Understanding Zenless Zone Zero’s Currency System
Let’s be honest - ZZZ’s currency system isn’t exactly intuitive at first glance. The game runs on a dual-currency setup that can trip up newcomers.
Monochrome is your premium currency - the stuff you buy with real money. Think of it as the VIP pass to everything exclusive. Polychrome, on the other hand, is what you’ll actually spend most of the time. It’s the secondary premium currency you earn through gameplay or convert from Monochrome at a 1:1 ratio. (Pretty straightforward once you get it.)
Here’s what matters for your daily grind: you’ll earn 60 Polychrome daily from Daily Errands. Each Signal Search - that’s gacha pulls for those new to HoYoverse games - costs exactly 160 Polychrome. Doesn’t matter if you’re pulling on limited banners with Encrypted Master Tapes or standard banners with Master Tapes.
But here’s where Monochrome becomes essential. Some premium items like character outfits require direct Monochrome payment. Take Yuzuha’s Tanuki in Broad Daylight outfit - you can’t convert Polychrome for that one. For players seeking convenient top-up options, top up zzz monochrome online through BitTopup provides secure transactions with competitive pricing and instant delivery, supporting multiple payment methods while maintaining account safety standards.
Breaking Down Monochrome Pricing
The pricing structure follows HoYoverse’s standard tiered approach - nothing surprising here if you’ve played Genshin or Star Rail.
Official packages start at $0.99 for 60 Monochrome and scale up: $4.99 gets you 300, $14.99 nets 980, $29.99 brings 1,980, $49.99 delivers 3,280, and the big kahuna - $99.99 for 6,480 Monochrome.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. First-time purchase bonuses double everything. That $0.99 pack? You’re actually getting 120 total Monochrome (60 + 60 bonus). The $99.99 pack becomes an absolute steal at 12,960 total Monochrome (6,480 + 6,480 bonus).
After you’ve burned through those first-time bonuses, standard purchase bonuses kick in permanently. The $99.99 pack remains your best value with 8,080 total Monochrome (6,480 + 1,600 bonus).
Mobile Top-Ups: iOS and Android
Mobile purchases are probably the most straightforward route for most players.
iOS users need iOS 14.0 or later, and everything routes through the Apple App Store. The process is pretty standard: locate your UID by tapping your profile icon and copying that number, access the Monochrome Market in the in-game shop, select your package (don’t forget about those first-time bonuses), complete payment through the App Store, and boom - instant delivery.
Android follows the same steps but through Google Play Store integration. Both platforms support the usual suspects: credit cards, carrier billing, and platform-specific gift cards.
Here’s the catch though - and this is important. Currency purchased on mobile may not transfer to PC or PlayStation versions due to cross-platform limitations. Yeah, it’s annoying, but that’s how these platform agreements work.
PC and Steam: More Payment Flexibility
PC players have it pretty good when it comes to payment options.
If you’re using the official HoYoverse client, you’ll go through their direct payment system. But Steam users? You’ve got access to Steam Wallet integration, which accepts over 100 global payment methods. We’re talking regional banking systems, digital wallets, Steam gift cards - the works.
Steam-specific process: launch through your Steam library, navigate to the in-game Monochrome Market, select your package (Steam displays prices in your regional currency), process through Steam Wallet or linked payment methods, and receive instant delivery.
For maximum convenience and security, buy monochrome for zenless zone zero through BitTopup offers an alternative with 24/7 customer support, instant delivery, and competitive pricing that often matches or beats official rates while supporting additional payment methods.
PlayStation: Console-Specific Considerations
PlayStation 5 users purchase through PlayStation Store integration. Pretty standard console stuff here.
You can use PSN Wallet balance, linked payment cards, or PlayStation gift cards. The process: access ZZZ Shop on PS5, select your Monochrome tier with regional currency pricing, get redirected to PlayStation Store’s secure payment interface, use PSN Wallet funds or linked cards, and receive direct delivery to your ZZZ account.
Fair warning: PlayStation maintains strict cross-platform currency restrictions. Monochrome purchased on PS5 stays locked to PlayStation - you can’t access it on PC or mobile versions.
Payment Methods Breakdown
Let me break this down by platform because the options vary significantly:
iOS: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Apple ID balance, carrier billing in supported regions.
Android: Credit/debit cards with Google Pay, PayPal, Google Play gift cards, carrier billing.
PC/Steam: Direct card processing, PayPal, Steam Wallet (which opens up 100+ global methods), regional banking systems.
PlayStation: PSN Wallet, linked credit/debit cards, PlayStation Store gift cards, PayPal in supported regions.
Third-party services like BitTopup expand your options to include cryptocurrency, regional banking systems, and alternative digital wallets. (Honestly, sometimes these services are more convenient than official channels.)
When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting
Payment failures happen. Here are the usual suspects:
Incorrect account information is the big one. Always copy-paste your UID directly from your in-game profile - don’t try to type it from memory. Server selection must match your registered region. America, Europe, Asia, or HK/TW/MO servers maintain separate databases.
Payment method problems are next. Check for insufficient funds, expired cards, or international transaction blocks. Some banks automatically block gaming transactions - you might need to call and approve them.
Regional mismatches will trigger security blocks. Using a VPN during payment or payment methods from different regions raises red flags.
Network issues can cause duplicate charges or account locks. Maintain a stable connection and resist the urge to repeatedly click purchase buttons when things seem slow.
Staying Safe: Security Guidelines
Stick to official channels when possible: in-game Monochrome Market, official HoYoverse website, and platform stores provide the highest security standards with direct server integration.
Protect your accounts: Enable two-factor authentication on both your game and payment accounts. Monitor your bank statements regularly - it’s basic stuff, but people forget.
Avoiding fraud: Be wary of sites offering suspicious discounts. Legitimate services like BitTopup maintain transparent pricing without sketchy schemes.
Information limits: Legitimate services only need your UID and server information. Never share passwords or personal identification.
Regional Pricing Differences
Monochrome pricing varies significantly across regions, and it’s worth understanding if you’re budget-conscious.
For the 6,480 Monochrome pack: USD $99.99, EUR €99.99, GBP £79.99. The 980 pack runs USD $14.99, EUR €17.99, GBP £14.99.
Based on late 2024 exchange rates, GBP pricing often provided better value. But here’s the thing - exploiting this with VPNs violates terms of service. Plus, international payment methods often carry currency conversion fees that offset any regional pricing advantages anyway.
Smart Spending Strategy
Here’s my recommended purchase priority based on value analysis:
Start with Inter-Knot Membership ($4.99) - delivers 3,000 premium currency over 30 days at roughly $0.27 per gacha attempt. That’s incredible value.
New Eridu City Fund Battle Pass ($9.99) offers about $1.13 per pull value plus materials. Solid investment if you’re playing regularly.
Eridu Welcome Gift ($0.99) provides two pulls plus an A-Rank W-Engine selector. No-brainer purchase.
First-Time Purchase Bonuses across all tiers should be your next priority.
Standard purchases only for emergency needs after that.
Budget reality check: A 90-pull character pity costs 14,400 Polychrome (approximately $222 USD). Guaranteed acquisition can reach 28,800 Polychrome ($444 USD). Plan accordingly.
Pro tip: Avoid using Polychrome for Battery refills costing 50-200 Polychrome. Use the free daily 60-point Coff Cafe refills instead.
FAQ: The Questions Everyone Asks
How much does Monochrome actually cost? Packages range from $0.99 for 60 Monochrome to $99.99 for 6,480 Monochrome. First-time purchases double everything - that $0.99 pack becomes 120 Monochrome, the $99.99 pack delivers 12,960 Monochrome.
What payment methods work for ZZZ top-ups? Depends on your platform. iOS supports Apple Pay and credit cards; Android accepts Google Pay and PayPal; PC/Steam supports 100+ global methods; PlayStation uses PSN Wallet and linked cards. BitTopup expands options to include cryptocurrency and regional systems.
Can I get refunds on Monochrome purchases? Refunds go through your purchase platform: Apple offers 90-day windows, Google Play provides 48-hour automatic refunds, Steam follows Valve policies, PlayStation has limited digital currency refunds.
Is buying Monochrome safe? Yes, when using official channels or verified services like BitTopup. Enable two-factor authentication, avoid suspicious discount services, never share passwords. Legitimate services only need your UID and server information.
What’s the actual difference between Monochrome and Polychrome? Monochrome is purchased with real money, Polychrome is earned through gameplay or converted 1:1 from Monochrome. Both cost 160 per gacha pull, but Monochrome exclusively purchases premium items like character outfits.
My Monochrome purchase failed - now what? Check your UID and server selection first, verify your payment method has funds and isn’t expired, ensure no regional mismatches, maintain stable internet. Contact your bank for international transaction blocks, and avoid VPN usage during purchases.
