Chaos Zero Nightmare is a cosmic loop RPG blending strategy and roguelike elements where you command agents on the SS Nightmare against cosmic horror. Gameplay involves building card decks to create synergies during unpredictable "Chaos runs" while managing agent stress to prevent mental breakdowns. Uniquely, failure fuels progression; base operations include choice-driven therapy sessions to manage agent trauma, bond development, or memory resets. Released in late 2025, this title is available on PC and mobile platforms.
The central gameplay loop emphasizes high-stakes tactical decision-making during these Chaos runs. Success hinges on building unique decks composed of character-specific cards, allowing players to chase powerful synergies designed to overwhelm opponents.
A critical management layer involves agent stress. As runs progress, agents accrue stress, and failure to manage this can trigger debilitating mental breakdowns resulting in Deep Trauma effects. This mechanic adds a layer of psychological survival to the tactical combat.
Beyond the tactical card-based combat, the game features a deep narrative and base management system tied directly to failure. When agents suffer setbacks or complete runs, players return to base operations.
Here, the focus shifts to managing the agents' mental state through the Epione Center. Players engage in tense, choice-driven therapy sessions. These sessions offer two primary paths: counseling agents to reclaim corrupted save data and strengthen bonds, or opting for a memory reset to quickly prepare for the next run, though this sacrifices previous relationship gains.
The setting is a dark, sci-fi environment grappling with encroaching cosmic dread. The narrative unfolds through moving "Trauma Code" stories, which delve into each agent's haunted past and personal fears, providing rich background lore.
A key feature of the progression system is that every failure has consequence but fuels deeper replayability. Setbacks are not merely roadblocks but integral parts of the cycle, encouraging players to adapt their strategies and base management approaches for subsequent attempts.
The decisions made during therapy sessions directly impact future runs. Counseling agents can boost bonds and potentially recover valuable corrupted data, while choosing a memory reset provides a clean slate for immediate tactical advantage but erases relationship progress. This creates a constant tension between immediate tactical readiness and long-term character investment.
The visual presentation utilizes a 2D art and animation style, reminiscent of certain popular mobile RPGs, applied to its sci-fi cosmic horror setting.
As of the current date, this main title does not feature any announced Downloadable Content (DLCs) or Expansions.