Zenless Zone Zero is HoYoverse’s bold leap into the action RPG space with a cyberpunk twist. Unlike the vast galaxies of Honkai: Star Rail or the fantasy realms of Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero immerses players in a dystopian near-future Earth where civilization coexists with supernatural disasters known as Hollows. From the moment of its announcement, the game captured attention with its slick art style, adrenaline-fueled combat, and a modern urban setting teeming with personality. In this article, we explore how Zenless Zone Zero evolved from concept to phenomenon, analyze its combat mechanics and story structure, and break down what makes it one of the most innovative entries in the ARPG genre today.
The Early Announcement and Concept
Zenless Zone Zero was officially unveiled by HoYoverse in May 2022, accompanied by a striking trailer that blended futuristic cityscapes with chaotic combat and mysterious creatures. Unlike previous HoYoverse titles rooted in fantasy or sci-fi, this game aimed for an urban environment inspired by post-apocalyptic cyberpunk. Players were introduced to New Eridu, the last remaining human city after the collapse of civilization due to a catastrophic event involving interdimensional portals called Hollows. From the outset, the game distinguished itself with its unique blend of streetwear fashion, gritty city life, and chaotic energy. The protagonist isn’t a warrior or adventurer, but a Proxy—someone who guides others through the dangerous Hollows using skill, tech, and strategy.
Closed Betas and Early Feedback
Following the reveal, HoYoverse launched multiple closed beta tests beginning in 2022 and continuing into 2023 and early 2024. These tests offered players a first glimpse of the game’s fast-paced combat, rogue-lite dungeon mechanics, and distinctive art direction. The feedback was largely positive. Testers praised the fluid character switching during combat, high-quality animation, and rich city life that made New Eridu feel alive. The soundtrack, with its blend of jazz, EDM, and hip-hop, further set the mood. Players also noticed HoYoverse’s increased emphasis on environmental storytelling and cinematic presentation. These betas served not just as stress tests, but also as proof that Zenless Zone Zero was aiming for a different tone and rhythm than its predecessors.
The World of New Eridu
At the core of Zenless Zone Zero is New Eridu, a bustling metropolis that fuses neon lights, underground businesses, and corporate intrigue. This city isn’t just a hub—it’s a character in its own right. Players navigate between various districts, meeting shopkeepers, informants, clients, and rival Proxies. The city operates atop the ruins of a fallen world, surrounded by Hollows that spawn monsters and anomalies. New Eridu’s society is built around managing these Hollows, with entire factions competing over the resources and secrets found within. The game uses its setting to explore themes of survival, corruption, identity, and resilience. Unlike traditional RPGs where players leave the city to explore vast wilderness, here the action flows between the gritty streets and the Hollow zones.
Combat: Fluid, Fast, and Tactical
Zenless Zone Zero reinvents HoYoverse’s combat formula by focusing on real-time action and quick-switch team dynamics. Players control a squad of three characters and can switch between them mid-battle to chain combos, stagger enemies, and execute flashy finishers. Every character belongs to a faction and wields unique weapons and combat styles—from heavy-hitting brawlers to lightning-fast assassins. What sets the combat apart is its emphasis on timing, dodging, and combo synergy. Well-timed dodges trigger slow-motion counterattacks, and characters can follow up on each other’s special attacks for devastating effects. It feels like a blend of stylish character action games and the precision of fighting games, wrapped in an anime-inspired presentation that’s visually explosive.
Characters and Factions
The world of Zenless Zone Zero is populated with diverse characters split into distinct factions, each with its own motives, relationships, and aesthetic style. These factions include OBOLS Squad, Victoria Housekeeping Co., Cunning Hares, and Belobog Heavy Industries, among others. Characters are more than just combat units—they’re integral to the world-building and story. Each has a unique personality, backstory, and role within New Eridu. Some are mercenaries, others corporate agents or underground freelancers. The diversity in both design and motivation creates a dynamic roster where players grow attached not just because of combat effectiveness, but because of narrative relevance. Regular story updates and side missions expand on these characters, making them feel like part of a living world rather than just collectibles.
Hollow Exploration and Game Mechanics
A major gameplay loop in Zenless Zone Zero revolves around entering Hollows—unstable dimensional zones filled with monsters, traps, and anomalies. These zones are procedurally influenced, incorporating rogue-lite elements where room layouts and enemy placements vary with each run. Players take their team into these dungeons, solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and collect resources to upgrade gear and characters. This system encourages replayability and adds a layer of unpredictability to each expedition. Outside the Hollows, players manage resources, complete urban errands, and upgrade their Proxy tools. The contrast between chaotic Hollow runs and the structured life of New Eridu creates a rhythm that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging.
Visuals, Music, and Atmosphere
Zenless Zone Zero is arguably HoYoverse’s most stylistically ambitious game to date. Its visuals are a mix of cel-shaded 3D art, dynamic lighting, and comic-inspired motion graphics that create a sense of constant energy. Every detail—from shop signs to graffiti—adds depth to the urban environment. Character animations are fluid and expressive, particularly during combat where attacks feel weighty and cinematic. The music deserves special mention. The soundtrack switches seamlessly between genres, often mixing funk, synthwave, trap, and jazz to match the scene’s tone. This eclectic mix amplifies the mood, whether you’re walking through New Eridu’s back alleys or engaging in high-speed boss battles. The result is a highly stylized world that feels both immersive and unique.
Progression Systems and Team Building
Like most live-service ARPGs, Zenless Zone Zero includes a deep progression system centered around character leveling, skill upgrades, and gear enhancement. Each character can be customized with Drive Discs and W-Engines, which function similarly to relic sets and weapons in other HoYoverse games. These systems allow players to fine-tune stats and abilities, focusing on either raw damage, elemental synergy, or utility. Team synergy plays a vital role in advanced content, requiring players to balance stuns, burst damage, and elemental effects. Building an effective team involves experimentation, strategy, and understanding how characters work together during combat chains. This makes progression not just about grinding, but also about mastering mechanics and adapting to challenges.
Monetization and Gacha Elements
Zenless Zone Zero is a free-to-play game that uses a gacha system for character and gear acquisition. Players use premium currency to roll on banners, each featuring limited-time characters and W-Engines. The system includes pity mechanics to ensure that players eventually receive high-rarity units. While gacha games always spark debate, HoYoverse has refined its model over years of global releases. Zenless Zone Zero offers early access to strong characters, regular events with free pulls, and a balanced economy that makes it possible to build competitive teams without spending. Daily missions, event bonuses, and resource dungeons ensure that free-to-play players can make meaningful progress.
Ongoing Updates and Community Engagement
Since its official launch in 2024, Zenless Zone Zero has followed a consistent update schedule, with new content rolling out every few weeks. These updates typically include new characters, Hollow expansions, story chapters, and limited-time events. HoYoverse keeps the community engaged with livestreams, developer notes, and social media challenges. Fan art contests, in-game photography, and real-world collaborations have further cemented its presence in pop culture. The developers also actively gather feedback, often implementing quality-of-life improvements based on player suggestions. This ongoing dialogue between creators and players ensures that the game continues to evolve in line with community expectations, maintaining its popularity long after launch.
Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter for Action RPGs
Zenless Zone Zero is a shining example of how innovation, style, and substance can redefine a genre. From its jaw-dropping combat to its emotionally rich world and eclectic soundtrack, the game sets a new standard for urban fantasy ARPGs. It captures the chaos and charm of city life while delivering fast-paced gameplay that rewards precision and creativity. The layered progression, complex faction dynamics, and constantly expanding content make it a game that grows with its players. Whether you’re drawn in by its aesthetics or its challenge, Zenless Zone Zero proves that the future of action RPGs is loud, stylish, and bursting with potential.
