Executing a Perfect Dodge in Zenless Zone Zero is a fundamental mechanic you need to master if you want to play and progress in this game.
The action RPG (ARPG) is HoYoverse’s 2024 release title that succeeds two of their biggest hits, open-world RPG Genshin Impact and turn-based RPG Honkai Star Rail.
Because it’s a completely different genre — and poignantly, has a completely different art style and feel — you will need to pick up a new set of skills while leaving all preconceptions behind.
What is a Perfect Dodge in Zenless Zone Zero?
Here’s the official description in-game:
When your character is about to be attacked, press the dodge button to launch a Perfect Dodge and become Invulnerable for a short period.
When you trigger a Perfect Dodge, immediately press basic attack to launch a Dodge Counter. Character is invulnerable while using this skill.
Typically, Dodge Counter deals high damage and effectively interrupts the target’s action.
Easiest way to understand and execute Perfect Dodge
Let’s break it down into simple terms.
| ONE ESPORTS TL;DR ON EXECUTING PERFECT DODGE | WHAT ZZZ PLAYERS SHOULD DO AND TAKE NOTE OF |
| 1. This might seem obvious, but in order to execute a dodge, you’ll need to wait for the enemy to attack you. | Look out for the orange flash! It displays in a cross for a split second across your screen. It’s a visual cue during animation telling you to react. |
2. Once you see the orange flash, click the dodge button. | You can only click the dodge button twice before it goes into a quick cooldown, so no, you can’t spam. |
| 3. When you successfully dodge, your character and screen turns grey. During this period, your character is invulnerable. | You can’t control the direction of dodge. If you hold down directional keys (WASD), it’s a sprint. The only way to dodge is to press the button in isolation. Your character will dodge backwards. |
| 4. After dodging you have two options to counter attack a. Dodge + Basic Attack b. Dodge + EX Special Attack | Successfully executing (a) and (b) is called a Dodge Counter. You deal extra damage to the enemy, interrupt them, and add to their stagger bar. Note that while you can dodge then cast your Ultimate, there’s no point in doing so. Just casting it is enough to bring you into its animation and execution. It’s not a dodge. |
There is a second way to trigger a Perfect Dodge, but it’s conditional: when the enemy unleashes a red flash.
The red flash appears when you’ve used up all your Assist Points or when off-field characters’ Perfect Assist types do not meet trigger requirements. See the icon attached to your space bar? That’s your Assist Point count.
| SPACE BAR IN ZENLESS ZONE ZERO | ASSIST |
 | Each bar around the circle indicates the number of Assist Points you have. As you use them, the bars turn grey. |
In the screenshot above, it’s greyed out. I have none. I’ve used them all up in a chain of assist attacks prior.
So just before Anton is struck, I click the dodge button to switch to Lyaon, which then counts as a Perfect Dodge. Hurray!
Remember, ZZZ is an ARPG, it’s all about chaining attacks and combos. Once you get this basic dodging skill down, you can then lengthen your range of attacks and call in other characters in your party for assists and more.
Where to practice perfect dodge in Zenless Zone Zero
You’ll unlock the VR Device as you progress through the story, found in Random Play, your video store and home base in New Eridu located at Sixth Street.
Click once to interact, which will take you to this menu. There’s free training and targeted training. Complete targeted training under “Agent Academy” to practice mechanics.
