Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) has emerged as one of the most anticipated action games in recent years, especially among fans of HoYoverse’s titles like Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin Impact. Set in a post-apocalyptic urban world, ZZZ draws players into a universe known as Hollow Zero, where advanced combat mechanics, compelling characters, and strategic gameplay make for an immersive experience.
The game’s third beta test, known as the “Amplifying Test,” offers us a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, even though this version may not represent the final product. Here, we’ll delve into the gameplay mechanics, team-building strategies, and character insights for this beta test to give you a solid foundation for maximizing your performance in Hollow Zero.
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) Gameplay Overview
ZZZ’s gameplay experience combines elements from HoYoverse’s popular franchises but adds its unique flavor, particularly in the “Hollow Zero” mode. Hollow Zero has been compared to the Simulated Universe mode in Honkai: Star Rail, as it centers on completing progressively challenging scenarios while collecting valuable resources and enhancing your team. In this mode, players build a team of up to three characters, each with specialized abilities, to tackle enemies in roguelike challenges.
Key Gameplay Elements in Hollow Zero Mode
- Roguelike Mechanics: Hollow Zero mode requires strategic decision-making and adaptation, as each stage presents different challenges, obstacles, and rewards.
- Character Synergies: Each character’s skills and weapons have unique attributes that synergize with others on the team, making character selection and role assignment crucial.
- Environmental Challenges: The stages are filled with unique environmental obstacles that require specific character abilities or skills to overcome.
- Randomized Elements: Similar to other roguelike games, Hollow Zero mode incorporates a level of randomness in enemy appearances, power-ups, and available resources, making each run a unique experience.
Understanding Your Team and Their Roles in Hollow Zero
In the Amplifying Test, you’ll have access to a limited set of characters and weapons. Let’s break down the key players and how they contribute to a balanced and effective team in Hollow Zero.
Team Composition: Key Players in Hollow Zero
The Amplifying Test gives players access to the following characters, each with unique abilities and strengths that play essential roles in Hollow Zero gameplay:
- Koleda Belobog – Equipped with Precious Fossilized Core U4
- Rarity: C0
- Role: Defensive Tank / Frontline Warrior
- Skill Focus: High endurance, shield generation, and frontline combat
- Nicole Demara – Equipped with Weeping Cradle U1
- Rarity: C1
- Role: Healer and Crowd Controller
- Skill Focus: Healing, debuffing enemies, and supporting team survival
- Billy Kid – Equipped with Starlight Engine Replica U1
- Rarity: C1
- Role: DPS (Damage Per Second) Specialist
- Skill Focus: Rapid attacks, burst damage, and single-target elimination
In this configuration, Koleda Belobog serves as the frontline defender, Nicole Demara supports with healing and crowd control, and Billy Kid deals massive damage to single targets or groups.
Character Profiles and Skill Sets
Koleda Belobog: The Sturdy Frontline Tank
Koleda Belobog is known for her resilience and defense, making her a key asset in drawing enemy fire and maintaining the team’s stability.
- Skill Breakdown:
- Shield Generation: Koleda’s Precious Fossilized Core U4 is designed to produce a resilient shield, absorbing significant damage and protecting her and nearby allies.
- Crowd Control: Her abilities often stun or slow enemies, making it easier for other characters to target them.
- Endurance: Koleda’s high HP and defense make her ideal for tanking damage and holding the frontline, allowing your DPS characters to focus on attacking.
- Strategy Tips:
- Use Koleda to Initiate Combat: Start engagements with Koleda to absorb incoming attacks and position enemies where your other characters can strike effectively.
- Shield Management: Koleda’s shields aren’t unlimited, so it’s best to deploy them strategically, especially during critical moments or when facing high-damage enemies.
Nicole Demara: The Vital Healer and Support
Nicole Demara is the team’s essential healer, responsible for keeping allies alive during intense battles. Equipped with the Weeping Cradle U1, she can heal and offer support through debuffs.
- Skill Breakdown:
- Healing Abilities: Nicole’s primary role is to restore her teammates’ health over time, ensuring they can withstand prolonged engagements.
- Debuffing Skills: With Weeping Cradle U1, Nicole has access to debuffs that weaken enemy defenses or slow their attacks, reducing the damage taken by the team.
- Crowd Control: Her skills allow her to immobilize groups of enemies briefly, creating openings for Koleda and Billy Kid to deal more damage.
- Strategy Tips:
- Time Your Heals: Nicole’s healing has a cooldown, so avoid using it too early. Reserve her abilities for high-pressure moments or when allies are at low health.
- Maximize Debuff Opportunities: Use her debuffs strategically to control the pacing of battles, especially against boss enemies or challenging mobs.
Billy Kid: The Swift and Powerful DPS
As the team’s primary DPS character, Billy Kid is all about dealing fast, high-impact damage to enemies. With the Starlight Engine Replica U1, he becomes a powerful force on the battlefield.
- Skill Breakdown:
- Burst Damage: Billy’s abilities are designed to hit hard and fast, with high DPS that can decimate foes in seconds.
- Single-Target Elimination: His skills excel at taking down individual enemies, making him ideal for boss fights or high-health targets.
- Mobility: Billy has a naturally high speed, allowing him to dart around the battlefield and avoid incoming attacks.
- Strategy Tips:
- Prioritize Weak Enemies First: Clearing out weaker enemies enables Billy to generate energy and unleash powerful attacks on stronger foes.
- Stay Mobile: Utilize Billy’s speed to evade enemy attacks and reposition as needed. His strength lies in dealing damage, not taking it, so avoid prolonged engagement in melee.
Hollow Zero Mode: Navigating the Amplifying Test
Hollow Zero mode incorporates roguelike elements, making each run through its stages unique. Here’s a closer look at the critical aspects to navigate in this game mode effectively:
Core Mechanics of Hollow Zero Mode
- Stage Progression: The game divides Hollow Zero into several stages, each featuring different waves of enemies. Clearing a stage rewards players with items, power-ups, and upgrades.
- Power-Ups and Buffs: During each run, you’ll encounter power-ups that enhance your team’s abilities or offer healing between stages.
- Enemy Variability: Enemy types and abilities vary from stage to stage, requiring players to adapt their tactics continually.
- Randomized Elements: The game presents randomized power-ups, enemy placements, and even environmental hazards, which can alter gameplay drastically and demand quick thinking.
Tips for Success in Hollow Zero Mode
- Prioritize Power-Ups: Focus on power-ups that enhance your characters’ primary strengths, such as increased defense for Koleda, amplified healing for Nicole, or boosted DPS for Billy.
- Adapt to Enemy Types: If you encounter ranged attackers, ensure Koleda holds the frontline while Billy moves in to dispatch them quickly.
- Balance Aggression and Caution: Each stage poses new threats, so proceed cautiously to avoid unexpected ambushes or overwhelming encounters.
Team-Building Strategy and Synergy Tips
Understanding your characters’ individual strengths is crucial, but their synergy can elevate your team’s performance. In ZZZ, teams rely on well-coordinated skills and complementary abilities to maximize damage output and ensure survivability.
Key Synergies for Your Team
- Koleda and Nicole’s Defensive Combo: Use Koleda’s shields to absorb damage, while Nicole provides healing to sustain the team through challenging fights.
- Crowd Control Setup: Nicole’s crowd control debuffs can immobilize enemies, giving Billy the opportunity to deal damage without interruptions.
- Focus Fire with Billy: After Koleda initiates and Nicole applies debuffs, direct Billy’s attacks at high-priority enemies for maximum damage.
Optimizing Team Roles for Different Situations
- Against Bosses: Koleda should take the lead, absorbing as much damage as possible while Nicole keeps the team’s HP up. Billy should focus on high-impact damage bursts to reduce the boss’s health quickly.
- For Mob Control: Position Koleda to gather enemies, allowing Nicole to debuff and immobilize them. Billy can then clean up the group with swift attacks.
Equipment and Power-Up Recommendations
Character-specific weapons and power-ups play a critical role in defining your playstyle and effectiveness in Hollow Zero.
- Koleda: Look for equipment that enhances her shield duration and defense, keeping her on the frontline longer.
- Nicole: Prioritize power-ups that increase her healing efficiency and cooldown reduction for her debuffs, maximizing her support role.
- Billy: Focus on items that amplify his DPS and critical hit rate, allowing him to maximize his damage potential.
Key Takeaways for the Amplifying Test
The third beta, or Amplifying Test, has provided invaluable insights into what ZZZ offers players. Here are some of the most important lessons to remember as you dive into Hollow Zero gameplay:
- Preparation is Key: Each run can be unpredictable, so entering Hollow Zero with a strong and balanced team is essential for tackling various challenges.
- Adapt to the Situation: Roguelike mechanics mean no two runs are the same. Be prepared to adjust strategies and take advantage of unexpected power-ups.
- Experiment with Different Team Compositions: Try new characters and weapons to uncover potential synergies or combinations you may not have considered.
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Hollow Zero
Zenless Zone Zero’s Hollow Zero mode combines strategic gameplay, roguelike mechanics, and character-driven team building to create an engaging experience. While the Amplifying Test offers a glimpse into the game, ZZZ promises even more depth and excitement upon its full release. By mastering the basics now, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer the mysteries and challenges that await in the world of Hollow Zero.
