I still remember that electric thrill when my calendar pinged July 4, 2024. miHoYo had just dropped the bombshell: Zenless Zone Zero was going global across PC, PS5, iOS, and Android. As someone who’s navigated Teyvat and beyond, I knew HoYoverse was about to launch me headfirst into another obsession. Fast forward to 2026, and here I am—still guiding squads through chaotic Hollows, still vibing to that slick urban soundtrack while New Eridu’s neon lights flicker just outside my screen. Let me tell you, this city has grown on me.

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Don’t go into Hollows. That’s the first rule everyone hears, and honestly, it’s good advice. Hollows are these bizarre, reality-twisting disasters that swallow up chunks of the world—monsters, spatial glitches, and forgotten ruins all crammed inside a bubble of chaos. But like a moth to a flame, we Proxy-types can’t resist. There’s Ether resources in there, valuable artifacts, and the thrill of guiding a squad into the abyss. And hey, if you’re crazy enough to dive in, you better have a solid crew and a Proxy who knows the labyrinth like the back of their hand.

When the launch date was first announced, the internet practically exploded. It wasn’t just a new game; it was a whole new rhythm. I remember watching that Lycaon character demo on YouTube—the way he moved, all wolfishly charming—and thinking, “Yep, I’m in trouble.” The combat promised something fresh: build a team of three, chain basic and special attacks, dodge and parry until the enemy’s stunned, then unleash a devastating combo. Two years later, my muscle memory still twitches when I hear the Stun sound effect.

New Eridu itself became a second home. This city, the last oasis that learned to coexist with Hollows, never sleeps. Powerful tycoons, shadowy schemers, gangs with their own street justice, and those unbearably cute agents who walk into my video store without warning—they all weave stories I didn't know I needed. And the music... don’t get me started. HoYoverse didn’t just slap a soundtrack on this; they tailored a beat for every moment. I’ve had emotional boss fights where the tempo synced so perfectly it gave me goosebumps.

Here’s what I’ve learned as a professional Proxy over these 730+ days: patience, and a little bit of friendship, goes a long way. The game’s dual-identity mechanic means I’m not just a fighter—I’m a link between the surface world and the Hollows. I chat up customers at Random Play, watch their stories unfold, and sometimes recruit a fluffy Thiren who sheds fur all over my pristine floor. (Seriously, the detail in character expressions is wild. You can see the slight twitch of an ear when they get embarrassed.)

If I look back at the features that hooked me in 2024—fast-paced action, unique visual style, narrative-driven factions—I realize how much has evolved. The roster of agents has ballooned, new Hollow zones have opened up, and limited events keep the narrative fresh. The recent second-anniversary update brought a collab that nobody saw coming, plus a raid-tier Hollow that punishes even veteran squads. Yet the core loop remains pure adrenaline: dodge, parry, chain attack, repeat. It’s comfort food for action-game addicts.

So here in 2026, do I still wake up every morning itching to guide another expedition? You bet. New Eridu has a heartbeat, and it keeps pulling me back. If you haven’t jumped in yet, or if you’ve been away, the Hollows are waiting—and they’ve never been livelier. Just remember the golden rule: don’t go in alone. Find your Proxy. Find your crew. And maybe leave the overly fluffy agents at home if you’re allergic to fur.

Good luck out there, Proxies.