NTE New Characters — Zanku, Linko & What's Coming Next
Neverness to Everness is moving fast. Version 1.2 brought Shinku, and the roster isn't stopping there. Kuro Game has officially revealed two new characters for Version 1.3 via drip marketing — Zanku in Phase 1 and Linko in Phase 2. The community is already expecting Blackbird and Akane to follow. Here is everything we know.
Table of Contents
Current Banner: Shinku (Version 1.2)
The current banner in NTE Version 1.2 features Shinku, an S-rank Cosmos DPS and one of the most powerful characters in the game right now. She sits at T0.5 on our tier list and excels at burst-window single-target damage with her Surging Crimson state. Her signature arc Blushing Mirage is best-in-slot.
If you haven't pulled Shinku yet, she is still available on her current limited banner. After this window closes she will not be available again until a potential rerun. Check our Shinku build guide for full kit analysis, team comps and module recommendations.
Next Up: Iroi
After Shinku's banner closes, Iroi is expected to be the next character to return or run in Version 1.2's rotation. Iroi is an S-rank Anima Support who provides strong team utility and sustain. She pairs naturally with Shinku and Cosmos-element teams.
See our Iroi build guide for team comp recommendations before her banner arrives.
Version 1.3 — Phase 1: Zanku
Officially confirmed
Kuro Game officially revealed Zanku as the first new character of Version 1.3 via the NTE Global Twitter account. Zanku 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
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What we know about Zanku
- 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, Zanku'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 Zanku'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
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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
- Full kit reveal expected in the Version 1.3 special program livestream
- Save your pulls after Zanku's window if Linko's kit appeals to you
Community Expectations: Blackbird & Akane
Not officially confirmed
Beyond Version 1.3, the community has two characters firmly on their radar: Blackbird and Akane. Neither has been officially announced for a specific version, but both have accumulated significant hype from story references, datamined assets, and design leaks circulating in the NTE community.
Blackbird
Community speculation
Blackbird is one of the most anticipated characters in the NTE community. Based on story content and available visual references, Blackbird appears to be a high-mobility character with a dark, aggressive aesthetic. The community widely expects them to release sometime after Version 1.3, potentially in Version 1.4 or later. No official kit information has been shared by Kuro Game yet.
Akane
Community speculation
Akane is the other highly anticipated name circulating in the community. With a distinctive design that has already captured attention even before an official reveal, Akane is expected to be a significant banner pull whenever she arrives. As with Blackbird, no release version has been officially announced.
Who Should You Pull?
Pull Shinku now
You want a top-tier Cosmos DPS immediately. Shinku's banner is live and she won't return for a long time after it closes.
Save for Iroi
Your team needs a strong Anima Support and you don't have her yet. Iroi pairs naturally with Shinku and most DPS compositions.
Wait for Zanku (v1.3 P1)
You want to see fresh kit design in 1.3. Full details are coming — wait for the kit reveal before committing.
Wait for Linko (v1.3 P2)
Linko fills Phase 2. If your roster is set for now, save through 1.3 Phase 1 and see what Linko brings.
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 after Shinku?
Iroi is the next character expected to return to banner after Shinku in Version 1.2. Following that, Zanku is officially confirmed for Version 1.3 Phase 1.
When does Zanku release in NTE?
Zanku is confirmed for Version 1.3 Phase 1 based on official drip marketing from the NTE Global Twitter account. An exact release date has not been announced yet.
Who is Linko in NTE?
Linko is an upcoming NTE character officially revealed via drip marketing from the NTE JP Twitter account, confirmed for Version 1.3 Phase 2.
Are Blackbird and Akane confirmed for NTE?
Blackbird and Akane have not been officially confirmed for a specific version. They are widely expected by the community based on story references, visual design reveals, and datamined assets.
Should I save pulls for Zanku or Linko?
That depends entirely on your roster. If Shinku or Iroi fill your DPS slot, saving for Zanku or Linko in v1.3 is a solid plan. We recommend waiting for their full kit reveals before committing pulls.