๐ Zenless Zone ZeroGuides, Codes & Tips
Zenless Zone Zero is HoYoverse's fast-paced urban action RPG set in New Eridu, a city surviving in a world overrun by dimensional disasters called Hollows. You command a squad of Agents โ each with a distinct combat role, element, and faction โ to clear Hollow missions, pull new characters, and push endgame modes like Shiyu Defense. Whether you need the latest redeem codes, a reliable tier list, or a step-by-step build guide, this hub keeps everything current through every six-week patch cycle.
Redeem Codes: Free Polychrome Every Patch
HoYoverse releases active redeem codes throughout each patch, most commonly during the pre-patch Livestream (usually six weeks apart), special anniversaries, and collaborations. Livestream codes bundle roughly 300 Polychrome plus assorted upgrade materials, but they expire within 12โ24 hours of the broadcast. Persistent codes tied to Steam launches or partnerships can stay active for weeks. Codes are redeemed through the official Zenless Zone Zero code redemption website or directly inside the game under Settings โ you need to have cleared the prologue to claim rewards. Check this page regularly, as codes are added the moment they go live.
Agent Tier List: Who to Pull and Why
The ZZZ roster is organised by Attribute (Fire, Ice, Electric, Ether, Physical, and the new Wind introduced in Version 3.0) and Specialty (Attack, Stun, Support, Anomaly, Defense). As of Version 2.8, the consensus top-tier damage dealers include Miyabi, Ye Shunguang, and Ellen, while Astra Yao sits at the top of the support bracket as the safest pull in the game. Stun units โ which fill the role of setting up Daze windows for your DPS โ have their own tier axis, with Nangong Yu praised for bridging Stun and Anomaly through the Disorder mechanic. Tier lists shift every patch as new Agents and balance tweaks arrive, so always cross-reference against the current version number.
Agent Builds: Stats, Drive Discs, and Priorities
Each Agent has a Specialty that defines both their role and which W-Engine type they can equip โ an Anomaly Agent cannot trigger the passive effects of an Attack-type W-Engine. Drive Discs (the game's equipment system) slot six pieces per Agent: aim for a strong four-piece set bonus that matches the Agent's role, then optimise two-piece fillers for secondary stat boosts. Main DPS Agents generally want a 1:2 Crit Rate to Crit DMG ratio before stacking ATK%. Do not start Drive Disc farming in earnest until Investigator Level 30 unlocks the higher-rarity disc stages โ grinding before that point is widely considered the most common early-game mistake.
W-Engines: Your Agent's Signature Weapon
W-Engines are the weapon slot in ZZZ and are strictly tied to an Agent's Specialty โ equipping an off-Specialty engine grants stats but no passive effect. S-Rank signature W-Engines from the dedicated Signal Search banner usually offer 25โ30% performance gains over their A-Rank alternatives, but A-Rank engines are genuinely viable in all content outside the very top endgame. Superimposing (levelling duplicates) an A-Rank W-Engine to Refinement 5 often closes the gap considerably. When evaluating a W-Engine, prioritise its passive condition: if your Agent cannot consistently trigger the passive (for example, a buff tied to using EX Special twice in quick succession), a simpler A-Rank option may out-perform it in practice.
Team Building: Roles, Synergy, and Factions
ZZZ teams are fixed at three Agents. The dominant composition template is one main DPS, one Stun unit (to open Daze windows that amplify damage), and one Support. Anomaly teams follow a different logic โ they chain Attribute Anomaly effects across multiple Anomaly Agents to trigger Disorder, bypassing the traditional Stun role. Faction bonuses add an additional layer: several Agents grant passive buffs when fielded alongside faction-mates (Cunning Hares, Sons of Calydon, Victoria Housekeeping, etc.). Beginners are advised to focus on two solid teams rather than spreading materials across six or more half-built Agents.
Endgame and Progression: What to Work Toward
The main endgame pillars are Shiyu Defense (a bi-weekly high-score challenge that resets rankings), Deadly Assault (a single-boss damage challenge), and Hollow Zero (a roguelike weekly mode that stacks buffs across a procedurally generated map). Version 3.0 added two permanent endgame modes: Bangbang! The Genius and the Miracle Chip and Annihilation Simulacrum, the latter being a high-difficulty boss gauntlet. Daily and weekly routines โ including commission tasks, the 15-minute Hollow drives, and energy spending โ provide the steadiest source of upgrade materials and should be prioritised over sporadic content binges.
Zenless Zone Zero FAQ
How do I redeem codes in Zenless Zone Zero?
Visit the official HoYoverse code redemption page and log in with your HoYoverse account, or go to Settings inside the game and select the redemption option. You must have completed the prologue before rewards can be claimed. Codes are case-sensitive and most expire within days, so use them quickly after they are published.
How often are new codes released?
A guaranteed batch of codes (usually worth around 300 Polychrome combined) drops during every pre-patch Livestream, which occurs roughly every six weeks. Additional codes appear during collaborations, Steam milestones, anniversaries, and partner promotions โ so checking frequently between Livestreams can still net free Polychrome.
What is Polychrome and how many pulls does it give?
Polychrome is the premium currency in ZZZ. 160 Polychrome converts to one Master Tape (one pull on the standard or limited banner). The soft pity for an S-Rank Agent on a limited banner begins around pull 73 and is guaranteed by pull 90, with the 50/50 system ensuring you win the featured Agent within two hard-pity windows.
What is the difference between an Agent's Attribute and Specialty?
Attribute is the elemental damage type an Agent deals (Fire, Ice, Electric, Ether, Physical, or Wind). Specialty is the combat role (Attack, Stun, Anomaly, Support, or Defense). Both matter for team building: Attributes determine which Anomaly effects and Disorder combos you can trigger, while Specialties determine W-Engine compatibility and the stat priorities to target on Drive Discs.
Are A-Rank Agents and W-Engines worth using?
Yes. Several A-Rank Agents remain competitive well into endgame, and A-Rank W-Engines at Refinement 5 (obtained through duplicates or the W-Engine channel) can approach S-Rank performance. The game is designed so that free-to-play players using a mix of A-Rank and standard-banner S-Rank units can clear all current content.
What is Hollow Zero and should beginners prioritise it?
Hollow Zero is a roguelike weekly mode where you accumulate stacking buffs across a procedurally generated map. It awards meaningful upgrade materials upon completion. Beginners should treat it as a weekly priority for the rewards rather than a test of optimised builds โ the buffs it provides make it accessible even with unfinished teams.
