Zenless Zone Zero: My Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Dominating New Eridu in 2026

Let me tell you, the moment I booted up Zenless Zone Zero, I felt a familiar rush – the kind that only a HoYoverse game can deliver. Yet, this wasn't just another adventure; it was a plunge into the chaotic, stylish, and utterly dangerous world of New Eridu. As a proxy, my mission is clear: navigate the Hollows and come back alive to tell the tale. But let me be real with you, diving in without a plan is a one-way ticket to getting lost forever. After countless hours since its launch, I've mastered the art of survival, and I'm here to share my explosive, no-nonsense guide to ensure you don't just survive, but conquer!

Combat: Where the Real Action Begins!

Listen up, rookies! Combat in ZZZ isn't for the faint of heart. It's a frenetic, stylish dance of destruction where every millisecond counts. Here's the lowdown on the core mechanics that will become second nature:

• Basic Attack (Your Bread & Butter): This is your primary damage dealer. Tap that button and unleash a slick combo chain. Think of it like a fighting game – you can cancel these animations into other moves for some truly devastating sequences. 🥊

• Dodge & Assist (Your Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card): See a flash of light around an enemy? That's your cue! You have a split second to either Dodge the incoming onslaught or hit Assist to swap in a teammate who will stylishly parry the blow. Mastering this is the difference between looking like a pro and getting pummeled into the pavement.

• Special & EX Special Attack (The Big Guns): Your Special Attack is always ready, but watch your Energy Bar! As it fills, the attack button glows. Hit it when it's charged for an EX Special Attack – a massively powerful move with bonus effects. This is your key to turning the tide!

But wait, there's more! You need to keep an eye on two crucial meters:

1. The Daze Bar (Enemy Stun Meter): Fill this by attacking, and when it's maxed out, the enemy is stunned! This is your golden opportunity to unleash a Chain Attack.

2. Chain Attacks: Triggered by hitting a stunned foe with a Special Attack. Time slows, and your entire squad (yes, even your adorable Bangboo!) gets to wail on the enemy in a glorious, coordinated assault. It's pure, unadulterated satisfaction. 💥

3. The Decibel Rating (Ultimate Meter): Every action you take builds this meter in the top-left corner. Hit 3,000 Decibels, and your active character can unleash their cinematic, screen-clearing Ultimate ability. This is your trump card for wiping out bosses or mobs of lesser foes.

Building Your Dream Team: Agents, Banners, and Gacha Wisdom

Forget being the fighter yourself. In ZZZ, you're the mastermind, the Proxy. The fighting is done by your recruited Agents. You'll get a few for free through the story and launch rewards, but the real power lies in the gacha – the Signal Searches.

Here’s the 2026 meta-strategy for pulling:

Ticket Type	Used For	Priority	Key Insight
Master Tape	Standard Permanent Banner	Medium	Use on the discounted beginner banner first for a guaranteed S-Rank Agent!
Encrypted Master Tape	Limited-Time Banners	HIGHEST	This is where the meta-defining powerhouses live. Save EVERYTHING for these!
Boopon	Bangboo Banner	Low	Bangboo are cute supports, but Agents are your main priority.

Your lifeblood is Polychromes. Hoard them like a dragon! They are your main free-to-play source for more pulls. Be smart, be patient.

In the current 2026 landscape, the launch powerhouses like Ellen (Ice) and Zhu Yuan (Ether) are still phenomenal damage dealers. Realistically, pick ONE to target with all your saved resources. Your choice should align with the team archetype you want to build. Don't spread yourself thin!

Resource Management: The Grind is Real (and Rewarding)

Welcome to the daily loop, Proxy. Efficiency is king.

• Battery Charge: This is your stamina. It regenerates over time. CRITICAL RULE: Spend it every single day! Don't let it cap. Early on, you're desperate for every material to level your Agents and their skills. Use your Charge as soon as you unlock resource stages to power up rapidly.

  • Pro-Tip: Get your daily 60 extra Charge from the café. It's a non-negotiable habit.

• Making Bank (Dennies): Money makes the world go 'round, even in New Eridu.

  • Daily Lottery: Visit Howl's newsstand on Sixth Street every day for a free ticket. It's easy money!

  • Your Video Store: This is your passive income empire. Open shop daily, choose a promoter and three tapes that match the current genre demands. Come back the next day to collect your earnings. Upgrade your store, unlock more tapes, and recruit better promoters to watch the Dennies roll in! 💰

Living in New Eridu: Time, Trust, and Side Hustles

New Eridu isn't just a backdrop; it's a living, breathing city with its own rhythm.

• Day-Night Cycle: The city operates in four phases: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, Midnight. Pay attention! Some quests and character encounters are locked to specific times. Different areas have different vibes and available content depending on the hour. Always check in with Officer Mewmew of Public Security to get the latest rumors and side missions – they're great for rewards and world-building.

• The Trust System (AKA The Dating Sim Twist): This is one of my favorite parts! Characters you meet will appear in the city. Talk to them, help them out, and build Trust. This isn't just fluff; it unlocks deeper interactions like texting and hangouts, revealing fantastic backstories.

  • Practical Bonus: High Trust pays off big time in the endgame roguelike mode, Hollow Zero. You'll encounter more beneficial events from characters who like you, giving you the edge needed to conquer the toughest challenges.

So there you have it, my comprehensive blueprint for success in Zenless Zone Zero. Master the combat's rhythmic chaos, summon your powerhouse Agents wisely, manage your resources with a miser's grip, and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of New Eridu. Follow this guide, and I promise you won't just be another proxy who vanished into the Hollows – you'll be a legend in the making. Now get out there and make your mark! 🚀