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.
Major revelations and new agents in 1.7
Version 1.7, Bury Your Tears With the Past, is a story-heavy patch that finally dives deep into Hugo’s disappearance and the conspiracy of the Exaltists. Long-time players will appreciate the narrative payoff and new context for older missions, tying up plot threads that have been simmering for a while.
On the gameplay side, the update introduces two new S-Rank agents: Vivian, a flashy ground/aerial hybrid wielding a parasol-rapier combo, and Hugo himself, whose briefcase weapon now transforms into a brutal scythe for high-impact combat. Joining them is A-Rank Robin, Mockingbird’s Bangboo. Jane (Physical Anomaly) and Lighter (Fire Stun) also return in this patch’s banners.
New event content is also in full bloom—literally. "Say It With Flowers" lets players manage a flower shop, handling client requests and designing arrangements. Completing tasks unlocks a new interactive decoration mode for Quality Time and rewards like the A-Rank Bangboo “Overtime.” Meanwhile, "Bangboo Bash" returns with a ranked survival challenge mode packed with new obstacles and tougher course layouts to test your reflexes.
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.
