Dual Identity System

Overview

The dual identity system divides Cheng's life into two distinct modes: a masked vigilante identity for missions and an unmasked civilian identity for city exploration. Creative director Zifei Wu described it directly: "You have two identities, wear a mask to hide your identity (or else they're going to find out who you are right away), and in the city you have an unmasked identity." The system draws from superhero fiction, particularly Batman's Bruce Wayne/Dark Knight dynamic, and adds a social layer to the action RPG framework.

Masked identity

When undertaking missions, combat operations, infiltrations, and boss encounters, Cheng wears a mask that conceals his identity. In this state, he can use his Elemancer abilities freely and engage with the game's full action mechanics. The masked persona is known to the public as a dangerous insurgent, feared by Celestial loyalists and celebrated by the underground.

Civilian identity

While unmasked, Cheng walks the streets of Zhou as an ordinary citizen. He can interact with NPCs, visit vendors, build relationships, gather information, and access locations that would be hostile to his masked persona. Certain quest-critical information and relationship opportunities are only available while unmasked.

NPC schedules and timing

NPCs follow daily schedules tied to the game's time cycle. Wu gave the example that "someone gets off work at 7 PM," meaning players need to time their approach based on when specific characters are available. A guard might be on duty during the day but at home in the evening. A contact might only be reachable during their lunch break. These schedules create time-sensitive windows for both identities, turning the clock into a tactical consideration.

Narrative tension

The dual identity creates layered storytelling opportunities. Some NPCs know Cheng only as a civilian and have no idea he is the masked vigilante. Others interact with both identities without connecting them. Maintaining the separation is part of the game's dramatic tension: exposure could put allies at risk and close off civilian-only quest lines.

Gameplay impact

The system affects quest design directly. Some objectives can be accomplished through either identity. Infiltrating a guarded location might be done masked (through stealth or combat) or unmasked (through social interaction, bribery, or gaining trust). This flexibility ties into the game's multi-approach mission design, giving players genuine choice in how they navigate challenges.