June 6, 2025, marks an exciting milestone for HoYoVerse as it witnesses the launch of Zenless Zone Zero on Xbox, accompanied by the much-anticipated release of version 2.0. This upgrade not only introduces major storyline developments but also implements several quality-of-life enhancements. The game’s evolution, highlighted by adjustments like TV Mode and the addition of two new Ether Agents, has captured widespread attention. To delve into these transformative changes, Siliconera engaged with Zhenyu Li, the Producer of Zenless Zone Zero, to discuss the development journey, character designs, and cultural influences that shaped this new chapter.
Inspiration Behind the Waifei Peninsula
Jenni Lada: What real-world cities influenced the creation of the new Waifei Peninsula region in Zenless Zone Zero 2.0?
Zhenyu Li: The design of Waifei Peninsula is heavily influenced by my hometown, Guangdong, particularly its rich cultural tapestry. In areas like Failume Heights, players will discover establishments reflective of Cantonese culture, such as Yum Cha Sin, pawnshops, and traditional restaurants, which enhance the city’s authenticity. Furthermore, many of our team members are avid fans of Hong Kong films, which also contributed to the cultural fusion seen throughout Waifei Peninsula. Our intention is to ensure that players around the world can appreciate the unique artistic flair and cultural depth of Zenless Zone Zero Season 2.
Factions and Character Additions
Jenni Lada: Some factions in Zenless Zone Zero currently don’t have a full complement of three members, such as Obol Squad and Stars of Lyra. What is your internal timeline for adding new members, and will some factions remain small?
Zhenyu Li: We have no strict limitations on the number of members in each faction; there are no set upper or lower caps regarding faction sizes. The evolution of factions and the introduction of new members will depend on the narrative’s progression and our content development needs.
Designing Thiren Characters
Jenni Lada: How do you decide on the types of animal combinations for Thiren designs?
Zhenyu Li: Our goal for Zenless Zone Zero is to foster creativity without constraints. When conceptualizing Thiren characters, we don’t impose strict standards on what is or isn’t possible. Instead, we prioritize how well the designs align with the story and their capacity to leave a lasting impression on players. Our focus is on achieving a balance between aesthetics and plausibility, allowing for a diverse range of Thiren to potentially feature in the game.
Gender Representation and Future Characters
Jenni Lada: Currently, 26 of the confirmed playable characters in Zenless Zone Zero are women. Can we expect to see more male characters, specifically those classified as five-star?
Zhenyu Li: Absolutely, we intend to introduce more male Agents in the future, including S-Rank characters. While I can’t disclose specific identities at this time, we are committed to expanding our character roster with each update as the story progresses.
Defense Role Characters
Jenni Lada: The pool for Defense characters in Zenless Zone Zero is currently limited, with Caesar being the sole S-Rank Agent. Why is this, and can we expect more Defense units soon?
Zhenyu Li: Defense characters play specialized roles within team dynamics and gameplay. For example, Caesar provides a shield and amplifies overall damage for the team. We take great care in designing Defense Agents to ensure each one offers distinct experiences rather than duplicating mechanics. As gameplay progresses in Season 2, we are looking forward to introducing additional Defense characters with unique abilities shaped by player feedback and our design philosophy.
Character Costume Inspirations
Jenni Lada: Zenless Zone Zero features a variety of stylish characters. What inspirations inform your costume designs?
Zhenyu Li: We strive to create characters in Zenless Zone Zero that are vibrant and multifaceted. Prior to designing a character’s look, we analyze their personality traits and backgrounds to inform the visual direction. This strategy ensures that each character’s appearance genuinely reflects their inner qualities, creating a memorable impact on players upon introduction.
Our costume design follows two key principles: first, that every outfit reflects modern fashion, aligning with their identity and background while fitting the game’s urban aesthetic. Second, the clothing must resonate with each character’s faction, enhancing immediate character recognition.
Notable Changes and Innovations in Version 2.0
Jenni Lada: Since its launch, Zenless Zone Zero has seen significant refinements in mission flow and combat, showcasing influences from Honkai Impact 3rd. What are some major changes in version 2.0 based on player feedback post-1.4 updates?
Zhenyu Li: Zenless Zone Zero version 2.0 is designed to provide players with a renewed gaming experience. Narratively, we’ve restructured Waycraft to better reflect the urban fantasy theme and modern societal values. Our focus remains on a “people-first” storytelling approach, highlighting the experiences of everyday characters rather than traditional heroes. Gameplay has expanded to deepen existing content, with enhanced sandbox-style combat stages in Lemnian Hollow that utilize Zenless Zone Zero’s distinctive features. Players can expect 3D combat stages that promote greater exploration and dynamic combat experiences.
Additionally, version 2.0 places a strong emphasis on infrastructure improvements. This includes advancements in user interface design and 3D navigation maps to enhance player convenience. We’ve also improved the connections between existing game content, such as introducing temple management gameplay that interlinks various shops in Failume Heights, allowing for a richer experience of New Eridu’s city life.
Creative Character Team Combinations
Jenni Lada: What unconventional combinations of characters do you enjoy assembling in Zenless Zone Zero, aside from focusing on Factions and Elements?
Zhenyu Li: If I could completely disregard power levels, factions, or stats, I would likely experiment with character combinations based on my curiosity—perhaps forming a team of exclusively tall characters, an all-Thiren squad, or a purely support-based team.
Narrative Structure and Future Arcs
Jenni Lada: With games like Genshin Impact, there’s often an inferred timeline for the main campaign based on introduced regions. Do you have an internal timeline for the Zenless Zone Zero story or how many arcs you anticipate including?
Zhenyu Li: Zenless Zone Zero adopts a narrative methodology that diverges from typical area-based progression. Our story-driven approach means each area unfolds naturally alongside the plot, allowing players to engage with the narrative in unique ways. We aim to consistently surprise players with unorthodox pathways, steering clear of predictable storylines. Rather than dictating a predetermined story direction, we encourage players to explore Zenless Zone Zero’s world on their own terms, ensuring each journey is filled with unexpected discoveries.
Zenless Zone Zero is currently available on PS5, Xbox Series X, PC, and mobile devices, with version 2.0 now live.
Leave a Reply ▼