Zenless Zone Zero
Guides
An overview of Nicole’s Kit in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), playstyle and a recap of the now infamous nerf to her jiggle physics.
Throughout the Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) betas, Nicole was a fan favorite, and she has remained one of the most popular characters post-release.
Nicole is unlockable immediately in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), and remains one of only two Ether element characters in the starting roster.
Who is Nicole Demara in Zenless Zone Zero?
InZenless Zone Zero(ZZZ), Nicole Demara is the leader of the odd-job agency known as the Cunning Hares, who accept commissions for Hollow-related jobs. Known for her love of money and her cunning nature, Nicole has been one of the most featured characters in promotional materials about the game.
How old is Nicole in ZZZ? (Age, Height, Birthday)
Nicole’s birthday is Nov.11, as for Nicole’s exact age she’s estimated to be between 20-24 years old. She’s the owner of the Cunning Hares odd-job agency which we know has had “many clients”. Business owners typically need to be 18+, and given Cunning Hares have been on the edge of bankruptcy “constantly”, Nicole being 20-24 years old makes sense.
How to unlock Nicole Demara in Zenless Zone Zero?
You will unlock Nicole Demara as a free character after completing the opening mission of Zenless Zone Zero.
Nicole’s infamous nerf during the ZZZ betas
Nerfing characters in a beta is common, but for Nicole her nerf came in the form of changes to her “jiggle physics” and her appearance. Zenless Zone Zero is a 16+ age rated game, compared to HoYoverse’s previous titles Genshin Impact and Honkai Star Rail which are both 12+. The 16+ age rating of Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ) allows the developer to be a bit more risqué with their characters in Zenless Zone Zero.
Nicole jiggle physics changed, community cried censorship
That said the original design for Nicole during the beta was still deemed a little “too” sexy and the now famous “Nicole nerf” took place. In November 2023, developer MiHoYo noticeably turned down the jiggle physics of her body and reduced the size of her chest, leading to outcries on Reddit.
The “Nicole nerf” also adjusted her outfit to show slightly less skin, with her cleavage covered up more, as well as the top of her legs. The changes were quickly picked up on by the players in the beta test, with many calling out the censorship, while others realizing it might have not been their choice.
ShiftUp has responded to the fan outrage.
Matthew “MJP” Pryor
The scenario is not too dissimilar to the censorship changes to EVE in Shift Up’s PlayStation 5 title Stellar Blade, where certain outfits were made less revealing in a day 1 patch to the game. TheStellar Blade censorshipbecame a huge trend on Twitter, with the developer ultimately introducing recolors of the original outfits as a hidden reward in a later update.
The “nerfs” to Nicole have not stopped Nicole’s outfit becoming popular with cosplayers interested in Zenless Zone Zero. Nicole remains the most recognisable ZZZ character outside ofEllen Joeand new additionsJane DoeandBurnice.
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Nicole’s Kit, Skills and playstyle in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ)
Nicole’s weapon is a massive Sledgehammer which she can swing to deal AOE damage around her. Nicole also has multiple abilities (EX Special Attack, Chain Attack or Ultimate) that all create Ether black holes that pull enemies towards the centre, setting her up perfectly to take a big swing - or for her allies to pile on.
Nicole is a support character that is great at crowd control, and let’s be honest pretty kickass. She can also apply a debuff that reduces an enemy’s DEF by 20% for 2 seconds if they were hit by either her Enhanced Bullets or Energy Fields.
Basic Attacks
Dodge
Zenless Zone Zero introduces dodge mechanics that rewards players who perform Dodges or Perfect Dodges.
Nicole’s Special Attacks
After both of her Special Attacks, Nicole automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times.
Nicole’s Chain Attack & Ultimate
After her Chain Attacks, Nicole automatically reloads after the attack to enhance Basic Attack and Dash Attack up to 8 times. Nicole is invulnerable during both her Chain Attack and Ultimate.
Core Skills
Talents
Nicole will be playable in version 1.0 of Zenless Zone Zero which launches on June 12, 2025.
