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Are you ready to dive into the cyberpunk streets of New Eridu, the last bastion of urban civilization? Then buckle up (and get your wallets ready), because HoYoverse, the powerhouse behind Genshin Impact, is gearing up to unleash its latest creation: Zenless Zone Zero. We’re here to unravel the mysteries surrounding this highly anticipated title, including the Zenless Zone Zero release date.
Additionally, we’ll be providing some information on some of the most frequently asked questions about the game.
Zenless Zone Zero Release Date
The burning question on every gamer’s mind: when can we get our hands on Zenless Zone Zero?
While we’re eagerly anticipating the launch, HoYoverse has kept us on the edge of our seats with fresh new teasers, including one for the PS5. Based on the breadcrumbs they’ve dropped, we’re looking at a potential release window in late 2024.
This estimation stems from the release patterns of previous HoYoverse titles, with the second closed beta wrapping up in December 2023. So, mark your calendars and prepare for an epic journey into the heart of New Eridu.
The release date estimate also has a similar pattern to Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail but with HoYoverse being veterans of the gacha genre already, they might be faster this time around. Still, take that Zenless Zone Zero release date estimate with a grain of salt.
Is Zenless Zone Zero a Gacha Game?
If you’re wondering whether Zenless Zone Zero will tickle your gacha-loving fancy, the answer is a resounding yes. Much like its predecessors, Zenless Zone Zero will feature gacha mechanics, offering players the chance to summon powerful characters and their weapons or gear.
While specifics on the gacha system are still under wraps, expect a familiar and hilariously random experience that should keep you coming back for more. By now, you should be well-acquainted with Genshin Impact‘s gacha mechanics with a pity system and a chance for the rarest characters.
Zenless Zone Zero Setting
The main star in Zenless Zone Zero‘s worldbuilding is New Eridu, a post-apocalyptic metropolis teeming with danger and intrigue (as usual). It was ravaged by the cataclysmic events of the Hollows, so now, this urban landscape serves as humanity’s last stand against the encroaching darkness.
You get to play as a Proxy (much like the Traveler from Genshin Impact), and your duty is to navigate the treacherous depths of the Hollows, gathering valuable resources and uncovering the truth behind the Ethereal menace.
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Right off the bat, you can see just how different Zenless Zone Zero is compared to Genshin Impact or even Honkai: Star Rail. It has more of a punk vibe to it, with heavy aesthetic inspirations from Guilty Gear. The sci-fi elements are not as overt as Honkai: Star Rail.
Zenless Zone Zero Combat
Honkai: Star Rail, which was HoYoverse’s latest release, had a strict turn-based component, making its gameplay slower and more methodical compared to the controlled chaos in Genshin Impact. If you’re a fan of the latter, then you’ll be pleased to know that Zenless Zone Zero will be adopting a real-time combat structure.
You get more options here because you can either just mash buttons or plan your tactics carefully. Combat is certainly faster and more action-packed.
Is Zenless Zone Zero Open World?
While Zenless Zone Zero doesn’t quite fit the traditional mold of an open-world game, its sprawling cyberpunk city of New Eridu offers a vast playground for exploration. You can roam the rain-swept streets and towering skyscrapers as you unravel the mysteries lurking within the Hollows.
Don’t expect it to be as big as Genshin Impact. Apparently, Zenless Zone Zero‘s world structure is closer to Honkai: Star Rail than it is to Genshin Impact. It will mostly be a dungeon crawler game based on separate instances.
That’s not entirely a bad thing, for one, it should be friendlier on mobile devices since you can expect the game’s size to be smaller compared to the behemoth that is Genshin Impact.
Does Zenless Zone Zero Have Multiplayer?
While Zenless Zone Zero places a strong emphasis on its single-player experience, HoYoverse has hinted at the possibility of multiplayer elements.
Whether you’re teaming up with friends to tackle challenging dungeons or engaging in competitive showdowns, Zenless Zone Zero has, for sure, a multiplayer option to suit your playstyle. Keep an eye out for more details as we inch closer to launch. But since it won’t be turn-based, expect its multiplayer segment to play out like the co-op in Genshin Impact.
We repeat, combat is real-time. That’s a huge plus if you were put off by Honkai: Star Rail‘s turn-based combat (which was detrimental to its multiplayer experience). Additionally, with the big emphasis on dungeon crawler gameplay, it likely has a more fleshed-out co-op mechanic.
In any case, Zenless Zone Zero represents a bold new chapter in HoYoverse’s strong legacy. The countdown to release begins now, hopefully. It’s less a question of “when” and more of– are you ready for this new zone?
