A hack-and-slash action-RPG with an urban appeal
Zenless Zone Zero is a premium and multiplayer action game dubbed as the next Genshin Impact. This role-playing game is set in a futuristic universe where civilization as you know it no longer exists. The world is now overrun by supernatural creatures called Ethereals. Developed by miHoYo Co. Ltd., it’s available on PC, mobile devices, and console.
In the middle of the chaos, you play as a demon-dimension explorer in Zenless Zone Zero, tasked with shutting down these dimensions and stopping Ethereals. With its generous help of exploration and fighting, it’s poised to be a good alternative to Genshin Impact.
Be the best demon-dimension explorer
Eager fans of Zenless Zone Zero are looking for clues that could link it to other miHoYo titles such as Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact 3rd. There are no direct references in terms of story though, although the familiar gameplay is there. One case in point is using of a gacha mechanic for unlocking other characters in the game, which unfortunately favors those willing to invest real-world money.
Unfortunately, its gameplay doesn’t stray far from its sister titles. It also adopts a real-time action approach instead of a turn-based strategy like the one in Honkai - Starrail. It’s driven by a unique story premise that should allow endless gameplay, although the mechanics themselves largely remain in the tried-and-tested formula of the Chinese video gaming giant. It doesn’t take away anything from the awesome and visually charged animations and interactions.
In terms of visuals, it can hold its own against other major games from the same developer-publisher. It has a unique take on a post-apocalyptic future, focusing on a more urban feel for both its characters and its set designs. This design option ultimately gives the game its visual identity, allowing it to endear itself to players who prefer styles reminiscent of GhostWire: Tokyo or Persona 5 Strikers. However, unlike Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail, its urban setting means less emphasis on open-world exploration, which some players may find restrictive.
Fresh content and features in 2.0
Update 2.0, Where Clouds Embrace the Dawn, delivers a well-rounded package of story progression, content expansion, and system upgrades for Zenless Zone Zero. The main story continues after Season 1’s dramatic finale, now shifting to the scenic Yunkui Summit. The update unlocks Waifei Peninsula, a striking new region featuring iconic locations like the Suibian Temple and Boobox. Players can expect new shops, engaging missions, and rich storytelling.
This update also introduces three new playable characters—S-Rank agents Yixuan and Ju Fufu, and A-Rank Pan Yinhu. New W-Engines also arrive, shaking up combat strategy. Customization also gets a boost, with stylish outfits including Trails of Ink (Yixuan), Delicate Sunlight (Belle), and Soaring Crane (Wise). Belle and Wise’s new outfits can even be obtained for free in the main story quest.
Another major addition is the new Investigation Zone interface, unlocked when entering Aerospace City. This feature enhances gameplay by offering deeper squad customization and unlocking new Proxy abilities. Beyond that, Update 2.0 brings a wide range of improvements, including streamlined interfaces, smoother controls, and numerous bug fixes. With its mix of fresh content and polished systems, this patch makes the game feel more expansive and refined than ever.
Yet another Genshin Impact
Zenless Zone Zero remains a curious game in its own right despite miHoYo’s other major titles. Its approach to a post-apocalyptic future that looks pretty urbanized creates a unique identity for the game, which could also explain its enduring appeal despite not adding anything new or unique to the gacha action-RPG genre. Experienced players would feel all too familiar playing this hack-and-slash game.
