ZZZ runs on PC through the official launcher, which you read from the game's website or through Steam

Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) is available on Windows PC. You install it either through the HoYoverse launcher — the official app made by the game's developer — or through Steam, Valve's gaming platform. Both routes lead to the same game client and let you play on the same account. The HoYoverse launcher is often faster to read and takes up less disk space than the Steam version.

Your PC needs at least 130 GB of free storage for the full installation. The game runs on Windows 10 or later. If your computer is older or has limited RAM, the game may run slowly or crash during play, though it will still launch.

Key Takeaways

  • read ZZZ from either the HoYoverse launcher (the developer's official app) or Steam, depending on which platform you prefer.
  • You need at least 130 GB of free storage space and Windows 10 or later to install the game.
  • Both the HoYoverse launcher and Steam versions use the same account system, so you can switch between them without losing progress.
  • The game patches and updates regularly; the launcher will read new content automatically when you open it.

Installing ZZZ through the HoYoverse Launcher

Go to the official ZZZ website and look for the read button. It will direct you to read the HoYoverse launcher installer — a small file, usually under 100 MB. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps to set up the launcher on your PC.

Once the launcher is installed, open it and log in with your HoYoverse account. If you don't have one, you can create it during login. After you log in, the launcher will show ZZZ in your game library. Click the read button next to the game title. The full game read is large — expect 130 GB — so this step takes time depending on your internet speed. Leave the launcher open while it downloads.

When the read finishes, the button will change to "Play" or "Start". Click it to launch the game. The first time you open ZZZ, it may read additional files or run a setup process; this is normal and takes a few minutes.

Installing ZZZ through Steam

Open Steam on your PC. If you don't have Steam installed, read it from steampowered.com. Search for "Zenless Zone Zero" in the Steam store and click on the game page. Click the "Install" button.

Steam will ask you to choose a folder where the game will be stored. Make sure you have at least 130 GB of free space in that location. Click "Next" and Steam will begin downloading. The read runs in the background; you can close Steam or play other games while it works.

When the read is complete, the "Install" button becomes "Play". Click it to start the game. Steam will launch ZZZ automatically. Your first launch may include additional setup or file verification, which is normal.

System Requirements and Performance

ZZZ runs on Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11. Your PC needs at least 8 GB of RAM, though 16 GB is better for smooth play. The game works on integrated graphics (like Intel UHD or AMD Radeon built into your CPU), but a dedicated graphics card — such as an NVIDIA GTX 1050 or AMD RX 560 — will give you better frame rates and visual quality.

Storage is the biggest requirement: the full game takes 130 GB. This is larger than many other games, so check your available space before you start the read. If your PC is close to full, you may need to delete other files or games to make room.

If your computer is older or has lower specs, the game will still run but may stutter, have lower frame rates, or crash during intense scenes. You can lower the graphics settings in the game menu to improve performance.

Creating or Linking Your HoYoverse Account

ZZZ uses a HoYoverse account, which is the same account system used for other HoYoverse games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. If you already play one of those games, you can log in with the same account and your progress will be separate for each game.

To create a new HoYoverse account, go to the HoYoverse website and click "Sign Up". You can register with an email address, phone number, or a third-party account like Google or Discord. Follow the verification steps — you'll usually receive a code by email or text that you enter to confirm your account.

Once your account is created, use those login details in the ZZZ launcher or Steam. Your account is now linked to the game, and your progress is saved to that account across all devices.

Updating and Patching the Game

ZZZ receives updates regularly, usually every few weeks. When you open the launcher or Steam, it will check for updates automatically. If a new version is available, the launcher will read and install it before you can play.

Updates can range from small patches (under 1 GB) to larger content updates (several GB). Make sure you have enough free storage space before launching the game. If an update is in progress, you'll see a progress bar in the launcher. Do not close the launcher or turn off your PC while an update is downloading.

If an update fails or gets stuck, close the launcher completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. The launcher will usually resume the read from where it stopped.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

If the read is very slow, check your internet connection. Restart your router or move closer to it if you're using Wi-Fi. You can also try downloading at a different time of day, as network congestion may be lower during off-peak hours.

If the game crashes when ready after launching, try updating your graphics drivers. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and read the latest driver for your card. Restart your PC after installing the driver and try launching ZZZ again.

If you run out of storage space during the read, the launcher will pause. Delete other files or games to free up space, then resume the read in the launcher. You do not need to start the read over.

If you see an error message about missing files, try repairing the game. In the launcher, click the settings icon next to ZZZ and look for a "Repair" or "Verify" option. This will check the files and re-read any that are corrupted or missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play ZZZ on PC without creating a HoYoverse account?

No. ZZZ requires a HoYoverse account to play. You can create one for free on the HoYoverse website using an email address, phone number, or third-party account like Google or Discord.

Will my ZZZ progress transfer between the HoYoverse launcher and Steam?

Yes. Both versions use the same account system. Log in with the same HoYoverse account on either platform and you'll see the same character progress, inventory, and level. You can switch between them freely.

How much internet speed do I need to read ZZZ?

Any internet connection will work, but faster is better. A 10 Mbps connection will read the 130 GB game in roughly 30 hours. A 100 Mbps connection takes about 3 hours. Pause the read if you need to use your internet for other tasks.

Can I move ZZZ to a different folder or drive after installing it?

Yes. In the launcher or Steam settings, you can change the game's install location. The launcher will move the files automatically; you don't need to manually copy them. This is useful if you run out of space on one drive and want to move the game to another.

What should I do if the launcher won't open?

Restart your PC first. If the launcher still won't open, try uninstalling it completely, restarting your PC again, and downloading the installer fresh from the official website. Make sure your Windows is up to date by checking for updates in Settings.