HoYoverse has built a reputation for visually striking, mechanically rich games that blur the line between action RPG and live-service experience, and Zenless Zone Zero may be its most confident creation yet. Set in the last surviving metropolis after a supernatural disaster, this urban fantasy brawler combines lightning-fast combat, stylish presentation, and a surprisingly grounded slice-of-life structure into something that feels fresh, energetic, and unmistakably modern.
Where Genshin Impact leaned into open-world exploration and Honkai: Star Rail embraced turn-based spectacle, Zenless Zone Zero defines itself through tight, instance-based action and a vibrant city hub that feels just as important as the battlefields themselves.
And with Version 2.5 — “To Be Fuel for the Night”, the game has taken some of its most meaningful steps forward yet.
Welcome to New Eridu
After reality-warping disasters known as Hollows devastated civilisation, humanity retreated into New Eridu — the final safe haven. You play as a Proxy, guiding elite combat specialists called Agents through these unstable dimensions.
This clever setup allows the game to alternate between two distinct modes: intense combat missions inside surreal Hollows, and relaxed, character-driven downtime in the streets of the city. You might be slicing through enemies one moment, then running a video store, chatting to locals, or grabbing noodles the next.
This duality gives the game heart. It’s not just about fighting — it’s about living in this world.
Combat That Feels Incredible
Combat remains the centrepiece. Teams of three Agents swap instantly mid-combo, creating a fluid chain of attacks, dodges, counters, and special abilities that feels closer to a character action game than a traditional RPG.
Perfect dodges slow time. Tag attacks feel impactful. Boss fights demand awareness rather than button mashing.
What elevates this system further in Version 2.5 is the introduction of multiplayer combat.
Joint Investigation: The Divine Maze
For the first time, players can team up in 3-player cooperative battles, tackling challenging combat scenarios together. This mode transforms the combat rhythm, encouraging team synergy and role balance between Attack, Defense, and Support Agents.
It’s a natural fit for the game’s mechanics and adds a new social and tactical layer that many players had hoped for since launch.
New Agents, New Possibilities
Version 2.5 also introduced two significant Agents:
- Ye Shunguang (S-Rank, Attack) — the game’s first dual-form Void Hunter, wielding the new Honed Edge attribute. His ability to switch forms mid-combat adds fresh complexity and showcases how the combat system continues to evolve.
- Zhao (S-Rank, Defense, Ice) — gifted to all players as a New Year’s reward. Zhao isn’t just generous fan service; he’s a genuinely powerful defensive unit that broadens team-building options for everyone.
These additions feel meaningful rather than filler, expanding both gameplay variety and accessibility.
A More Social New Eridu — Proxy Outpost
Another major addition is the Proxy Outpost system — a social hub where players can join outposts, chat, and share commissions.
This small but impactful feature gives the game a stronger community presence. Zenless Zone Zero has always felt lively in its NPC interactions, but now that liveliness extends to player interaction as well.
Respecting the Past — Buffs to Launch Agents
HoYoverse also addressed a long-standing player request by rolling out mechanical buffs and performance updates to several early Agents, including:
- Soldier 11
- Grace
- Anby
- Ellen
- Burnice
These updates make older characters viable again, preventing early roster picks from becoming obsolete — a common issue in live-service games.
It’s a sign of healthy long-term design and respect for player investment.
Style in Every Frame
Visually, the game remains stunning. Neon streets, graffiti aesthetics, comic-panel transitions, and expressive UI design create a game dripping with personality. The urban street-culture influence helps it stand apart from HoYoverse’s previous fantasy and sci-fi settings.
Menus animate with flair. Scenes transition with style. Nothing feels static.
Characters With Real Charm
Agents feel like people, not stat sheets. Optional interactions, text messages, and hangouts deepen attachment. The downtime in New Eridu gives the cast room to breathe and makes team-building emotionally meaningful.
Focused Mission Design
Rather than a massive open world, missions take place in carefully designed instances filled with combat arenas, light puzzles, and branching paths. This keeps pacing tight and sessions manageable.
There’s no filler — just purposeful play.
Audio and Atmosphere
Electronic beats, urban rhythms, and strong voice performances reinforce the game’s identity. Combat music energises; city themes relax. The contrast works beautifully.
Where It Still Stumbles
- Some Hollow environments can feel visually repetitive
- Gacha mechanics remain a barrier for some players
- Early story pacing still leans heavily on exposition
But Version 2.5 shows a game actively improving and expanding in smart ways.
Final Verdict
Zenless Zone Zero was already one of HoYoverse’s most stylish and satisfying action games. With Version 2.5, it’s now also one of its most socially connected, mechanically evolved, and player-friendly.
Multiplayer combat, meaningful new Agents, buffs to older characters, and the Proxy Outpost system all push the game forward in ways that feel thoughtful rather than cosmetic.
This is no longer just a stylish action RPG — it’s a living, growing world that respects its players’ time and investment.
