Isn't it the ultimate goal of every Proxy in New Eridu to create the most successful video store possible? In Zenless Zone Zero, the humble video rental shop isn't just a quirky side activity; it's a core progression system that offers daily rewards and deepens your connection to the game's world. Leveling up this store is an essential task, and the primary method involves two key actions: scouring the city for all available videotapes and recruiting a capable team of characters to help run the operation. Whether it's the powerful Agents you fight alongside or the colorful NPCs who linger around Lumina Square, bringing them into your store's fold is a game-changer. But here's the catch—you can't just ask anyone to join. Each potential recruit has their own set of requirements, often tied directly to your Inter-Knot level. So, how does a Proxy build their media empire from the ground up? The journey begins with the hunt for tapes.
Video Store Progression: Tapes by Level
The collection system is neatly organized by your Video Store Level. Think of it as your store's prestige ranking. As you level up, new tapes become available or accessible. It's crucial to keep an eye on both your store level and your Inter-Knot level, as some of the more coveted tapes are locked behind specific story quests or exploration milestones. The hunt is divided into three main tiers, each with its own challenges and rewards.
📼 Level 1 Tapes: The Foundation
This initial set is where every Proxy starts. The tapes here are fairly straightforward to acquire. In fact, most are simply given to you as starter content when you first open your shop doors. The remaining few will naturally fall into your collection as you complete the early chapters of the main story. There's no need for complex puzzles or deep exploration here; just play the game, and these tapes will come to you. It's the game's way of teaching you the collection mechanics without overwhelming you.
Key Sources for Level 1 Tapes:
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🎁 Automatic rewards for opening your store.
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🎬 Progressing through the initial main story missions.
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💬 Completing introductory tutorial quests.
📼 Level 2 Tapes: The Quest Begins
Now, things start to get interesting! Acquiring Level 2 tapes is where the game stops handing you everything and starts asking for a bit of effort. This tier is where your journey as an explorer of New Eridu truly begins. You'll need to venture beyond the basics, completing specific side quests and making meaningful progress through the game's narrative. Some tapes might be tucked away in corners of Lumina Square you haven't visited yet, while others are rewards for helping out the city's residents. This level demands engagement with the world beyond combat.
What Does It Take to Get Level 2 Tapes?
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✅ Completing Character Story Quests (early ones).
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🗺️ Thorough exploration of Lumina Square districts.
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⚡ Advancing your Inter-Knot level to meet new mission requirements.
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❓ Solving environmental puzzles or interacting with specific world objects.
📼 Level 3 Tapes: The Collector's Challenge
Ready for the real grind? The final set of videotapes represents the pinnacle of collection in Zenless Zone Zero. These will take the longest to obtain and are a true test of your dedication. Why is that? Most Level 3 tapes are locked behind high-level character quests, endgame mission chains, and exploration that requires a near-maxed-out Inter-Knot level. You're not just playing the story anymore; you're mastering it. Completing the affinity stories for your favorite Agents or tackling the most difficult challenge stages often yields these rare tapes.
The Path to Level 3 Tapes Involves:
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🏆 Completing specific, high-level character missions (e.g., loyalty or story quests).
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🚀 Reaching significant Inter-Knot level milestones (40+).
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🥇 Concluding major story arcs and post-game content.
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🔍 Exhaustive exploration of all areas, including hidden zones unlocked late in the game.
Building Your Dream Team: Recruitment is Key
Now, let's talk about staffing. What's a great video store without a great crew? As of 2026, the recruitment system in Zenless Zone Zero has expanded, allowing Proxies to enlist both powerful Agents and helpful NPCs. But remember, each character has their own criteria. An NPC might need you to complete their personal quest chain, while an Agent like Billy or Nicole might require you to reach a certain Inter-Knot level or have completed a key story mission involving them. Managing your store's roster effectively can boost your daily income and unlock special interactions.
Your Ultimate Collection Goal
So, what's the final tally? Across all three levels, there are a total of 38 unique videotapes to collect in Zenless Zone Zero. That's a substantial library to build! To get the majority of them, players must adopt the mindset of a true Proxy: be thorough, be curious, and engage with every facet of New Eridu.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Collector in 2026:
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Explore Lumina Square Relentlessly: Talk to everyone, check every alley, and interact with every glowing object. The city is full of secrets.
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Prioritize Character Quests: Don't ignore those yellow exclamation marks over characters' heads. Their stories often lead directly to tape rewards.
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Check Your Store Level Regularly: New tapes unlock at specific store levels. Always know what your next milestone is.
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Balance Progression: Focus on raising your Inter-Knot level, as it is the master key that unlocks higher-level missions, character requirements, and, by extension, rarer tapes.
In the end, building your video store is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a parallel journey to your adventures in the Hollows, reflecting your growth and influence within New Eridu. Every tape you find and every character you recruit adds another layer to your legacy as the city's top Proxy. The question is, are you ready to build the greatest video store the city has ever seen? The tapes are waiting.