In the challenging roguelike world of Chaos Zero Nightmare (CZN), mastering your cards is key to survival. The Epiphany system is a core mechanic that allows you to power up your deck permanently during a run. This guide will explain everything you need to know: how to activate Epiphany, the different types, and how to use them to create an unstoppable build.
What is Epiphany?
Epiphany is a powerful upgrade mechanic in Chaos Zero Nightmare that triggers during the Chaos Manifestation phase. When activated, it grants a permanent effect to one of your cards for the remainder of your run. These upgrades can range from simple damage increases to unique, game-changing buffs, providing a crucial advantage in battle. The best part? After the initial activation, using the upgraded card does not consume additional AP.
How to Activate Epiphany
Activating an Epiphany is straightforward once you know what to look for.
During combat, keep a close watch on your cards. A yellow or golden glow appearing above a card indicates that it is ready for an Epiphany. When you see this glow, select and use that card as you normally would. Instead of just performing its standard action, it will trigger the Chaos Manifestation sequence, allowing you to choose an upgrade.
There are two primary ways to find cards ready for Epiphany:
Random Combat Trigger: The glow can appear randomly on your cards during any battle. Always be vigilant for this visual cue.
Random Event Nodes: On the run map, look for nodes marked with a question mark (?). These random events often offer you a chance to gain an Epiphany, typically granting a basic one, with a rarer chance for a more powerful type.
The Three Types of Epiphany
There are three distinct tiers of Epiphany, each offering different levels of power. You will generally encounter them in the following order of rarity.
1. Combatant Epiphany
This is the most common type of Epiphany. When triggered, it allows you to add a unique, pre-defined card to your deck at random. This is an excellent way to diversify your strategy and gain access to powerful abilities you didn’t have before.
2. Card Epiphany
This powerful Epiphany presents you with a choice of three random bonus effects. You select one, and it is permanently applied to the card that triggered the Epiphany. These effects can significantly alter the card, such as:
Increasing its damage output.
Adding a defensive buff.
Applying a healing effect.
Granting additional utility.
3. Divine Epiphany
The rarest and most powerful of the three, Divine Epiphany offers effects that can single-handedly define a winning run. These epiphanies are more likely to be found in Chaos Zones, which are areas with higher difficulty. The effects are typically more potent and unique than those from a Card Epiphany, providing massive upgrades that can make your character incredibly powerful.
How to Upgrade Your Cards Using Epiphany
The process of upgrading your cards is integrated into the activation:
Identify: Spot a card with a yellow/golden glow.
Activate: Use the glowing card in combat.
Choose: The Chaos Manifestation screen will appear, showing you the type of Epiphany you’ve triggered (Combatant, Card, or Divine).
Select: For a Card Epiphany, you will be given three options. Read them carefully and select the effect that best complements your current build and strategy.
Benefit: The upgrade is applied permanently for the run. Use the enhanced card without any extra AP cost to dominate your enemies.
FAQ
Q: Does using an upgraded card cost more AP?
A: No. Only the initial activation of the Epiphany has an AP cost. Using the card afterwards with its new upgrade does not consume any additional AP.
Q: Which Epiphany is the best?
A: While Divine Epiphany offers the most powerful effects, a well-chosen Card Epiphany on a key card in your deck can be just as impactful. “Best” depends on your specific build and situation.
Q: Can I farm for Epiphanies?
A: You can increase your chances by targeting Random Event (?) nodes on the map and by venturing into higher-difficulty Chaos Zones where Divine Epiphanies are more likely to appear.
Q: Is the glow for an Epiphany easy to miss?
A: It can be if you’re not paying attention. During combat, make it a habit to quickly scan your hand for the distinctive yellow/golden glow above your cards.
Conclusion
The Epiphany system is the backbone of building power in Chaos Zero Nightmare. Understanding how to activate it by watching for the golden glow and strategically choosing your upgrades can mean the difference between failure and a victorious run. Prioritize finding these opportunities, carefully select upgrades that synergize with your deck, and seek out the mighty Divine Epiphany to conquer the chaos that awaits.