[Zenless Zone Zero] A Bang(boo)ing Good Time

Owenashi

I've been having fun with this game so I decided to post about it to see who else is giving it some time. Zenless Zone Zero is the latest gatcha game from HoYoverse, the folks behind Genshin Impact and the Honkai games and appearing on phone, PC and PS5. The game itself is set in New Eridu, a city that (for now) may be the only refuge of humanity from the Hollows. Hollows are pocket dimensions that can swallow whole city blocks and full of monsters called Etherials. Anyone inside can not only get lost forever in the shifting terrain but get eventually corrupted by the toxic energy called Ether within, turning them into Etherials themselves. That said, Hollows can be very profitable (beyond the fact that Ether is being used to power New Eridu) and Hollow-Raiders are common if against the law. But the illegal Hollow-raiders need illegal guides to make it in and out of a Hollow, creating the need for such called Proxies. Players jump into the shared-identiy shoes of the famous Proxy known as Phaethon, the siblings Wise and Belle. The two agreeing to aid a 'human resource dispatch agency' known as the Cunning Hares in getting out of a Hollow with a big prize ends up causing a domino effect of discoveries that could reveal the secrets of the Hollows if not the siblings themselves (as they refuse to 'as you know' for the players' benefit).

The gatcha-part of the game comes in with the Agents. As neither portion of Phaethon is a fighter, it's up to players to create a team of three to enter Hollows to advance the plot (and for other various reasons such as side-quests and the rogue-like Hollow Zero). The game currently gives the Cunning Hares trio seen above for free as well three others (if you don't end up pulling them ahead of time). Agents fall into various roles like Stun, Attacker, and Support (once again, as seen above) which can make or break fights against Etherials and other threats. Other difference-makers include team bonuses for bringing in two or more matching elements or factions as well as an NPC helper called a Bangboo (AKA the game's mascot which is also part of the gatcha system outside of the first free one).

https://youtu.be/p6CqMfg_d-U

As for combat itself, it involves dodges and tag-ins, either normally or to parry oncoming attacks. Typically the goal is to batter an enemy's defense down long enough to set off chain-attacks from all three party members (and the Bangboo if you so choose) deal massive damage, taking advantage of element weaknesses and stuns to get the enemy to that state quicker.

https://youtu.be/FGMmf-4ZVJo
https://youtu.be/KGOynaQoofc

So, anyone else been spending time in New Eridu?

Reynolds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6I14mV5IQE

This guy has been making a lot of helpful videos about the more technical aspects of the game.

Jars

I have 90 pulls and zhu yuan is coming soon and will probably be op, but I already have an S rank attacker so I kinda want a different type. quingyi and jane doe will probably be after her, both pubsec as well. Vtuber girls won't be for a while sadly.

Mortal Sky

I know very little about this game except that my youtube ads insist that I know and respect that it has a healthily endowed sharkgirl

and as a long-time fan of sharkgirls going back years and years, I can abide by that

Owenashi

I probably should have saved tapes for the next focused character banner but Ellen is part of Victoria Housekeeping which is my fave group so far so I had to go for her. At least the pulls I made let me earn all of Soukaku's Cinema perks.

Reynolds

Saving for Zhu as well, I didn't like how Ellen played in the trial run. I started with Rina but finally pulled Soldier 11 on the standard banner, so now I can actually make two teams.

Jars

Having more soukakus would be nice since she's supposed to be the best support. I've been using lucy though, since my attacker is also fire. I got far enough in the story to finish the bangboo event but man there is just so much stuff to do I have like 10 unfinished commissions right now

ArcTangent

Jars wrote: »

Having more soukakus would be nice since she's supposed to be the best support. I've been using lucy though, since my attacker is also fire. I got far enough in the story to finish the bangboo event but man there is just so much stuff to do I have like 10 unfinished commissions right now

I thought so too, but I've recanted on that. Her M1 is really nice QoL, but her buff already lasts a really long time and naturally refreshes every chain attack. The rest are basically only good for ice teams or her personal damage, when she already shouldn't be on the field much so whatever, and her M4 is specific to only really Ellen burst combos right now since she's the only ice DPS. It is a really good buff/improvement for Ellen, but that's a lot of Soukakus just for that.

Mysst

this game has a bosozoku construction bear. it's a good game

Owenashi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AMqJU4SNhE

A character vid for Zhu Yuan just dropped which is pretty good timing for me seeing I was playing her and Quinyi's story just now.

Reynolds

Jars wrote: »

Having more soukakus would be nice since she's supposed to be the best support. I've been using lucy though, since my attacker is also fire. I got far enough in the story to finish the bangboo event but man there is just so much stuff to do I have like 10 unfinished commissions right now

I've just hit 40 and have finished basically everything. Maybe more unlocks after that, otherwise I'm already hitting the point where you just log in to spend stamina. That's not great.

Madican

Ready for Zhu Yuan to drop, and if I must lose a 50/50 let it be to Koleda or Lycaon

Reynolds

I passed the 40 trial and did immediately get new missions, so that's good. Still seems like a much rougher climb from this point onward.

Owenashi

So I got to the end of Chapter 2's Intermission story.

I dig how it makes it somewhat plausible for Zhu Yuan and her friends from PubSec to act as Agents for Phaethon in future story events. I also like how it added a bit more to a similar relationship between Phaethon and Secton 6.

Also, I'm guessing that Sarah's not exactly someone normal going by how her eyes look.

ChicoBlue

Ugh I clicked on this thread by mistake and now it's Everyone's Problem.

Owenashi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JmdwCmuA0I

Gameplay demo for Zhu Yuan is up.

Tofystedeth

I'm at I think 41 Interknot level. Have completely every commission (that I know of. I still occasionally stumble into new sidequests out in the world). Mostly just leveling up trust (Soldier 11 was one of the first I maxed, except her final trust event isn't even in the game yet so I can't truly max her) and doing the VR stuff for leveling materials now that I just unlocked the new cap, and doing the agent character stories.

Nekomata and Soldier 11 are my only S's right now.

Tofystedeth

Mysst wrote: »

this game has a bosozoku construction bear. it's a good game

Ben takes work site safety and accounting seriously.

Tofystedeth

Owenashi wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AMqJU4SNhE

A character vid for Zhu Yuan just dropped which is pretty good timing for me seeing I was playing her and Quinyi's story just now.

I really respect the safe driving in a high speed chase.

Jars

I played zhu yuan in her mission and I thought she would be just shooting people, but she sure kicks people a lot.

Owenashi

Tofystedeth wrote: »

Mysst wrote: »

this game has a bosozoku construction bear. it's a good game

Ben takes work site safety and accounting seriously.

Not that he won't help the company a little going the other route.

Fig-D

I would play more of this if it didn't crash so often on my phone. I've gotten into the habit of clearing dialogue on my phone and playing the combat sections on PC.

Pulled Grace, Koleda, and Ben in my freebies, so I've got a cool little Belobog squad going. No idea how well they actually synergize, I just unlocked agent promotions, but Koleda seems pretty fun and Grace seems to top score no matter how little I use her.

Owenashi

Fig-D wrote: »

I would play more of this if it didn't crash so often on my phone. I've gotten into the habit of clearing dialogue on my phone and playing the combat sections on PC.

Pulled Grace, Koleda, and Ben in my freebies, so I've got a cool little Belobog squad going. No idea how well they actually synergize, I just unlocked agent promotions, but Koleda seems pretty fun and Grace seems to top score no matter how little I use her.

Ben actually helps out Koleda with attacks if they're both part of the team. Honestly, Belobog is nice that it can swing more towards Fire or Lightning depending on the team make-up as Ben and Koleda are Fire while Grace and Anton are Lightning. Even their Bangboo, Safety, is built to benefit from both elements due to his middle perk that grants him bonus damage if the target's Burning or Shocked.

Jars

I wouldn't mind kodela to add to my solider 11-lucy team. but I have no idea when I'm going to be doing pulls again I like the idol/vtuber heroes who are a ways away

Crippl3

So is there any way to get Ellen anymore? Or did I miss her completely?
I forgot to log back in and go for another 10-pull

Reynolds

Ellen's banner is up for another 12 hours, when I look at it.

Owenashi

Crippl3 wrote: »

So is there any way to get Ellen anymore? Or did I miss her completely?
I forgot to log back in and go for another 10-pull

From what I heard, her particular pull will likely be back as a rerun in a few months.

Madican

Guoba has the Zhu Yuan video ready. This is...much more "need to pay attention" than the HSR ones because he goes into just about every string of combos you can think of and why some work but others don't, as well as when each should be used.
https://youtu.be/-pFq08cIB2k

Owenashi

The ZZZ devs released this a few hours ago about additions to the game.

Ridu Renovation Talk Vol. 1

Hi, Proxies! Since the official release of Zenless Zone Zero, many enthusiastic Proxies have been attracted to New Eridu to visit and explore. We would like to thank each and every Proxy for their interest and support! As a creative team eager to showcase our unique style and content to every player, we're constantly thinking about how to shape the city of New Eridu and bring its daily life closer to everyone. Every time we see how the characters and stories resonate with you and how eagerly you are waiting for more new content, we truly feel that the city is becoming more real and alive. Throughout this journey, we have also realized that many areas in the game need further refinement and optimization. We have received invaluable feedback from you, such as improving the connection between the HDD TV mode and combat experience, offering more diverse and challenging combat options, and optimizing some repetitive exploration experiences. In the first issue of the "Ridu Renovation Talk," we'd love to discuss some of the main issues raised in your feedback and share our current plans for optimizing the game and future updates.

Optimizations expected to be implemented in Version 1.1:

In terms of the narrative experience, in the latest story missions of Version 1.1, for the first time, you will be able to interact with New Eridu's neighborhoods and fight through levels to advance the story's progress from the perspective of the mission's protagonist.

A button for "Manual Chain Attack" mode will be added to the squad lineup interface before entering combat. In this mode, after Stunning an enemy, your actions will not trigger other Agents' Chain Attacks. Additionally, a "Cancel Chain Attack Combo" function will be added to combat, allowing you to choose whether to use the "Manual Chain Attack" mode according to your preferences.

In terms of combat, we have added a series of challenging combat missions and game modes that will be continuously updated. All Proxies are welcome to try them out in the new version.

In Shiyu Defense, we have improved the display of enemies' attribute resistances, making it easier for you to select suitable Agents for each challenge.

After unlocking a new Agent, the Inter-Knot avatar of that Agent will be automatically unlocked. Now you can select your favorite Agent as your Inter-Knot avatar.

The battle menu interface on mobile devices will allow you to customize certain UI buttons within a preset plan, so you can choose the controls that best suit your playstyle.

Optimizations expected to be implemented in Version 1.2:

For completed Story Commissions and Exploration Commissions with uncollected rewards, we will be adding a "Fairy Assistance" feature (temporary name). Once you meet certain requirements, you can hand over these missions to Fairy and receive all the uncollected commission rewards after a set period of time.

While exploring the "Monitor Array" the automatic accelerated playback, when enabled, will not be interrupted by other events. Additionally, the animation playback speed for some events will be increased, providing a smoother gaming experience.

A "Preset Lineup" feature will be added. You will also be able to choose whether to include Bangboo in your lineup for battle commissions. The lineup controls before the "Shiyu Defense" will also be optimized.

The entrance location for Agent Training will be adjusted, and repeated combat stages will be added, making it easier to access training and familiarize yourself with Agent-specific controls.

After reaching a certain Inter-Knot level, a feature that allows you to freely change the time will be unlocked, making it more convenient to adjust the in-game time.

Based on your feedback, we have optimized the background brightness in some commissions.

Optimizations expected to be implemented in later versions:

Currently, you can only control Wise or Belle in the city instead of other Agents you have obtained. In the Special Program Livestreams of later versions, we will announce our current progress and future plans. Please stay tuned!

We will be continuously improving the models for some Agents to provide Proxies with an improved visual experience.

We will continuously optimize the interface interaction experience and combat interface UI. All Proxies are welcome to explore the game further and let us know your suggestions.

The above is just part of our optimization plans. We will continue to pay attention to your gaming experience and further refine the game. We will keep adding more fun and challenging combat elements and adjusting the balance of the different game modes. We are aware that there is still much room for our team to grow and develop. Together with you, we hope to build New Eridu into the city of your dreams. Please continue to share your thoughts with us through our official feedback channels!

Reynolds

Those all sound like good changes. Glad to see this is leaning more Star Rail than Genshin.

Madican

Won the 50/50 so Zhu Yuan get. Not gonna go for her signature weapon when a copy of Starlight Knight works nearly as well, so I've still got 120+ pulls in the tank for whoever.

Jars

the math on her weapon supposedly isn't very good anyway, it's only a marginal increase over a regular W engine

Owenashi

You'd think he'd be too busy to work at Random Play but I don't mind. Glad to have gotten him, especially as I need a pick-me-up after I just finished the North side-questline...

Tofystedeth

I wonder if Ben's name and demeanor are a reference to Gentle Ben or if they just went for the obvious alliteration.

Jars

I feel like I'm going to be at a significant disadvantage if I don't do either ellen or zhu yuang, my first team is fine but I had to make a second team and I used corrin for damage and it was dire.

but I guess it doesn't matter that much if I can't complete the final tiers of shinryu defense

Owenashi

Jars wrote: »

I feel like I'm going to be at a significant disadvantage if I don't do either ellen or zhu yuang, my first team is fine but I had to make a second team and I used corrin for damage and it was dire.

Corin's not bad at her role. Some energy-regen boosting means you can just spam her EX-Special which has a nice anti-interrupt buff to it so she can just grind down enemies. Even better if you unlocked her second Cinema perk which can add 20 stacks of 0.5% Physical-res debuff on an enemy when using it. Don't forget her Cleanup Assistance team-passive which adds 35% extra damage to stunned enemies. I had paired her with Lucy and Piper to trigger that before unlocking Ellen and the trio worked out pretty well.

I've been hoping to land Corin's unique W-Engine too as it not only buffs her off-field Energy Regen but it also adds 3% Physical damage stacks to her EX Special upon contact, giving her an overall 45% damage boost.

Owenashi

Finished Chapter 3 and I'm guessing that's it for the story at the moment seeing the talk with your sibling afterwards and the current main objective of 'just keep grinding levels'.

If Chapter 4 sticks with Phaethon heading to the Outer Ring, I'm guessing the Sons Of Cayldon will be the focus-faction.

Tofystedeth

Owenashi wrote: »

Finished Chapter 3 and I'm guessing that's it for the story at the moment seeing the talk with your sibling afterwards and the current main objective of 'just keep grinding levels'.

If Chapter 4 sticks with Phaethon heading to the Outer Ring, I'm guessing the Sons Of Cayldon will be the focus-faction.

I hope so because

my least favorite thing about the hoyo games (probably gacha games in particular) is getting playable characters who I haven't met in the story yet.
And I've got 2 who I not only haven't met in the story, but don't even exist in the story yet. I've been done with the current story content for like a week and only just saw one of them on the street for the first time yesterday. They are relegated to being level 1 untouched characters until then.
Soldier 11 also not present in the main story, but at least I was given her agent story tape as the first one to do so I got an introduction to her there, so she exists as a character and not just a stat block that punches enemies.

Crippl3

a bunch of the VAs played some lethal company with mods together recently, Anby Sam Stone put up some highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SLhDZ6LBwU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9meBXU4_p7o

Jars

I leveled up some skills and what not and switched piper/lucy from soldier 11 to corrin and gave S11 anby/grace instead and manged to finish the shinryu defense with an A instead of outright failing. Maybe ben would be better than anby, but I don't have him leveled so whatever.

I'm only 20 pulls from a guaranteed S rank and any of them would be helpful but the standard reels come at a glacial pace so it'll still probably be a while

-SPI-

There is an event involving the Mr Driller clone in the arcade. This is my moment.