Zenless Zone Zero has finally launched on Steam, but some PC gamers may wonder: 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 alongside the Version 3.0 update. This build is cross-compatible with all existing versions on mobile, PC, PS5, and Xbox, so you can carry over 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 benefit 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. Plus, there's the Steam Wallet. Many players prefer using 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 Deck, which 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 its story, visuals, and overall gameplay. It's primarily a single-player experience, though it does feature 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 many assume it is.
While you can unlock stronger characters through spending and luck, it's entirely possible to complete the game using free characters and normal progression. Of course, the latter takes more effort, but it's arguably more rewarding.
While you can now download Zenless Zone Zero on Steam, you'll still need a HoYoverse ID to play. This requirement has drawn criticism from some players, but there's currently no way around it. Even if you install the game through Steam, you'll 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 through the launcher and continue from there. There's 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. Steam Deck users, however, have experienced significant frame drops and performance hiccups, suggesting that further optimization may be needed.
Additionally, the Steam version of Zenless Zone Zero doesn't support the Resource Management feature, which allows players to delete certain game files to free up storage space. This has also been a point of disappointment for many users. The Steam version doesn't support preloading updates either, meaning players must wait until server maintenance is complete before downloading each new update.
Overall, the Steam version does come with some benefits, but if you've already been playing on PC via the official launcher or Epic Games and aren't really in a position to take advantage of features like Steam Wallet or Steam Deck support, it's probably best to stay right where you are.
