Hey agents! So you've been diving deep into the neon-lit streets of New Eridu in Zenless Zone Zero, mastering those slick combos and unraveling Hollow mysteries. But let's be realโ€”sometimes you just wanna share the chaos with a buddy, right? I totally get that craving for some co-op action. Well, after months of exploring every corner of the game since its release, I'm here to break down exactly how multiplayer works in ZZZ in 2025. Spoiler: it's not your typical drop-in/drop-out co-op, but there ARE ways to team up! Let's dive in.

First things first, let's set expectations straight. ZZZ is, at its core, a single-player RPG experience. Your main story campaign, exploring the city, and most of the Hollow diving? That's a solo mission, agent. You can't directly invite friends into your main story progression. I know, I was a bit bummed too when I first realized I couldn't bring my squad along for the main narrative ride. The developers have kept the heart of the adventure a personal journey.

But wait! Don't close the friend list just yet. Multiplayer does exist, but it's curated and locked to specific, high-octane game modes. Think of it as special ops missions rather than the whole war. The primary hub for co-op fun is the Arcade, specifically within a mode called Reckless Challenges. These are where you'll find the tough-as-nails boss fights and challenges designed for teamwork. You won't unlock this right awayโ€”you need to progress through the early game chapters first. Consider it an endgame treat for dedicated Proxies!

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Rina knows the scoreโ€”some battles are better fought with a friend by your side in the Reckless Challenges!

So, how do you actually jump into a game with a friend? Here's my tried-and-true method:

  1. Head to the Cunning Hares Video Store. It's your main hub.

  2. Look for the VR Device near the workbench. It's pretty hard to miss with its futuristic glow.

  3. Interact with it and select 'Reckless Challenge'.

  4. This kicks off the matchmaking. You can either search for random allies or, if you've already added friends (more on that below), team up directly for some coordinated chaos!

This mode is all about testing your team compositions and reaction skills. It's incredibly satisfying to pull off a perfect assist chain with a buddy. The communication might be non-verbal through quick chat, but pulling off a win feels amazing.

๐Ÿ”— Building Your Proxy Network: The Friend System Guide

Alright, let's get you connected. Adding friends in ZZZ is all about that UID (User ID). It's your digital calling card in New Eridu. Hereโ€™s my step-by-step guide, refined from countless sessions:

Step 1: Navigate the Menu

  • Launch ZZZ and get to your main screen where your character is visible.

  • Hit the Pause/Menu button (varies by platform).

  • Click on your profile name at the top. This is your gateway.

Step 2: Enter the Social Hub

  • On your account page, look to the top-right corner. You'll see the 'Inter-Knot Friends' option. Click it! This is your social command center.

Step 3: Send that Friend Request!

  • Inside, click 'Add Friends'.

  • Now, enter your friend's 9-digit UID. Pro Tip: You can find your own UID displayed prominently on this same screen. Swap codes with your pals!

  • Hit search, confirm it's them, and send the request. Once they accept, you're officially Inter-Knot linked!

Step 4: Manage Your Squad

  • To see who's online, grinding, or in a Hollow, just go to 'My Friends' in the Inter-Knot section. You can check their status, see their showcased agents (like a fierce Billy), and get a quick glimpse of their latest exploits.

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Show off your best builds, like this Ultimate-ready Billy, on your profile for your friends to see!

๐ŸŽฏ My Personal Tips & The 2025 Co-Op Vibe

Having played since launch, here's my honest take on the multiplayer scene in 2025:

โœ… The Pros:

  • Reckless Challenges are Polished: The co-op that exists is tight, lag-free (in my experience), and genuinely challenging. It requires real coordination.

  • Social Features are Solid: The friend list works flawlessly for seeing who's online. It's great for planning quick co-op sessions via external chat.

  • No Pressure: Since it's separate from the story, there's no FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) or feeling like you need friends to progress.

โŒ The Cons (Let's be real):

  • It's Limited: I, like many, still wish for more modes. Maybe a rogue-like co-op dungeon or a time-attack race? The community is vocal about wanting expansion.

  • Can Feel Like an Afterthought: Because it's tucked away in the Arcade, it's easy to forget it's there during your daily solo grind.

My Verdict? Don't buy ZZZ solely for multiplayer. Buy it for its incredible world, story, and combat. Treat the co-op as a fantastic bonus featureโ€”a way to test your mettle against the toughest bosses with a partner once you've mastered your agents. It's a blast for what it is, and the friend system makes it easy to connect with fellow Proxies. Who knows, with the game's ongoing updates, we might see even more social features in the future! Now get out there, add some friends, and dominate those Reckless Challenges! ๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ’ฅ

What's your favorite team comp for co-op? Let me know in the comments below! #ZenlessZoneZero #ZZZGuide #ZZZMultiplayer #GamingTips2025