Highlights

  • Zenless Zone Zero, a new HoYoverse title, launches July 4, 2024, offering a free-to-play action RPG experience.
  • The game features Genshin Impact-like exploration and combat mechanics while introducing Street Fighter 6-inspired combat.
  • Zenless Zone Zero connects to other HoYoverse games, hints at character crossovers, and promises an engaging story experience.

The HoYoverse multiverse continues to expand with the upcoming launch of Zenless Zone Zero. Described as a free-to-play action RPG with sci-fi fantasy themes, Zenless Zone Zero takes place in New Eridu, where a group of talented individuals known as Agents will fight side-by-side to uncover the mysteries of the post-apocalyptic world. The new HoYoverse title will be out very soon, on July 4, 2024, adding to the developer's already-packed lineup of gacha games.

As far as gameplay goes, HoYoverse fans get a Genshin Impact vibe with Zenless Zone Zero because of its exploration and combat features. It also has hints of other HoYoverse titles, such as Honkai Impact 3rd and Honkai: Star Rail, which makes it worth checking to explore the games' universe further.

Zenless Zone Zero Four Characters Standing Together
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The reveal visual for Zenless Zone Zero showing playable characters Nicole, Billy, and Anby.

The Similarities and Differences With Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is known for its vast open-world setting, where players can use a wide range of characters to explore and fight enemies while accomplishing missions. The combat utilizes hack-and-slash mechanics wherein players can switch between characters to create ability combos and apply certain effects onto enemies. These features are also evident in Zenless Zone Zero, which also allows players to build characters and create viable teams for main story missions and the roguelike TV mode.

However, Zenless Zone Zero doesn't seem to have the same open-world exploration as Genshin Impact. The latter has several regions in Teyvat that players can explore the nooks and crannies of, while Zenless Zone Zero is confined to the city of New Eridu. Based on initial clips, the game seems to have limited exploration, similar to Honkai: Star Rail and Honkai Impact 3rd, where they can only access certain areas in order to complete a mission. It's also possible that Zenless Zone Zero might open more cities beyond New Eridu.

Both games have interesting characters with abilities that serve various purposes, from dealing damage to providing support. Zenless Zone Zero stands out as characters come from different factions that work towards the same goal of eliminating enemy forces from New Eridu. The protagonist, known as the Proxy, can either be Belle or Wise, who are siblings that run the movie establishment Random Play. Unlike Genshin Impact, both characters will be present in the game regardless of who the player chooses, and the inactive character will become an assistant.

Zenless Zone Zero Protagonists

  • Belle (female)
  • Wise (male)

How Zenless Zone Zero Fits in the HoYoverse Multiverse

All HoYoverse games are confirmed to exist in the same multiverse, which explains the many alternate versions of characters in each game. But the developer also made it clear that these characters are not the same, and that they have individual lives in their respective universes. Zenless Zone Zero is expected to go the same route with story elements making references to other HoYoverse titles and possible character crossovers.

It's still unknown how Zenless Zone Zero will connect to other HoYoverse games, but the most obvious reference so far is Belobog Heavy Industries, a faction that specializes in In-Hollow construction. Belobog is the name of a city in Honkai: Star Rail's Jarilo-VI, which is the first planet that the Astral Express Crew travels to. Both Belobogs have connections to construction and heavy machinery, so it will be interesting to see how the Zenless Zone Zero faction and its members will play a role in the story.

HoYoverse is still keeping its cards close to its chest regarding other details about Zenless Zone Zero, especially with possible alternate versions of characters, which is great for fans who want to experience it without prior notions. They do have high expectations for the game, especially with the massive success of Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact, and hopefully it delivers.