A new anime-inspired action RPG will soon hit the market. Titled Zenless Zone Zero, this stylish gacha game from Genshin Impact developer HoYoverse aims to stand out from other free-to-play titles.
It boasts a unique cyberpunk setting and real-time combat that may attract players looking for a fresh gameplay experience.
After Genshin Impact captured the attention and hearts of many worldwide, Zenless Zone Zero promises to make itself distinct.
While many wait for its release on July 4, 2024, here are the five things players need to know about this new game.
The Mysterious World of New Eridu
Zenless Zone Zero features the mysterious world of New Edridu that players must explore.
As the last remaining urban civilisation, it’s covered with many mysteries after the rest of the world has been destroyed by a supernatural disaster called The Hollows.
Gateways have mysteriously appeared, opening the door to twisted dimensions full of ethereal monsters.
However, with the help of The Hollows, the people of New Eridu managed to survive by extracting its resources.
The Hollows is industrialised and funded through the city’s administration, resulting in rivalry between companies, groups, and fanatics.
The Hollows
Though The Hollows caused the apocalypse, they are used for industrial purposes in New Eridu. They are considered an other-dimensional money-making machine in Zenless Zone Zero.
The Ether extracted from The Hollows gives New Eridu the special magic it possesses.
Inside this weird dimension, players can find monsters, thugs, Proxies, agencies, Hollow Raiders, and more.
The Factions
HoYoverse has revealed the first five factions in Zenless Zone Zero you'll meet when the game launches.
- Gentle House, aka, is an odd-job agency known for being “always available for the right price.” This group can do anything the players ask, from rescuing their cat to exploring The Hollows.
- Belobog Heavy Industries holds the “specialised heavy machinery” patent in The Hollows.
- Faction Unknown is said to have Soldier 11 in their ranks.
- Victoria Housekeeping features maids and butlers who offer high-quality services similar to those in old civilisation. However, whether they only do clean services or fight the demons remains to be seen.
- Section 6 is a subunit of Hollow Special Operations, making it a more official organisation than other factions in the game.
The Characters
HoYoverse has already introduced several Zenless Zone Zero characters that will make the game intriguing.
- Starting with Zhu Yuan, she’s the leader of Public Security’s Criminal Investigation team.
- Hoshimi Miyabi and Soukaku belong to Hollow Special Operations Section 6, while Grace Howard, Ben Bigger, Anton Ivanov, and Koleda Belobog come from Belobog Heavy Industries.
- Victoria Housekeeping comprises Ellen Joe, Alexandrina, Von Lycaon, and Corin Wickes.
- Gentle House features Nekomiya Mana, Billy Kid, Nicole Demara, and Anby Demara.
The Gameplay
Zenless Zone Zero gameplay differs from other HoYoverse games because it combines real-time action with roguelike combat mechanics.
Here, players have to fight through mysterious realms called The Hollows. The Hollow Deep Dive system, aka The Board, features potential routes through The Hollows on a large tile map.
Each tile has a different effect. Though others do nothing, some contain loot and part of a puzzle that needs to be solved. Others can also start a battle.
Character builds and team composition are also huge parts of the game.
Players will fight using a party of three playable characters who can swap places and use basic, special, chin, dash, and extra-powerful attacks.
Though Zenless Zone Zero is not an open-world game, gamers can explore the New Eridu city map outside The Hollows.
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