Zenless Zone Zero Guide | How To Level Up Fast

When I first started playing Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), I quickly realized that leveling up efficiently wasn't just about grinding endlessly—it's all about working smarter, not harder. It doesn’t matter if you're just starting or trying to push past those tricky mid-levels; it’s easy enough for anyone to push from level 1 to at least 40 with no trouble if you follow the right path.

ZZZ Level 1-20: The Tutorial Phase

Starting out in ZZZ is pretty easy since it practically holds your hand up to level 20. From the beginning, I’d recommend you follow through with the Main Chapter Quests. They give you consistent experience points, or EXP, and unlock important game mechanics such as Hollower and Shiyu Defense mode. So, make sure you don’t skip these.

I also strongly suggest completing Blue Quests. Sure, their rewards aren't resource-heavy, but they give flat EXP, which is invaluable for you in the early game. Plus, these missions help you familiarize yourself with the different zones.

While doing this, don't bother too much with farming resources or maxing out the characters; rather, focus on leveling up and unlocking more content. By the time you hit the early 20s, you're officially out of the tutorial.

ZZZ Level 20-25: Getting Serious

At this stage, the game starts to give you a hard time, but it's tolerable. So, you would find it really helpful if you start ascending your characters and weapons from here on out to at least level 30. It's quite easy but very important if you want to be ahead of more difficult enemies that lie ahead. Also, focus on your side quests alongside your main quests during this period; the side quests give good EXP.

ZZZ Level 25-30: The First Hurdle

You might feel things are starting to get slow from here, but that's also where strategic planning kicks in. I hit a couple of roadblocks because EXP starts to fall off from here, so you'll notice fewer quests to complete. That's where managing stamina becomes important.

Every 100 stamina spent equates to roughly 1,000 EXP. You get 240 stamina every day along with your daily dose of 60 more from coffee so that you can farm two levels a week with no other help. Also, be on the lookout for events such as Bangboo Picture Quest and Arcade Multiplayer. These provide easy EXP and other resources easily.

ZZZ Level 30-40: Overcoming the Mid-Game Slump

That's where things slow down considerably. Plenty of players struggle here, but you can power your way through with Hollow Zero and Notorious Hunts. Hollow zero points give you as much as 6,000 EXP per week without using up stamina. Every increment of five levels provides 600 EXP, so do not neglect this mode.

Notorious Hunts are a great way to earn resources and EXP when there is no stamina cost, which is similar to Genshin's domains. Start these once they unlock. Resource Management By level 35, farming Drive Discs becomes worth it; these discs can be recycled into high-fi master copies and tuned for your builds. Though they are not required, starting early guarantees a steady supply. 

An alternate way involves focusing your farming on skill, character, and weapon ascension materials before focusing on drive discs until level 35. When you reach level 35, focus drives for better drops, and then switch at levels 40 and 50 with other resource farming.

Zenless Zone Zero constantly hosts events rewarding 1,000+ EXP. Supplement your daily farming with these. Also, maximizing your stamina will get you ahead quickly in this game. I recommend refreshing stamina with Polychromes; at least 50 for the first refill and 75 for the second. An additional 4,200 EXP can be gained by the week through farming based on stamina. It is small, but it really pays off.

Focus your stamina on activities like Notorious Hunts and Drive disk farming that give, which should give you the best EXP-to-stamina ratio.

ZZZ Level 40+: Pushing the Limits

By the time I hit level 40, I realized the developers didn’t intend for players to progress much further during the game’s current version. Level 30-40 is the sweet spot, where most endgame content becomes accessible. Notorious Hunts, Shu Defense, and Hollow Zero unlock fully here, offering engaging challenges and great rewards. At this level, you’ll get better drops, making farming more efficient, so keep Farming Drive Discs. 

Leveling up in ZZZ is less about endless grinding and more about using your resources wisely. By following the main quests, engaging with events, and using my stamina efficiently, I've managed to progress relatively quickly without feeling the burden of catching up. Remember, this game is designed for you to take your time with. If you ever get stuck, revisit these tips.

Also, check our Zenless Zone Zero Review.