Summary
Since launching last year,Honkai: Star Railsaw a meteoric rise in popularity, especially with fans who were to the game’s turn-based combat and compelling storyline. During the pre-registration period,Honkai: Star Railreceived 10 million sign-ups, beatingGenshin Impact’s record. This was already an early sign ofHonkai: Star Rail’s subsequent success within a year.
A recent report showed thatHonkai: Star Railgreatly surpassedGenshin Impactin their March revenues, with the former raking in an impressive $145 million, a 56% increase from its revenue the previous month. Not only does this showHonkai: Star Rail’s popularity among fans, it’s also a promising sign for HoYoverse’s newest title,Zenless Zone Zero.
The Expectations Are High For HoYoverse’s Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zerois set in the futuristic city of New Eridu, where powerful enemies have infiltrated through reality warps. Players can choose from different factions to explore New Eridu with, which gives them the opportunity to play dual characters, also known as “opposing personas.” Based on teaser trailers,Zenless Zone Zerois described to have a similar gameplay style asGenshin Impact, while the aesthetic and limited open-world map are more likeHonkai Impact 3rd. HoYoverse also opened sign-ups forZenless Zone Zerotechnical tests for PS5, so lucky players would get first dibs on trying it out.
Zenless Zone Zerois expected to come out sometime this year. HoYoverse hasn’t shown the full extent of the game, but the expectations are high, especially whenHonkai: Star Rail has beendoing so well in the past year.Honkai: Star Railhas hooked many fans in with its compelling story and colorful roster of characters, which have contributed to its growing success. It’s mostly seen in monthly data recording the partialbanner revenue forHonkai: Star Rail’s 5-star characters, which usually amounted to millions of dollars, including players that spent actual money to pull characters.Honkai: Star Rail’s success means HoYoverse is able to pour in resources into other projects, such asZenless Zone Zero.
Many fans within the HoYoverse community believe that the huge success ofGenshin Impacthelped bringHonkai: Star Railto life.
HoYoverse has an opportunity to bringZenless Zone Zeroto new heights, especially once it starts introducing new characters and worlds for its future storylines. The developer could introduce new combat mechanics, character and weapon designs that HoYoverse fans haven’t seen before. It could also incorporate existing combat mechanics from other HoYoverse titles, especiallyGenshin Impact, which utilizes a team slasher system with special abilities.
Over the last few years, HoYoverse has proven that it can one-up itself with every game release and update. InHonkai: Star Rail’s Penacony story alone, players get to experience innovative map designs and watch high-budget animated cutscenes. With the right resources,Zenless Zone Zerohas a chance to become just as popular as its predecessors.
Are Honkai: Star Rail and Zenless Zone Zero Connected?
HoYoverse once revealed that it’s building a multiverse whereHonkai Impact 3rd,Genshin Impact, andHonkai: Star Railexist. This can be seen with alternate versions of certaincharacters crossing over to HoYoverse’s games, like Bronya, Himeko, and Seele. With the release ofZenless Zone Zero, it would most likely mean that it’s going to be part of the multiverse.
The entire lore ofZenless Zone Zerois still a mystery for players, but an early sign of it being part of the HoYoverse multiverse is a faction called Belobog Heavy Industries, which includes a deadly construction team. Belobog is one of the cities that the Astral Express Crew visit inHonkai: Star Rail, which is also known to be the home of the Architects of Qlipoth the Preservation. HoYoverse will likely showcase more connections onceZenless Zone Zerofully releases this year.
Zenless Zone Zero
WHERE TO PLAY
Don’t go into the Hollows.I know, I know, there’s Ether in the Hollows, bizarre creations, even heritage of the old civilization, all precious treasures. But don’t forget, there’s also spatial disorder, monsters and mutants running rampant, and ultimately, a disaster that could swallow the world. They are not a place where ordinary people should go.So don’t go into Hollows.Or at least, don’t go in alone.If you insist on getting into danger, go to New Eridu first.This city where the good and the bad mix has many people who need the Hollows: Powerful wealthy tycoons, gangs that stalk the streets, conspiracy nuts, and ruthless officials.Make your preparations there, find strong allies, and most importantly—Find a “Proxy”.Only they can guide people out of the maze-like Hollows.Good luck!
