of its ongoing story.
Announced on October 21, 2026, the update centers on the newly emerged Chaos known as Celestial Bulwark. Players follow the Captain and their companions as they confront a mysterious disaster, encounter new characters, and uncover secrets surrounding the god Diallos. The update also introduces Rossweisse, a new Seasonal Combatant whose abilities revolve around two interconnected cards.
Alongside the new content, Smilegate has added Card Skins, Special-grade Attire, and Partner Exploration Passives. Anniversary events offer up to 70 free Rescues, a five-star Combatant or Partner Selection Ticket, and 1,600 Crystals, while a limited-time minigame connects the celebration to a charitable initiative.
Chaos Zero Nightmare Season 5 Introduces Celestial Bulwark
The first chapter of A Promise Upon the Snow follows the Captain and their companions after they become isolated by a mysterious disaster. Their journey leads them to Celestial Bulwark, a newly emerged Chaos where they encounter unfamiliar characters and investigate the secrets surrounding Diallos.
The update also introduces Rossweisse, an Apostle serving Kyrken, the Goddess of Cycles. Players can explore her backstory through the new Trauma Code, which launches alongside her release.
Celestial Bulwark also features a dedicated Supply Store. Players can exchange special currency earned through gameplay for character acquisition currency and growth materials, giving them additional ways to develop their roster.
Rossweisse joins the roster as a Justice Attribute Striker with a distinctive card-based combat mechanic. Her design incorporates the five traditional Korean colors known as Obangsaek, which symbolize Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Her weapon is modeled after the Saingeom, a sword traditionally associated with warding off calamities.
Her signature card, Flicker Blade, splits into two cards called Shard: Light and Shard: Dark. These cards occupy opposite ends of the player’s hand and interact with other cards to produce different effects during combat. Under specific conditions, they can combine into a single card capable of unleashing a powerful skill.
The mechanic adds another strategic layer to the game’s combat system, encouraging players to consider card positioning and combinations when building their decks.
New Card Skins, Special-grade Attire, and Partner Improvements
Smilegate has introduced several requested features and quality-of-life improvements for the game’s first anniversary. The new Card Skin system lets players change the illustrations displayed on Combatant cards. The feature previously appeared during an April Fools’ event and returns following a positive response from players.
Special-grade Attire expands the existing customization system with more substantial changes to character presentation. These outfits modify a Combatant’s animations and Unique Card illustrations while adding dozens of exclusive voice lines.
The update also introduces Exploration Passives for Partners equipped by Combatants. Four-star Partners provide two beneficial effects, while five-star Partners offer three. These bonuses support the entire party during Chaos and Sortie gameplay.
Another addition, Select and Apply Divine Epiphany, allows players editing acquired Save Data to apply an Epiphany from a chosen god to a card.
The Nightmare Carnival runs through December 2, 2026, rewarding players for participating in the anniversary celebration. Players can receive 10 free Rescues daily, reaching a total of 70, alongside a five-star Combatant or Partner Selection Ticket and 1,600 Crystals. Check-in rewards and in-game activities also provide character acquisition currency and special Stickers.
Meanwhile, the Nightmare Dream Park minigame remains available through December 23. Players can place and upgrade facilities across the park, improve visiting Combatants’ satisfaction, and generate revenue. Smilegate will also connect the minigame to an offline charitable campaign supporting children experiencing food insecurity.
Kim Joo Hyung, Head of Business at Smilegate, thanked players for supporting the game during its first year. He said the team hopes fans enjoy the new story, Combatant, and improvements prepared in response to player feedback.
