Zenless Zone Zero has finally started Steambut some PC gamers might be wondering: what’s the point? After all, the wildly popular action RPG was already playable on the platform via other launchers.
As promised, HoYoverse released the Steam version of Zenless Zone Zero on June 17 along with the version 3.0 update. This build is cross-compatible with all existing versions on mobile, PC, PS5 and Xbox, allowing you to transfer your progress from other platforms to Steam. Then again, the game has been available on PC via HoYoverse’s native launcher and Epic Games since 2024, so what advantage does Steam bring?
Well, it’s mostly about being able to launch the game through your preferred platform. Steam has a huge fan base and many gamers like to keep their entire library in one place. In addition, there is the Steam Wallet. Many players prefer to use their Steam balance to purchase in-game items. You can also track the number of hours you spend on the game. Finally, this version brings support for Steam tireswhich is big news for handheld gamers.
Zenless Zone Zero has been one of the biggest free-to-play releases in recent years, with players praising the story, visuals and overall gameplay. It’s primarily a single-player experience, although it features some multiplayer elements. It’s also a gacha game, meaning it’s packed with microtransactions that unlock agents, weapons, and more. That said, it’s not the pay-to-win experience that many assume it to be.
While you can unlock stronger characters through spending and luck, it’s entirely possible to complete the game with free characters and normal progression. The latter, of course, requires more effort, but it is undoubtedly more rewarding.
While you can now download Zenless Zone Zero on Steam you still need a HoYoverse ID to play. This requirement has drawn criticism from some players, but there is currently no way around it. Even if you install the game via Steam, you still need to go through the HoYoverse launcher first. If you already have a HoYoverse ID, simply log in to link your account and access your existing progress. If you’re starting fresh, you can create a new account via the launcher and continue from there. There is also an option to unlink your Steam account from your HoYoverse ID if needed. Aside from this, players have reported few performance issues with the Steam version, which has attracted “Very Positive” reviews so far. However, Steam Deck users have experienced significant frame drops and performance hiccups, suggesting that further optimization may be necessary.
In addition, the Steam version of the Zenless Zone Zero does not support the resource management feature, which allows players to delete certain game files to free up storage space. This has also been a disappointment to many users. The Steam version also does not support preloading updates, meaning players must wait until server maintenance is complete before downloading each new update.
Overall, the Steam version comes with some advantages, but if you’ve already played on PC via the official launcher or Epic Games and aren’t really able to take advantage of features like Steam Wallet or Steam Deck support, it’s probably best to stay where you are.
Leave a Reply