While still in beta, the game offers intriguing mechanics and game modes that may evolve further in the official release. This mode in particular shares some similarities with the Simulated Universe gameplay found in Honkai: Star Rail, but with fresh twists and a style unique to ZZZ. Let’s delve into what you need to know to tackle Hollow Zero, what makes it a standout feature, and how you can dominate this mode with your team setup.
What is Hollow Zero in Zenless Zone Zero?
The Hollow Zero mode in Zenless Zone Zero places players in a mysterious, ever-changing environment packed with enemies and challenges. As a roguelike, it adds a level of unpredictability and thrill each time you play. Much like the Simulated Universe in Honkai: Star Rail, Hollow Zero is designed to test your strategic planning, reflexes, and ability to adapt to the game’s spontaneous changes. It allows players to explore “dungeons” or “stages” with dynamically changing layouts and enemy encounters, creating a unique experience with each entry.
Key Objectives of Hollow Zero Mode
- Survival and Progression: Much of the gameplay revolves around navigating the area while managing health, resources, and using tactical skills to overcome waves of enemies.
- Enemy Encounters and Mini-Bosses: Each stage contains increasingly challenging enemies, sometimes capped by mini-bosses that demand a mix of offensive and defensive strategies.
- Resource and Power Management: As you advance, you’ll need to manage limited resources carefully, such as character health, item usage, and special skills.
- Loot and Rewards: Like many roguelike experiences, Hollow Zero offers collectible items and boosts that empower your team for future battles.
Team Composition for Hollow Zero: Key Characters and Setups
In Hollow Zero, selecting the right team and optimizing their equipment is crucial. For this guide, we’ll explore a recommended team comprising three characters:
- Koleda Belobog (C0) – Precious Fossilized Core U4
- Nicole Demara (C1) – Weeping Cradle U1
- Billy Kid (C1) – Starlight Engine Replica U1
This team provides a balance of tanking, support, and offensive capabilities, allowing players to adapt to various in-game challenges.
Character Breakdown and Strategy
1. Koleda Belobog (C0) – Tank Role
Koleda Belobog serves as the anchor of the team, acting as a sturdy tank with her high health pool and defensive skills. Equipped with the Precious Fossilized Core U4, Koleda not only absorbs damage but also provides stability to the team, especially during challenging encounters. Here’s how to make the most of her capabilities:
- Positioning: Koleda should be placed at the frontline, drawing aggro from enemies and shielding more vulnerable team members. With her unique skillset, she’s particularly effective at managing enemy mobs.
- Core Abilities: The Precious Fossilized Core U4 enhances Koleda’s defense and her abilities to reflect or mitigate damage. Use her defensive buffs strategically, especially before engaging stronger enemies.
- Survivability Boosts: During gameplay, prioritize picking up items that increase defense, regeneration, or mitigation of crowd control effects, all of which will support Koleda’s role as a protector.
2. Nicole Demara (C1) – Support/DPS Hybrid
Nicole Demara brings versatility to the table as a Support/DPS hybrid. With her constellation level at C1 and the Weeping Cradle U1, Nicole can adapt her role based on your gameplay needs—either focusing on damaging opponents or buffing the team.
- Support Skills: Nicole’s abilities at C1 provide boosts to allies’ attack and speed, which can be invaluable in Hollow Zero’s fast-paced environment. The Weeping Cradle U1 adds an extra layer of support by enabling her to regenerate energy for the team.
- Combat Application: Although primarily a support character, Nicole’s skills allow her to deal moderate damage, especially to clustered enemies. Use her attacks in tandem with Koleda’s tanking to maximize damage output while maintaining control over the battlefield.
- Adaptable Role: During gameplay, you may encounter items that boost attack or healing. Prioritize those that complement her role, such as cooldown reduction and energy regeneration, to keep her supportive skills active.
3. Billy Kid (C1) – Pure DPS
Billy Kid is your go-to DPS character, with Starlight Engine Replica U1 elevating his ability to output consistent and high amounts of damage. His primary role is to deal heavy damage to both single targets and groups, making him ideal for clearing stages efficiently.
- Positioning and Movement: Billy should remain mobile, avoiding direct confrontation and utilizing his speed to outmaneuver enemies. By positioning him away from heavy fire, you can maximize his DPS output.
- Skill Utilization: The Starlight Engine Replica U1 empowers Billy with boosts to his attack power, allowing him to effectively dismantle high-health enemies and mini-bosses. Use his skills strategically to focus on priority targets first.
- Enhancement Priorities: In Hollow Zero, look for items that amplify his attack and critical hit rate, allowing him to maximize his damage potential and contribute effectively to boss battles.
Core Gameplay Mechanics in Hollow Zero
The Hollow Zero mode introduces several gameplay elements that are vital to understand for a successful run:
Randomized Dungeon Layouts
Each time you enter Hollow Zero, the dungeon layout changes. This includes random enemy placements, item drops, and environmental hazards. Here are tips for navigating these changes:
- Adaptability is Key: As you advance through each floor, pay attention to the environment and how enemies are distributed. Some areas will be more advantageous for specific characters, especially those with area damage abilities.
- Memorize Patterns: Although randomized, some enemy movement and attack patterns are similar. Learning these can help you anticipate attacks, dodge effectively, and set up characters like Billy to maximize their damage output.
Environmental Interactions
Certain stages feature interactive environments that can either aid or challenge players:
- Traps and Hazards: Some areas may contain traps that cause significant damage if triggered. Koleda’s tanking ability is useful here, as she can often absorb environmental damage better than others.
- Boost Areas: Certain zones within the dungeon may offer temporary boosts to speed, attack, or defense. Use these to your advantage by coordinating with your team’s abilities, maximizing DPS, or bolstering defenses during tougher encounters.
Special Buffs and Debuffs
Throughout each run, players can obtain various buffs and items that enhance team abilities or reduce cooldowns. These buffs play a critical role in building your strength as you progress:
- Prioritizing Buffs: Opt for buffs that strengthen your team’s weaknesses. For instance, additional healing items benefit Koleda as a tank, while increased critical hit rate will benefit Billy’s DPS output.
- Managing Debuffs: Some enemies or environmental factors will apply debuffs that lower your stats or immobilize characters. Using Nicole’s support abilities to cleanse or counteract these effects can keep your team strong throughout each stage.
Combat Strategy and Tactics
Effective Crowd Control
Managing large groups of enemies is essential in Hollow Zero:
- Koleda’s Role: Koleda can absorb damage from multiple targets, allowing you to control the flow of battle. Use her abilities to keep enemies focused on her while Nicole and Billy deal damage.
- Positioning and Team Formation: Formations are essential. Keep Koleda in the front while allowing Billy and Nicole to support from a distance. This strategy minimizes damage to DPS characters and keeps enemies focused on Koleda.
Optimal Rotation and Skill Usage
Each character’s skills recharge at different rates, and managing these cooldowns effectively is a cornerstone of Hollow Zero strategy:
- Skill Rotation: Start engagements with Koleda’s defensive abilities, followed by Nicole’s buffs, and finish with Billy’s high-damage attacks.
- Cooldown Management: Using skill rotation optimally will keep your characters active and reduce downtime. Look for items that decrease cooldown times, allowing you to use your abilities more frequently.
Timing and Dodging
The game’s fast-paced combat means that precise timing and strategic dodging are critical for survival:
- Dodging Patterns: Most enemies have predictable attack patterns. Learning these allows you to dodge and reduce damage, especially with squishier characters like Billy.
- Using the Environment: Some obstacles or items in the environment can act as shields. Make sure to utilize these for cover during moments of heavy enemy fire.
Conclusion: Becoming a Master of Hollow Zero Mode
Mastering Hollow Zero mode in Zenless Zone Zero requires a strategic approach, adaptability, and keen insight into each character’s strengths and weaknesses. As you progress through the third beta in the Amplifying Test, this mode promises to evolve, adding layers of complexity and options for experienced players.
