As HoYoVerse’s most recent release, Zenless Zone Zero takes the Genshin Impact formula and applies it to a modern-day setting, replacing medieval fantasy with themes like virtual reality, political intrigue, and fast-paced urban gameplay. Not only has it expanded the studio’s storytelling scope, but it has also opened the door for a growing modding community focused on enhancing the overall “ZZZ experience.”
If you are playing on PC, either through the Epic Games Store or HoYo’s own launcher, modding is one of the many ways you can customize the game. Below, you will find everything you need to get started. installer), then modding the game is one of the many things you can do—and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about below.
How to Install Mods in Zenless Zone Zero
Much like other titles we have covered, such as Arknights: Endfield, Zenless Zone Zero is not available on Steam. This means the Steam Workshop is not an option, and modding must be handled manually through external tools. Fortunately, there are reliable methods that make the process straightforward. Below are two approaches that can be used together if needed to ensure your mods run properly.
Install Mods via XXMI Launcher
XXMI is a multi-purpose mod manager that supports several games, including Zenless Zone Zero. It simplifies the process by setting up the environment and allowing the game to properly read mod files.
It is open source, free, and available on GitHub. Using it is fairly simple:
- Download the XXMI Launcher from GitHub and follow the installation instructions
- Open the launcher and click the “+” icon to access supported games
- Select Zenless Zone Zero and click Install to prepare the game for modding
- Download mods from trusted sources like Nexus Mods or GameBanana
- Place those files in the Mods folder inside the launcher directory
- Launch the game through XXMI and confirm your mods are working
XXMI is not limited to one game. It also supports titles like Wuthering Waves and Genshin Impact, which makes it a strong option if you plan to mod multiple games.
Forcing DirectX 11 for Better Mod Compatibility
While XXMI handles most of the setup, there are cases where mods may not work as expected because of how Zenless Zone Zero runs by default.
The game uses Vulkan, a graphics API designed to support multiple platforms such as PC, consoles, and mobile devices. However, most mods are built around DirectX 11, which is more predictable for this type of modification.
Because of this difference, mods may fail to load if the game runs on Vulkan. In that situation, you can force DirectX 11:
- Locate the game’s
.exefile, usually in a folder likeC:\Program Files\HoYoPlay\games\ZenlessZoneZero - Do not use “ZZZ.exe.” Instead, look inside a subfolder such as Binaries or ZenlessZoneZero_Data and find “ZenlessZoneZero.exe”
- Right-click the correct file and create a shortcut
- Right-click the shortcut, open Properties, and locate the Target field
- Add a space at the end and type
-dx11 - Click Apply, then launch the game using that shortcut
In many cases, the launcher alone will be enough. However, the game can switch back to Vulkan on its own, so using both methods may be necessary.
The Best Mods for Zenless Zone Zero
Now that your game is ready to run mods, here is a curated list of useful tools. This list focuses on practical improvements rather than cosmetic swaps like skins or character replacements.
Hide On-Screen UID
For such a small change, this mod addresses something important. Most gacha games display your UID on screen at all times. This exists for practical reasons. For example, if you report a bug with a screenshot, developers can use your UID to track the issue.
However, while your UID cannot be used to hack your account directly, it can still make you a target. Threat actors may use it to determine whether your account is valuable, such as having many 5-star characters or rare items. From there, they may attempt phishing or social engineering attacks. This mod hides your UID completely during gameplay, which helps protect your privacy.
ReShade Vibrant Sharpen
Because Zenless Zone Zero is a fast-paced action RPG, some animations and cutscenes may appear slightly blurry. This is normal and helps maintain performance on lower-end systems.
However, if your PC can handle it, this mod improves visual clarity by sharpening textures and enhancing overall image definition. It does not change the resolution, but it makes the game look more detailed.
Censor Remover & No Outlines
Like many games with camera control, Zenless Zone Zero applies a transparency effect when the camera gets too close to a character. This mod removes that effect, allowing you to see characters clearly at any distance without them fading or disappearing.
No Reload Mod Manager
This is a convenience tool for players who use multiple mods. It allows you to enable or disable mods without closing the game. A small interface appears through a keybind, which is set to ALT + W by default, though it can be changed.
It also lets you organize mods into groups and supports keyboard, mouse, and controller input. This makes managing large mod setups much easier.
Character Broken Fix
Even though this guide avoids recommending character replacement mods, many players will still experiment with them. Character Broken Fix acts as a safety net. It helps resolve issues where character mods appear broken, missing, or not functioning correctly.
It works automatically once placed in the Mods folder and requires no setup. Because of that, it is a useful addition if you plan to try different mods over time.
Final Thoughts
Despite being more advanced than many recent releases, such as Arknights: Endfield, Where Winds Meet, or Seven Deadly Sins Origin, Zenless Zone Zero is still relatively new in the modding scene.
Most available mods focus on outfits or character changes. For example, some mods replace characters with figures like Samus Aran from Metroid. Because of this, practical tools may feel limited for now. However, this is likely to change.
If Genshin Impact is any indication, the modding scene will continue to grow. Version 2.7 was released on March 24, and with a second-phase update scheduled for April 15, many modders are likely waiting before releasing more tools. There are already ongoing efforts and experiments within the community, which suggests that more advanced mods will appear over time. For now, the tools listed here should still provide noticeable improvements to your experience.
