Beginner tips and tricks for Zenless Zone Zero combat

Zenless Zone Zero combat is heavily inspired by ARPGs like Genshin Impact and Honkai Impact 3rd. It combines the signature character swap feature with an in-depth combo system, special attacks, and more. Initially, the game's combat system may seem over the top and hard to grasp, but once you get used to the mechanics, you'll find it intuitive and smooth.

This article explores all the crucial aspects of Zenless Zone Zero's combat system and some tips and tricks to help you master fighting styles.

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All Zenless Zone Zero combat mechanics explained

Attack options in ZZZ (Image via HoYoverse)

Basic Attack: Initiate a series of strikes by pressing the designated attack button. Some agents offer alternative maneuvers when holding the input during a combination. This attack serves as the primary source of consistent damage and energy regeneration for most characters.

Special Attack: It's each Agent's defining feature, usable at any time without cooldown. An enhanced version (EX Skill Variant) becomes available after accumulating sufficient energy. Special attacks possess a heavy attack property, enabling chain attacks on fully dazed enemies. While normal special attacks are generally inefficient, the empowered EX Special attack is highly valuable and should be utilized strategically in Zenless Zone Zero combat.

Chain Attack or QTE: It's activated by striking a fully dazed enemy with a heavy attack (special attacks/ultimates) when multiple Agents are in your squad. Select an Agent's avatar before the countdown expires to execute their Chain Attack. These powerful strikes can be combined in rapid succession for devastating effects.

Ultimate: The Decibel Rating gauge fills as you engage in various combat actions. When you reach 3,000, the Ultimate becomes available. A three-stage tracker on the screen's top-left corner indicates the Ultimate activation state. Keep spamming special attacks, dash attacks, and QTEs to quickly fill the meter. When it reaches “Maximum,” the ultimate is ready. The Ultimate is shared among team members, so choose wisely which character should unleash it for maximum damage.

Dodge: Dodges are evasive maneuvers you can execute by pressing the corresponding input. Combining a Basic Attack with a dodge initiates a Dash Attack. Timing your dodge perfectly just before an enemy strike triggers a Perfect Dodge that can be followed up with a Dodge Counter for added effect.

Switching Agents: With multiple Agents in your squad, use the designated control to cycle through your team members, replacing the active Agent with the next one in line.

Assist Attack: When your active Agent is knocked back, a window for another Agent's Assist Attack appears. Switching during this period triggers a reactive assist with heavy attack properties, potentially turning the tide of battle.

Special: Perfect Assist: Time your Agent’s switch precisely before certain enemy attacks (indicated by a gold flash) to activate a Defensive or Evasive Assist, consuming an Assist Point. Up to three Perfect Assists can be chained within a set duration. Replenish Assist Points through Chain Attacks. Without Assist Points, the incoming Agent will perform a Perfect Dodge instead. Follow up with Perfect Assists with Basic or Special Attacks for additional combos.

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Zenless Zone Zero combat tips you need to know

Combat tips that you should know (Image via HoYoverse)

So now that you know about attacks in Zenless Zone Zero combat, you need to about other details that affect your combat prowess:

Energy: It's gained by basic attacks, dash attacks, and dodge counters and can be used to boost certain attacks.

Daze: Every enemy has a daze bar under their HP. Fill it up to make the enemy freeze for a few seconds.

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Some useful tips for Zenless Zone Zero combat:

Damage Types: One of the most useful details to keep in mind is Damage Types. Zenless Zone Zero combat has three damage types: Slashes, Strikes, and Piercing. Check your character information to know which damage type they deal with. Each type has advantages over certain enemies, keep the following list handy to plan your fights better:

• Slashes: Ethereal/Corrupted
• Strikes: Mech/Armored
• Piercing: Humanoids

Daze buildup: Heavy attacks, Dash attacks, and ultimates build up the Daze Bar on the enemy. Focus on filling the bar on powerful enemies as quickly as you can to damage them as soon as possible.

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That’s all the Zenless Zone Zero combat tips you will need to know.

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