Arc System Works, in collaboration with Bushiroad and Eighting, has officially revealed that Zeno Zoldyck will be the fourth and final downloadable content character for Season Pass 1 in their 2D 3v3 fighting game, Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact. The character was showcased in a new video streamed on Thursday, confirming his release date for June 18. This announcement marks the culmination of the initial season pass, which has progressively introduced fan-favorite characters from Yoshihiro Togashi’s acclaimed manga series.
The release of Zeno Zoldyck follows a carefully orchestrated rollout of new combatants, designed to maintain player engagement and expand the game’s roster. The first DLC character for Season Pass 1, Neferpitou, made their debut on October 16. Subsequently, Phinks Magcub was added to the roster on December 25, followed by Shizuku Murasaki on April 16. These additions have steadily broadened the strategic options available to players, allowing for more diverse team compositions and fighting styles. The presence of Zeno, a pivotal figure in the Zoldyck family and a master of Nen, is anticipated to bring a unique set of abilities and a significant strategic shift to the game’s meta.
The anticipation for Zeno’s inclusion was further fueled by a previous video that teased upcoming Season Pass characters through their silhouettes. Alongside the now-confirmed Phinks and Shizuku, Zeno Zoldyck’s silhouette was a prominent feature, leading to widespread speculation among the game’s community. The official reveal now provides concrete confirmation and a definitive release window, allowing fans to prepare for his arrival.
Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact launched globally in July 2025 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game is published outside of Japan by Arc System Works, a studio renowned for its expertise in the fighting game genre, particularly with titles like the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series. This pedigree suggests a high level of polish and gameplay depth for Nen x Impact. The game’s commitment to player accessibility is further evidenced by the inclusion of rollback netcode, though this feature is currently exclusive to the PlayStation 5 and Steam versions. Notably, cross-platform play is not supported at this time, which may present a hurdle for players on different platforms seeking to compete together.
The game currently offers language support in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, reflecting its global appeal. Future updates are planned to introduce additional language options, including German, Italian, French, Spanish, and Korean, further enhancing the game’s reach and inclusivity for an international audience.
A Deeper Dive into Season Pass 1 and Character Lineup
The introduction of Zeno Zoldyck as the final Season Pass 1 character brings the initial wave of DLC to a close. This season pass has aimed to capture the essence of the Hunter x Hunter universe by selecting characters who are not only fan favorites but also possess distinct Nen abilities that translate well into a fighting game format. The selection of Neferpitou, Phinks, Shizuku, and now Zeno represents a strategic mix of power, utility, and iconic status within the series.
The full roster of playable characters, including those available at launch and through Season Pass 1, showcases the breadth of the Hunter x Hunter narrative. This includes central figures such as Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika, alongside formidable antagonists and allies like Hisoka, Netero, Bisky, Machi, Uvogin, Chrollo, Feitan, Meruem, Genthru, Razor, Morel, and Kite. This extensive lineup ensures that players can embody a wide array of fighting styles and strategies, catering to diverse preferences and allowing for the recreation of iconic battles from the manga and anime.
The inclusion of Zeno Zoldyck, a seasoned and formidable assassin from the infamous Zoldyck family, is particularly noteworthy. Known for his mastery of Nen, specifically his "Dragon Head" ability which allows him to manifest a dragon-like entity composed of Nen, Zeno is expected to offer a unique gameplay experience. His calm demeanor and strategic prowess in the manga suggest a character who might excel in zoning, set-up, or control-based gameplay, potentially demanding a high level of player execution to fully utilize his capabilities.
The Enduring Legacy of Hunter x Hunter and its Transition to Gaming
Hunter x Hunter, the manga that forms the foundation of this fighting game, is the brainchild of Yoshihiro Togashi. Since its serialization began in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1998, the series has garnered a massive international following for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and mature exploration of themes such as power, morality, and the nature of humanity. The manga has spawned two television anime series, two anime films, numerous original video anime (OVA) titles, and several stage plays, underscoring its significant cultural impact.
The publication history of the Hunter x Hunter manga has been marked by periods of intense activity interspersed with extended hiatuses. This has often been attributed to the author’s health concerns. The manga’s 37th compiled book volume, released in November 2022, was the first new volume in four years, highlighting the challenges of its serialization. Viz Media published the 38th volume in English on January 6, while Shueisha released the Japanese version of the 38th volume in September 2024. The 39th Japanese volume is slated for release on July 3. These milestones indicate continued engagement with the source material, providing a rich wellspring of content for adaptations like Nen x Impact.
The manga experienced a hiatus in January 2023 due to Togashi’s health issues, with Shueisha indicating that a weekly serialization format might not be sustainable moving forward. However, the series made a notable return with a new chapter in Weekly Shonen Jump in October 2024, only to enter another hiatus in December of the same year. This on-again, off-again serialization pattern underscores the dedication of both the author and the fanbase, with the latter eagerly anticipating new developments. The existence of Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the series, offering fans a new interactive way to engage with their favorite characters and their epic battles.
Bushiroad Games: A Strategic Venture in the Gaming Landscape
The development and publication of Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact fall under the purview of Bushiroad Games, a label established by Bushiroad in January 2023. This initiative aimed to expand Bushiroad’s presence in the video game market, building upon their success in other entertainment sectors such as trading card games, anime, and mobile games. While the Bushiroad Games brand is set to conclude its operations in December 2025, the company’s commitment to game development will continue under its established labels. Mobile titles will be published under the Bushimo brand, while console games will bear the Bushiroad name. This strategic shift signifies Bushiroad’s ongoing investment in the gaming industry, even as it reorganizes its brand structure.
The partnership with Arc System Works for Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact is a significant undertaking, leveraging Arc System Works’ renowned expertise in creating high-quality fighting games. This collaboration is crucial for ensuring that the game not only captures the visual fidelity of the Hunter x Hunter universe but also delivers a compelling and competitive fighting game experience that appeals to both long-time fans and fighting game enthusiasts.
Broader Implications for the Fighting Game Genre and Anime Adaptations
The release of Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact, and specifically the finalization of its Season Pass 1 with the addition of Zeno Zoldyck, has several implications for both the fighting game genre and the broader landscape of anime-to-game adaptations.
Firstly, the successful execution of a multi-character DLC season pass demonstrates a commitment to ongoing content delivery, a strategy that has become increasingly common and expected in the modern gaming market. This approach not only provides sustained revenue streams for developers but also keeps the player base engaged and invested in the game’s evolving meta and character roster. The selection of characters like Zeno, who possess unique and recognizable abilities from the source material, highlights the importance of faithful adaptation while also ensuring distinct gameplay mechanics.
Secondly, the game’s availability on major platforms like PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC, coupled with language support for multiple regions, underscores the global ambition of such projects. The inclusion of rollback netcode on specific platforms, while limited, is a positive step towards addressing the critical need for stable online play in competitive fighting games. The lack of cross-platform play, however, remains a point of discussion within the community, as it can fragment the player base and limit matchmaking opportunities.
Thirdly, Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact serves as a prime example of how beloved anime properties can be successfully translated into the fighting game genre. The game’s ability to feature a diverse cast of characters, each with their own fighting style and special moves derived from their Nen abilities, is a key factor in its appeal. The continued success and engagement with this title could encourage further investment in high-quality fighting game adaptations of other popular manga and anime series.
The game’s reception and continued development will likely be closely watched by both fans of Hunter x Hunter and the fighting game community. The introduction of Zeno Zoldyck marks a significant milestone, but the long-term success of Nen x Impact will depend on continued post-launch support, potential future seasons, and the overall health of its online community. The journey of Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact from its initial reveal to the completion of its first DLC season reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the video game industry and its relationship with popular media franchises.
