What Are Monochrome and Polychrome in ZZZ? Currency Guide for Top Up

Monochrome and Polychrome sound very similar, but they are entirely different currencies. Here are the key differences between Monochromes and Polychromes explained in this Zenless Zone Zero currency guide.

Zenless Zone Zero features multiple currencies, from Dennies and Master Tapes to Monochromes and Polychromes. It can get confusing quickly, especially for new players. And if you have any plan to top up premium currency, it’s important to understand how each one actually works.

Keep reading to learn more about the difference between Monochrome and Polychrome, how Zenless currencies work, and some useful top up tips.

Monochromes vs Polychromes in Zenless Zone Zero

Monochrome and Polychrome are premium currencies in Zenless Zone Zero, serving distinct purposes. Polychromes are earned through gameplay by completing quests, participating in special events, redeeming codes, and clearing permanent endgame modes. Monochromes, on the other hand, are strictly paid currency and can only be obtained with real money.

What Each Currency is For 

Zenless Zone Zero uses several currencies, and each one serves a specific purpose depending on how players interact with the game’s systems. Understanding what each currency is used for helps avoid wasted conversions and ensures smoother progression, especially when planning pulls or top-ups.

Monochromes are the premium paid currency. They are mainly used for direct purchases such as bundles, skins, and other shop items. They can also be converted into Polychromes when needed, but only in one direction.

Polychromes are the core gameplay currency. They are primarily used for pulling characters and W-Engines through banners, making them the most important currency for gacha progression.

When conversion matters

Currency conversion in Zenless Zone Zero only works one way. Monochromes can be converted into Polychromes at a 1:1 ratio, but Polychromes cannot be converted back into Monochromes. 

The difference between Monochromes and Polychromes becomes important once players start spending money on the game. 

Since Monochromes are the paid currency, most purchases begin with them. However, many of the game's premium systems, including banner pulls, are tied to Polychromes. As a result, players will often need to convert their Monochromes into Polychromes before using them on character or W-Engine banners. 

For players who only spend currency on banner pulls, this usually isn't a problem. Since Polychromes are the primary currency used for obtaining characters and W-Engines, converting Monochromes immediately after topping up is a common practice. 

However, it's worth remembering that Monochromes have uses beyond gacha pulls. Certain bundles and cosmetic skins can only be purchased with Monochromes. If all available Monochromes are converted into Polychromes, there is no way to reverse the transaction. In that situation, players who later decide to buy a skin or a premium bundle would need to purchase another Monochrome pack.

What to Verify Before Top Up

Before purchasing Monochromes, take a moment to check what the currency will be used for. Since Monochromes can be converted into Polychromes but not the other way around, planning ahead can prevent unnecessary spending.

Check	Reason
Banner Plans	Convert to Polychromes if pulling for characters or W-Engines.
Skins	Skins often require Monochromes directly.
Bundles	Some bundles offer better value than pulls.
Top-up bonuses	First-time bonuses can increase value.
Currency Balance	Avoid buying more than needed.

Currency relationship table

Want to understand currencies better? Here’s a quick breakdown of how each currency works together

Currency	Source	Use	Conversion Note	Caution
Monochrome	Top-ups and Inter-Knot Membership	Skins, bundles, polychromes/master tapes conversions	Can be converted into Polychromes at a 1:1 ratio	Cannot be recovered after conversion
Polychrome	Quests, events, codes, endgame modes, Monochrome conversion	Character and W-Engine pulls	Cannot be converted into Monochromes	Avoid converting all Monochromes if planning to buy skins

How Monochrome works in ZZZ

Monochrome is the premium paid currency in Zenless Zone Zero.

Currently, there are only two ways to obtain Monochrome. The most straightforward method is by purchasing Monochrome packs directly from the in-game store or through top-up platforms. Alternatively, players can also obtain a small amount through the Inter-Knot Membership. In both cases, real money is required.

Monochromes can be converted into Polychromes or directly exchanged for Master Tapes. They can also be used to purchase bundles from the shop or cosmetic items such as skins.

How Polychrome Works in ZZZ

Polychrome is the primary in-game currency in Zenless Zone Zero. It is mainly used for pulling characters and other gacha-related banners.

Unlike Monochromes, Polychromes are completely free to obtain. Almost every activity in the game rewards Polychromes in varying amounts, including daily commissions, main story quests, events, redemption codes, maintenance compensation, and endgame content.

Players can also obtain up to 2,700 Polychromes every 30 days through the Inter-Knot Membership, making it one of the most consistent ways to accumulate premium currency over time.

Polychrome planning in Zenless Zone Zero is just about timing pulls so nothing gets wasted before a good banner shows up.

Pull Planning

Just focus on a target agent or W-engine, track your pity and save/skip whenever the current banner isn’t your priority. Essentially, only pull when it actually matters. 

Battery / Refresh or Shop Choices

Battery refreshes and shop exchanges can slightly affect progress, but they’re mostly about opportunity cost. Spend only when it helps future Polychrome gains.

Version and Banner Timing

Each version controls the flow of free Polychromes. First and second halves split banner windows, so planning usually means syncing pulls with patch schedules and saving during off-banners.

Buyer Checklist Before ZZZ Top Up

Before making any top up in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), here’s our quick checklist that you can use to help avoid delays, wrong deliveries, or account issues!  

If you’re still looking for a trusted top up site, be sure to visit U7BUY for reliable ZZZ top up! 

UID and Server

Double-check the UID and selected server before placing the order. Even a small typo can send the top up to the wrong account or delay processing.

Current Currency Balance

Take note of the current Polychrome balance first. This makes it easier to confirm if the top up went through correctly once it gets credited in-game.

Product Amount and Order Proof

Confirm the exact purchase amount before checkout. After payment, keep the order receipt or proof handy in case any verification is needed later.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Monochrome and Polychrome might seem like the same currency at first, but they actually have different purposes. One is mainly obtained through top-ups, while the other can be earned for free by playing. Once the difference is clear, it's easier to decide where these valuable currencies are worth spending.

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