Zenless Zone Zero Beginner's Guide: Get Started

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is an action-packed RPG developed by HoYoverse, beloved by gacha game fans for its fast-paced and satisfying combat. ZZZ combat requires some preparation and resources, and you can easily obtain Zenless Zone Zero Monochromes through TOPUPlive to fuel your progress. Whether you are new to gacha games or a veteran, this guide has everything you need to get started.

In ZZZ, you must earn resources and currencies to unlock the Agents and W-Engines you want, meaning grinding is part of the journey. Your choice of Agent and W-Engine directly affects your progress, so pick wisely and go with what suits your playstyle. You can also use smart team-building and mechanics to gain an edge even with a modest roster. Prefer ZZZ Top Up via TOPUPlive if you find yourself short on resources.

▍ZZZ Agents

As of Version 3.1, Zenless Zone Zero features 58 playable Agents. Each Agent comes with a unique skill set that makes them special. Agents are divided into two rarity tiers — S-Rank and A-Rank — with S-Rank Agents generally offering stronger kits and more complete mechanics. Agents can also be categorized by Attribute, Specialty, and faction.

Here are some of the most popular Agents in the current meta:

Lucia

An S-Rank Physical Attack Agent who also serves as the core support for Rupture teams. She provides team-wide damage buffs, resistance penetration, and energy regeneration — a power spike that kicks in at M0. Her versatility covers nearly every game mode, from story progression to endgame challenges. She is also the highest-value pick among the five free limited S-Rank Agents in the 2nd Anniversary selector. For a detailed breakdown, check out our: ZZZ Version 3.1 Anniversary: Free S-Rank Agent + W-Engine Selector — Who Should You Pick?

Lucia build check out our: ZZZ 2.3 Lucia Build: Materials, W-Engines, Drive Discs and Teams

Remielle Dan

Debuting in Version 3.1, Remielle Dan is the game's first Lumiflux Attribute Agent, an S-Rank Anomaly damage dealer and the first playable Void Hunter Class Agent. Her signature mechanic, "Flux," dynamically shifts her output Attribute based on her teammates, allowing her to fit seamlessly into Fire, Ice, Electric, or Physical teams. Her tactical flexibility is unmatched.

Starlight Billy

An S-Rank Physical Rupture Agent and the upgraded version of the classic Billy Kid. Compared to the original, Starlight Billy features a massive leap in damage output and kit design, excelling at burst damage through the Rupture mechanic. He is ideal for players who enjoy an on-field DPS rhythm.

Pyrois

An S-Rank Ice Anomaly Agent and one of the most flexible picks in current Anomaly team compositions. She efficiently triggers Ice Anomaly while providing team-wide utility, making her a near-universal include in Anomaly builds. New players looking to build an Anomaly team should prioritize her.

▍ZZZ W-Engines

W-Engines are the weapons Agents wield in combat. As of the current version, there are over 70 W-Engines in the game, each with different Base ATK values and passive effects. W-Engines are also split into S-Rank and A-Rank rarities. Use the ZZZ Top Up service at TOPUPlive to meet your resource needs and acquire or upgrade W-Engines faster.

Top W-Engines

▍ZZZ Combat Systems & Team Comps

ZZZ's combat system is one of a kind. Before entering battle, you build a team of up to 3 Agents. Although you only control one Agent at a time, you can swap between them on the fly, chaining all three kits together. Mastering Dodge Counters, Chain Attacks, and character swapping is the key to high damage.

There are two major damage archetypes in the current meta:

Anomaly Builds rely on triggering Elemental Anomalies for sustained damage. Example teams:

• Team1: Remielle+ Jane + Nangong Yu

• Team2: Pyrois + Jane + Caesar

Rupture Burst Comps focus on quickly breaking the enemy's Daze Meter, then unleashing massive burst damage during the Stunned State. Example teams:

• Team1: Yixuan + Lucia + Corin

• Team2: Starlight Billy + Lucia + Soukaku

New players can choose the archetype that best matches the Agents they pull.

▍Beginner Team Building Guide

If you are just starting out, you do not need a maxed meta team. Easily obtainable Agents can clear the main story and most daily content without issue. Below are two low-cost, highly versatile reference teams, each containing at most one S-Rank Agent.

Team 1: Physical Attack Team (For Players Who Enjoy Direct Combat)

Gameplan: Soldier 11 stays on-field as the primary damage dealer. Corin builds Impact quickly to shatter the enemy's Stun Bar, and Anby provides Electric sub-damage and extra Stun. All three swap smoothly with a low learning curve — perfect for learning ZZZ's combat rhythm.

Team 2: Electric Anomaly Team (For Players Who Prefer Sustained Damage)

Gameplan: Jane provides high-frequency RES Shred and Crowd Control as the Anomaly team's core support. Anby, as a starter character, reliably triggers Electric Anomaly. Lucy rounds out the team with Anomaly Proficiency buffs and energy generation. This team is extremely low-cost — Jane is free from the anniversary selector — making it ideal for free-to-play and low-spending beginners.

Team Building Tips

• Universal team formula: 1 on-field Main DPS + 1 Stun unit (to break the Daze Meter) + 1 support / sub-DPS (buffs or supplemental damage). This is the most reliable three-person structure.

• Attribute synergy: Try to have at least two Agents sharing or complementing each other's Attributes, making Elemental Anomaly easier to trigger. If your Main DPS is Physical, the support slots can cover any Attribute to add Anomaly capability.

• When to swap: Swap to your Main DPS when their energy is full or the enemy enters a Stunned State for burst windows. Use the Stun unit to build Impact and the support unit to apply buffs and Anomalies in the meantime.

• Investment priority: Pour resources into your Main DPS first (level, skills, Drive Discs). The Stun and support units only need to keep up in level to enter stages — no need to max everything at once.

• Do not stress over limited Agents: A-Rank Agents are more than enough for the early game. Many A-Rank picks (Anby, Corin, Soukaku) remain useful even in late-game. Save your Polychromes for the limited Agents you genuinely want.

▍ZZZ Game Modes

Zenless Zone Zero offers a rich variety of game modes. Here is an overview of the main content:

Story Stages & Boss Battles

As you progress through the main story, you will encounter stages filled with regular enemies and Bosses. Defeating Bosses rewards you with valuable loot and resources. These stages consume Battery Charge (stamina), so managing it wisely is essential for efficient progression.

Hollow Zero

A Roguelike exploration mode where you lead a squad of up to 3 Agents into the Hollow. While exploring, you collect various Buffs that aid you in combat. This mode has relatively low gear requirements, so beginners should jump in as soon as it unlocks.

Shiyu Defense

One of ZZZ's core endgame modes, designed to test your team's damage output. You must defeat waves of enemies within a time limit, earning star ratings based on clear speed (up to 3 stars). Higher-difficulty stages require two alternating teams, so building multiple Agents is necessary.

Enigma of the Labyrinth: Operation Bagel

A new permanent weekly mode introduced in Version 3.1, featuring extraction-style PvE gameplay. You venture into the Hollow to collect supplies and evacuate in time. Supplies can be used to build facilities that repair the research station or craft equipment that boosts Agent combat power inside the Hollow. Completing commissions and expanding your catalog yields generous Polychromes and other rewards.

Annihilation Simulacrum

A high-difficulty Boss challenge mode launched in Season 3. Enemies have no Elemental Weaknesses or resistances, placing full emphasis on mechanical understanding and precise execution. Recommended for players seeking an extreme challenge.

▍FAQs about Zenless Zone Zero Beginner

1. Which Agent should beginners pull for first?
Prioritize securing a reliable on-field Main DPS. In the current meta, Remielle (Lumiflux Anomaly, extremely versatile) or Starlight Billy (Physical Rupture, consistent damage) are strong targets. Also, do not forget to claim your free limited S-Rank Agent from the 2nd Anniversary selector to fill gaps in your roster.

2. How do I choose Drive Discs?
Drive Discs function as ZZZ's equipment system, with a standard 4-Piece Set + 2-Piece Set setup. DPS Agents prioritize ATK, CRIT Rate, and CRIT DMG, while supports focus on Energy Regen, HP, or Anomaly Proficiency depending on their role.

3. What should I spend Battery Charge on first?
Early on, prioritize Agent EXP materials and skill upgrade materials. Mid-game, shift toward Drive Disc stages and W-Engine ascension materials. Weekly Bosses are a must-clear every week, as they drop core materials for skill upgrades.

4. Are A-Rank Agents worth building?
Absolutely. A-Rank Agents like Anby, Corin, and Soukaku excel in their respective roles and are cheap to build, making them excellent choices for the early game and for support slots in any roster.

▍Conclusion

Zenless Zone Zero stands out in the RPG genre with its unique combat mechanics and rich content. As a beginner, you may hit a wall if you do not grasp these systems early on.

Learn each Agent's Attributes and abilities so you can pick the ones that match your playstyle. The same goes for W-Engines — know which Agent and weapon combination works best in any given situation.

Finally, ZZZ's game modes all require a certain level of character investment to clear comfortably, so prepare well before diving in. And whenever you need a boost, TOPUPlive is here for fast and secure ZZZ Top Up.