Zenless Zone Zero Gameplay Guide for New Players in 2025

Jumping into Zenless Zone Zero gameplay as a new player in 2025 feels exciting! You get fast-paced combat mixed with roguelike runs that change each time you play. Try to pay close attention to Agents, W-Engines, Drive Discs, and the gacha system. These shape your progress. Don’t worry if it seems overwhelming at first. This guide helps you avoid common mistakes and gives you clear steps so you can enjoy Zenless Zone Zero gameplay right away.

Getting Started

Account Setup

Before you dive into the action, you need to set up your Zenless Zone Zero account. Keeping your account safe is super important. Here are some tips to help you protect your progress:

Always use official channels when creating your HoYoverse account.
Enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Never share your login details with anyone.
Pick a unique and complex password.
Link a secure, up-to-date phone number for easy account recovery.
Check your bank statements often if you make in-game purchases.

Tip: Taking these steps now can save you a lot of trouble later. You want to keep your Agents and rewards safe!

Tutorial Walkthrough

Once you log in, the game guides you through a hands-on tutorial. This part helps you learn the basics and sets you up for success. You will:

Upgrade your characters to get stronger.
Learn how combat works and practice your moves.
Manage your resources so you don’t run out when you need them.
Explore the world and figure out how to move through Hollow Zones.

The tutorial also covers these key steps:

Level up your Agents to handle tougher battles.
Build a balanced team for different challenges.
Try out multiplayer missions for some co-op fun.

You will also meet new characters, explore New Eridu, and interact with NPCs. The game encourages you to experiment and enjoy the story as you learn.

Interface Guide

The Zenless Zone Zero interface looks clean and easy to use. You will see many icons on your screen. Here’s a quick guide:

Icon	Function
Red Back Arrow	Go back to the main screen.
Avatar	View and edit your profile.
Person Silhouette in Speech Bubble	See your online friends.
Battery	Shows your Battery Charge (stamina).
Silver Coin	Shows your Dennies (in-game money).
Tab with Rainbow Screen	Shows your premium currency.
Person Silhouette with Rotating Arrow	Change your character and background.
Eight Circle with Plus	Opens more options.
Envelope	Check your in-game mail.
Cog	Open settings for graphics and sound.
Speaker	See announcements and updates.
Note	Access missions and training.
Double Zs in Circle	Track your achievements.
Two World	See your progression level and rewards.
Box	Manage your inventory.
Two Heads Silhouette	Customize your Agents.
24	Visit the in-game shop.
TV	Access the gacha system.

Players say Zenless Zone Zero feels welcoming, even if you’re new to gacha games. The game unlocks features slowly, so you never feel lost. You can focus on learning at your own pace and enjoy the story as you go. For more tips, check out the guides on ManaBuy.

Zenless Zone Zero Gameplay Basics

Roguelike Elements

When you start playing Zenless Zone Zero gameplay, you will notice the roguelike elements right away. Each run feels fresh because the game changes up the challenges every time. You never know what enemies or rewards you will find. This keeps things exciting and makes you want to try again if you lose.

The Hollow Zero mode stands out as a big part of this. You get six regions, each with its own level of difficulty. As you move forward, you fight waves of enemies and unlock new areas. The enemies get tougher, so you need to come up with new strategies. This makes you think about your team and skills every time you play.

You enjoy fast combat and cool visuals.
Sometimes, the progression system can feel tiring. If you ever feel worn out, take a break. When you come back, the game feels fun again.
You earn rare rewards by beating tough enemies.
Each new region brings harder fights and better prizes.
You need to learn and improve your skills to keep up with the challenge.

Tip: Don’t rush. Take your time and enjoy each run. The game rewards you for learning and trying new things.

Agents and Roles

Agents are the heart of Zenless Zone Zero gameplay. You build your team from different Agents, and each one has a special role. Picking the right mix helps you win battles and clear tough stages.

Here’s a quick look at the main Agent roles:

Agent Role	Description
Attack	Main damage dealers focusing on high damage output.
Support	Enhances team effectiveness through buffs and debuffs.
Stun	Specialists in building Daze meters to stun enemies.
Defense	Protects the team with shields and high resistance.
Anomaly	Masters of applying elemental effects to enemies.

You want to balance your team. Try using an Attack Agent for damage, a Support Agent for buffs, and maybe a Stun or Defense Agent for control and safety. Anomaly Agents help you deal with enemies that need special effects to beat.

Note: Mix and match Agents to see what works best for your play style. Some stages need more defense, while others need more damage.

W-Engines and Drive Discs

W-Engines and Drive Discs are your main gear in Zenless Zone Zero gameplay. They boost your Agents’ power and give you special effects in battle. Picking the right ones can make a huge difference.

Here’s a table to help you understand the main types:

W-Engine Category	Description
Attack	Provides offensive capabilities to agents.
Anomaly	Enhances abilities related to anomalies.
Stun	Focuses on incapacitating enemies.
Support	Offers assistance to allies.
Defense	Increases survivability of agents.
Rupture	Deals with breaking enemy defenses.

You can match W-Engines to your Agent’s role. For example, give Attack W-Engines to your main damage dealer. Use Defense W-Engines for your tank. Drive Discs work like sets of gear that add extra bonuses. Try to collect full sets for the best results.

Pro Tip: Upgrade your W-Engines and Drive Discs as soon as you can. Even a small boost can help you win tough fights.

Combat System

Controls and Movement

You control your Agent with smooth and simple commands. Whether you play on PC or Xbox, the controls feel quick and easy to learn. Here’s a handy table to help you remember the main actions:

Action	PC	Xbox
Basic Attack	Left-click	X
Special Attack	L Shift	A
Energy Attack	E	Y
Ultimate Attack	Q	RT
Jump	Space	RB

You can move around with the joystick or WASD keys. Try jumping and dodging to avoid enemy attacks. If you practice these moves, you will get better at staying safe and landing hits.

Skills and Combos

Every Agent has a set of skills that make battles exciting. You can chain attacks together for big damage. Check out this table to see the main skill types and what they do:

Skill Type	Description
Basic Attack	A combo of 3 to 5 hits. Try different patterns for more power.
Dodge	Each Agent dodges in a unique way. Use this to escape or counter.
Special Skill	Strong moves that use energy. Some have extra effects if you time them right.
Chain Skill	Triggered on stunned enemies. These combos deal huge damage.
Core Passives	Always active. They boost your Agent and help your team.
Daze Meter	Fills up as you attack. When full, the enemy gets stunned.
Stunned Status	Enemies freeze for a moment. This is your chance for big combos.

If you watch your skill cooldowns and time your combos, you can boost your damage. Some effects, like Dark Abyss Reverb, raise your crit rate and crit damage. Others, like Stun Buff, give you more attack power if you have Stun teammates. Try to keep the Daze Meter high so you can stun enemies often.

Combat Tips

You want to win more battles in Zenless Zone Zero gameplay? Try these tips from top players:

Build a team of three Agents before you fight. You can only control one at a time, but swapping lets you use everyone’s skills.
Always include a Stun Agent. This unlocks Chain Strikes and helps you deal more damage.
Add a Defense Agent if you want your team to survive longer. They keep your HP up, even if fights take more time.
Mix different Elemental Attributes like Fire, Ice, or Electric. This helps you hit enemy weaknesses.
Swap Agents during battle to use their best moves and keep combos going.

Tip: Practice dodging and timing your skills. The more you play, the better you get at reading enemy moves and landing big combos.

Characters and Team Building

Unlocking Characters

Do you want more Agents on your team? Zenless Zone Zero gives you some Agents for free as you play. You meet Nicole, Anby, and Billy in the tutorial. You also unlock Corin, Soukaku, and Ben by finishing story chapters. Most other Agents come from the gacha system called Signal Search. You use Encrypted Master Tapes and Master Tapes to try for new Agents. Sometimes you get a top Agent right away. Other times, you add new Agents slowly.

Tip: Always look at which Agents are in the current banner. You might see one you really want!

Free Agents you get early:

Nicole
Anby
Billy
Corin
Soukaku
Ben

Team Composition

A strong team helps you win battles. Try to use different roles like Attack, Support, and Anomaly. Some teams work better because their Agents have synergy bonuses. If you use Agents from the same faction or with matching attributes, you get special traits. For example, Anby’s Parallel Connection gives her more Energy when she dodges and counters.

Check out these popular team setups:

Team Composition	Key Characters	Strategy Description
Yao Jiayin + Nicole	Yao Jiayin, Nicole	Dual support setup for sustained uptime.
Zhu Yuan / Soukaku + Qingyi	Zhu Yuan, Soukaku, Qingyi	Burst-focused playstyle with strong breaking power.
Grace + Lucy / Vivian / Bernice	Grace, Lucy, Vivian, Bernice	Flexible DPS with energy battery options.
Jane / Lucy + Vivian / Bernice	Jane, Lucy, Vivian, Bernice	Double chaos core builds with strong synergy and crit burst mechanics.
Yuzuha + Yanagi + Vivian	Yuzuha, Yanagi, Vivian	High damage output through Disorder DMG and synergy between characters.
Yuzuha + Grace + Burnice	Yuzuha, Grace, Burnice	Double Anomaly team with effective debuffs and damage amplification.
Yuzuha + Piper + Lucy	Yuzuha, Piper, Lucy	Budget-friendly team focusing on Anomaly combat style for serious damage.

Note: Try out different teams. You might find one that works best for you. For more tips, check out our blog and guides on ManaBuy.

Upgrading Agents

You want your Agents to be stronger and last longer. Start by leveling them up with Investigator Log materials. This boosts their HP and ATK stats. Focus on Core Skills first. These give your Agents strong passive powers. Upgrade the skills you use most in fights. If you get the same Agent again, you unlock new powers in Mindscape Cinema.

Don’t forget about gear! Level up W-Engines for more attack. Farm Drive Discs for extra effects, but do other upgrades first. Bangboo can help your team too. Level it up and update its Logic Core when you get more copies.

Ways to upgrade your Agents:

Level Up Agents for higher stats
Enhance Core Skills for passive boosts
Skill Enhancement for better combat moves
Mindscape Cinema for new abilities
W-Engine and Drive Disk upgrades
Bangboo enhancement for extra support

Pro Tip: Upgrade your favorite Agent’s skills first. You will see a big change in battle!

Weapons and Equipment

Weapon Types

You get to pick from different weapon types in Zenless Zone Zero. Each Agent uses a unique weapon that matches their fighting style. Some Agents swing swords. Others use guns, hammers, or even strange gadgets. You want to match the weapon to the Agent’s role for the best results.

Here’s a quick table to help you see the main weapon types:

Weapon Type	Agent Role	Combat Style
Sword	Attack	Fast, close-range
Gun	Support/Attack	Ranged, rapid fire
Hammer	Defense/Stun	Heavy, slow hits
Gadget	Anomaly	Special effects

Tip: Try out different weapons. You might find a style that feels just right for you!

Enhancing Weapons

You want your weapons to hit harder and last longer. You can enhance them using materials you collect in missions. Upgrading weapons boosts their stats and unlocks new powers. You start with basic upgrades. Later, you unlock advanced enhancements.

Follow these steps to enhance your weapons:

Open your inventory and select the weapon you want to upgrade.
Use upgrade materials like Weapon Parts and Dennies.
Tap the “Enhance” button to boost your weapon’s level.
Check for special abilities that unlock at higher levels.

Pro Tip: Focus on upgrading weapons for your main Agents first. Strong weapons make battles much easier.

Drive Discs Setup

Drive Discs work like gear sets. You equip them to give your Agents extra bonuses. Each set has a theme, like boosting attack or defense. You want to collect full sets for the best effects.

Here’s how you set up Drive Discs:

Pick discs that match your Agent’s role.
Equip two or four discs from the same set for bonus stats.
Mix sets if you want balanced stats.
Upgrade your discs to unlock more power.

Drive Disc Set	Bonus Effect	Best For
Reverb	Crit Rate/Damage	Attack Agents
Shock	Stun Power	Stun Agents
Guard	Defense Boost	Tank Agents
Flux	Elemental Damage	Anomaly Agents

Note: You can swap Drive Discs anytime. Try different setups to see what works best for your team!

Gacha and Progression

Gacha System

You will spend a lot of time with the gacha system in Zenless Zone Zero. This system lets you unlock new Agents, W-Engines, and other rare items. You use special tapes called Master Tapes and Encrypted Master Tapes to make pulls. Each pull gives you a chance to get high-rarity rewards, but the odds are not always in your favor. If you need more premium currency, you can always visit ManaBuy to top up.

Take a look at the drop rates for different ranks:

Gacha Type	Base Probability	Total Probability (Including Pity)
S Rank Gacha	1.0%	2.0%
A Rank Gacha	15.0%	18.0%
B Rank Gacha	84.0%	80.0%

You might notice that S-Rank items are very rare. The base chance sits at just 1.0%. The pity system helps a little, raising your odds to 2.0% after many pulls. If you keep trying, you will eventually get a top-tier Agent or weapon. You can learn more about how the system works on the IGN guide to banners.

How does Zenless Zone Zero compare to other popular gacha games? Here’s a quick look:

Game	Five-Star Drop Rate	Four-Star Character Drop Rate	Four-Star Weapon Drop Rate
Zenless Zone Zero	0.60%	7.05%	2.35%
Genshin Impact	0.60%	3.33%	1.77%
Honkai Impact	0.60%	N/A	N/A

You see that Zenless Zone Zero gives you a better chance at four-star characters and weapons than some other games. Still, you need patience and a bit of luck to build your dream team.

Tip: Always check which banners are active. Limited-time banners often feature new or boosted Agents, so you can plan your pulls for the best results.

Resource Management

Managing your resources is key if you want to progress smoothly in Zenless Zone Zero. You earn Dennies, tapes, upgrade materials, and crafting items from missions, events, and daily rewards. If you spend wisely, you will always have what you need for upgrades and new pulls.

Here are some smart strategies for resource management:

Keep a buffer of in-game currency and materials for surprise upgrades or tough battles.
Spend your resources on high-quality weapons and rare upgrades, not just on cosmetics.
Level up your core team first. Strong Agents help you clear harder stages and earn better rewards.
Make daily missions part of your routine. These give you steady experience points and valuable items.
Plan your crafting carefully. Save rare materials for recipes that boost your team’s power.
Upgrade the Agents you use most often. Equip them with the best gear you can find.

Strategy	Description
Mastering Resource Management	Keep a buffer of in-game currency and materials for unexpected upgrades or challenges.
Prioritize Upgrades	Focus on spending resources on high-quality weapons and rare upgrades rather than cosmetics.
Focus on Core Team	Invest resources in leveling skills and gear of your main team for better efficiency.
Complete Daily Missions	Regularly engage in daily missions for steady experience points and rewards.
Crafting Mastery	Plan resource allocation for crafting to maximize efficiency and prepare for future challenges.
Selective Upgrading	Upgrade frequently used characters and equip them with the best gear available.

The crafting system in Zenless Zone Zero rewards careful planning. If you know your recipes and save your materials, you can craft powerful gear when you need it most. You will feel ready for any challenge that comes your way. For a quick and easy way to get the premium currency you need, check out the ManaBuy blog for deals and guides.

Note: Don’t rush to spend everything at once. If you save some resources, you will always be prepared for new content or tough bosses.

Progression Tips

You want to level up fast and keep your team strong. Here are some tips to help you progress in zenless zone zero gameplay:

Focus your resources on upgrading characters you use frequently.
Make sure you have a few well-upgraded Agents instead of many weak ones.
Check for upgrades and enhancements often. Your team needs to stay in top shape.
Complete daily and weekly missions. These give you experience, Dennies, and upgrade materials.
Join events and special challenges. You can earn rare items and sometimes unlock new Agents.
Try different team setups. If you experiment, you will find combos that work best for each stage.
Use your stamina wisely. Spend it on missions that give the most rewards for your current needs.

Pro Tip: If you ever feel stuck, take a break and review your team and gear. Sometimes a small upgrade or a new combo makes all the difference. For more insights on the game, explore the official Zenless Zone Zero website.

You will see your progress speed up if you follow these steps. Stay patient, keep learning, and enjoy the journey!

Game Modes

Story Mode

You start your adventure in Story Mode. This mode lets you explore New Eridu and meet new Agents. You follow the main plot, unlock new chapters, and discover secrets about the world. Story Mode teaches you the basics and helps you understand the game’s lore. You get to make choices, talk to NPCs, and solve puzzles. Each chapter brings new missions and rewards.

Tip: Pay attention to the dialogue. Sometimes, you find clues that help you in battles or side quests.

You earn Dennies, upgrade materials, and sometimes new Agents as you progress. Story Mode also unlocks new features and game mechanics. If you want to enjoy the story, take your time and explore every corner.

Side Missions

Side Missions give you extra challenges and rewards. You find these missions by talking to NPCs or checking your mission list. Some missions ask you to defeat special enemies. Others want you to collect items or help characters in trouble.

Here’s what you get from Side Missions:

Extra Dennies and upgrade materials
Special gear and Drive Discs
Unique story snippets
Limited-time event rewards

You can complete Side Missions at your own pace. If you want to level up faster or earn rare items, try to finish as many as you can.

Endgame Challenges

Endgame Challenges test your skills after you finish the main story. You face tough enemies, tricky puzzles, and timed battles. These challenges push you to use your best Agents and gear.

Challenge Type	What You Face	Rewards
Hollow Zero	Endless enemy waves	Rare gear, tapes
Boss Rush	Multiple bosses	High-level loot
Time Trials	Beat the clock	Special badges

You need strong teams and smart strategies to win. If you want to show off your skills, try these challenges and aim for top scores.

Note: Don’t worry if you lose at first. Practice makes you better, and each run helps you learn new tactics.

Story and World

New Eridu Overview

You step into New Eridu, the last city standing in Zenless Zone Zero. This place feels alive. You see neon lights, busy streets, and strange tech everywhere. People call New Eridu a safe haven. The city stands strong against the chaos outside. You meet all kinds of characters here. Some run shops. Others give you missions. You find secrets hidden in alleys and rooftops.

Here’s a quick look at what makes New Eridu special:

Feature	What You Find
Districts	Shopping, residential, tech
NPCs	Shopkeepers, agents, hackers
Landmarks	Neon towers, Hollow portals
Factions	Rival groups, secret clubs

You explore different districts. Each one has its own vibe. You might see a market full of gadgets or a quiet park with hidden clues. You can talk to NPCs for side quests or just listen to their stories. The city changes as you play. New areas open up. Events pop up in real time. You never know what you’ll find next.

Tip: Take your time in New Eridu. You might discover rare items or unlock new missions just by exploring.

Storytelling Tips

You want to enjoy the story in Zenless Zone Zero. Here are some easy ways to get the most out of it:

Talk to everyone. NPCs share hints, jokes, and secrets. You learn more about the world this way.
Read mission logs. These give you background info and help you understand what’s happening.
Watch for clues. Sometimes, you spot details in the environment that lead to hidden rewards.
Pay attention to choices. Your decisions can change how characters react or what missions you unlock.
Keep notes. If you see something interesting, jot it down. You might need it later.

If you get lost, check your mission list. The game always points you in the right direction.

You shape your own story as you play. Try different paths. See how the world reacts. You make New Eridu your own adventure.

Multiplayer and Events

Co-op Play

You can team up with friends in Zenless Zone Zero. Co-op play lets you tackle tough missions together. You join a lobby, invite your buddies, and pick your Agents. Everyone brings their own skills to the fight. You share rewards and help each other win.

Here’s how you start a co-op match:

Open the multiplayer menu.
Choose a mission that supports co-op.
Invite friends or match with random players.
Select your Agents and gear.
Ready up and jump into the action!

Tip: Communicate with your team. Use quick chat or voice to plan your moves. You win more battles when you work together.

Co-op play feels fast and fun. You learn new strategies from other players. Sometimes, you meet new friends who love the game as much as you do.

Events Guide

Events pop up all the time in Zenless Zone Zero. You find special missions, limited-time challenges, and holiday celebrations. These events give you a chance to earn rare rewards, like exclusive Agents, W-Engines, and cool cosmetics.

Check out this table for common event types:

Event Type	What You Do	Rewards
Daily Missions	Complete tasks	Dennies, tapes
Seasonal Events	Join themed battles	Limited gear
Collaboration	Play crossover quests	Unique Agents
Boss Challenges	Defeat strong bosses	Rare items

You should check the event calendar often. Some events only last a few days. If you join early, you get the best prizes.

🎉 Note: Don’t miss out! Events help you level up faster and unlock special content.

Social Features

Zenless Zone Zero makes it easy to connect with other players. You can add friends, join clubs, and chat in real time. The game has a built-in messaging system. You send quick messages or use emojis to express yourself.

Here are some ways to stay social:

Add friends and see when they’re online.
Join a club for group missions and shared rewards.
Use chat to ask for tips or share your victories.
Send gifts to teammates after a tough win.

Pro Tip: Being social helps you find new strategies and makes the game more fun. Don’t be shy—reach out and join the community!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Early Game Errors

You might feel excited to jump into Zenless Zone Zero, but rushing can lead to trouble. Many new players skip the tutorial or ignore the story. You miss out on important tips and free rewards. Sometimes, you forget to level up your Agents before tough battles. This makes fights harder than they need to be.

Here are some common early mistakes:

Skipping the tutorial and missing key mechanics.
Ignoring daily missions that give free resources.
Forgetting to upgrade Agents and gear.
Not exploring New Eridu for hidden rewards.

Tip: Take your time. Read the mission logs and talk to NPCs. You will find clues and bonuses that help you progress faster.

Team Building Pitfalls

Building a strong team takes planning. You might want to use only your favorite Agents, but this can hurt your progress. Some players pick three Attack Agents and forget about support or defense. You need balance to win tough fights.

Check out this table for smart team building:

Mistake	What Happens	How to Fix
All Attack Agents	Low survivability	Add Defense or Support
Ignoring synergy	Weak combos	Match roles and elements
No Stun Agent	Miss chain strikes	Include a Stun Agent
Random gear setup	Poor stats	Use matching Drive Discs

Try mixing different roles. Test new combos. You will see better results in battle.

Resource Wasting

You get lots of resources in Zenless Zone Zero, but spending them carelessly slows you down. Some players upgrade every Agent and weapon they find. You run out of Dennies and tapes quickly. Others spend premium currency on cosmetics instead of strong gear.

Here’s how you can avoid wasting resources:

Focus upgrades on your main team first.
Save rare materials for high-level gear.
Spend premium currency on banners with top Agents.
Avoid maxing out every Agent right away.

Pro Tip: Plan your upgrades. Check which Agents and weapons help you most. You will always have enough resources for new challenges.

You now know the basics of zenless zone zero gameplay. You learned how to build strong teams and manage resources. Try out different Agents and strategies to see what you like best. It’s okay if you make mistakes. Each run helps you get better. Have fun as you explore New Eridu. If you find new tips or want more help, come back to this guide. You can also share your own experiences with other players!

FAQ

How do you get more Agents in Zenless Zone Zero?

You unlock new Agents by playing story chapters and using the gacha system. Free Agents join your team as you progress. For rare Agents, try Signal Search banners with Master Tapes.

What should you upgrade first?

Focus on leveling up your main Agents and their W-Engines. Upgrade Drive Discs after you boost your favorite characters. Strong gear helps you win tough battles.