Ananta vs Zenless Zone Zero: How Do They Compare?
Last updated: 29 June 2026
Ananta and Zenless Zone Zero share the same genre tag — urban action RPG — and both target mobile-first players on PC and console. But under the surface they make very different choices. Here's a full breakdown of where they align and where they diverge.
The Core Difference: Monetization Model
Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) follows HoYoverse's established formula: characters are obtained through a randomised signal search (gacha) system. New agents are released on limited-time banners and require Polychrome (earned in-game or purchased) to pull. Missing a limited banner means waiting for a rerun.
Ananta takes the opposite approach. There is no gacha system. Every playable character is unlocked by progressing through the game's story — no pulls, no banners, no pity system. Monetization is limited to optional cosmetics (outfits, skins, housing items).
If ZZZ's limited-banner FOMO is your main frustration, Ananta is designed to eliminate that mechanic entirely.
Setting and World Design
Both games are set in modern cities — ZZZ in New Eridu, Ananta in Nova City. But their world structures differ significantly.
Zenless Zone Zero uses a hub-and-zone model: you navigate New Eridu as a base of operations, then enter instanced combat zones called Hollows. The open-world elements are limited.
Ananta is a full open world. Nova City is seamlessly explorable — you can drive vehicles, fly, parkour across rooftops, and engage in activities scattered throughout the city. The scope is closer to GTA Online than to ZZZ's more curated zones.
Full Comparison Table
| Aspect | Ananta | Zenless Zone Zero |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Nova City · modern urban | New Eridu · modern urban |
| Developer | Naked Rain (NetEase) | HoYoverse |
| Character unlock | Story progression — free | Gacha / signal search |
| Monetization | Cosmetics only | Gacha + battle pass + shop |
| Combat style | Real-time open-world street combat | Combat zones, dodge-focus |
| Open world | Full open world · drive, fly, explore | Hub city + instanced combat zones |
| Platforms | PC, PS5, iOS, Android | PC, PS5, iOS, Android |
| Social activities | Housing, sports, clubs, heists | Limited social features |
| Release | 1H 2027 (est.) | July 2024 |
Which Game Is Right for You?
ZZZ is a polished, content-rich game with nearly two years of live updates, a strong story, and the HoYoverse production quality its fans expect. If you're already invested in ZZZ and comfortable with its monetization, there's no reason to wait.
Ananta is the stronger choice if you want a true open world, no gacha friction on characters, and a more grounded urban RPG experience. The trade-off is that Ananta has not launched yet — the best external estimate puts it in 1H 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ananta like Zenless Zone Zero?
Both Ananta and Zenless Zone Zero are urban action RPGs, but they differ on monetization, studio, and gameplay systems. Ananta has no character gacha; ZZZ does. Ananta is developed by Naked Rain (NetEase); ZZZ is by HoYoverse.
Does Ananta have gacha like Zenless Zone Zero?
No. Ananta does not have a gacha system. All characters are unlocked through story progression. Zenless Zone Zero uses a gacha/signal search system for character acquisition.
Which came out first: Ananta or Zenless Zone Zero?
Zenless Zone Zero launched in July 2024. Ananta does not yet have an official release date — the latest forecast (JPMorgan, June 2026) estimates the first half of 2027.
Will Ananta compete with Zenless Zone Zero?
Both games target similar audiences — urban action RPG players on mobile and PC. Ananta's no-gacha model is its main differentiator. Whether they directly compete will depend on Ananta's quality at launch.