Zenless Zone Zero: The Definitive Proxy Guide (2026)

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) has established itself as a premier urban fantasy ARPG. Whether you are just starting or returning to New Eridu, mastering the role of a Proxy is essential. For the latest tier lists and build guides, visit our 🎮 Zenless Zone Zero Game Hub. This guide breaks down the core mechanics, combat systems, and character strategies you need to dominate the Hollows.

Key Takeaways

• Setting: New Eridu is the last bastion of humanity, surviving by harvesting Ether from dangerous dimensions called Hollows.
• Role: You play as a Proxy (Phaethon), navigating Hollows via the HDD system while commanding a squad of Agents in combat.
• Combat: Fast-paced action focusing on Daze mechanics, Chain Attacks, and Perfect Assists.
• Progression: Focus on increasing your Inter-Knot level to unlock endgame modes like Hollow Zero and Shiyu Defense.

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New Eridu: Survival in the Hollows

New Eridu stands as a retro-futuristic metropolis built on top of a calamity. The world outside has been consumed by the Hollows—expanding spatial anomalies filled with monsters known as Ethereals. The city survives by industrializing the extraction of Ether from these zones.

The atmosphere blends nostalgic urban vibes (VHS tapes, CRTs) with advanced tech. Different factions control various sectors, from the construction-focused Belobog Heavy Industries to the maid-staffed Victoria Housekeeping Co. Understanding these factions is key, as team synergy often relies on pairing characters from the same group or element.

The Proxy Gameplay Loop

You are not the fighter; you are the guide. As a Proxy, you operate the "Bangboo" to navigate the Hollow Deep Dive (HDD) system. The gameplay loop consists of two distinct phases:

• Exploration (TV Mode): Navigate a grid of monitors representing the Hollow. Solve puzzles, collect buffs (Resonia), and manage corruption levels (Pressure).
• Combat (3D Action): When you encounter enemies on the grid, the game seamlessly transitions to 3D combat where you control your squad of three Agents.

Tip: Prioritize collecting Resonia that matches your team's elemental damage type (e.g., Fire or Electric) during Hollow Zero runs to maximize damage output.

Mastering Dynamic Combat

ZZZ's combat is faster and more reactive than its HoYoverse predecessors. Victory depends on the Daze mechanic.

The Daze & Chain Attack System

Every enemy has a Daze bar (under their HP). Attacking fills this bar. Once full, the enemy is stunned and takes increased damage. Hitting a stunned enemy with a Heavy Attack triggers a Chain Attack, allowing you to cycle through your squad for massive burst damage.

Perfect Assist & Dodge

When an enemy flashes gold/yellow, switching characters triggers a Perfect Assist (Parry), negating damage and dealing high Daze. When they flash red, you must Perfect Dodge. Mastering these timings is critical for endgame content like Shiyu Defense.

Characters & Gacha System

Agents are divided into Ranks (S and A) and Specialties (Attack, Stun, Support, Anomaly, Defense).

• Stun Units: Essential for breaking enemy guards quickly (e.g., Lycaon, Anby).
• Attack Units: Your main damage dealers once the enemy is stunned (e.g., Ellen, Zhu Yuan).
• Support Units: Provide buffs and energy regeneration (e.g., Soukaku, Nicole).

Team Building: Always aim to activate the "Core Passive" of your agents by pairing them with at least one teammate of the same Faction or Element. This provides significant stat multipliers.

Endgame: Hollow Zero & Shiyu Defense

Once you complete the main story, your focus shifts to two modes:

• Hollow Zero: A roguelike mode where you descend through layers of a Hollow, collecting random buffs. Completion rewards "Boopons" for pulling Bangboos and investigation merits.
• Shiyu Defense: The primary DPS check. You must clear waves of enemies within a time limit. Higher floors require two separate teams, so investing in at least 6 characters is necessary for full completion.

Summary

Zenless Zone Zero offers a distinct blend of style, music, and high-octane combat. Success requires more than just button mashing; it demands proper team composition, resource management in the Hollows, and reflex-based combat execution. With cross-progression on PC, PS5, and Mobile, you can maintain your Proxy duties anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the setting of Zenless Zone Zero?

Zenless Zone Zero is set in New Eridu, the last remaining city in a post-apocalyptic world. Humanity rebuilds here by exploiting resources from dangerous dimensions known as Hollows.

What role do players assume in Zenless Zone Zero?

Players assume the role of a Proxy (Phaethon), guiding Agents through Hollows, battling Ethereals, and retrieving resources in a roguelike dungeon crawler format.

How does the combat system in Zenless Zone Zero work?

The combat is a high-speed action system relying on Dodge Counters, Chain Attacks, and Assist Points. Players switch between three characters to stun enemies and unleash massive damage.

What are the key endgame activities?

Endgame content includes Hollow Zero (roguelike runs) and Shiyu Defense (time-attack combat challenges), which provide Polychromes and rare upgrade materials.

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