It’s 2026, and Zenless Zone Zero has been part of my daily routine since its big PlayStation 5 debut. I remember the announcement back in early 2024 like it was yesterday — miHoYo confirming the urban fantasy action game for PS5 alongside PC, iOS, and Android. Fast forward to now, and the game has blossomed into a vibrant, living world that I can’t get enough of. Let me tell you, stepping into New Eridu as a Proxy felt like diving into an interactive music video; every corner hums with style, and the city’s pulse is absolutely contagious.

The world of Zenless Zone Zero is built on a fascinating premise. A supernatural disaster known as “Hollows” has wiped out modern civilization, leaving behind these bizarre, dimension-twisting rifts. New Eridu is the last urban hub of humanity, and it survives by mastering the technology to extract vital resources from the Hollows themselves. As a Proxy, I’m a guide who navigates these dangerous zones alongside a cast of eccentric Agents. On PS5, the cityscape is rendered with incredible detail — neon reflections shimmer on wet pavement, and the bustling streets feel alive with NPCs going about their quirky lives. It’s a world where a ramen shop might sit next to a high-tech gun range, and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

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The characters are what really steal the show. I quickly fell in with the Cunning Hares, a ragtag crew that includes the cool-headed swordswoman Anby, the flashy gunslinger Billy, and the mischievous Nicole with her explosive cuddly arsenal. Then there’s Belobog Heavy Industries, a faction of warm-hearted construction workers turned fighters, led by the burly Ben and the ice-cool Koleda. Honestly, the first time I saw Ben suplex a mechanical Ethereal in a Hollow, I burst out laughing — it’s that perfect mix of absurd action and heartfelt charm that makes the game so special.

Combat on PS5 is a dream. The developers clearly leveraged the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to elevate every encounter. When I fire Billy’s twin pistols, the triggers kick back with a satisfying snap, and each sword swing from Anby sends a subtle vibration through my palms. The action is fast and flashy, with tag-team assists and timed dodges that trigger cinematic slowdowns. I’m telling you, landing a perfect dodge and countering with a chain attack feels like conducting a symphony of chaos. It’s accessible enough for newcomers but deep enough to keep veterans like me chasing those S-rank clear times. And the music? Oh man, the soundtrack is pure ear candy — dynamic tracks that shift seamlessly between mellow city-pop vibes and pulse-pounding breakbeats, often hitting its stride just when the screen explodes with color.

One of my favorite features is the Hollow Deep Dive system, a roguelike exploration mode where I control Belle (or her brother Wise, depending on your choice) as she descends through multiple layers of a Hollow. Each tile presents a choice—fight, treasure, or hazard—and the tension builds as resources dwindle. It reminds me of a board game mixed with an ARPG, and it’s riddled with choices that genuinely affect my run. The game even lets me swap between the two sibling protagonists, each with their own personality and banter, which adds a nice layer of replayability.

Beyond the combat, Zenless Zone Zero nails the urban life vibe. I can spend hours just running a video rental store (yes, you read that right) or helping a sentient trashcan find its lost rat friend. These slice-of-life moments give me room to breathe between intense Hollow excursions, and they’re infused with a quirky humor that feels distinctly miHoYo. The world is filled with small, memorable details—like a vending machine that might spit out a weird consumable or a street musician playing lo-fi beats that I can actually vibe to.

After two years of updates, the game has only gotten richer. New factions, story chapters, and limited-time events keep the community buzzing, and the PlayStation 5 version remains buttery smooth with near-instant load times thanks to the SSD. If you haven’t stepped into New Eridu yet, trust me, it’s a blast. Whether you’re a hardened action fan or someone who just wants to lose themselves in a city that never sleeps, Zenless Zone Zero on PS5 is an adventure that keeps on giving. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what wild Agents and Hollows await us next.