A new fan-driven 3D project centered on Zenless Zone Zero is gaining attention online, as artist Ryan Lykos continues to push forward with a detailed character recreation of Zhu Yuan. The latest update, shared via Lykos’s X account, highlights a major milestone in the project—an advanced facial rig built in Blender, designed to bring the character’s expressions to life.
The update offers a closer look at how far the project has come, with Lykos now focusing on animation-ready systems rather than just static modeling. His work reflects a growing trend of high-quality fan recreations that blur the line between professional and community-driven content.
From Sculpt to Rig: How the Model Came Together
Lykos has been documenting the full pipeline of Zhu Yuan’s creation over the past few months. Starting with high-resolution sculpting in ZBrush, the artist gradually refined the model’s proportions, facial structure, and design accuracy.
He then transitioned into Blender for retopology and optimization, ensuring the model could support animation workflows without sacrificing detail. The process also included building out Zhu Yuan’s signature hairstyle and accessories, which required careful balancing between realism and the stylized look seen in Zenless Zone Zero.
Texturing was completed using Substance 3D Painter, marking Lykos’ first experience with the software. Despite that, the final textures closely match the game’s aesthetic, showcasing strong material definition and color accuracy.
The most recent update shifts focus toward facial rigging, one of the most complex stages in character creation. Lykos is currently developing a system that allows Zhu Yuan to display a wide range of expressions, making the model suitable for animation and cinematic use.
Facial rigs are particularly challenging because they must balance technical precision with natural movement. In this case, the goal is to replicate the expressive style typical of anime-inspired games like Zenless Zone Zero, where subtle changes in eyes and mouth shapes can significantly impact character emotion.
The early results suggest a high level of control, with the rig enabling nuanced expressions rather than basic preset animations. This adds a new layer of depth to the project, moving it beyond a showcase model into something closer to production-ready work.
Expanding a Portfolio of Advanced Rigs
Ryan Lykos is not new to complex rigging systems. His previous work includes detailed rigs for mechanical elements like weapons, as well as full-body character setups. These projects demonstrate a consistent focus on functionality as much as visual quality.
The Zhu Yuan model appears to build on that experience, combining detailed sculpting with practical rigging solutions. According to the artist, the completed rig may eventually be shared through platforms like Patreon or Gumroad, giving other creators access to the setup.
This approach aligns with a broader movement in the 3D community, where artists increasingly share tools and assets to support collaborative learning and development.
