Two Years Late, Zenless Zone Zero Lands on Steam

Nearly two years after Zenless Zone Zero launched on PS5, mobile, and PC via HoYoverse's own launcher and the Epic Games Store, the action gacha game is finally coming to Steam. HoYoverse confirmed the news during a Version 2.8 livestream, saying the Steam release will arrive sometime in Q2 2026, which means before the end of June. The Steam version will support cross-platform data compatibility, so existing players won't lose progress.

I don't understand why this took so long. Zenless Zone Zero launched in July 2024, and skipping Steam at the time felt like HoYoverse trying to dodge Valve's 30% revenue cut by funneling PC players through their own client and Epic. It's the same strategy they've used with Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, neither of which are on Steam to this day. But ZZZ clearly needed the audience boost, and Steam is where the PC audience lives. Two years of leaving that on the table is a lot of lost momentum.

The announcement came alongside details for Version 2.8, "New: Eridan Sunset," which launches May 6. Two new S-Rank agents headline the update: Promeia, an Ice Anomaly character whose EX Special Attack lets her auto-trigger Perfect Dodges, and Starlight Billy, a Physical Rupture agent riding a combat motorcycle who scales damage off max HP. Both debut in 2.8's banners, with reruns for Lucia and Orphie & Magus.

Version 2.8 also introduces a new Vortex combat mechanic tied to Wind Attribute Anomalies. When certain enemies are hit with Wind, stacking other elemental Anomalies triggers Vortex instead of the standard Disorder effect, dealing AoE damage matching the second element. It's a clear setup for Version 3.0, which was teased during the livestream as a major anniversary update featuring a new sky-based environment with a London-inspired aesthetic.

Whether the Steam launch actually moves the needle for ZZZ depends on timing. The game is approaching its second anniversary with Version 3.0 on the horizon, so new players jumping in from Steam will have a mountain of content waiting. As noted by PCGamesN, neither Genshin Impact nor Honkai: Star Rail has any announced plans for Steam. If ZZZ performs well on Valve's platform, that calculus might change, but HoYoverse has been stubborn about this for years. The Steam page is live now for wishlisting.