When it comes to character-driven action RPGs, few games in 2025 are generating as much buzz as Zenless Zone Zero. But what exactly makes Zenless Zone Zero certain characters stand out in such a crowded landscape? With over 40 playable agents, each with unique traits, specialties, and playstyles, it can be overwhelming for both new and veteran players to decide who to focus on. Let's break down what defines certain characters in Zenless Zone Zero, why they matter, and how you can make the most out of your team.
Character Types and Specialties
Zenless Zone Zero classifies its agents by attributes such as Electric, Fire, Ice, Ether, and more. In addition, each agent fills a combat specialty—Attack, Stun, Anomaly, Support, or Defense. This ensures that every agent not only brings distinct elemental effects to the table but also unique roles in battle.
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Attack: Focused on raw damage. Characters like Billy Kid and Zhu Yuan (the first Ether Attacker) excel at dealing consistent, high output.
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Stun: Specialists like Anby Demara quickly break enemy defenses, opening up combo opportunities.
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Anomaly: Agents such as Grace Howard apply status effects, reminiscent of elemental reactions in other HoYoVerse titles.
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Support and Defense: Support agents buff or heal, while Defense (represented by Ben Bigger) absorbs damage and counters.
Is it better to stick with your favorites, or go for the meta? The answer really depends on your playstyle, as every character brings something unique, particularly when it comes to their combo and assist mechanics.
How to Obtain and Level Up Agents
Acquiring Zenless Zone Zero certain characters is primarily done through the gacha system known as Signal Search. There are two main channels:
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Exclusive Channel: Where time-limited, often highly anticipated, characters are featured.
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Stable Channel: Always available, allowing you to gradually build your roster.
Some characters, like Anby, Billy, and Nicole, are freely given after completing the prologue, making them accessible for everyone. Others, like Ben Bigger, can be earned through events, while top-tier S-rank agents may require luck—or patience—from the gacha pulls. There are even options to eventually select a specific S-rank agent after enough pulls, reducing the randomness element for dedicated players.
What Makes Certain Characters Unique?
The game is praised for its diversity in both character design and playstyle. Unlike earlier HoYoVerse games where many characters shared similar models, Zenless Zone Zero offers more variety. For example, anthropomorphic characters like Ben Bigger and Von Lycaon have distinct builds, and the roster features a mix of humans, animal-inspired agents, and unique fashion styles that reflect its urban fantasy world.
Each character's mechanics also contribute to their individuality. Zhu Yuan, for instance, has multiple combo options and weapon attachments, giving experienced players a rewarding learning curve. Meanwhile, Nicole’s EX attack can be executed in secret ways, and certain team combinations (such as Ben and Koleda) unlock synergy bonuses.
Team Synergy and Roster Balance
Building an effective team means understanding how Zenless Zone Zero certain characters interact. The game encourages switching between agents mid-combat, leveraging assists and chaining abilities. Some characters work best as damage dealers, others as setup or support, and a balanced team often performs better in challenging content.
One issue noted by players is the uneven distribution of roles—there's only one Defense agent (Ben) as of the 1.0 release, but plenty of Attack types. This puts emphasis on choosing the right combinations and mastering dodge/parry mechanics, especially since traditional "tanking" is less effective in such an active combat system.
Character Progression
Leveling and promoting agents increases their stats and unlocks new abilities. Progression requires Agent EXP materials, Denny (the game's currency), and promotion items. Special trust events, unlocked later in the main story, allow you to deepen your connection with certain characters and unlock personal story scenes—a feature that adds extra incentive to invest in your favorites.
| Role | Notable Characters | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | Billy Kid, Zhu Yuan | High DPS |
| Stun | Anby Demara | Stagger enemies |
| Anomaly | Grace Howard | Status effects |
| Support | Nicole, Rina | Buffs/Debuffs |
| Defense | Ben Bigger | Absorbs damage |
Final Thoughts
Zenless Zone Zero certain characters offer a refreshing variety in both aesthetics and gameplay. Whether you're chasing the meta, collecting for fun, or just want to enjoy the game's unique vibe, there's a character for every style. As the game continues to expand in 2025, expect even more unique agents and roles to diversify the roster. So, which character will you build your team around next?