"to achieve better balance in gameplay": Zenless Zone Zero devs discuss Decibel mechanics, V1.4 features, and more (Exclusive)

The Zenless Zone Zero development team has delivered several quality-of-life changes alongside fleshed-out characters like Miyabi in version 1.4. Thanks to their constant effort, the update has drawn in several fans since its launch on December 18, 2024. We had the opportunity to talk to ZZZ's development team about the recent Decibel changes, gameplay optimization, and more.

Read on to find out what the devs said about ZZZ 1.4's QoL changes and their perspective on Miyabi, the strongest DPS in the game.

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Zenless Zone Zero devs on Decibel changes, QoL features, Miyabi, and more

Q: Firstly, thank you for taking up our interview, especially when the Zenless Zone Zero team is busy gearing up for the version 1.4 update. Based on the recent livestream, the patch will redefine the combat with the Decibel system changes. As characters can now chain their Ultimates, will future enemies require increased difficulty to maintain a balanced gameplay experience?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: We've made some changes to Decibels to achieve a better balance in gameplay, focusing on both values and mechanics. For example, we've optimized how characters gain Decibels. Now, when an on-field character accumulates Decibels during combat, off-field characters will also gain some at a certain ratio. This helps address the challenges some characters face in building up Decibels for Ultimates.

We're committed to continuing these optimizations to keep combat balanced and smooth.

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Q. What major benefits can we expect with the Decibel changes, and how will it benefit newcomers?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: The reason for adjusting Decibels is to give each character more opportunities to shine and to give players more freedom when deciding to unleash their Ultimates. For new players, this change will speed up the combat rhythm, allowing them to experience the unique appeal of different characters more fully.

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Q. Fans who played the pre-release closed beta are eager for Miyabi's debut in Zenless Zone Zero 1.4, as she was a playable character during the test. Is there any specific reason for her late entry, and how is she different from the testing phase?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: We introduced Hoshimi Miyabi in Version 1.4 because it aligns with the progression of the main storyline. This version is a real turning point in the narrative, where the Chief of HSOS 6 and youngest Void Hunter, Hoshimi Miyabi reveals important secrets about herself. We want players to truly experience Chief Miyabi's combat abilities in this update.

Miyabi is the strongest S-Rank agent in ZZZ 1.4 (Image via HoYoverse)

Since the closed testing phase, we've enhanced the modeling, animations, and effects. Hoshimi Miyabi is now officially debuting as a Frost Anomaly Agent, and we're eager to showcase gameplay that reflects her identity as her story unfolds. Thank you for your love and support for Hoshimi Miyabi since CB1, and we hope you feel her charm in Version 1.4.

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Q. It is interesting to see Miyabi as the only Frost character in the game, and she certainly offers some fascinating interactions during combat. How well can her ability leverage Ice buffs?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: The Frost attribute can interact with the Ice attribute for buffs, and we aim for it to remain a unique attribute that doesn't add extra development pressure. At the same time, Frost can create the Disorder effect when interacting with other attributes, which we hope will create more team synergy possibilities.

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Q. The Harumasa giveaway in Zenless Zone Zero 1.4 will help newcomers flesh out their team compositions. He fights uniquely, using both a sword and a bow in battle. What was the inspiration behind his character design?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: In designing characters for Zenless Zone Zero, we introduced the Faction concept to help create distinct identities. Overall, the Hollow Special Operations Section 6 weapon designs maintain a cohesive style with sharp, cold weapons.

Proxies can claim Harumasa for free (Image via HoYoverse)

For Harumasa, we chose dual blades to not only highlight his abilities to defeat enemies but also to fit the overall faction style. While maintaining a unified style, we hope each character can showcase their diversity in both design and combat mechanics.

With that in mind, we also introduced a bow, allowing him to target enemies from a distance and showcase his composure and agility in combat. He can seamlessly switch between the bow and dual blades, surprising opponents with his attacks. We hope this design enriches the combat experience and highlights Harumasa's unique charm.

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Q. In version 1.4, Zenless Zone Zero will also introduce a feature to toggle between TV mode or stages via HDD to experience the story until Chapter 3. How will it affect the narrative if players choose to skip the TV screen altogether?

Zenless Zone Zero development team: With the launch of Version 1.4, we've replaced the content from Prologue to Chapter 3 with story stages. New players can unlock TV Mode for each chapter after completing the story stages, ensuring a smooth and cohesive experience with the main narrative.

This opens up many exciting possibilities for the unfolding of the main storyline. For instance, on top of the familiar linear level format, we also integrated puzzle-solving elements that players enjoyed in the TV Mode, introducing them into the game in new forms.

Choose between the HDD system and Bangboo puzzles to progress through the story quest (Image via HoYoverse)

For example, the box-pushing puzzle from the TV Mode has been transformed into a pixel-style mini-game, adding fun to the Main Story experience with a lighthearted, fast-paced nature and unique art style. Additionally, in some Main Story segments, players can control Eous to complete specific tasks or interact with Agents as Eous.

We believe this approach makes the story experience smoother and avoids the abstract and fragmented progression of the plot. We will also explore other forms of level presentation to provide players with an immersive experience.

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