Zenless Zone Zerointroduced new features that fans haven’t seen in other HoYoverse titles. For one, the combat and tag-out system is similar to fighting games, specificallyStreet Fighter 6. Apart from the Agents,Zenless Zone Zero’s teams also include Bangboos to help out in battle.
Bangboos are intelligent devicesthat were originally created to assist New Eridu residents with Hollow disaster evacuations. They’ve since evolved into more comprehensive and versatile individuals who can help with everyday tasks in New Eridu and advanced Hollow operations. InZenless Zone Zero’s combat, Bangboos are essentially like pet companions with various functions, from dealing damage to offering health regen and defense buffs. This is a feature that manyHonkai: Star Railfans have long requested, and Bangboos prove that it is possible.
Honkai: Star Rail’s Pet Companions Should Take Notes From Bangboos
Honkai: Star Railintroduces players to a number of animal companionsthat they can only use in certain missions. Peppy is Asta’s dog, who can be found hanging around Herta Space Station and uses its strong sense of smell to track down people and objects. Diting is the Artisan Commission’s mechanical dog from the Xianzhou Luofu, who has a surveillance ability that can uncover hidden items and fingerprints. There’s also the pastry-based lifeforms from Ruan Mei’s laboratory, whose only purpose is to be adorable. Some of these NPCs are definitely helpful in missions, but manyHonkai: Star Railfans are slightly disappointed that they can’t have these companions by their side all the time.
The closest thatHonkai: Star Railgot to giving players pet companions was whenTopaz and Numbydebuted. Numby is Topaz’s pet Warp Trotter, who helps in sniffing out treasure chests and other Warp Trotters around the map, and attacks enemies during combat. Although they aren’t as versatile asZenless Zone Zero’s Bangboo, Numby is still proof that it’s possible to introduce pet companions that can assist in battle.
What’s unique aboutZenless Zone Zero’s Bangboosis that they come in different forms and rank levels, making it easier for players to find the perfect one for theirZenless Zone Zeroteams' needs. At the same time, there are battles and missions where Bangboos aren’t required, which just shows that teams don’t always need them to survive battles. HoYoverse can adopt a similar feature forHonkai: Star Rail,wherein pets could have their own functions in battle if players choose to equip them.
Honkai: Star Rail Can Skip One Zenless Zone Zero Feature
Another cool feature thatZenless Zone Zerohas is a separate banner for Bangboos, which lets players pull for these adorable companions using Boopons. What’s great about this is that Boopons are practically free, because they can easily be obtained by accomplishingHollow Zero missions, the Bangbuck Exchange, and other events. Plus, players can change their guaranteed S-rank Bangboo pull anytime they want.
So far, there are 20 playable Bangboos inZenless Zone Zero. Bangboo NPCs can be found while exploring New Eridu and other territories.
If HoYoverse decides to add pet companions inHonkai: Star Rail, it doesn’t have to set up a separate banner for them like inZenless Zone Zero. The Bangboo banner system is definitely unique and useful for players who want a wide variety at their disposal, but they’re also essentially the fourth member of the team, albeit not required sometimes.Honkai: Star Railalready has four-person teams, so a companion feature could work if it’s treated like power-ups that can offer a helpful boost from time to time.
It’s also possible thatHonkai: Star Railmight release more characters with pet companions like Topaz and Numby in the future.Honkai: Star Railhas a slate of new Xianzhou Luofu-based characters coming in the next few versions, includingFeixiaoand Jiaoqiu, as well as a fourth major world, so HoYoverse might have big plans in store, perhaps including pet companions.
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!
