Spoiler-light practical guide
Zero Parades walkthrough
This walkthrough guides you through Zero Parades' major beats without spoiling story outcomes. The focus is on route efficiency, tool acquisition, recruitment timing, and avoiding dead ends.
Quick Answer
Complete the safe house fully, buy the lockpick, recruit Karolina, acquire all three tools, and save before every major decision. Follow the chapter order below for the smoothest first run.
Spoiler-Light Hint
This walkthrough is modular. Skip ahead to the section you need, but complete each section fully before moving on — missed items and dialogue early on create dead ends later.
Full Guide
Chapter 1: Safe House Investigation
Inspect every object before talking to Constance. Collect the Mysterious Red Disc from the stereo. Check all containers for Sol and starting items. Talk to PSEUDOPOD and note its warnings. Do not leave until you have exhausted all interactions — some early clues unlock mid-game routes.
Chapter 2: First Steps in Portofiro
Follow Hershel's initial guidance. Visit Quisach Roundabout to locate Goat Eyes. Do not buy anything yet — just establish the vendor relationship and note his inventory. This sets up future purchases and trade network access.
Chapter 3: Bootleg Bazaar
This is your first major hub. Introduces the check system, faction dynamics, and Karolina Hayato. Complete all Bazaar interactions before attempting recruitment. Buy the lockpick (30 sol) from Goat Eyes after this visit. Explore every stall and talk to every named NPC.
Chapter 4: Tool Acquisition
Acquire tools in this order: 1) Lockpick from Goat Eyes (30 sol), 2) Prybar from Dr. Gonza's quest in Party Alley, 3) Chain cutters from the Old Docks tower. Each tool opens different barriers. Having all three maximizes route flexibility for the rest of the game.
Chapter 5: Karolina Recruitment
Return to Bootleg Bazaar with context from your exploration. Karolina responds to understanding, not flattery. Save before starting the conversation. If you fail, reload and try different dialogue built from your Bazaar knowledge.
Chapter 6: Gun and Combat Preparation
Decide your gun route: buy from Goat Eyes (100 sol) or craft via Technoflex at Foto 24. The buy route is reliable but expensive. The craft route saves money but requires high Technoflex and thorough Foto 24 exploration. Save before committing to either.
Chapter 7: Faction Navigation
By this point you have met multiple factions. Track who you helped and harmed. Maintain positive standing with Whole Sick Crew for vendor benefits. Do not commit to faction sides until you understand the consequences — some commitments are irreversible.
Chapter 8: Mid-Game Expansion
Revisit all vendors after major story beats — inventory updates. Check for new recruitment opportunities. Continue collecting Wolf Cups if you started that task. Expand your network and gather information before pushing toward late-game areas.
Chapter 9: Ramses Recruitment
Ramses requires more preparation than Karolina. Bring faction context, demonstrated competence, and leverage points. Save before the conversation. His recruitment is a negotiation, not a simple dialogue check.
Chapter 10: Late Game and Endings
Save before entering late-game areas. Create separate branch saves for different route choices. Check your Conditioning and stress state before major scenes. The ending you reach depends on accumulated choices, not just the final decision.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the safe house without inspecting everything.
- Buying consumables before tools.
- Recruiting Karolina without full Bazaar context.
- Committing to faction sides too early.
- Keeping only one save file.
- Ignoring vendor revisits after story beats.
- Attempting the craft gun route without enough Technoflex.
Related Guides
FAQ
Is this walkthrough spoiler-free?
It spoils systems, tool locations, and recruitment conditions. It does not spoil story outcomes, dialogue specifics, or ending details.
Can I skip chapters?
You can jump to the chapter you need help with, but each chapter assumes you completed the previous ones. Skipping early chapters risks missed items and locked routes.
What if I fail a recruitment check?
Reload the save you made before the conversation. Try different dialogue built from your exploration context. Some checks are easier with specific skills or items.
How long is the full game?
Community-reported: 15-25 hours for a thorough first run. Completionist playthroughs take significantly longer.
Should I follow this exactly?
Use it as a framework, not a script. Adapt to your build, your discoveries, and your preferred playstyle. The walkthrough prevents dead ends — it does not dictate choices.
Last updated: May 25, 2026