NTE New Characters — Zankou, Linko & What's Coming Next
Neverness to Everness is moving fast. Version 1.2 brought Shinku, and the roster isn't stopping there. Hotta Studio has officially revealed two new characters for Version 1.3 via drip marketing — Zankou in Phase 1 and Linko in Phase 2. Hotta Studio has since officially revealed Blackbird and Akane Rin through drip marketing for Version 1.4. Here is everything we know.
Table of Contents
Current Banner: Linko (Version 1.3 Phase 2)
The current NTE banner is Linko's Surfing All Channels! board, live from September 9 to September 30, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8), alongside a rerun of Hotori on Misty Tipsy Style. Phase 1 — Zankou plus a Nanally rerun — closed on September 9.
Both boards share the same cutoff. The full NTE banner schedule tracks what is running now and what we expect next.
Version 1.3 — Phase 1: Zankou
Officially confirmed
Hotta Studio officially revealed Zankou as the first new character of Version 1.3 via the NTE Global Twitter account. Zankou is the opening banner of the patch — the Phase 1 character — and marks the start of what looks like a strong new chapter for Neverness to Everness. Full kit details have not been released yet, but the drip marketing reveal sets the tone for their role and aesthetic.
Neverness to Everness (Global)
@NTE_GL · Jul 2026
View original post on X →
What we know about Zankou
- Confirmed for Version 1.3 Phase 1 via official drip marketing
- Official reveal from the NTE Global account — high visibility character
- Full kit, element, arc and module details to be announced ahead of launch
- As a Phase 1 character, Zankou's banner will open on the first day of v1.3
Version 1.3 — Phase 2: Linko
Officially confirmed
The second character confirmed for Version 1.3 is Linko, revealed through an official drip marketing post from the NTE JP account. Linko takes the Phase 2 slot, meaning they will follow Zankou's banner in the second half of Version 1.3. The JP reveal suggests Linko may have a design or story angle that resonates more with the Japanese audience — often a sign of a complex or nuanced kit.
Neverness to Everness (JP)
@NTE_JP · Jul 2026
View original post on X →
What we know about Linko
- Confirmed for Version 1.3 Phase 2 via official NTE JP drip marketing
- Phase 2 banner typically opens 2–3 weeks after the patch launch
- Revealed at the Version 1.3 livestream on August 8, 2026 — see the NTE 1.3 livestream: release date, banners and codes
- Save your pulls after Zankou's window if Linko's kit appeals to you
Officially Revealed: Blackbird & Akane Rin
Official drip marketing · Version 1.4
Beyond Version 1.3, Hotta Studio has officially revealed the next two S-rank characters through drip marketing: Blackbird and Akane Rin. Hotta has not announced either banner's dates. Based on the 1.3 phase pattern we expect Blackbird from September 30 to October 20, 2026, then Akane Rin from October 20. Kit details come with the version preview program.
That program now has a date: the Version 1.4 Preview Special Program airs September 16, 2026 at 19:30 (UTC+8).
Blackbird
Officially revealed
Hotta Studio officially revealed Blackbird through drip marketing as an S-rank Psyche character, and the reveal art shows her as a crow-themed witch. She opens Version 1.4, and while Hotta has not announced the dates we expect her banner to run September 30 to October 20, 2026. No official kit information has been shared yet.
Akane Rin
Officially revealed
Akane Rin was officially revealed alongside Blackbird as an S-rank Lakshana character, pictured with an electric guitar. Her banner is expected to take over from Blackbird's on October 20, 2026 as Version 1.4 Phase 2 — Hotta has not announced the dates. No kit information has been shared yet.
Who Should You Pull?
Pull Linko now
Her Surfing All Channels! board is live to September 30, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8) and she lands straight in T0. After the cutoff she is gone until a rerun.
Pull Hotori's rerun
Same window, to September 30, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8). T0 Cosmos Burst DPS and buffer — the cheapest way to fix a team that lacks one.
Save for Blackbird
You want the Version 1.4 opener. Her kit is unknown and Hotta has not announced her dates — we expect her banner from September 30, 2026.
Save for Akane Rin
You would rather hold for Phase 2. Her kit is unknown and her dates are not announced — we expect her from October 20, 2026.
General rule: Always wait for a character's full kit reveal before spending pulls. Drip marketing shows aesthetic and theme — actual damage numbers and team synergy come from the kit reveal livestream. Check back on our tier list and character guides as soon as new details drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the next NTE character?
Blackbird is next. She is officially revealed as an S-rank Psyche character and opens Version 1.4 after Linko's Phase 2 board closes on September 30, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8). Hotta has not published her banner dates; we expect September 30 to October 20, 2026.
When did Zankou release in NTE?
Zankou released on August 19, 2026 in Version 1.3 Phase 1, on the Alluring Shadows banner. The date was confirmed at the Version 1.3 Preview Special Program on August 8, 2026. Her banner closed on September 9, 2026.
Who is Linko in NTE?
Linko is an S-rank Anima Main DPS, first revealed via drip marketing from the NTE JP Twitter account and released on September 9, 2026 as Version 1.3 Phase 2. Her Surfing All Channels! board runs to September 30, 2026 at 05:59 (UTC+8).
Are Blackbird and Akane Rin confirmed for NTE?
Yes. Hotta Studio officially revealed both through drip marketing: Blackbird as an S-rank Psyche character and Akane Rin as an S-rank Lakshana character. Hotta has not announced either banner's dates. Based on the 1.3 phase pattern we expect Blackbird from September 30 to October 20, 2026, then Akane Rin from October 20.
Should I save pulls for Blackbird or Akane Rin?
Neither kit has been revealed, so there is nothing to judge them on yet. If Linko or her Hotori rerun fill a gap in your roster, pull now; otherwise saving through the Version 1.4 preview program is the safer call.