There’s much to be excited about with Zenless Zone Zero, but what has truly captivated fans is its colorful, chaotic, yet charming post-apocalyptic setting.
Beyond its unique combat mechanics and characters, the game’s uniquely stylized and bright environment has captured everyone’s attention.
Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland ravaged by Hollows, ZZZ is teeming with creatures and thugs who thrive in the chaos.
Despite its supposedly grim setting, the game retains the iconic HoYoverse charm seen in previous titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail.
Zenless Zone Zero’s post-apocalyptic world is done differently
In a press interview, ZZZ producer Zhenyu Li (李振宇) delved into the creative process behind conceptualizing the world of Zenless Zone Zero, offering a fascinating look at the inspirations and insights that shaped the game.
Zhenyu explained that the development team extensively discussed how to balance futurism with a post-apocalyptic setting.
“Before developing this game, we led discussions within the developer community in China,” he said.
“We often questioned why it always had to be a wasteland setting. We wondered, could it be a wasteland without actually being a wasteland?” Zhenyu shared with media in an exclusive preview before game launch.
Unlike typical post-apocalyptic landscapes, New Eridu diverges from the usual dark, desolate scenes. Instead, it features bustling areas where players can interact with people and shops, creating a more dynamic and vibrant environment.
This unique approach to world-building combines old technology with futuristic architecture, resulting in a city that feels alive and full of possibilities.
This adds to what Zhenyu previously told ONE Esports in an exclusive interview: the aesthetic and feel of New Eridu were influenced by his childhood hobbies, such as visiting arcades and VHS stores.
This blend of personal nostalgia and innovative design has helped create a setting that stands out in the genre.
By reimagining the post-apocalyptic world in this way, Zhenyu and his team have crafted a game environment that is both familiar and refreshingly new, offering players an immersive experience unlike any other HoYoverse game.
Did this article inspire you to try out ZZZ? Check out our ONE Esports article on where to play the game, including download links for each platform. Also, here is a list of all playable characters in the game.
