The primary goal for Zenless Zone Zero optimization is Ghosting and Input Delay Reduction. The game’s default FX Quality and Global Illumination settings are notorious for creating “trails” behind characters like Billy or Anby during high-speed moves. By fine-tuning the configuration, we can achieve a clean, high-refresh-rate experience that makes the combat feel as responsive as a dedicated fighting game.
Hardware Compatibility & Expectations
- CPU Cache Sensitivity: ZZZ is highly sensitive to CPU single-core speed and L3 cache (like the AMD X3D series). Reducing “Environment Quality” helps alleviate CPU bottlenecks in busy city areas like Sixth Street.
- VRAM Overhead: High-precision character textures require at least 6GB of VRAM. If you experience “stuttering” when switching characters, lowering the FX Quality is the first step.
- SSD Requirement: Due to the Unity engine’s asset streaming, playing on an HDD will cause massive frame drops whenever a new enemy spawns or an Ultimate is triggered.
File & Registry Location
In ZZZ, most permanent graphical flags are stored in the Windows Registry, while temporary cache and session data live in the AppData folder:
- Registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Cognosphere\ZenlessZoneZero - Local Data:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\Low\Cognosphere\ZenlessZoneZero\config.json
Best Config Settings for Smooth Combat
If you are editing the config.json or adjusting the equivalent Registry keys, use the following values for a competitive combat setup:
{
"GraphicsQuality": 4, // Sets base to Custom
"FPSLimit": 0, // 0 = Unlimited (Essential for 144Hz+)
"VSync": false,
"RenderScale": 1.0, // Avoid 1.2 to reduce GPU latency
"AntiAliasing": "TAA", // Best balance; use "Off" for max sharpness
"ShadowQuality": 2, // 2 = Medium (Reduces stuttering)
"FXQuality": 1, // 1 = Very Low (Removes ghosting trails)
"MirrorReflections": 0, // 0 = Off (Provides ~17% FPS boost)
"VolumetricFog": 0, // 0 = Off (Clears up the "haze" in Hollows)
"Bloom": false,
"MotionBlur": false,
"Distortion": false
}Pro Tip: The Mirror Reflections setting is the single most CPU-intensive toggle in the game. Disabling it (
0) provides a massive performance uplift in the city zones without affecting the clarity of the combat arenas.
Key Parameters Explained
| Parameter | Recommended Value | Impact |
| FX Quality | Very Low / 1 | Prevents the “ghosting” artifacts that occur during fast character rotations. |
| FPS Limit | Unlimited / 0 | Unlocks the engine cap to match high-refresh-rate monitors (144Hz-240Hz). |
| Volumetric Fog | Off / 0 | Significantly improves visibility in the dark, foggy environments of the Hollows. |
| Mirror Reflections | Off / 0 | The best fix for FPS drops while exploring Sixth Street or Lumina Square. |
In-Game Graphics Strategy (Combat Precision)
To complement your config tweaks, adjust these in the Options > Graphics menu:
- High-Precision Character Resolution: Set to Global. This ensures your characters stay sharp even if other world details are lowered.
- Color Filter Strength: Set to 0. This removes the “cinematic” tint, providing a more neutral and clear color palette for identifying enemy attack indicators.
- Show Combat DMG: Disable (Optional). If you are on a very low-end CPU, disabling damage numbers can reduce the calculation load during multi-hit combos.
Troubleshooting & Common Fixes
- Micro-Stuttering on AMD GPUs: Ensure “Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling” is Enabled in Windows settings. ZZZ struggles with frame pacing on some RX series cards without this.
- Blurry Textures: If the game looks like “Vaseline,” it’s likely the TAA combined with a low Render Scale. Set Render Scale to 1.0 and consider turning Anti-Aliasing OFF.
- Settings Resetting: After making changes to the
config.json, right-click the file > Properties > Check Read-only to prevent the launcher from reverting your Unlimited FPS tweak.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is “Unlimited FPS” safe to use?
Yes. Unlike older titles, ZZZ’s physics engine is not tied to the frame rate. Unlocking it provides a smoother visual experience without breaking game logic.
Why does FX Quality cause ghosting?
On “High” or “Medium,” the engine uses a temporal stacking method for particle effects. At high speeds, this creates a visual “smear.” Setting it to Very Low uses simpler, more direct sprites that don’t trail.
Does this help with parry timing?
Absolutely. Lowering the overall graphical load and unlocking the FPS reduces the system’s “Total Input Latency,” making the window for perfect dodges and parries feel much wider.
Conclusion and Expected Results
By manually refining your config.json and registry settings, you are stripping away the “visual noise” that hinders top-tier gameplay. You can expect stable 144+ FPS, the removal of distracting motion blur and ghosting, and a combat experience that feels significantly more responsive during intense boss encounters.