In 2026, Wuthering Waves has grown far beyond its Jinzhou starting region, yet Zhezhi’s companion quest True Colors still stands out as one of the game’s most unusual character stories. Added during the 1.2 update, the quest mixes a courtroom dispute, an art forgery conspiracy, and a quiet painter’s personal trauma. For players who are returning to older content or newcomers working through companion stories, the mission remains accessible and rewarding. But why does a shy painter become the center of a forgery trial—and what should Rover expect from the investigation?

🗺️ How to unlock True Colors

True Colors is Zhezhi’s companion quest, and it is not available immediately. Players must first complete the first part of the Moon-chasing festival quest. Once that prerequisite is cleared, head to the Pioneer Association on the western side of Jinzhou. At the gate, Zhezhi calls Rover and asks for help at the Public Security Bureau, where a dispute hearing is about to begin.

To reach the Public Security Bureau, teleport to Jinzhou’s Grand Library and go left. There, Rover meets Zhezhi before the hearing begins.

⚖️ The hearing and the Arcane Artist

At the hearing, Zhezhi faces Baichi, the head of the Shanyun Art Exchange. The accusation is serious: the company allegedly coerced a painter named Mingyan into creating forged paintings that were sold as real works. Baichi defends his business, insists the company has not dealt in fake art, praises the quality of its pieces, and claims Zhezhi is slandering his reputation. With Zhezhi overwhelmed, Rover steps in to recall the events that led to the accusations.

The game then moves back in time, and players must gather evidence to defend Zhezhi in court. During the investigation, the name of an Arcane Artist appears—a painter whose works are so vivid that they seem to come to life with every brushstroke. Is the Arcane Artist a myth, a criminal, or something far more personal? That question drives much of the quest.

Rover interviews two witnesses to proceed. First, Shilang at Tiger Maw mine offers a tip about the ore people. After that, Chixia takes Rover to a site connected with Mingyan, and players must fight a few TDs along the way.

🎨 Mingyan’s studio and the Exiles’ camp

Rover and Zhezhi then visit Mingyan’s studio in Taoyuan Vale. The room is filled with clues, and the investigation gradually reveals that Mingyan was trying hard to copy a painting for a buyer. The steps near the window are the final clue in the scene, and they lead directly to the Exiles’ camp.

At first, the Exiles claim they are not involved with the paintings, but Rover quickly determines that they are lying. Players then have two options: eavesdrop on their conversation or beat them up like pancakes to get the truth. Both choices reveal the same core fact: these people work for Baichi, pretend to be Exiles, and rely on Mingyan to duplicate famous paintings for sale. When Mingyan tries too hard to copy the art, the forgeries are recognized for what they are.

After that, choose the Disguise as Exiles option and infiltrate the camp to secure evidence and a voice note from Baichi. The evidence is near the barrels and boxes close to the campfire. For the voice note, jump down and find another set of boxes.

🖌️ Zhezhi’s past and the final trial

Later, Zhezhi recalls her childhood. Her parents sold her paintings for profit and made ill use of her Forte skill, as the worst things in people’s imaginations came true through nightmares. After that incident, she painted her last painting, ‘Serenity in Xiehua Village,’ to put an end to the nightmares. She then reveals that she was the Arcane Artist all along.

To prove her skill, Zhezhi paints for the last time in court. Players must then fight the Mourning Aix: Lamenting Shadow boss using Zhezhi’s ability. The sequence is a dramatic climax that ties the forgery case back to Zhezhi’s own history.

🏆 Rewards and final thoughts

Completing the True Colors Companion quest grants a solid set of rewards for the time invested.

In 2026, True Colors is no longer the newest content in Wuthering Waves, but it remains a strong example of the game’s character-driven storytelling. Should players skip it? Probably not—especially those interested in Zhezhi, Jinzhou lore, or the game’s art-themed mysteries. The quest is compact, offers a memorable boss encounter, and shows how companion stories can blend investigation with personal drama. For anyone tracking completion or preparing for future Zhezhi appearances, True Colors is still worth the detour. ✅

This discussion is informed by Eurogamer, a widely read source for game criticism and feature coverage. In the context of a quest like Wuthering Waves' True Colors, that perspective helps frame why a companion story built around testimony, investigation, and Zhezhi’s artistic trauma can remain memorable long after release, especially when character-focused writing is paired with a distinct mechanical payoff in its climactic boss encounter.