Zenless Zone Zero is a fast-paced action RPG from miHoYo, set in a futuristic world where you fight against strange enemies in a post-apocalyptic urban environment. With its unique characters and combat mechanics, one of the first big decisions you'll face in the game is choosing your starting character. But with a cast of diverse personalities, combat styles, and abilities, it’s not always easy to know which one to go for.
The truth is, there’s no single "best" character in Zenless Zone Zero. The best character depends on your playstyle, the type of roles you want to fill in combat, and the team synergy you’re aiming for. That said, let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing your first character and give you some solid recommendations to get started.
1. Playstyle: Do You Prefer Speed or Power?
Before diving into specific character picks, the first thing you need to think about is what kind of playstyle you enjoy.
Speed/Agility: If you’re someone who loves high-speed combat, dodging enemy attacks, and rapidly switching between targets, you might want to pick characters that excel in mobility and ranged combat. These characters often come with faster attack animations and mobility-based skills that let you outmaneuver enemies.
Power/Survivability: On the other hand, if you’re all about dealing heavy damage and taking a few hits in return, you might prefer characters who are tankier, with abilities that focus on sustained damage or healing for themselves.
2. Character Synergy: Balance Your Team
In Zenless Zone Zero, you will assemble a team of three characters to take into battle, so it’s essential to think about how your starting character will complement your future picks. Here are some general synergies you might want to keep in mind:
DPS (Damage Dealers): Some characters excel at dealing massive damage over short bursts. If you want to focus on dishing out as much pain as possible, you might want a character who can deliver consistent high damage. You’ll likely want to pair them with a tank or healer to keep you alive longer.
Tanks/Support: For a more balanced approach, picking a character with crowd control abilities or support functions might be ideal. These characters often play the role of keeping enemies at bay or buffing allies, making them a solid choice if you’re playing on a more tactical level.
3. Character Recommendations: Who Should You Pick First?
Now that we've got the framework for making a choice, let’s take a look at some of the characters in Zenless Zone Zero and what they bring to the table. These recommendations are based on their abilities and how they could fit into different team compositions.
1. Fennec – The Agile Speedster
If you like fast-paced combat, Fennec is a great choice. She’s a speedster with amazing mobility and quick attacks. Her abilities allow her to dodge and weave through enemies with ease, making her perfect for players who prefer to get in and out of combat quickly. She’s also great for dealing with large groups of enemies thanks to her AoE (Area of Effect) skills.
Pros: Fast, high damage output, great for crowd control.
Cons: Fragile, needs support to stay alive in prolonged fights.
Perfect for: Players who want to dominate with speed, hit-and-run tactics, and high damage output.
2. Rook – The Tanky All-Rounder
Rook is a powerhouse who can take a beating and dish out a lot of damage in return. His abilities focus on durability and controlling the battlefield. If you're more into the idea of being in the frontline, soaking up damage while still being able to dish it out, Rook might be your best pick. His utility lies in his resilience and his ability to protect other team members, which is perfect if you’re still figuring out the mechanics of team compositions.
Pros: High durability, crowd control, versatile in different roles.
Cons: Slow, lacks ranged abilities.
Perfect for: Players who want to play a tank role and like to engage enemies directly.
3. Neve – The Healer Support
If you’re someone who enjoys playing a supportive role and keeping your team alive, Neve should be on your radar. As a support character, Neve is skilled at healing and buffing teammates while keeping enemies in check with her abilities. Her healing capabilities are invaluable for longer fights, especially in harder difficulty levels.
Pros: Heals, buffs, excellent for team sustainability.
Cons: Low offensive capabilities, may not be as exciting for players who want constant action.
Perfect for: Players who prefer support roles, healing teammates, and contributing to team success rather than just attacking.
4. Eos – The Damage Dealing Burst
Eos is your go-to character if you like explosive damage and dealing big hits to enemies. Her abilities focus on quick bursts of high damage and manipulating elemental effects to maximize her effectiveness in combat. Eos is perfect for those who want to clear enemies quickly and don’t mind being a bit more fragile in return.
Pros: High burst damage, great for taking down bosses and tough enemies.
Cons: Fragile, relies on timing and positioning.
Perfect for: Players who want to deal massive damage and excel at taking out high-priority targets quickly.
4. Consider Future Unlocks
One of the great things about Zenless Zone Zero is that you’ll eventually unlock more characters as you progress. While your first pick is important, don’t stress too much about making the "perfect" choice right away. Your team will evolve as you unlock new characters, so try to pick someone who complements your current playstyle and allows for flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Go with Your Gut
Ultimately, the best character to pick in Zenless Zone Zero is the one that fits your playstyle and team needs. Don’t overthink it—each character brings something unique to the table, and what matters most is how comfortable you feel with them. Whether you prefer speed, power, or support, there’s a character that will suit your preferences.
Tip: If you’re still not sure, start with a balanced character like Rook or Neve, as they can fill multiple roles and give you a feel for the game’s mechanics. As you unlock more characters, you can diversify your team and experiment with different strategies.
Good luck, and most importantly, have fun!
