Zenless Zone Zero Beginner's Guide

This year can be officially called a year of gacha games. We’ve seen lots of huge updates in already existing gachas as well as a few new game releases. Welcome to the Zenless Zone Zero beginner guide, where we will explore the new title from Hoyoverse and explain what sets it apart from other games in the genre. This guide is dedicated to new players who are just starting out or planning to start playing ZZZ. We’ll go over the main game mechanics and explain how the game works.

If you want to get to the most exciting parts of the game, you might want to buy Main Quest Boost at SkyCoach. Most players skip all of the dialogues anyway, and in ZZZ, there are dozens of hours of pointless dialogues. This service lets you quickly skip through some boring chapters and get into the most challenging and fun parts of the game, where you get to fight against bosses and other enemies.

 

 

Getting Started & Basic Gameplay

Let’s open our Zenless Zone Zero starting guide with some basics. Zenless Zone Zero is an action RPG that combines dynamic combat with an immersive storyline set in a post-apocalyptic urban environment. 

The game takes place in a futuristic city ravaged by a mysterious disaster known as the "Hollows." These dimensional anomalies spawn dangerous creatures called "Ethereal." Players take on the role of a "Proxy," a character who navigates these Hollows, battling Ethereal and uncovering the secrets behind the catastrophe. 

Don’t know how to start playing Zenless Zone Zero as a beginner? The game starts with a short movie about a team of Agents escaping a threat. Soon enough, you will assume the role of a "Proxy," a unique and central character responsible for guiding and managing a team of fighters. Here are some key aspects of the player's character. Proxies are those who manage Agents that enter the Hollows. Proxies are like coordinators or handlers for Agents, guiding them through their missions.

Belle and Wise are the primary characters you interact with as a player. They are siblings who run a video store named Random Play in the city of New Eridu. When starting the game, players choose either Belle or Wise as their main characters. The other sibling then serves as a non-playable assistant throughout the game. While Belle and Wise manage activities in New Eridu, the actual combat is handled by Agents, characters you recruit and control in battle. 

Agents Team Composition and Synergy

Agents are the characters that you play during missions. This is how to play Zenless Zone Zero – for each mission, you can take up to 3 Agents with you. Every player also gets 3 Agents for free at the start of the game and then 3 more as they progress through the story.

• Ben - complete Chapter 2, Story 1;
• Corin - pre-register reward;
• Soukaku - complete Shiyu Defense 3-4

There are only two rarities of Agents so far, which makes things easier for new players to pick up:

1. S-rank – more powerful Agents that are generally more difficult to get.
2. A-rank – average Agents in terms of scarcity and power (but not usefulness)

If you want to check out a complete tier list of Agents, check out our dedicated guide. So far, there are:

• Total Agents: 17
• S Rank Agents: 7
• A Rank Agents: 10

Here's a Zenless Zone Zero complete guide summarizing the information for each agent in Zenless Zone Zero, including their name, rank, attribute, fighting style, and faction:

The Attribute of an Agent tells you what kind of elements they use and what type of damage they deal. We have five different Attributes so far, so if you’ve played Genshin Impact before, this should feel familiar, because different enemies are bulrenable to different types of attributes, so it is advised to change the Agents before each mission based the enemies you’re gonig to encounter. BLOG20

Elemental Effects

Elements can trigger effects during combat. When fighting in a particular way, each of the elements can cause a flashy debuff or an effect that will help you defeat enemies:

The general way of triggering debuffs is by dealing damage using these attributes or elements, which builds up the Anomaly Buildup gauge. Once a certain level is gained, the element will trigger its effect.

Fighting Styles

In this section of our Zenless Zone Zero new player guide, we’ll talk about different classes. Fighting style is just another word for an Agent class. There are 5 classes in the game, and they’re all pretty standard:

1. Attack – Agents specializing in Attack can unleash significant damage, excelling in quickly dealing direct attacks to defeat enemies and end combat swiftly.
2. Stun – Agents with a Stun specialty possess strong control abilities, excelling at building up Daze to cause enemies to be Stunned, creating opportunities for the squad to inflict damage.
3. Anomaly – Agents specializing in Anomaly are adept at applying debuffs, excelling at accumulating Anomaly Buildup to weaken enemies and deal damage by triggering Attribute Anomalies.
4. Support – Agents with a Support specialty can aid and enhance other Agents in battle, excelling at buffing friendly units to improve the combat effectiveness of the whole squad.
5. Defense – Agents specializing in Defense excel at protecting the squad, reducing incoming damage, and absorbing enemy attacks to ensure the survivability of the team.

While you can only bring 3 Agents with you on a mission, one of the top Zenless Zone Zero tips for beginners we can give you is to have all 3 of them have different classes to create a more balanced squad. Remember, different roles mean higher chances of surviving endgame content.

Combat System

ZZZ is an action RPG, which means that during combat, you take direct control of your characters. There can be only one active character on the screen at any given time, but you can switch between different characters in your squad at any moment during combat. The switching can actually be used as a part of a combo because when another character enters the fight, they perform an attack that deals extra damage. There are a few key elements that you need to pay attention to during combat:

• HP: If all Agents' HP is depleted, you're evacuated from the combat zone.
• Energy: Agents gain energy over time and through actions like basic attacks and picking up energy matter. Each Agent has their own energy bar.
• Daze: Enemies accumulate Daze when hit; at 100%, they become stunned and vulnerable to chain attacks from your team.

The combat itself is very fast-paced. You have a set toolkit of available attacks that you can use in any order or combination to create flashy and damaging combos:

• Basic Attack

The Basic Attack is executed by pressing or holding the attack button. It typically consists of 3-5 strikes. Holding the button during a basic attack combo can unleash alternative moves. This attack is fundamental for dealing consistent damage and is crucial for energy regeneration. Executing full basic attack chains not only maximizes damage output but also replenishes energy, making it a staple in combat strategies for most characters.

• Special Attack

Special Attacks are unique to each Agent and can be used at any time without cooldown. However, after accumulating enough energy, a more powerful version known as the EX Skill Variant becomes available. Regular special attacks are generally less effective, dealing low damage and not contributing to energy regeneration. In contrast, the EX Special Attack is always worth prioritizing once available, as it deals heavy damage and can trigger chain attacks when used on fully dazed enemies. Strategic use of these attacks can turn the tide of battle.

• Chain Attack

When facing stunned enemies, triggering a heavy attack with two or more Agents in your squad initiates a Chain Attack. This sequence unleashes devastating damage in rapid succession, leveraging the vulnerability of dazed opponents. It's crucial to coordinate these attacks effectively by switching between Agents to maximize their combined impact during enemy vulnerabilities.

• Ultimate

As you engage in combat, actions such as hitting enemies and executing chain attacks contribute to building up the Decibel Rating gauge. Once this gauge reaches 3,000, the Ultimate ability becomes available. This powerful attack clears the Decibel Rating gauge and can significantly impact the battle. Coordinating the use of the Ultimate with strategic moments in combat ensures maximum effectiveness, as the entire team shares the Decibel Rating gauge.

• Dodge

Dodging is essential for evading enemy attacks. Timing a dodge just before an attack connects triggers a Perfect Dodge, which not only avoids damage but also sets up for a counterattack. Following a Perfect Dodge with a Basic Attack launches a Dodge Counter, inflicting heavy damage on the opponent. Mastering this maneuver enhances survivability and offensive capabilities in combat scenarios.

• Switching Agents

With multiple Agents in your squad, you can switch between them to capitalize on their unique abilities and adapt to changing combat situations. This flexibility allows you to maintain tactical advantage by leveraging each Agent's strengths and adjusting strategies on the fly. Effective agent switching is key to optimizing team performance and overcoming diverse challenges in battle.

• Assist Attack

When one Agent is knocked back, another can trigger an Assist Attack, which inflicts heavy damage and disrupts the enemy's momentum. This reactive tactic allows for quick adjustments in battle dynamics, turning defensive maneuvers into offensive opportunities. Coordinating these Assist Attacks enhances team synergy and maximizes combat effectiveness.

• Perfect Assist

Timing Agent switches just before certain enemy attacks (indicated by a flash of gold) trigger a Perfect Assist. This defensive or evasive maneuver consumes an Assist Point but provides significant tactical advantages, such as avoiding damage or gaining advantageous positioning. Utilizing Assist Points effectively through Perfect Assists enhances survivability and strategic depth in combat engagements. BLOG20

It’s actually easier to learn about these moves by trying them out in the game rather than reading some boring text. Besides, the game’s tutorial will gradually teach you how to use each move.

Progression and Upgrades

There are a few systems in the game that constitute progression in ZZZ. One of them is called W-Engines.

W-Engines are items that increase your Agent’s damage, so they’re basically like weapons in other games. These weapons come in 3 rarities:

1. S-Rank
2. A-Rank
3. B-Rank

W-Engines in "ZZZ" boost an Agent's Attack and another stat tied to the specific W-Engine type. Each W-Engine also provides a passive effect that activates during combat, but these effects are limited to Agents whose fighting style matches the W-Engine type, such as Attack characters for Attack W-Engines. Similar to leveling Agents, W-Engines can be leveled up to enhance their effects. They are obtainable through Signal Search, purchasable in the Gadget Store, or as random drops from certain game modes, offering varied ways for players to acquire and enhance their strategic capabilities in the game.

Another type of equipment that you’re going to use to make your Agents stronger is called Drive Disks. These disks increase the Agent’s stats like max HP, critical hit, resistances, etc. Each Drive comes with one main stat and four random extra stats.

How about a few more Zenless Zone Zero tips for new players? Disks can actually be equipped as sets. When you have several Disks of the same type, equipping them provides additional bonuses.

Each set provides specific bonuses when equipped on Agents, with additional effects unlocking when you equip multiple disks from the same set (2-piece and 4-piece bonuses). Here’s a list of available sets:

• Chaotic Metal
• Fanged Metal
• Freedom Blues
• Hormone Punk
• Inferno Metal
• Polar Metal
• Puffer Electro
• Shockstar Disco
• Soul Rock
• Swing Jazz
• Thunder Metal

Each Agent can equip up to 6 Drive Disks, so you can make builds based on damage or defense. Here is the full list of stats disks might increase by having a main stat or sub-stat:

1. Flat HP
2. Flat ATK
3. Flat DEF
4. HP%
5. ATK%
6. DEF%
7. Crit Rate%
8. Crit DMG%
9. PEN (flat)
10. Anomaly Proficiency

Game Activities and Modes

Drawing inspiration from popular titles like Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero offers a variety of engaging experiences to explore and conquer. Whether you're diving into resource stages, tackling intense combat challenges, or venturing through roguelike adventures, there's something here for every type of player. This part of Zenless Zone Zero beginner’s guide 2024 contains information about all of the basic activities that you can do in the game.

Resource/Boss Stages

In Zenless Zone Zero, progression hinges on navigating instance-based stages populated by formidable bosses or standard enemies. These stages yield essential resources and materials necessary for advancing your account. To embark on these lucrative ventures, players must expend Battery Charges (Stamina) in exchange for the opportunity to reap valuable rewards.

Hollow Deep Dive Zone

Acting as the central hub of gameplay, the Hollow Deep Dive Zone serves as your gateway to a variety of activities:

1. Story: Unravel the narrative threads of Zenless Zone Zero through various chapters, each offering unique challenges and story-driven encounters.
2. Combat Commissions: Engage in specialized combat missions tailored to test your strategic prowess and combat skills.
3. Exploration Commissions: Embark on exploratory missions that uncover hidden treasures and provide opportunities for resource accumulation.
4. Shiyu Defense: This mode mirrors the intense challenges of Memory of Chaos, tasking players with defeating waves of enemies within strict time constraints to earn valuable rewards.
5. Hollow Zero: A roguelike adventure reminiscent of Simulated Universe, where players assemble a team to navigate through dynamically generated zones, acquiring buffs and confronting enemies in pursuit of victory.
6. Rally Commission: A unique weekly mode presenting combat challenges that escalate in difficulty. Clearing stages here yields substantial rewards and unlocks additional weekly challenges.

Shiyu Defense

Challenge yourself in Shiyu Defense, where the objective is to achieve maximum efficiency in defeating enemy waves within the allotted timeframes. Each successful completion rewards stars based on performance, influencing the quality of rewards earned.

Hollow Zero

Venture into the unpredictable realm of Hollow Zero, where strategic planning and adaptability are key. Traverse through varied zones, encountering both beneficial and detrimental elements that impact gameplay. Acquire buffs strategically to overcome adversaries and reach the final boss zone for ultimate rewards.

Rally Commission

Participate in the weekly Rally Commission to test your combat mettle across progressively demanding stages. Conquer initial challenges to unlock a special weekly stage offering lucrative rewards and significant progression opportunities.

Conclusion

This covers the basics of Zenless Zone Zero. There’s much more to the game than what we’ve described, but you should really discover the rest for yourself. There’s a whole part of the game dedicated to socializing with your Agents and other characters you meet. There are lots of vendors in the game, mini-games to play, and challenges to complete. 

In this Zenless Zone Zero guide, we’ve only covered the basics. This should be enough to get you going and enjoy the game while understanding what’s going on. Whether you love to follow the story and listen to dialogues or prefer to skip the yapping and get into the fights, you’re all set to go!

F.A.Q.