Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) has captivated players worldwide since its 2024 release, building a rich roster of memorable characters that drive its unique urban fantasy narrative. As we move into 2025, the game continues to evolve, but many players remain fascinated by the original cast that helped establish this post-apocalyptic world. Let's dive into what makes these Zenless Zone Zero old characters so compelling and enduring.

The Mysterious Age Question: Piper and Other Enigmatic Characters

One of the most frequently discussed topics within the ZZZ community is the actual age of certain characters whose appearances might be deceiving. Take Piper from the Sons of Calydon faction, for instance. Despite her small stature and childlike appearance, her behavior suggests someone much older.

Piper constantly refers to herself as old, maintains a perpetually sleepy demeanor, and speaks with the wisdom of someone who's experienced a great deal of life. Adding to the mystery, she's also capable of driving a truck - a skill that requires a driver's license and a certain level of maturity.

Community theories about Piper's age vary widely. Some players speculate she's around 29, old enough to have had her driver's license for years but not quite 30. Others suggest she falls somewhere in the 20-40 range based on her multiple job experiences and driving skills.

This character archetype, sometimes referred to as "Lolibaba" in gaming communities, represents individuals who appear young but speak and act as though they're much older. It's a fascinating character design choice that adds depth to Zenless Zone Zero's already rich character development.

The Original Cast: Defining Characters of New Eridu

The siblings Belle and Wise, collectively known as Phaethon, form the narrative core of Zenless Zone Zero. As owners of the "Random Play" video rental store and secret Proxies who navigate the dangerous Hollows, they introduced players to the game's unique world.

The Cunning Hares were among the first agent teams players encountered:

• Billy Kid: A gunslinger obsessed with "Starlight Knight" (ZZZ's version of Power Rangers)

• Anby: A taciturn swordswoman with a surprising passion for movies and burgers

• Nicole Demara: The money-hungry but big-hearted boss who often provides comic relief

These characters established the game's tone - a blend of serious post-apocalyptic themes with quirky personality traits that make each character distinctly memorable.

Character Design Philosophy in ZZZ

What makes Zenless Zone Zero's old characters stand out is how they blend unique visual designs with personality quirks that feel authentic rather than one-dimensional. Consider these examples:

• Ben Bigger: A short-sighted bear Thiren who handles finances for Belobog Industries

• Ellen: A shark-tailed college student working part-time as a combat maid, constantly annoyed by her workload

• Qingyi: A robot inspector for Criminal Investigation who drinks hot water to keep her Qi in balance

Even characters introduced in the early seasons, like the entire Sons of Calydon faction, demonstrate this careful balance of visual appeal and personality depth. Caesar, the leader who presents a tough exterior while secretly enjoying traditionally feminine interests, exemplifies how ZZZ avoids one-dimensional character tropes.

The Retro-Futuristic World They Inhabit

One fascinating aspect of Zenless Zone Zero's setting is its retro-futuristic aesthetic. Despite being set in a technologically advanced future, New Eridu embraces analog technology - flip phones instead of smartphones, VHS tapes instead of digital media, and CRT televisions rather than flat screens.

This design choice is explained within the game's lore: modern digital technology is more susceptible to Ether corruption, making older analog tech more reliable in this dangerous world. This creates a unique visual identity that helps the old characters feel grounded in a consistent universe.

How Old Characters Have Evolved Through Updates

As Zenless Zone Zero has updated throughout 2024 and into 2025, many of the original characters have received expanded storylines and development. Character events and story chapters have deepened our understanding of their motivations and backgrounds.

For example, Ellen's character story showed her learning to appreciate her friends more, while Harumasa's agent story "A Name Written in Water" provided significant character development that changed how many players viewed him.

The game has maintained a good balance of introducing new characters while continuing to develop the original cast, ensuring that Zenless Zone Zero's old characters remain relevant and beloved by the community.

The Combat Roles That Define Them

Beyond their personalities, ZZZ's characters are defined by their combat roles and elemental affinities. The game classifies characters into five attributes (Physical, Ice, Electric, Fire, or Ether) and five classes (Attack, Defense, Stun, Anomaly, or Support).

What's particularly interesting about Zenless Zone Zero compared to other gacha games is how even lower-rarity characters can find valuable niches. Seth Lowell, for instance, is only an A-tier Electric Defense character, but his unique shield mechanics and damage potential make him viable even alongside rarer options.

Why Zenless Zone Zero's Old Characters Remain Popular

As we move through 2025, what keeps players coming back to these established characters? The answer lies in miHoYo's commitment to quality writing and character development. Unlike some gacha games where characters are little more than combat stats with appealing designs, ZZZ's characters feel like individuals with their own motivations, flaws, and growth arcs.

The game balances comedy and emotion effectively - from the goofiness of the Sons of Calydon to more emotional storylines like those exploring the siblings' quest to clear their adopted mother Carole Arna's name. This emotional range keeps characters feeling fresh and engaging long after their introduction.

Have you developed your own theories about characters like Piper? Which of the Zenless Zone Zero old characters remains your favorite in 2025? The ongoing discussion around these characters shows just how successfully they've captured players' imaginations since the game's launch.