Starting "Zenless Zone Zero" can feel overwhelming, especially for players expecting a traditional role-playing progression system. Unlike many action RPGs where characters gain experience directly from defeating enemies, HoYoverse's urban fantasy title uses a material-based upgrade system that rewards exploration, missions, and strategic resource management.
Understanding how character leveling, Inter-Knot Level, W-Engines, and other progression systems work early on can make the journey through New Eridu much smoother.
Understand How Character Leveling Works
One of the first surprises new players encounter is that characters don't level up by defeating enemies.
Instead, battles and missions reward upgrade materials that can be used from the character menu to increase a hero's level manually. The starting team, Anby, Billy, and Nicole, can all be upgraded using these materials.
One of the earliest resources players will collect is the Trainee Investigator Log, which provides experience when applied to a character. During the early game, characters are capped at Level 10, requiring additional promotion materials before progressing further.
Unlike traditional RPGs, defeating more enemies alone won't increase a character's level. Managing upgrade materials becomes one of the game's most important progression mechanics.
Use Promotion Materials to Increase the Level Cap
After reaching a level cap, characters require certification items before they can continue leveling.
One early example is the Basic Offense Certification Seal, which raises the level limit from 10 to 20.
Since promotion materials can be limited during the opening chapters, focusing resources on the initial squad is generally the most efficient strategy. Strengthening a smaller group makes story missions easier while preserving valuable materials for future characters.
As more Agents join the roster, players can gradually expand their investment across multiple team compositions.
Prioritize the Main Story Early
The main story serves as more than just narrative progression.
Many of "Zenless Zone Zero's" core systems remain locked until players advance through the Prologue and Chapter One.
Story progression unlocks features such as:
- Inter-Knot progression
- Video Store management
- W-Engines
- Drive Discs
- Additional game modes
- Daily activities
- Character development systems
Increase Your Inter-Knot Level Quickly
The Inter-Knot Level functions as the account's overall progression level.
Rather than improving individual Agents, increasing this level unlocks new content, gameplay features, and story chapters.
Players can earn Inter-Knot experience by completing:
- Main story missions
- Side commissions
- Daily errands
- Exploration objectives
- Video Store management
- Combat challenges
Maintaining steady progress helps avoid unnecessary progression roadblocks later.
Don't Ignore Daily Activities
Daily content provides consistent resources that support long-term progression.
Even short play sessions can reward valuable items needed for:
- Character leveling
- Promotion materials
- Currency
- Equipment upgrades
- Energy management
Over time, these small rewards accumulate into significant progression advantages.
Use Food Buffs Before Difficult Battles
Temporary buffs can make challenging encounters much easier.
After unlocking food vendors, players can purchase meals that provide combat bonuses before entering battle.
One of the earliest examples is Vegetable Noodles, which increases attack power for a limited time.
As the Inter-Knot Level increases, additional meals become available with different combat effects, allowing players to tailor buffs based on specific encounters.
Using food strategically can make difficult boss fights considerably more manageable.
Recharge Energy Efficiently
Like many action RPGs with live-service mechanics, Zenless Zone Zero uses an energy system represented by a battery.
Energy is consumed when completing activities such as:
- VR Training
- Combat simulations
- Resource farming
- Certain progression missions
Managing energy effectively helps maximize daily progression.
Upgrade Character Skills for Better Performance
Character levels aren't the only source of increased power.
Each Agent possesses multiple combat abilities that can be upgraded individually.
Players can improve:
- Basic Attacks
- Dodge skills
- Assist abilities
- Special Attacks
- Chain Attacks
- Ultimate skills
Investing in skill upgrades allows players to customize each Agent's strengths based on their preferred playstyle.
Equip the Best W-Engines and Drive Discs
Equipment plays a major role in maximizing an Agent's potential.
The primary equipment system revolves around W-Engines, which function as each character's main weapon.
These devices provide:
- Stat increases
- Passive bonuses
- Character-specific effects
- Improved combat performance
Properly matching W-Engines and Drive Discs creates stronger builds and significantly improves battle performance throughout the game.
Build a Balanced Team Instead of Leveling Everyone
Resources are limited during the early game.
Rather than attempting to level every available Agent, players benefit more from investing heavily in one primary team.
A balanced squad generally includes:
- A main damage dealer
- A support character
- A defensive or utility specialist
Take Advantage of New Progression Systems
As players advance through the campaign, additional progression mechanics become available.
These include:
- License Level
- Bangboo Level
- Advanced combat challenges
- Equipment farming stages
- Character enhancement systems
Keeping up with newly unlocked systems ensures players don't miss valuable upgrade opportunities.
'Zenless Zone Zero' Character Levels
Progressing efficiently in "Zenless Zone Zero" involves much more than simply raising character levels. Prioritizing the main story, increasing the Inter-Knot Level, upgrading W-Engines and Drive Discs, managing energy wisely, and focusing resources on a core team all contribute to smoother progression.
Of course, defeating all enemies alone does not guarantee your levels will increase. It comes with timely strategies that you should keep in mind throughout the whole walkthrough.
