Introduction to Zenless Zone Zero
Welcome to Zenless Zone Zero—HoYoverse’s newest action-packed urban fantasy game that combines high-octane combat with stylish visuals and roguelike dungeon runs. Whether you’re a Genshin Impact veteran or diving into HoYoverse titles for the first time, this expert guide will equip you with everything needed to thrive in the world of New Eridu. From forming optimal Agent squads to mastering the Hollows’ chaotic challenges, we’re breaking it all down with 21 power tips, comprehensive mechanics, and insider strategies.
What Makes Zenless Zone Zero Unique
Urban Fantasy Meets Roguelike Action
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) blends a futuristic dystopia with anime-inspired aesthetics. Set in New Eridu, the last remaining metropolis after a supernatural calamity, players take on the role of a Proxy—a digital handler guiding elite combat Agents through dangerous alternate dimensions known as Hollows. The game’s core loop involves:
- Fast-paced action combat
- Procedurally-generated dungeon segments
- Tight team coordination
- Visually-rich narrative sequences
Role of the Proxy and Agents
As the Proxy, your job is to manage Agents—each with distinct abilities, personalities, and combat roles. You’re not just a player; you’re a tactician, strategist, and sometimes a digital detective uncovering mysteries buried in the city’s streets.
Understanding Agent Types and Factions
Attributes, Roles, and Combat Styles
Agents in Zenless Zone Zero are categorized by:
Attributes: Electric, Fire, Ice, Physical, Ether
Combat Roles:
- Attack (DPS): High burst or sustained damage
- Support: Buffs or heals teammates
- Control: Crowd-control and debuff enemies
Understanding your Agents’ strengths and weaknesses is vital for building a balanced team and taking on tougher enemies in the Hollows.
Popular Factions in Zenless Zone Zero
Each Agent is affiliated with a faction. These include:
- Belobog Heavy Industries – Heavy hitters and defensive brutes
- Victoria Housekeeping Co. – Stylish and supportive Agents
- OBOLS Squad – Agile and stealth-based units
- Cunning Hares – Balanced Agents with unique synergy effects
Synergy between faction members can unlock Faction Resonance Bonuses, adding depth to team composition.
Mastering Combat Mechanics
Perfect Dodge and Chain Attacks
Combat in ZZZ relies heavily on timing and positioning. Key mechanics include:
- Perfect Dodge: Dodging at the last second triggers bullet-time effects.
- Chain Attacks: Build up your Chain Gauge to unleash synchronized multi-Agent attacks.
- EX Special Attacks: Each Agent has an ultimate-like skill called EX Special Attack—trigger it at max energy for massive damage.
How to Build Energy and Land Critical Hits
To thrive in combat:
- Use basic attacks to quickly build energy.
- Alternate Agents strategically to maintain combo flow.
- Equip Drive Discs that boost Crit Rate or Energy Regen.
Roguelike Dungeon Exploration: The Hollows
How to Navigate the Hollow Deep Dive System
The Hollows are procedurally generated maze-like environments with branching paths, hazards, and elite bosses. Key tips:
- Always scout the map before engaging.
- Choose event tiles wisely—they can grant buffs or dangerous debuffs.
- Save health pickups for later stages.
Corrupted Constructs are bosses that you will frequently encounter and kill with fast thinking and teamwork.
Tips for Beating Bosses in the Hollows
Study enemy attack patterns during early phases.
- Stagger bosses with continuous pressure and Chain Attacks.
- Equip Agents with Elemental Advantages—bosses have weaknesses.
Building the Best Team Composition
DPS, Support, and Control Synergy
A successful Hollow run requires a well-balanced team:
- DPS Agent: Main damage dealer. (e.g., Billy, Anton)
- Support Agent: Heals or buffs (e.g., Nicole, Grace)
- Control Agent: Applies crowd control or debuffs (e.g., Rina, Soukaku)
Balance is the key. Too many DPS units may deal massive damage but lack survivability or crowd control.
Here are three popular team setups:
| Build Name | Agents | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Burst Meta | Billy (DPS), Nicole (Support), Rina (Control) | Strong for quick clears |
| Stagger Lock | Grace, Ben, Soukaku | Lock enemies with crowd control |
| Energy Regen | Anton, Koleda, Anby | Maximize EX usage with fast regen |
Leveling and Upgrading Agents Efficiently
Farming Materials and EXP
Progressing your Agents means grinding smart:
- Daily Commissions yield Agent EXP and currency.
- Combat Simulation Zones reward upgrade mats.
- Use Hollow Zero Tokens to challenge elite bosses for W-Engine upgrades.
Using W-Engines and Drive Discs Effectively
- W-Engines: Unique weapons enhancing EX and passive abilities.
- Drive Discs: 4-piece and 2-piece sets provide stat bonuses (e.g., +15% Crit Rate, +20% DEF).
- Prioritize W-Engine refinement and match Drive Disc sets to your Agent’s role.
Top 21 Techniques for Zenless Zone Zero Mastery
- Focus on Chain Attacks to quickly stagger foes and gain an upper hand.
- Time your dodges perfectly—last-second evasions trigger slow-motion counters.
- Match Drive Discs to your Agent’s core strengths for optimal performance.
- Prioritize upgrading your W-Engine early to boost your combat capabilities.
- Grind Hollow Zero to collect high-tier loot and rare resources.
- Exploit enemy Elemental Weaknesses to deal amplified damage.
- Mix faction members in your team to unlock flexible synergy effects.
- Keep abilities on cooldown by frequently switching Agents during combat.
- Identify and mark event tiles to maximize your Hollow exploration rewards.
- Use Support Agents smartly Make intelligent use of Support Agents to mitigate or absorb incoming burst damage.
- Reserve EX Special Attacks for critical boss fight phases.
- Learn dodge canceling to bypass animation lag and maintain momentum.
- Log in daily to collect bonus rewards without spending stamina.
- Complete Agent storylines to earn free gacha pulls and unlock lore.
- In your Drive Disc builds, combine the boosts for Crit Rate and Crit Damage.
- In order to sustain pressure and prolong assaults, switch between agents mid-combo..
- Team up in co-op Hollow Raids for shared challenges and better loot.
- For easy access, note the enemy’s vulnerabilities in your handbook.
- Use Denpa currency wisely on items that boost EXP and progress.
- Tune in to dev livestreams for exclusive codes and insider news.
- Join the official Discord server to exchange tips with fellow Proxies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zenless Zone Zero free-to-play?
Yes, Zenless Zone Zero is fully free-to-play with optional microtransactions for cosmetics, Agents, and resources.
Can I play Zenless Zone Zero offline?
No, To use every function, you must have an active internet connection..
What is the best team for beginners?
Start with a balanced setup like Billy (DPS), Nicole (Support), and Anby (Control) to cover all combat aspects.
Are Agents gacha-based?
Yes. Agents and W-Engines are obtained through a gacha system, though free pulls and events offer plenty of opportunities.
Can I change Agents during battle?
Absolutely. Zenless Zone Zero encourages frequent switching to create chain combos and maximize damage.
Where can I find more tips and guides?
Check out HoYoverse’s official Zenless Zone Zero site and community Discords for the latest updates, builds, and strategies.