What Are Proxies in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)? [2026 Guide]

Q: What Are Proxies in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)? [2026 Guide]

In the context of the video game *Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)* by HoYoverse, a **Proxy** is not a web server or a tool for hiding your IP address. Instead, a Proxy is a specific narrative profession and gameplay role played by the main characters— siblings Phaethon (controlled by the player). Proxies act as specialized guides who navigate the "Hollows"—supernatural disasters that have engulfed the planet. Unlike standard fighters, Proxies have the unique ability to access the "Hollow Network" and gu

Question

Proxy Basics

What Are Proxies in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)? [2026 Guide]

6 min read

Updated January 5, 2026

Share:

Accepted Answer

Introduction: Defining the Proxy in New Eridu

If you landed on this page while searching for residential rotating proxies for web scraping, you are in the wrong place. This article explores the narrative and mechanical functionality of Proxies in the popular action RPG *Zenless Zone Zero* (ZZZ).

In ZZZ, the world has been ravaged by mysterious supernatural disasters known as "Hollows." These are unstable dimensions filled with monsters called "Ethel" that overlap with reality. To navigate these chaotic spaces, humanity relies on a specific group of individuals known as Proxies. As a senior expert in network infrastructure (and a gamer), I find the game's use of the term "Proxy" fascinating. While a network proxy forwards client requests to a server, a Proxy in ZZZ forwards *clients* through the Hollow network to safety.

---

The Narrative Role: What Does a Proxy Do?

In the lore of New Eridu, the last surviving city, Proxies are indispensable. The Hollows are unpredictable; their internal layouts shift constantly. Regular exploration is suicide. This is where the Proxy comes in.

1. The Guide

Think of the Proxy as a living, breathing GPS for a dimension that defies physics. Proxies possess the unique ability to sense the "frequency" of the Hollow, allowing them to chart safe paths through the chaos. They accept commissions from various factions—who need resources retrieved from inside the Hollows—and guide them to their destination.

2. The Phaethon Siblings

In the game, you play as the "Phaethon," a legendary duo of siblings (one male, one female—though you choose who appears on screen). You run a video rental store called "Random Play" as a front, but your real job is operating as an elite Proxy. The sibling on the "backstage" (the one not currently in the field) manages the tactical data, effectively acting as the network administrator for the mission.

---

Gameplay Mechanics: How the Player Acts as Proxy

From a game design perspective, the "Proxy" serves as the bridge between the player and the game world. Here is how the role translates to mechanics:

The Inter-Knot (Social Network)

Proxies are not solitary operators; they rely on the Inter-Knot, a deep-web style network used to communicate with clients. In the game menu, you (as the Proxy) browse this network to accept Commission Orders.

Proxy Level: This is effectively your account level. As you complete commissions, your reputation grows, increasing your Proxy Level.
Trust: As you work with clients, your "Trust" with them increases, unlocking rewards and story details.

Dispatch and Television Mode

Unlike typical RPGs where the "hero" does the fighting, ZZZ separates the *Proxy* from the *Agents*.

1. Exploration (TV Mode): You explore the Hollow using a "Bangboo" navigation interface. This represents the Proxy's remote guidance. 2. Combat: When battle begins, you switch control to your team of Agents (e.g., Ellen Joe, Zhu Yuan, Lycaon). You are not fighting *as* the Proxy (usually); you are fighting on their behalf.

Comparison: Gaming Proxies vs. Web Proxies

To clear up any confusion for the tech-savvy readers visiting ProxyFAQs.com, here is a technical comparison between the two definitions:

---

The Legendary Proxy Status

As you progress through the story, you will encounter terms like Senior Proxy and Legendary Proxy.

Senior Proxy: An experienced operative who has survived countless Hollow expeditions. The main characters (Phaethon) eventually gain this reputation.
Legendary Proxy: A title of myth. In the game's lore, there are rumors of Proxies who can perform miracles or control the flow of the Hollow itself—a "Level" of skill that most consider impossible.

Why the Term Fits (A Technical Analogy)

As an expert in real-world proxies, I appreciate the naming convention. In a computer network, a Proxy Server sits between a client (like your laptop) and the destination (the website). It intercepts traffic, analyzes it, and decides where to send it.

In *Zenless Zone Zero*, the character stands between the Client (the NPC giving the quest) and the Destination (the objective deep in the Hollow). The Proxy intercepts the "chaos" of the Hollow, filters out the danger (monsters), and ensures the "request" (the delivery) is fulfilled. It is a perfect metaphorical adaptation of networking terminology into a fantasy setting.

Conclusion

In summary, in *Zenless Zone Zero*, a Proxy is a specialized guide and logistician who navigates the dangerous dimensional spaces known as Hollows. If you are looking for information on how to setup a rotating proxy for Python scraping, please check our other guides. But if you are looking to understand the best way to build your reputation as Phaethon, focus on completing your daily commissions and keeping your Agents fully W-Engine equipped.