Monochrome in Zenless Zone Zero: The Premium Currency Powering Your Gacha Journey

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Since its worldwide release, Zenless Zone Zero has quickly captivated players with its dynamic urban fantasy aesthetic, fast‑paced action, and intricate gacha mechanics. Central to maximizing your progress in this vibrant world is an often‑discussed resource: Monochrome. Whether you’re a seasoned Proxy grinding for top agents or a newcomer just learning the ropes, understanding what Monochrome is, how to get it, and how to use it can drastically shape your experience. 

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What Is Monochrome?

In Zenless Zone Zero, Monochrome is the game’s premium paid currency — similar in function to other HoYoverse currencies like Genesis Crystals in Genshin Impact or Oneiric Shards in Honkai: Star Rail. It’s depicted thematically as photographic film that reveals its true value only after development — a fitting metaphor for how this currency unlocks deeper layers of the game’s progression. 

Unlike free currencies earned through missions or daily logins, Monochrome cannot be earned in significant amounts through gameplay alone; instead, it is purchased with real money. This positions it as a resource for players who want to accelerate their growth or ensure they have what they need for big pulls on character banners.

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How to Acquire Monochrome

There are two primary ways players can obtain Monochrome in Zenless Zone Zero:

1. Monochrome Market Purchases

The most direct method is buying Monochrome bundles from the in‑game Monochrome Market, where players spend real money to receive varying denominations of the currency. Each tier offers a specific amount, and most purchases come with a first‑time bonus, often doubling the Monochrome received for that tier on the first purchase. 

This first‑time bonus can be incredibly valuable, especially for players looking to maximize their Monochrome for early or limited‑time banners. However, it only applies once per bundle — a nuance that savvy players track closely.

2. Inter‑Knot Membership

Another avenue is through Inter‑Knot Membership, a subscription‑style offering that grants an immediate Monochrome allotment and additional benefits over time. For example, purchasing this membership gives players an instant batch of Monochromes — often around 300 units — and can also yield daily Polychromes or other perks.

This membership route is often seen as more cost‑effective for regular players who intend to stay engaged with the game long‑term.

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What You Use Monochrome For

Monochrome’s core functionality lies in its conversion potential and premium purchase power:

1. Conversion to Polychrome

The most common use for Monochrome is converting it into Polychrome, another valuable in‑game currency used for gacha pulls and other activities. The exchange rate is simple: 1 Monochrome equals 1 Polychrome, and this is the main way players funnel premium currencies into character summons. 

Polychrome is then spent on Master Tapes and Encrypted Master Tapes — the items required to perform Signal  last war survival top up Searches (the game’s term for gacha pulls). These pulls give players access to new Agents, powerful W‑Engines, and sometimes other rare items. 

2. Exclusive Purchases and Bundles

While Monochrome is most often converted into Polychrome, it also has its own direct uses:

• Premium bundles in the shop, which may contain valuable upgrade materials or resources.

• Limited‑time cosmetic items, including outfits for Agents announced in seasonal updates. Some of these skins require Monochrome for purchase, making it essential if you want a particular cosmetic that isn’t available through regular gameplay.

Unlike Polychrome — which you can earn in small amounts through missions, logins, and achievements — Monochrome is tightly tied to real‑money transactions, marking it as a luxury resource in the Zenless economy.

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Strategy: When (and When Not) to Spend

Monochrome might be tempting to purchase early, especially when limited banners featuring popular characters arrive. But there are some strategic considerations to keep in mind:

• Value of First‑Time Bonuses: Because each Monochrome bundle doubles only once, planning your purchases around banner releases and membership benefits can yield more bang for your buck.

• Conversion Focus: Purely converting Monochrome to Polychrome before spending is often recommended if your goal is pulling for characters rather than buying bundles directly. 

• Event Timing: During major updates and events, Monochrome can help you claim special items or cosmetics, but if your primary aim is roster building, it might be better to wait for a high‑value banner. 

The Bigger Picture in Zenless Zone Zero

At its core, Monochrome represents Zenless Zone Zero’s monetization heartbeat: a premium, purchase‑based currency that bridges the gap between free progression and the fastest paths to elite content. Its role underscores how HoYoverse structures long‑term engagement, giving players choices in how they invest both time and money into their Proxy journey.