Zenless Zone Zero Beginner Guide (2026): The First Week, Done Right

New to Zenless Zone Zero? Here’s the short version of what experienced Proxies wish they’d known on day one. It’s current for version 3.3, “Journey to the Sky”.

1. Grab every free Polychrome first

• Redeem codes. Start with ZENLESSGIFT, the permanent launch code (50 Polychrome plus materials), then the current codes on our codes page. The Redeem buttons open the official page with the code already filled in.
• Check your mail. Version 3.3 sent 600 Polychrome in compensation to accounts that were Inter-Knot Level 4 before the update. Mail expires, so claim it now.
• Log in for the All-New Program. Seven days of logins during 3.3 gives 10 Encrypted Master Tapes, which is ten limited pulls.

2. Spend Polychrome on one thing only

Convert Polychrome into Encrypted Master Tapes and use them on the limited Agent banner. Avoid these common traps:

• ❌ Pulling on the standard banner with Polychrome. It gets free tickets anyway.
• ❌ Buying Battery Charge (stamina) refills with Polychrome.
• ❌ Chasing W-Engines (weapons) before you have two solid teams of Agents.

3. Use the free team, then upgrade smartly

Your first team is free: Anton + Anby + Nicole carries the early story comfortably. See it in our team comps. As you unlock more Agents, aim for a team with:

1. A damage dealer (Attack, Anomaly or Rupture specialty),
2. A stunner (Stun specialty) to open burst windows, and
3. A support to buff the team.

Nicole is an A-Rank support that stays useful for a long time, so don’t neglect her.

4. Who to pull in 3.3

• Phoenix (Fire Anomaly, Phase 1) is top tier on every major list. She’s strongest alongside Velina and Remielle.
• Severian (Wind Attack) arrives with Phase 2 on November 11.

Read our full breakdown in who to pull in 3.3, and check the tier list before spending.

5. Don’t spread your resources thin

Level one main team fully before touching a second. Upgrading six Agents halfway leaves you stuck at every wall. Once your first team clears Shiyu Defense’s early floors, start your second team, since endgame modes eventually ask for two.

6. Do the daily routine

Every day: clear your commissions, spend Battery Charge on whatever you need (look for double-reward events like Area Patrol bounties), and finish the daily tasks for Polychrome. It takes about 10 minutes and adds up fast.

7. Check the event calendar

Limited events are where most free Polychrome and free W-Engines come from. Our November events guide lists every event and when it ends.