In the action RPG Zenless Zone Zero, Thiren and anthropomorphic characters form a distinct visual language that sets the game apart. From Nekomiya Mana, the energetic catgirl of the Cunning Hares, to the cold and composed shark Thiren of Victoria Housekeeping, the game’s character designs captivate players not only through their cute aesthetic but also through a deep integration of biological traits and combat mechanics—together creating a vibrant and believable ecosystem within New Eridu.
Nekomiya Mana: The Cat Thiren
As an S-rank agent of the Cunning Hares, Nekomiya Mana is a textbook example of the cat Thiren. With her dark skin, dual tails, beast ears, and mechanical leg guards, her design draws inspiration from the Japanese folklore creature “Nekomata,” while cyberpunk elements enhance her futuristic appeal. Mana wields dual daggers, and her combat style emphasizes explosive bursts and high mobility. Her evasive counterattack skill “Phantom Claws” allows her to dash behind enemies in an instant, while her ultimate, “Claw Smash,” takes inspiration from feline pounces, dealing wide-area damage with a flurry of claw attacks.
Her personality is also built with deliberate contrast. On the surface, Mana is a cheerful girl who loves mackerel and pulling pranks—but her mission logs hint at past involvement with the mysterious Hollow Raiders and suggest she may even possess forbidden Thiren technologies. This tension between her adorable appearance and underlying danger is central to her charm—players are drawn to her cute, cat-eared moments while also looking forward to the deeper secrets she may reveal as the story unfolds.
Lycaon: The Wolf Thiren
Lycaon is a wolf Thiren character, distinguished by his wolf ears and tail, blending sleek charm with untamed wildness. His design exudes a refined yet primal energy, and his personality mirrors this duality: resilient, courageous, and driven by a strong sense of justice and responsibility, yet also carrying the demeanor of an elegant gentleman. This unique combination is reflected not only in the game itself but also in Lycaon Nendoroid figure, which showcases his softer, more adorable side.
Lycaon brings strength and courage to Zenless Zone Zero’s world, enriching the narrative with depth and presence. His backstory is equally compelling—he’s experienced and battle-hardened, with complex relationships and emotional entanglements with other characters. In combat, Lycaon likely channels the agility and power of a wolf, using rapid movement and precise strikes to keep enemies under relentless pressure. His presence adds greater diversity to the game’s combat system and deepens players’ understanding and appreciation of the wolf Thiren archetype.
The Significance and Impact of Anthropomorphism in Zenless Zone Zero
Enhanced Character Recognition
Anthropomorphic design greatly improves character recognition in Zenless Zone Zero. Each anthropomorphized character features distinct animal traits—such as cat ears, shark fins, or wolf tails—that make them instantly recognizable. In fast-paced combat scenarios, this visual clarity helps players quickly identify a character’s role, abilities, and combat style, allowing for faster tactical decisions and smoother team coordination.
Amplified Character Appeal
Anthropomorphism also boosts the charm and emotional appeal of characters, making them cuter, more engaging, and widely beloved by players. Characters like Nekomiya Mana with her catgirl appearance, Ellen Joe with her shark Thiren traits, and Lycaon as a wolf Thiren leave strong visual impressions. Even the adorable cat featured in Harumasapv has captured players’ hearts. These lovable designs aren’t just visually satisfying—they evoke emotional resonance. Many fans create or collect merchandise, such as the popular Harumasa kitty plush, reflecting players’ desire to connect with and learn more about these characters. This deepens emotional engagement and builds player loyalty.
Expanded Gameplay Diversity
Characters with different animal traits often come with unique skills and combat styles, enriching the game’s mechanics. The agility of cat-type Thirens, the explosive strength of shark-types, and the raw power of wolf-types each introduce new tactical possibilities. Players can craft diverse strategies tailored to each character’s strengths, encouraging experimentation and dynamic team composition. This gameplay variety not only increases enjoyment but also enhances the overall replayability and depth of Zenless Zone Zero.
Fan Creations: From Official Designs to a Cute-style Craze
The anthropomorphic characters in Zenless Zone Zero have sparked a wave of fan creativity. Players have reimagined non-Thiren characters—such as designing Anby as a lop-eared rabbit—or added animal ears to characters like Zhu Yuan (as a fox-type) and Qingyi (as a lop-eared rabbit-type) to enhance their cuteness and relatability.
Through fan fiction, comics, and other creative formats, fans have expanded upon the characters’ backstories with rich, emotionally nuanced details. In these works, players explore their favorite characters’ growth, emotional struggles, and adventures within the world of Zenless Zone Zero. These stories not only fill in narrative gaps left by the game but also make the characters feel more vivid, complex, and real.
The anthropomorphic design of Zenless Zone Zero characters has added new layers of charm and personality, enriching both the game’s worldbuilding and its gameplay experience.
