In the world of modern action RPGs and gacha games, few comparisons stir as much discussion as ZZZ (Zenless Zone Zero) vs Impact (usually referring to Genshin Impact). Both titles come from the powerhouse developer HoYoverse and deliver visually stunning experiences, rich characters, and immersive gameplay. Yet, despite sharing a developer and some stylistic elements, these two games diverge in tone, mechanics, and presentation. Understanding how ZZZ and Impact differ is essential for players looking to dive deep into the world of HoYoverse games and decide which experience aligns more with their preferences.
Setting and Atmosphere
Zenless Zone Zero: A Futuristic Urban Fantasy
Zenless Zone Zero, or ZZZ, drops players into a post-apocalyptic city named New Eridu, where high-tech meets chaos. The setting blends cyberpunk aesthetics with anime-inspired visuals, featuring holograms, neon-lit alleys, and advanced gadgets. The tone is quirky yet dark, with factions, mysterious portals called Hollows, and supernatural threats constantly looming. The city feels alive, with densely populated streets, vending machines, and colorful NPCs that help reinforce the urban immersion.
Genshin Impact: A Magical World of Elements
Impact, in this context referring to Genshin Impact, contrasts sharply with ZZZ by presenting a vast, open-world fantasy setting named Teyvat. It features seven distinct regions, each themed around a specific element and culture. From the traditional Chinese-inspired Liyue to the wind-swept plains of Mondstadt, the atmosphere in Genshin Impact is far more serene and mythological. While still packed with danger, it evokes a sense of exploration and wonder rather than chaos and survival.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat Styles Compared
Both games feature action-oriented combat, but their systems are tailored for different experiences:
- ZZZ Combat: Fast-paced, combo-heavy action with a beat-em-up style. Players control a trio of characters, swapping in real time to chain attacks, counters, and special skills. The focus is on rhythm, timing, and synergy between party members.
- Impact Combat: Element-based combat that rewards strategic combinations. Swapping characters to trigger elemental reactions like Overload, Freeze, or Superconduct is central to maximizing damage. The pacing is slightly more tactical compared to ZZZ’s brawler-style approach.
Exploration and World Design
One of the key differences between ZZZ and Impact lies in how players interact with their environments:
- ZZZ: Offers semi-open zones linked through a city hub. Exploration occurs in instanced levels and urban districts. The world is more segmented, focused on quick dives into combat-heavy areas.
- Impact: True open-world experience. Players can climb mountains, swim across lakes, glide through skies, and uncover secrets across sprawling landscapes.
Character and Storytelling
ZZZ’s Cast and Presentation
Zenless Zone Zero emphasizes personality and urban storytelling. Each character is stylish, quirky, and deeply embedded in the city’s subcultures be it gangs, agencies, or underground performers. Cutscenes are animated with flair, using stylized comic panel transitions and high-energy music to capture the modern, youthful vibe. The narrative leans on mystery, survival, and social dynamics within New Eridu.
Genshin’s Rich Lore
Genshin Impact builds its story over time, with a focus on world lore, gods, and prophecies. Each new region expands the history of Teyvat and its divine order. Characters in Genshin are tied deeply to their nations and elemental archons, making story progression feel grand and interconnected. It’s a slower build, but the payoff is rewarding for lore enthusiasts.
Visual Style and Performance
ZZZ: Urban Neon and Dynamic Effects
ZZZ sports a cel-shaded art style that pops with bright neon colors and smooth animations. Its design is more futuristic, filled with holographic displays, punk fashion, and expressive character movements. The UI and combat feedback are slick and modern, leaning heavily into the stylized action genre.
Impact: Natural Beauty and Scenic Views
Genshin Impact uses a softer, watercolor-inspired palette that highlights natural beauty and fantasy design. Environments are often breathtaking, with dynamic weather and time systems. It runs on a modified Unity engine and is optimized across multiple platforms, including mobile and PC, though some regions are more performance-heavy than others.
Gacha and Monetization
Banner Systems and Pull Rates
Both ZZZ and Genshin use gacha mechanics to unlock new characters and weapons, though there are nuances:
- ZZZ: Early impressions suggest ZZZ may offer a slightly more generous currency flow for casual players. It uses banners for Agents (characters) and W-Engines (equipment).
- Impact: Known for its dual-banner system, featuring limited-time characters and weapons. It uses Primogems, which can be slowly earned through daily tasks or purchased.
Free-to-Play Experience
Both games are free-to-play and provide a meaningful experience without spending money. However, Genshin has occasionally been criticized for slow resin recharge and limited late-game content. ZZZ, being newer, is still building its economy and balance model, but seems to prioritize faster action and shorter gameplay sessions.
Community and Content Updates
Ongoing Support and Events
HoYoverse is known for regularly updating its games with new events, characters, and story chapters. Genshin has a consistent six-week update cycle with major patches. ZZZ is expected to follow a similar model, offering seasonal events, character drops, and possibly new story arcs or Hollow zones to explore.
Community Culture
The Genshin community is vast, with countless fan creations, guides, and theory crafting. It includes a mix of casual fans and dedicated min-maxers. ZZZ’s community is still in its early stages, but shows signs of attracting players who enjoy fast-paced action, urban style, and modern themes. The two communities may overlap, but the tone and expectations differ.
Which Game Is Better?
There’s no definitive answer to whether ZZZ or Impact is better. It depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re looking for:
- If you loveopen-world exploration, elemental synergy, and deep fantasy lore, Genshin Impact is likely to be your game.
- If you preferquick, stylish combat, urban storytelling, and high-octane missions, Zenless Zone Zero will be more up your alley.
Some players may enjoy both, switching between games depending on their mood. Thankfully, HoYoverse provides consistent quality across its titles, ensuring players get polished experiences no matter their preference.
ZZZ vs Impact isn’t about one game being objectively better than the other it’s about how each fits into the evolving landscape of action RPGs. ZZZ brings fresh energy with its modern flair and combat speed, while Impact maintains its place as a fantasy staple with massive scope and ongoing growth. Players looking for fast fights, edgy characters, and a futuristic world will be drawn to ZZZ. Meanwhile, those who love elemental magic, scenic exploration, and narrative depth will continue to enjoy everything Genshin Impact offers. Either way, the rise of Zenless Zone Zero and the sustained success of Genshin show that HoYoverse remains at the forefront of interactive entertainment.