Zenless Zone Zero Best Spots to Explore

Zenless Zone Zero Best Spots to Explore: Introduction

Zenless Zone Zero is an action RPG set in a unique urban environment where the city plays a central role in the gameplay. Unlike traditional open-world games with vast landscapes to explore, this game offers a more focused experience with interconnected areas, each with its own distinct aesthetic and atmosphere. The city of New Eridu is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing part of the game, and players will spend a significant amount of time navigating its diverse districts. For those looking to get the most out of their journey, our Zenless Zone Zero Best Spots to Explore guide will highlight the must-see areas and hidden gems scattered throughout the city.

You take on the role of a Proxy, guiding agents through perilous areas known as Hollows. The story begins with siblings Belle and Wise, who run a video store, and from there, the narrative unfolds with a mix of quirky characters, unique creatures like the rabbit-like Bangboo, robot vendors, stray cats, and mascots. As a Proxy, you’ll delve into dangerous Hollows through a TV system, taking on side quests, commissions, and exploring the city’s many corners.

Exploration is at the heart of Zenless Zone Zero, and this guide will help you navigate New Eridu’s vibrant streets, uncover hidden spots, and offer tips on how to maximize your experience in this dynamic, living city. Whether you’re tackling missions or simply soaking in the world, there’s much to discover in every nook and cranny of New Eridu.

Key Areas and How to Unlock Them

In Zenless Zone Zero, new areas become accessible as you progress through the main story and increase your Inter-Knot Level. Each district features a unique aesthetic, tasks, and challenges, and new locations within these areas are unlocked as you visit them for the first time. Here’s a guide to the key explorable areas and how to unlock them:

Sixth Street: The starting area of the game, unlocked during the prologue. It becomes fully explorable after completing the first chapter, which unlocks the time cycle.

Scott Outpost: Unlocked by reaching Inter-Knot Level 20 and completing the first chapter, which triggers the Hollow Zero quest. This area also introduces the Shiyu Defense and Routine Cleanup mechanics.

Brant Street Construction Site: To access this area, you need to reach Inter-Knot Level 22 and complete the Hollow Zero quest. This also begins the second chapter of the story.

Lumina Square: A large metropolitan area unlocked by reaching Inter-Knot Level 30 after completing the second chapter. The Chapter 2 Interlude takes you to Lumina Square.

Ballet Twins Road: Unlocked by reaching Inter-Knot Level 34 and starting the third chapter. Before accessing it, you must complete a small commission in the Hollow.

Metro Station: Unlocks during Chapter 1 Intermission and provides a quick travel system to previously visited locations.

HIA Club: Located in Lumina Square, this area unlocks during Chapter 1 Intermission after unlocking Combat Simulation.

Port Elpis: A new area introduced in Version 1.4.

Reverb Arena: An urban area with tunnels, also introduced in Version 1.4.

While these areas become available as you progress, certain quests, HIA Commemorative Coins, and additional content are locked behind story progression. It’s recommended to complete an area’s story before fully exploring it to ensure a smoother experience, though exploring early can help with leveling up. Each area features its own exploration tasks, such as assisting Bangboo, collecting mini cargo trucks, and finding HIA Commemorative Coins.

Other Notable Locations

Beyond the main explorable areas in Zenless Zone Zero, there are several key locations that offer unique functions and opportunities for players to interact with the game’s mechanics and world. These spots enhance the immersion and provide players with essential resources, items, and tasks.

Sixth Street Exploration

Sixth Street is your starting point in the game, serving as a central hub for various activities and shops vital for player progression. Located here is Belle and Wise’s video store, Random Play, a place that provides numerous features for exploration and progression:

Random Play (Video Store): The home base where you can manage video rentals for Denny, access the Hollow Deep Dive system to control agents and explore the Hollows, and even kill time on a sofa to change the time of day (once per day). There are also picture books, a loudspeaker to change music, and a bed for rest. A business car in the parking lot also serves as a fast travel system to other city shops.

Bic Needle (Music Store): Run by Alie, this store allows you to upgrade your agent’s combat abilities by tuning and improving Drive Discs, or dismantling unwanted ones to recycle materials.

Turbo (Car Shop): Managed by Enzo, Turbo is a remodeling shop offering Bangboo chips in exchange for Bangboo system widgets, allowing upgrades and modifications for your Bangboos.

Waterfall Soup (Noodle Restaurant): A noodle restaurant owned by Master Chop, providing food that buffs your agents during battles. You can also occasionally gain extra stats, but note that you cannot change buffs until the current one expires.

Howl’s News Stand: Run by a cute dog named Howl, this stand provides the latest news and a daily scratch card that offers a chance at rewards.

Godfinger Arcade: Featuring a variety of games and time-limited events, this arcade lets players compete in mini-games and multiplayer events. There is also a ranking system and achievements that reward you with Polychromes.

Coff Cafe (Coffee Shop): This cafe restores 60 Battery Charges and offers buffs from the coffee. You can only drink one cup per day, though special events might allow for exceptions.

141 Convenience Store: Located across from the Coff Cafe, you can purchase skill upgrade materials known as chips for your agents, each with different anomalies like physical burn or freeze.

Box Galaxy: A gadget store where you can buy or recycle W-Engines. You may need to submit materials along with Denny to obtain the W-Engine you want, recycling old W-Engines to gather resources.

Sage in the Barrel: A talking trash can offering items in exchange for HIA coins collected across the city, or spare materials for Denny.

Street Exit: A location where you can earn rewards, such as agent and Bangboo XP materials and Denny, by giving spray paint cans to an NPC.

Lumina Square Exploration

Lumina Square, a larger metropolitan area, presents a visually stunning environment. With its tall buildings, a scenic view of a bay area, a suspension bridge, and cruise ships, this area has a different vibe from Sixth Street, offering more verticality and an expansive environment. Here are some notable spots in Lumina Square:

Richard (T-Shop): A tea shop that offers a variety of teas, potentially providing buffs similar to the coffee shop in Sixth Street.

Spa: A location where you can get a massage, which may help with healing or provide HP buffs.

Gardening Shop: A shop where you can purchase flowers and plants, likely for decorating your video store or other areas.

Beaverson (Hair Salon): A salon offering hair styling for humans and animals, possibly providing cosmetics.

The Simmer (Hot Pot Restaurant): Similar to the noodle restaurant in Sixth Street, this hot pot restaurant likely provides buffs that boost your agents’ stats.

Other Notable Locations

H.A.N.D. Headquarters: A pivotal location that oversees the city’s defenses, filled with security personnel and advanced technology.

H.S.O.S. 6 Office: The base for an elite squad tasked with investigating anomalies in the city.

Sān-Z Studio: Located in Lumina Square, this studio showcases artworks from local artists, offering a creative twist to the exploration of the city.

Exploration Tips & Tricks

Exploring New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero is central to your experience and progression. The world is full of hidden gems and opportunities for players to maximize their time and resources. Here are essential tips and tricks to enhance your exploration:

The game features a time-of-day system that cycles through morning, afternoon, evening, and midnight. Certain quests and commissions are available only at specific times, so keep an eye on the time. You can check the time by pressing ‘E’ on PC. Time can be advanced by completing missions, resting on a sofa or bed, or using a free time skip once a day. Additionally, eating at the General Chop Shop, drinking coffee at the Coff Cafe, or playing games at the Godfinger Arcade will also progress the time. You can even change the time of day to fit your needs, helping streamline your progress and rewards.

As you explore, keep an eye out for NPCs with three white dots above their heads. These characters often provide hidden quests that don’t appear in your quest menu and typically reward you with H.I.A Commemorative Tokens. Interacting with various Bangboos and NPCs can also lead to hidden quests and bonus loot. Be mindful that some quests are time-gated, so be sure to check your mail for clues on where to find them. Certain quests will require you to take photos at specific locations, indicated by a camera icon.

While exploring Hollows via the TV system, look for special TVs that indicate rewards like Denny, golden crates, purple crates, or golden spheres. Golden spheres, also known as Observation Data, are key to unlocking the best rewards from exploration scenarios. Each exploration scenario typically features three Observation Data, along with a golden crate and a purple crate. Also, explore the edges of each area, as hidden paths may be tucked away. Keep an eye out for mini cargo trucks and Bangboos scattered throughout the city—they often reward Inter-Knot Credits and items. Chests can also be hidden across the world, providing Polychromes, a valuable resource.

During your journey, look for HIA coins, which can be exchanged at the Sage in the Barrel for special rewards. Some coins can be earned through special events or hidden around the city. Commissions also play a significant role in your exploration. They fall into three categories: exploration, combat, and city commissions. Exploration commissions require you to meet specific conditions while exploring, combat commissions focus on defeating enemies, and city commissions involve tasks that don’t require using the HDD system. You can track city commissions by talking to NPCs marked with a red exclamation point, and completing them for the first time will grant you valuable Inter-Knot Level experience.

Additionally, Inky the cat, located in Sixth Street, can be befriended to provide Trust events and bonuses, adding another layer of depth to your interactions. To ensure steady progress, avoid letting your Battery Charge cap out—regularly spending your battery will prevent losing out on resources and experience. When using Polychrome, it’s best to save it for Encrypted Master Tapes, as they are used for limited banners.

Lastly, remember to take your time and explore at your own pace. Zenless Zone Zero rewards players who enjoy the world at their own rhythm, so there’s no rush to complete all quests in a single sitting. By following these tips, you’ll uncover all the secrets New Eridu has to offer and ensure a fulfilling adventure.

Resource Gathering During Exploration

Efficient resource gathering is essential for progressing in Zenless Zone Zero. There are various ways to gather resources as you explore New Eridu, each contributing to your overall growth.

Inter-Knot Credits, essential for leveling up your Inter-Knot Level, can be earned by completing missions and consuming Battery Charge. Each time you consume Battery Charge, you earn Inter-Knot Credits based on the amount used. Completing commissions for the first time, including side quests, and progressing through agent stories on the bookshelf also rewards you with Inter-Knot Credits. Locating mini cargo trucks and Bangboos around town, completing each stage of Hollow Zero, and increasing your License Level will also grant experience. You can earn Inter-Knot Credits through Notorious Hunts up to three times a week and by fulfilling the requirements of tasks in your Compendium, such as Primer, Errands, Training, and Challenges. Completing Errands will provide various enhancement materials as well.

Polychromes, used for summons, can be gathered by completing tasks for Officer Mewmew in locations like Brand Construction Street, Ballet Twins Road, and Lumina Square. Leveling up characters provides free Master Tapes, with one earned at every level cap (20, 40, and 60). You can earn a Master Tape just by leveling up to 10 and ascending characters. Completing Primer trials in your Errands book, daily missions, exploration or combat missions in the Hollow Deep Dive system, and participating in limited events will also reward you with Polychromes.

Additionally, you can obtain Polychromes through achievements, arcade mini-games, character trials in the VR device, and tutorials in the Proxy Handbook. Increasing your character trust meter, leveling up Bons at the remodeling shop, and completing various commissions around the world will also contribute to your Polychrome collection. Clearing the Hollow Zero stages and completing Bounty Commissions will provide additional Polychromes, as will completing Shiyu Defense stages with higher grades. Residual signals earned during signal searching can be traded for Master Tapes at the 24-hour store.

Denny, the in-game currency, can be obtained through video rentals at Random Play, completing daily tasks, and receiving rewards from scratch cards at Howl’s News Stand. You can also exchange spare materials for Denny at the Sage in the Barrel and complete various quests and commissions in the city.

W-Engine materials can be gathered by obtaining W-Engine chips from commissions and missions, which can then be used to purchase W-Engines at the Box Galaxy Gadget store. Recycled W-Engines yield leveling and ascension materials.

Skill upgrade materials (chips) for agents can be purchased from the 141 Convenience Store using Denny, and Hamster Cage passes from weekly notorious hunts are used for leveling skills to level 12.

Bangboo materials are obtained at the Turbo remodeling shop in exchange for Bangboo system widgets. Leveling up your Bangboos rewards you with Bon tokens, which can be used to pull for more Bons.

HIA Coins can be found throughout the city and earned through special events. These coins can be exchanged at the Sage in the Barrel for valuable items.

Agent and Bangboo XP materials can be earned by giving spray paint cans to an NPC at the Street Exit in Sixth Street or machinery parts to an NPC in Brant Street.

Battery Charge, which regenerates over time at a rate of one charge every six minutes (up to a maximum of 240), is vital for exploring and engaging in activities. You can use items such as Ether Batteries or Polychromes to restore Battery Charge. Additionally, drinking coffee at the Coff Cafe restores 60 Battery Charges, with a limit of one coffee per day.

By actively engaging with these methods, you’ll ensure a steady flow of resources to enhance your characters, progress through the story, and unlock new content in Zenless Zone Zero.

Endgame Areas

Zenless Zone Zero offers several endgame areas that unlock as you progress through the main story and increase your Inter-Knot Level. These areas provide unique challenges and valuable rewards, keeping players engaged in the later stages of the game.

The Scott Outpost becomes available during Chapter 1 Intermission once you reach Inter-Knot Level 10. It serves as the main hub for various endgame activities, including Rally Commissions, Shiyu Defense, Routine Cleanup, and Notorious Hunt, all of which unlock once you reach Inter-Knot Level 20.

Hollow Zero is a roguelike challenge mode that unlocks at Inter-Knot Level 10. It is a key source of Polychrome, Bon tokens, and other rewards. The mode features randomly generated environments with Resonia and various resources. You can increase your License Level in this mode to earn experience, and it does not require you to spend Battery Charge. Stages unlock as you progress through previous stages and increase your Inter-Knot Level.

Bounty Commissions within Hollow Zero also provide additional Polychrome. Notable stages in this mode include the Qualification Assessment, Old Capital Metro, Construction Ruins, Abandoned Skyscraper, and Withering Garden. Each stage is unlocked by completing the previous one and meeting certain Inter-Knot Level requirements. For example, to unlock the Abandoned Skyscraper stage, you need to reach Inter-Knot Level 45 and complete the core areas of the previous stages.

Shiyu Defense is a mode that unlocks at Inter-Knot Level 20 and is located in Scott Outpost. It’s a great source of Polychrome, with rewards based on your performance. Completing each stage grants you up to 300 Polychromes (100 for each grade: A, B, and S). The difficulty increases with each stage, providing a consistent source of materials and experience.

The Notorious Hunt mode also unlocks at Inter-Knot Level 20 in Scott Outpost. It rewards you up to three times per week with Core Skill Enhancement materials and Inter-Knot Level experience. Like Shiyu Defense, it does not require you to spend Battery Charge.

The Combat Simulation mode unlocks at Inter-Knot Level 10. It becomes progressively more difficult as your Inter-Knot Level increases, providing you with valuable materials and experience to enhance your characters.

Expert Challenge becomes available at Inter-Knot Level 20 and is located in the HIA Club. This mode is especially useful for obtaining Core Skill Enhancement materials for specific characters.

Routine Cleanup unlocks at Inter-Knot Level 20 and becomes particularly valuable after reaching Inter-Knot Level 35. Once you reach this level, you can obtain S-Rank Drive Discs from this activity, which are crucial for character upgrades.

The Simulated Battle Trial was introduced in version 1.3 and combines exploration and combat. It is a challenging mode designed to test your strategic skills and ability to handle difficult enemies.

The Mystery of Arpeggio Fault, also introduced in version 1.3, is another roguelike mode with five chapters. Each chapter offers randomly generated environments with various resources, allowing you to engage with the world in new ways.

Lastly, Reverb Arena, introduced in version 1.4, is a new area that includes shops and event NPCs, offering additional ways to interact with the game world and earn rewards.

By engaging with these endgame areas, you’ll be able to obtain valuable resources, enhance your characters, and fully experience the depth and variety of Zenless Zone Zero’s gameplay.

New Gameplay Modes

Zenless Zone Zero introduces several exciting new gameplay modes that blend exploration, combat, and strategy, offering fresh challenges and valuable rewards. Here’s a breakdown of these modes:

The Simulated Battle Trial, introduced in version 1.3, provides a combat-focused experience where you face relentless waves of enemies as you ascend through levels. The difficulty increases progressively, requiring strategic thinking and skillful combat to overcome tougher foes. As you reach specific milestones, you’ll earn polychromes and badges that reflect your progress, which can be showcased on your personal homepage. This mode serves as a great test of your combat abilities and persistence.

The Mystery of Arpeggio Fault, also introduced in version 1.3, is a roguelike adventure with five chapters. Each chapter features randomly generated environments, filled with Resonia and other resources on the TV board. The mode challenges you to adapt to unpredictable obstacles and manage your resources carefully as you progress. With each session offering fresh challenges, it tests both your strategy and your adaptability. Rewards from this mode include the coveted knightboo item, among other treasures.

Hollow Zero is another roguelike challenge, where you explore a Hollow in a series of stages that become available as you progress. This mode is a crucial source of polychrome, Bon tokens, and other valuable rewards. You don’t need to spend Battery Charge to participate in Hollow Zero, and you can earn experience by completing stages for the first time or by increasing your License Level. Notable stages in this mode include the Qualification Assessment, Old Capital Metro, Construction Ruins, Abandoned Skyscraper, and Withering Garden, each offering unique challenges and rewards.

The Hollow Deep Dive System is a mode where you control agents to explore hollows and engage in combat missions. This system allows you to complete story, exploration, or combat missions to earn more Polychrome and enhance your characters. You access this mode through the main monitor in your shop, navigating through multiple TV screens that simulate exploration, providing a rich experience that ties combat and exploration together.

These new gameplay modes significantly enrich the experience of Zenless Zone Zero, offering diverse challenges and exciting ways to earn rewards while progressing through the game.

Conclusion

Zenless Zone Zero offers a distinctive experience with its blend of urban exploration, dynamic combat, and an engaging storyline. As a Proxy, you’ll explore the city of New Eridu and venture into the Hollows, facing numerous challenges while collecting resources along the way. Here are some key tips to remember as you navigate the world of Zenless Zone Zero:

Efficient resource management is vital. Gather and use resources like Inter-Knot Credits, Polychromes, Denny, W-Engine materials, skill upgrade materials, and Battery Charge wisely. Optimize your resource collection by making use of various shops such as Random Play, 141 Convenience Store, Box Galaxy, and Turbo.

Exploring the city is a big part of the experience. Visit different areas in New Eridu, like Sixth Street, Lumina Square, Ballet Twins Road, and the H.A.N.D. Headquarters, each offering unique shops, NPCs, and quests. Don’t forget to check out Sage in a Barrel and Street Exit for extra rewards and items.

Mastering the combat system is essential. Understanding character roles, chain attacks, perfect assists, and the use of support characters will significantly improve your effectiveness in battle. The training room is a great resource for learning more about your characters and refining your strategy. Focus on building solid team compositions, especially ensuring you have a strong DPS, a stun character, and a reliable support.

Engage with endgame content like Hollow Zero, Shiyu Defense, Notorious Hunt, and Combat Simulation to earn valuable rewards and further enhance your characters. These modes will deepen your understanding of the game’s combat mechanics.

Take full advantage of the new gameplay modes introduced in version 1.3, such as Mystery of Arpeggio Fault and the Simulated Battle Trial. These modes combine exploration and combat, providing fresh challenges and rewarding experiences.

Don’t overlook hidden quests and events. Keep an eye out for NPCs with three white dots, and use in-game hints and mail notes to uncover hidden quests, events, and bonus loot. Adjusting the time of day also unlocks new NPC interactions that might be available at specific hours.

Optimize your team compositions by focusing on a balanced group. A strong main DPS, a stun character, and a support will go a long way. Don’t stretch your resources too thin trying to level up every character at once.

Free summons are an excellent way to expand your roster. Make use of the free summons you get from events, character level-ups, and other in-game rewards. Plan around the limited banners, and save your resources for S-Rank characters you specifically want to add to your team.

Maximizing your Battery Charge is important. Avoid letting your Battery Charge cap out at 240. Use your charge regularly and restore it when necessary to maintain a steady supply for exploration and combat.

Keep an eye on the map as you complete quests and explore each area. Certain quests and items may be locked behind story progression, so make sure to fully complete areas before moving on to the next.

Lastly, be patient. Zenless Zone Zero rewards long-term engagement, so take your time with character progression and resource gathering.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the full breadth of Zenless Zone Zero’s content, progress efficiently, and have fun while exploring, battling, and discovering new modes and secrets.