Spoiler-light practical guide
Bootleg Bazaar
The Bootleg Bazaar is the safest early area in Zero Parades. It introduces the check system, key characters, and faction dynamics in a controlled environment.
Quick Answer
Visit Bootleg Bazaar after the safe house. Talk to everyone. Learn the check system. Meet Karolina. Collect clues. This is your tutorial zone — do not rush through it.
Spoiler-Light Hint
Use this page as a spoiler-light reference. Save before route-specific choices, and re-check details after major patches.
Full Guide
What Bootleg Bazaar is
The Bootleg Bazaar is an underground market district in Portofiro. It serves as the game's primary tutorial area, introducing checks, characters, and faction dynamics in a relatively safe environment.
Who you will meet
Karolina Hayato — recruitable network contact. Goat Eyes — sells tools and information. Various vendors and informants. Multiple faction representatives observing the area.
What to do there
Talk to every NPC. Learn the check system through low-stakes interactions. Collect clues about factions and routes. Gather early Sol. Practice your build's primary skills.
Why it matters
Bootleg Bazaar sets the tone for the rest of the game. Characters and factions you meet here recur throughout. Karolina recruitment happens here. Early economic decisions shape your mid-game.
Before leaving
Make sure you have: talked to Karolina, checked all vendors, collected available Sol, practiced checks with your primary skills, and saved before any major decisions.
Common Mistakes
- Rushing through Bootleg Bazaar without talking to everyone.
- Ignoring vendors because you have no Sol.
- Not saving before recruitment conversations.
- Leaving before understanding the check system.
Related Guides
FAQ
Is Bootleg Bazaar safe?
Relatively yes. It is designed as the tutorial area with lower-stakes encounters.
Can I return later?
Community-reported: yes, but some encounters and opportunities may change based on story progression.
Should I recruit Karolina here?
Yes, if her recruitment fits your route. See the Karolina Recruitment guide for details.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Disclaimer: This is an unofficial guide. Not affiliated with ZA/UM, Valve, or Steam. Buy and verify current details on the official Steam page.