ZZZ vs Genshin Impact vs HSR: Which HoYoverse Game to Start?

Jessica Turner

Jun 23, 2026

For those who have checked out the HoYoverse game line-up and still haven't decided, you are surely not the only one. Zenless Zone Zero, Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, these games are currently the top Hoyo Games as of now. Visually, they all rely on anime style graphics, mainly through character collections and live-service content; Though, their combat, pacing, and exploration elements are very different from one another.

This breakdown is going to help you decide which game suits you. Additionally, if you want a head start to unlocking characters in these games, visit LootBar to get the best deals for your top-up purchases.

Genshin Impact

An open world action role-playing game featuring an elemental combat system that focuses on exploration.

In this game, you play as the Traveler, a sibling who journeys from one dimension to another and is looking for the lost twin, discovering the big world of Teyvat. Each nation is different from each other like the Japanese-themed Inazuma and the desert regions of Sumeru, as you discover astonishing new things.

The game's combat revolves around elemental reactions. Combining Pyro with Hydro creates Vaporize, Cryo with Electro creates Superconduct, and so on. Mastering these reactions is what separates casual players from those who can take on endgame content. The game is generous for free-to-play players early on, offering a wide roster through the Adventurer's Handbook and story progression.

The downside? Genshin is a slow burn. The stamina is time gated while the exploration and the system that limits daily resin means that progressing is slowed down into a matter of maybe weeks or months instead of days. If you want to be rewarded all the time during very brief play sessions, then this might even bother you. But if you enjoy exploring around, sight-seeing, and being immersed in the world of Teyvat, then Genshin Impact is game you’ll enjoy.

Suited for: players that prefer open-world exploration, elemental strategy, and epic fantasy stories.

Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based RPG game where characters have determined Paths or also known as their class & element that determines their roles: a single-target DPS, an AOE damage dealer, healer, shield or tanker, and finally a support.

The game follows the Astral Express crew as they hop between planets and dimensions, and the writing quality here is like a JRPG-style storytelling with surprisingly self-aware humor.

Honkai: Star Rail features smaller zones and dense story content, along with multiple battle modes. It’s not an open-world game which actually benefits the developers and carefully creates every zone in a way that the player is guided towards the story elements and battles. Those who enjoyed traditional turn-based RPGs such as Persona or Final Fantasy in the past are going to really like and enjoy the immediate gameplay here.

For the ones who crave a tougher gameplay experience on top of the main story, the Simulated Universe mode introduces a nice roguelike element. And in games like Genshin or ZZZ that requires you to constantly dodge, this game is where you think and plan your moves ahead that is also beneficial for mobile players.

Suited for: Players who are very much focused into the main story, fans of turn-based RPGs, and would like to have a quiet and laid-back combat experience.

Zenless Zone Zero

ZZZ is an action game built around room-based combat inside Hollows, emphasizing timing, dodges, and combos. You play as a Proxy operating a video rental store in New Eridu where the last surviving city in a post-apocalyptic world is overrun by mysterious portals called Hollows.

Combat in Zenless is where the game shines. Each team consists of three agents, and you swap between them on the fly to chain combos, trigger assist attacks, and build up Disorder damage. The dodge mechanics based on timing and the great feeling when you hit a target make it more like a real action game, unlike a standard game title that might feel janky.

While Genshin features an open world with lots of hidden secrets, the world design in ZZZ is more linear with the dungeons having a roguelike twist. This tradeoff is quite beneficial for ZZZ if you are a fan of concentrated, intense fighting scenes rather than the open-ended exploration.

In terms of live service momentum, ZZZ is arguably the most exciting Hoyo game to start right now. The 3.0 update was released on June 17, 2026 that features the new character Pyrois: Wind attribute, and a new area called Roscaelifer.

The game was recently released on Steam this June 2026 during Q2, and outsells its older sibling games on the platform. Although Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail have yet to appear on Steam.The Patch 2.7 brought plenty of catch-up rewards for new players, and the improved tutorial makes the early game very accessible.

Suited for: Players who love action games and want stylish, skillful combat as well as a novel urban fantasy environment.

Which Game Should You Play?

Based on these three Hoyo games, you’ll be deciding base on factors like: how enjoyable is the game for you?

Want a chill game while exploring the open world? Genshin Impact is your game.

Want a game that involves reclining, strategizing, and immersing in a compelling sci-fi narrative? then Honkai: Star Rail is the better choice for you.

Finally, if you want getting the most action-packed and exciting content with the newest content delivery, then go for Zenless Zone Zero.

All three games are free to play and available on both PC and mobile, so there's no excuse not to try them. New players in any of these games can stretch their free currency surprisingly far if they're patient, but when you're ready to pull for those must-have characters, planning your top-ups wisely matters.

For ZZZ players specifically, you can find discounted Polychrome and Monochrome through LootBar, that supports fast delivery and competitive pricing compared to standard in-game top-ups. Those looking for Zenless Zero top-up page can specifically do so here.

Conclusion

All three games are exceptional in their own right, and the best one is simply to play that matches how your style. No matter which one you decide on, the Hoyo community is friendly to newbies. Dive right in, pick your heroes, and keep in mind to be wise with your money-related decisions.