Zenless Zone Zero Resource Management: Efficient Use of Master Tapes and Boopons
Smart use of Master Tapes and Boopons is what separates a strong, long-term Zenless Zone Zero account from one that constantly feels starved for pulls. Treat Master Tapes as your main character/W‑Engine tickets, and Boopons as a slow-burn bonus system for Bangboos that you should never rush.
Master Tapes: Standard vs Encrypted
Zenless splits pull tickets into Master Tape (grey) for standard banners and Encrypted Master Tape (colored) for limited character and W‑Engine banners. You can earn Master Tapes from level-cap milestones, commissions, events, Residual Signal exchanges, and some shops, while Encrypted Master Tapes mainly come from premium currencies (Polychrome, Residual/Fading Signals, battle pass, special events).
Because Encrypted Master Tapes are harder to obtain and used for time-limited banners, most guides recommend:
- Save Encrypted Master Tapes strictly for limited S‑Rank rate-up banners (not W‑Engine banners) unless you already own your core DPS weapons.
- Use Master Tapes on the Stable Channel / beginner banners and only after you’ve claimed all free and milestone pulls.
Efficient Master Tape Rules
- Convert Polychrome into Encrypted Master Tape first for limited banners; only buy regular Master Tape with Polychrome if you are happy with your limited roster and want long-term standard pool value.
- Finish the beginner/guaranteed S‑Rank banner before spreading pulls across multiple banners, as it gives a high-value early 5★ for a fixed number of Master Tapes.
- Spend Residual/Fading Signals primarily on Encrypted Master Tapes in the Signal Shop, not on minor items or Battery refills, because these directly advance you toward pity.
Boopons: Free Bangboo Progress Without FOMO
Boopons are a separate, fully F2P currency that only works on the Bangboo Channel to recruit Bangboo companions. Crucially, you cannot buy Boopons with Polychrome or real money, and their banner uses its own pity that guarantees your selected S‑Rank Bangboo when the S‑Rank hits.
You get Boopons from License level rewards, certain level milestones, events, and Bounty Commissions in Hollow Zero. Since Bangboos offer strong but secondary value compared to Agents and W‑Engines, the optimal approach is:
- Always set a Selected S‑Rank Bangboo before pulling, so your eventual S‑Rank guarantee goes to the one you actually want.
- Never feel pressured to “dump” Boopons immediately; their banner and S‑Rank selector are long-term systems with no premium FOMO attached.
Efficient Boopon Rules
- Treat Boopons as a bonus layer: only pull when you have a clear target Bangboo that improves your main team (e.g., one that boosts your element or Energy).
- Don’t chase multiple S‑Rank Bangboos at once; get one core S‑Rank that synergizes with your main DPS team, then park the banner until you’re flush with Boopons again.
Priority Checklist: Where Your Next Pull Should Go
Given how Zenless pity and currencies work, a simple priority order helps you avoid waste.
- Limited S‑Rank Character Banners (Encrypted Master Tape)
- Beginner & Standard Banners (Master Tape)
- Bangboo Banner (Boopons only)
- W‑Engine Banners (Encrypted Master Tape, optional)
By treating Master Tapes as long-term banner fuel, Encrypted Master Tapes as a limited-only resource, and Boopons as a slow but guaranteed Bangboo pipeline, you will extract far more value from Zenless Zone Zero’s gacha system without falling into scattered, low-impact pulls.
