With Version 1.2 “999 Nights” now underway, Neverness to Everness (NTE) players are already looking ahead to the upcoming Version 1.3 banners. Based on official marketing and community analysis, Version 1.3 is expected to introduce two highly anticipated S-Class characters: Zankou and Linko.
Although some details about Version 1.3 remain unconfirmed, the available information gives players a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare their resources. This guide covers the expected banner schedule, character details, possible combat roles, and the best pulling strategy for NTE Version 1.3.
With several limited characters planned for future updates, keeping track of NTE’s banner rotation can help players make better decisions with their resources. For a complete overview of upcoming releases and featured characters, check out our Neverness to Everness Banner Guide before planning your pulls.
NTE 1.3 Banner Overview & Release Date
Release Date
According to current predictions, Version 1.3 will continue NTE’s existing banner cycle, which generally follows a 3-week phase structure. Since the second phase of Version 1.2 featuring Iroi is expected to end around August 19, Version 1.3 is set to begin at August 19, while Linko is predicted to appear in the second phase approximately three weeks later.
The expected schedule is:
|
Version 1.3 |
Time(UTC+8 05:59) |
|
Phase 1: Zankou |
August 19, 2026 |
|
Phase 2: Linko |
September 9, 2026 |
Banner Overview
Based on current information, the complete details of the 1.3 banner are as follows:
|
Character |
Element |
Faction |
Story Background |
|
|
Incantation |
Scarlet Letter (antagonist faction) |
Chapter 4 "A Research in Scarlet" boss |
|
|
Anima |
ETD-6 (Bureau of Anomaly Control) |
Appears at the end of "Debt Collector," partnered with ghost anomaly Xiaozhen |
Zankou
Linko*Players should keep in mind that only the character identities, designs, and basic information revealed through official channels can currently be considered confirmed. Their exact skills, weapons, and final release dates may change before launch.
Phase 1: Zankou
Zankou is expected to be the featured character of the first half of NTE Version 1.3. Unlike many newly introduced characters, she is not a completely new face.
- Character background
She already plays an important role in the main storyline as a member of the Scarlet Letter faction and appeared as a major antagonist, including her role as a Chapter 4 story boss.
Her official reveal shows a striking design featuring white hair, red eyes, and a dark kimono-inspired outfit, giving her a mysterious and intimidating appearance that matches her position within the Scarlet Letter organization. Her connection with characters such as Daffodil and Poinsette also makes her one of the more story-developed characters among NTE’s antagonists.
- kit & Analysis
Zankou has been confirmed as an S-Class character with the Incantation attribute, while her weapon type and complete skill kit have not yet been officially revealed.
But based on community predictions, Zankou may become a powerful damage dealer, potentially filling the role of a main DPS character.
This assumption comes from her story importance, elemental identity, and the tendency for major storyline characters in NTE to receive strong combat designs. However, players should wait for official gameplay demonstrations before making final decisions.
For players who currently lack a strong Incantation damage character, Zankou could become one of the most valuable targets in Version 1.3.
Phase 2: Linko Banner
The second major character expected in Version 1.3 is Linko, an S-Class character connected to ETD-6. Unlike Zankou, Linko is not introduced as an enemy. She has appeared previously in NTE-related footage and is known for her association with an anomaly partner.
- Character background
Her official splash art highlights a completely different style compared with Zankou. Linko features bright pink hair, a futuristic headset, and a technology-focused appearance that reflects her connection with ETD-6 and anomaly research.
- kit & Analysis
Linko has been confirmed as an Anima S-Class character, but her exact gameplay role is still unknown. Current speculation suggests that she may function as a support or sub-DPS character rather than a traditional main damage dealer. This prediction is mainly based on her faction identity and possible synergy with existing Anima-focused teams.
If Linko provides buffs, team utility, or strong elemental synergy, she could become an important long-term investment for players who already have established DPS characters. In particular, players interested in building flexible teams may find her value higher than a pure damage character.
Should You Pull for Zankou or Linko?
The choice between Zankou and Linko depends heavily on your current roster and playstyle.
Players who need a stronger damage dealer should consider prioritizing Zankou. If her predicted DPS role is accurate, she could significantly improve accounts that lack a powerful Incantation attacker.
On the other hand, players who already have several reliable damage characters may find Linko more appealing. A strong support unit can remain valuable for much longer because team utility often stays relevant across multiple updates.
For players who want both characters, saving resources early is highly recommended. NTE’s limited banners guarantee the featured S-Class character when reaching the required pity, without the traditional 50/50 system found in many other gacha games. This makes resource planning more predictable.
Version 1.3 looks set to be one of the most important updates for NTE’s early development. Zankou brings a highly anticipated storyline payoff by transforming a major antagonist into a playable character, while Linko introduces a completely different style through her ETD-6 background and futuristic design.
The best strategy is to save enough pulls for Version 1.3 while waiting for the official preview livestream and gameplay showcases. Once their abilities are revealed, you will have a much clearer picture of which character provides the greatest value for their account. Just be patient and accumulate resources for it!
Building a strong roster in NTE requires not only choosing the right characters but also preparing enough resources when limited banners arrive. If you are looking to secure Zankou, Linko, or future S-Class Operators, top up Neverness to Everness on Mone and make sure your account is ready for the next major update.
