Introduction

Zenless Zone Zero, developed and published by HoYoverse, launched on July 4, 2024, for PC, PlayStation 5, iOS, and Android, delivering an urban fantasy action role-playing game set in the post-apocalyptic metropolis of New Eridu. Players assume the role of a Proxy, guiding agents through Hollows dangerous dimensions to combat Ethereals while managing daily life and relationships. As a free-to-play title with gacha mechanics for character acquisition, it features in-app purchases for premium currency, priced at no upfront cost but with battle passes and pulls. It gained immediate attention following its global release after a beta in 2023, showcased in player-shared combat clips and developer streams from events like Summer Game Fest 2024. Early feedback praised its stylish combat and soundtrack, though some noted shallow support roles and removed exploration features. This review explores its narrative, world, gameplay, and technical execution to assess its standing as a gacha action RPG.

Narrative & Storytelling

Zenless Zone Zero weaves its narrative through a compelling, character-driven storyline that unfolds through main quests and side stories. Players follow the Proxy, a video store owner in New Eridu, partnering with agents like Anby or Billy to delve into Hollows and uncover the city's secrets amid a post-apocalyptic backdrop. The narrative arc centers on balancing daily life with Hollow incursions, with key moments such as the emotional arcs in chapters like the Cunning Hares or Victoria Housekeeping adding depth through themes of loss, friendship, and resilience. These moments foster a blend of action and introspection, evolving from introductory missions to intricate plot twists.

However, the pacing of story updates, often rushed across several chapters, might leave some wanting more resolution, as the experience relies on emergent narratives player choices in team composition or side quest resolutions that depend on individual investment. The storytelling excels in its cyberpunk flair and character side stories, though its depth hinges on the participant's appreciation for gacha-driven progression, making it a captivating novella for those who engage with its urban dystopia.

World & Environments

The world of Zenless Zone Zero centers on New Eridu, a futuristic metropolis blending early 2000s nostalgia with post-apocalyptic grit, featuring districts like Sixth Street and Lumina Square, rendered with a stylish anime aesthetic. The environments shift with Hollow explorations—procedural zones filled with enemies and puzzles enhanced by interactive elements like TV mode for Hollow navigation and dynamic weather in the city, creating a dynamic backdrop. Sound design, spanning decades of musical flair from synthwave to hip-hop, builds an immersive atmosphere, while visual effects like Hollow distortions or agent animations add tactical variety.

Yet, the removal of the unique exploration mode in updates might limit environmental interaction over time, as the emphasis remains on combat arenas rather than free-form discovery. The design prioritizes a vibrant, evolving setting, which could feel overwhelming for players seeking simpler navigation. Community feedback celebrates the audiovisual polish and cyberpunk vibe, though some note the abundance of mechanics, suggesting a world that thrives in style but may benefit from streamlined exploration to sustain engagement.

Gameplay Mechanics

Core Loop

The core loop revolves around Hollow combat and daily activities, where players assemble teams and fight within 20-40 minute sessions, offering an engaging rhythm. The cycle of gacha pulls, team building, and mission completion drives a compelling flow, encouraging persistent play.

On-Field Mechanics

The gameplay hinges on action RPG mechanics, where players switch agents in real-time combat, using combos, dodges, and ultimate skills, with tactical depth added by elemental reactions and position swapping. Support roles, though shallow, introduce variety, though balance issues with team composition can disrupt flow. The mechanics reward timing and synergy, demanding mastery to overcome their stylish challenge.

Mode-Specific Features

The primary modes include Main Story, Combat Simulation, and Routine Commissions, with objectives like clearing Hollows or farming resources providing goals. Exploration via TV mode and side quests add variety, while leaderboards offer competition. The range of activities caters to different playstyles, but balance adjustments for support roles and endgame content lag, a point raised in early feedback.

Progression & Multiplayer

Progression includes earning Polychromes, unlocking agents, and leveling skills, balancing gacha luck with strategic rewards in a system that feels rewarding based on initial play. The game lacks traditional multiplayer but supports co-op in some commissions, with real-time team play, though gacha dependency limits accessibility. The progression elements thrive on team mastery, requiring refinement to enhance fairness.

Technical Execution

Zenless Zone Zero delivers a visually spectacular experience with its anime production values, slick animations, and dynamic effects, optimized across platforms with moderate requirements. Post-launch updates have addressed stability, with patches like the July 2025 balance update adding content, though occasional glitches like frame drops, crashes, and optimization issues persist. Audio impresses with a genre-spanning soundtrack and voice acting, though repetitive loops can detract over long sessions.

Controls are responsive with precise inputs, offering a natural feel across controllers and touchscreens, though the lack of advanced customization limits versatility. Ongoing updates are refining core systems, but initial technical hiccups suggest continued optimization is needed. The execution supports the action focus, with visuals and audio as strengths amid polish challenges.

Community Feedback

Zenless Zone Zero has cultivated a passionate community, with early praise for its combat, soundtrack, and character designs, though concerns about gacha rates, story pacing, and exploration removal surface from player discussions. Excitement for updates and agent banners is widespread, but frustration with support roles and grind persists. Community feedback drives development, sustaining interest, and player retention remains strong, fueled by its polished presentation and Hoyoverse ecosystem.

Criticism centers on gacha mechanics and content, with players noting pull rates and a desire for more exploration, alongside debates over story rushes. The community’s active input shapes updates, reflecting a group eager to see the game evolve into a refined action RPG, with initial reviews showing a mostly positive reception.

Final Verdict

Zenless Zone Zero delivers a stylish action RPG with its exhilarating combat and cyberpunk world, celebrating a unique urban fantasy. Its soundtrack and characters shine, though gacha and pacing issues pose challenges. It’s a must-play for action and gacha fans, with patience required as updates refine the experience.