If you want stylish, combat-focused action rather than a one-to-one Zenless Zone Zero replacement, Devil May Cry 5 is the clearest pick supported here. Its combat is more demanding than ZZZ’s, so it suits players who want expressive action and are willing to learn more involved techniques. If you want ZZZ’s team-switching, urban setting, or free-to-play model specifically, the available evidence does not establish an equivalent recommendation.
What do you want to keep from Zenless Zone Zero?
Zenless Zone Zero is a free-to-play urban-fantasy action RPG set in New Eridu, where the story takes players into dangerous Hollows. Its official PlayStation listing highlights both combat and urban activities, describing combat as accessible while still offering strategic depth. PlayStation’s ZZZ listing says the PS5 game requires online play and offers optional in-game purchases.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That mix makes “a game like ZZZ” a few different requests. HoYoverse producer Zhenyu Li identifies Chain Attacks, Perfect Assist, and character switching as key parts of its combat, while also pointing to combat-focused commissions for players who want to get into battles directly. The PlayStation Blog launch post also describes ZZZ as balancing accessibility and complexity.
- Expressive action: You want stylish attacks and room to improve your execution.
- Team combat: You want to switch characters and coordinate attacks.
- Combat-forward pacing: You want frequent encounters rather than long stretches of traversal.
- Urban-fantasy presentation: You want a colorful contemporary setting and anime-influenced style.
- Less reliance on free-to-play mechanics: You would rather buy a game than engage with a free-to-play model and its optional purchases.
The recommendations below are not established as one-to-one ZZZ substitutes. The strongest supported choice focuses on combat style, not matching all of ZZZ’s systems or setting.
#1 Best Overall
- Overhauled Character Creator – Create more lifelike characters with improved facial detail, body shapes, and visual fidelity
- Shared-Progression Cross-Play Cooperative Play – Both players now save all main story progress as long as they’re on the same “New Game” and have defeated a similar number of main bosses within one. Both players retains all loot, 100 percent vigor, and can revive each other in all online sessions.
- Free Friend’s Pass – Invite any friend to join your adventure in online co-op even if they don’t own the game. Friends keep loot and character progress, plus get full offline access to the tutorial and character creator
- Revamped Combat and Movement – V2.0 adds smoother animations, better weapon response, refined lock-on, improved evasions, and new grievous strike prompts
Best-supported pick: Devil May Cry 5 for more demanding stylish action
Devil May Cry 5 is the most defensible choice if what you value most is stylish, expressive combat. A player recommendation thread names it as an adjacent option and cautions that it is more complicated than ZZZ. That makes it a reasonable direction for someone ready for a steeper execution challenge, not a claim that the games play alike. The recommendation is anecdotal, not a comparative review or a test.
Why it may fit
- It is the shortlist’s clearest lead for a player prioritizing stylish action over a matching world or team system.
- The added complexity may appeal if ZZZ’s accessible combat has left you wanting a greater execution challenge.
Where it differs
- Expect a more demanding action experience; the cited recommendation specifically warns that it is more complicated than ZZZ.
- The evidence does not establish a ZZZ-style team-switching system, comparable mission rhythm, setting, or current product and edition details for your platform.
A paid game can be appealing if your aim is to avoid the free-to-play model. But the available product information does not establish Devil May Cry 5’s current price, platform availability, edition, or regional listings, so check the store for your platform before buying. Do not assume a physical copy is available based on the game’s name alone.
Rank #2
- INCLUDING FREE MERCENARY LOADOUT DLC: The Mercenary is a special class loadout. The Mercenary has dual-wield as a starting ability and is geared up with classic blades. Simply put, it'll let you experience the world of BIOMUTANT as classic samurai looking warrior from the start.
- A NEW TAKE ON 3rd PERSON COMBAT: The martial arts style combat system allows you maximum freedom of movement and agility while mixing shooting, melee and powers from your mutations.
- EVOLVE YOUR GAME-PLAY: You’ll be able to recode your genetic structure to change the way you look and play.
- NEXT LEVEL OF CRAFTING: Mix and match parts to create your own unique single- or double-handed slash, crush and pierce melee weapons.
- GEAR UP FOR ADVENTURE: You have full freedom when equipping your character. Not only when it comes to choosing weapons you created, but also what type of gear you wear.
What about Bayonetta and NieR: Automata?
Bayonetta and NieR: Automata also came up in the same community discussion as adjacent possibilities, but the available information does not verify their current editions or establish how their combat, exploration, or mission structure compare with ZZZ. They are leads to investigate, not firm recommendations on the evidence available here. Check each game’s official store listing for your platform and region before deciding whether it meets your priorities.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Game of the YoRHa Edition includes the game along with DLC and bonus content for the full experience of the award winning post-apocalyptic action RPG; See description below for complete details
- Action packed battles and fluid combat perfect for both newcomers and experienced action gamers
- Includes RPG elements such as leveling, different weapon types, combat skills, and customizable load outs
- The desolate open world features beautiful vistas and a wealth of sidequests in addition to the main storyline
- Pods assist in and outside of battle and can be upgraded with new attack variations and abilities
Rank #4
- Officially licensed Dark Souls merch from Ripple Junction. Show off your love of the classic dark fantasy action role-playing video game in this unique apparel. Prepare to die.
- Perfect graphic apparel for fans of Video Games, Gaming, Gamer Fashion, Fantasy, Goth Fashion, Bonfire, and Lordran. Seek strength. The rest will follow.
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
Rank #3
How to choose without expecting a clone
- Rank your priority. If stylish action matters most, start with Devil May Cry 5. If team switching, a contemporary anime-style world, or short combat-focused missions are essential, the recommendations here do not confirm a match.
- Decide how much complexity you want. The supported warning about Devil May Cry 5 is that it is more complicated than ZZZ; choose it only if that greater challenge sounds appealing.
- Check the purchase model you want. ZZZ is free-to-play on PS5, requires online play, and offers optional in-game purchases according to its PlayStation listing. Verify the alternative’s current price, platform, and edition with its store listing rather than assuming details from an old discussion.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
