Players have downloadedZenless Zone Zeromore than 50 million times since its July 29, 2025 release, and the hype train for this continues to chug along with promises of new limited character banners and big rewards for early adopters. While the game does share similarities with its previous titles with its anime art style and gacha system, its combat and exploration are fundamentally different.ZZZ’s exploration is quite linear, and its battles are contained within small arenas in the monster-infested parts of the Hollows. Fans of the large worlds ofGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Railmay findZenless Zone Zeroquite cramped. However, it can also be argued that its smaller scale may be its strongest suit.
Zenless Zone Zerois MiHoYo’s newest title. It puts the player in the retro-futuristic city of New Eridu, which seems to be the last surviving town in a world decimated by the Hollows, which are interdimensional disasters that happen at random. The player is put in the shoes of a Proxy who guides people who want to enter and explore the dangerous dimensions of the Hollows.ZZZfocuses significantly on itsbeat ‘em up combatmechanics which is a departure from the usual MiHoYo open-world RPG style thatGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Railheavily leaned on.
Why Zenless Zone Zero’s Smaller Scale is a Good Thing
The Linear Exploration Lends More Focus on the Game’s Intricate Combat
WhileGenshin ImpactandHonkai: Star Rail’s combat mechanicsare complex in their own way, they all rely on the right sequence of using a character’s attack, skill, and ultimate. Fans can significantly increase their chances of success by learning a character’s game plan and team synergies, leveling up their units, and getting their characters’ ideal relics/artifacts and light cones/weapons. The same is true forZenless Zone Zerobut with an increased emphasis on timing and rhythm. This means that players also have to level up their own prediction skills, reaction times, and combo knowledge.
ZZZis essentially a fighting game with an RPG exploration element. Players can’t coast through the more difficult endgame modes by picking the strongest team and just button-mashing. For example,Koleda inZenless Zone Zerocan only be used properly by weaving her skill in between her second and fourth basic attacks. That takes time to get right, and even if players master it, they need to consciously do the combo every time. By limiting the exploration the players have to do, they can focus on the most rewarding part of the game: honing their skills and mastering each character’s fighting style.
The Smaller Scale Fits ZZZ’s Story
Zenless Zone Zero’s story and world are relatively tighter compared to its predecessors, which makes it stand out in a good way. The narrative is all about the joint effort of theagents of New Eriduto uncover the secrets of the Hollow for public safety and even financial gain. It’s a plot that’s relatively lower in stakes compared toHonkai: Star RailandGenshin Impact. However, it’s just as interesting as the stories of the previous titles.
Players get to knowZZZprotagonists Wise and Bellebetter than the Trailblazer and the Traveler because the story revolves around their everyday lives as Proxies and shopkeepers. It also helps that they’re not blank slates, so they’re allowed to have more personality compared to their predecessors.Zenless Zone Zero’s smaller scale lets it tell character-driven stories, which are more personal and relatable. It’s significantly different from the narratives ofHSRandGenshin, which often have grand and elaborate plots involving gods and preventing world-ending events. MiHoYo is breaking away from its usual formula with the tighter gameplay and story ofZZZ, and it’s a refreshing and welcome detour.
Zenless Zone Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
Don’t go into the Hollows.I know, I know, there’s Ether in the Hollows, bizarre creations, even heritage of the old civilization, all precious treasures. But don’t forget, there’s also spatial disorder, monsters and mutants running rampant, and ultimately, a disaster that could swallow the world. They are not a place where ordinary people should go.So don’t go into Hollows.Or at least, don’t go in alone.If you insist on getting into danger, go to New Eridu first.This city where the good and the bad mix has many people who need the Hollows: Powerful wealthy tycoons, gangs that stalk the streets, conspiracy nuts, and ruthless officials.Make your preparations there, find strong allies, and most importantly—Find a “Proxy”.Only they can guide people out of the maze-like Hollows.Good luck!
