Spoiler-light practical guide
Zero Parades Z Rank: How to Get the Best Ending
The Z Rank is Zero Parades' highest final ranking — the epilogue rates your run on a reverse-alphabetical scale (Z, Y, X, W) where Z is the top grade. Reaching it requires a specific, bleaker route: you trade a companion, kill the real mastermind, and end the game with a red-disc gambit rather than a firefight.
Quick Answer
To get Z Rank: 1) trade Ultra Violetta to Kaleidoscope for Dante, 2) kill Dante (the real Grand Lich), 3) obtain the Reconstructed Red Disc from Bagman's Hideout, 4) play the Red Disc on the final tram so everyone falls into a stupor. Bring Kaleidoscope as Cupbearer and Holocene (or Radian) as Astronomist.
Spoiler-Light Hint
Z Rank is not the morally good ending — it is the highest-rated spy outcome. If you want a clean route, see the Good Ending guide instead.
Full Guide
Z Rank and the ranking scale
The epilogue scores your run on a reverse-alphabetical scale (Z, Y, X, W). Z is the highest grade. It reflects how you handled the real target and how subtle your finale was.
Key decisions that gate Z Rank
Four requirements: trade Ultra Violetta for Dante, kill Dante, obtain the Reconstructed Red Disc, and play it on the final tram. Missing any one drops you to Y, X, or W.
Step 1 - Trade for Dante
Complete 'Make A Deal With Transnational Capital' by handing Ultra Violetta to Kaleidoscope in exchange for Dante. Helping UV escape instead locks you out of Z Rank.
Step 2 - Kill the real target
Kill Dante during the interaction. At the end, Dante is revealed as the real Grand Lich (Facundo Reyes) — the person at the War Shrine is a body double.
Step 3 - Reconstructed Red Disc
Let the Metal Stripper steal the Red Disc in the Rocket Silo, then go to Bagman's Hideout. Force Bagman to hand over the Reconstructed Red Disc (Statehood check) or take it after killing him. Willingly trading it locks you out.
Step 4 - Final tram gambit
Instead of fighting, tell your Cupbearer to play the Red Disc. Everyone on the tram falls into a vegetative state except Cascade. If Kaleidoscope is Cupbearer, his headphones protect you; with Yo-Yo, pass a Technoflex or Coordination check.
Squad picks for the Z path
Cupbearer: Kaleidoscope (headphones save you). Astronomist: Holocene always survives; Kindred survives only if Radian sacrifices himself. Fool: always dies on the Red Disc path — pick Radian to keep Kindred alive.
Is Z Rank the best ending?
Z is the highest rank, but one of the bleaker outcomes. You trade a companion, kill Dante, and neutralize everyone on the tram. If you want a morally clean route, aim for the Good Ending guide instead.
Common Mistakes
- Helping Ultra Violetta escape and losing Z Rank access.
- Killing the body double at the War Shrine instead of the real Dante.
- Trading the Red Disc willingly to Bagman instead of forcing him.
- Fighting through the finale instead of playing the Red Disc.
- Bringing the wrong squad so someone dies on the tram.
Related Guides
FAQ
Is Z Rank the best ending in Zero Parades?
Z is the highest final rank, but it is a bleaker route. It requires trading a companion, killing the real Dante, and stunning everyone on the tram. The Good Ending guide covers a cleaner route.
How do I get Z Rank?
Trade Ultra Violetta for Dante, kill Dante, obtain the Reconstructed Red Disc from Bagman, and play it on the final tram instead of fighting.
Can I help Ultra Violetta escape and still get Z Rank?
No. Helping UV escape locks you out of Z Rank. You must trade her to Kaleidoscope for Dante.
What do the ranks Z, Y, X, W mean?
They are the four epilogue grades on a reverse-alphabetical scale. Z is the highest and W the lowest. Lower ranks come from fighting the finale or missing key steps.
Which squad members survive the Red Disc?
Kaleidoscope's headphones save Cascade. Holocene always survives. Kindred survives only with Radian (who sacrifices himself). The Fool always dies on the Red Disc path.
Last updated: July 9, 2026