As a dedicated Zone Agent navigating the vibrant yet perilous streets of New Eridu, I've learned that true end-game mastery in Zenless Zone Zero extends far beyond the glittering allure of Polychromes. While those premium summons are always on my mind, the strategic accumulation and expenditure of two other key currencies—Z-Merits and Investigation Merits—have become a cornerstone of my daily and weekly routine. These specialized tokens are the gatekeepers to powerful resources, earned by conquering the most demanding challenges the Hollows have to offer. For any player serious about optimizing their squad's strength in 2026, understanding the intricate pathways to acquire and utilize these merits is non-negotiable. They represent not just rewards, but a tangible measure of progression and a direct route to enhancing every Agent, Bangboo, and W-Engine in my roster.
In my experience, Z-Merits are the more specialized of the two, tied directly to the unpredictable depths of Hollow Zero. My primary source for these has consistently been the high-stakes Bounty Commissions. Specifically, to maximize my Z-Merit haul, I focus all my efforts on the S-Rank bounty objectives. This isn't just about clearing a Hollow; it's about meticulously fulfilling a set of additional, often punishing, mission conditions during that run. The difficulty scales wildly based on the specific challenge parameters and my team's current power level, but the payoff is worth the headache. A crucial tip I've adopted is always aiming for a perfect 4/4 completion on those S-Rank bounties, even after I've hit the maximum Investigation Points for the week. Other commissions might offer handy Boopons, but they simply don't yield the coveted Z-Merits. Typically, these challenging tasks require me to tackle Hollow Zero at a heightened difficulty setting, pushing my combat strategies and team synergy to their absolute limits.
Conversely, Investigation Merits feel like a reward for my overall prowess across New Eridu's diverse end-game landscape. I farm these through two main pillars of post-story content:
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Shiyu Defense: This mode is a true test of roster depth. To claim Investigation Merits here, I need to secure an S-Rank clearance on each individual Frontier. The higher Frontiers, particularly from level 7 onward, demand not one, but two exceptionally well-geared and synergistic teams. It's a long-term gearing goal that pays off handsomely in consistent Merit income.
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Notorious Hunt: This is my weekly ritual. Taking down the formidable weekly bosses grants a reliable chunk of Investigation Merits. The principle is simple: higher Challenge Levels equal greater rewards. I always attempt these fights at the maximum difficulty I can reliably clear. Furthermore, completing the optional Challenge Rewards—like finishing under a tight time limit or with a flawless, no-death run—pumps up my Investigation Point (and thus Merit) yield even further. Given that Notorious Hunt consumes zero Battery and offers massive value, I make it a non-negotiable rule to complete all three available runs every week.
Hoarding these merits is pointless; their true value is unlocked through a specific vendor. When I click on the currencies in my inventory, the game directs me to their respective shops: Outpost Logistics (for Z-Merits) and Association Supplies (for Investigation Merits). Both are managed by a single, crucial NPC: Casper. I always find him loitering in the outer sector of Scott Outpost, typically leaning against a container right opposite a makeshift tent. His dual storefronts are my go-to for high-end supplies.
Here’s a breakdown of what I prioritize in each shop:
| Shop | Currency | Key Purchases (My Priority) | Why It's Valuable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Association Supplies | Investigation Merits | Tuning Calibrator Hi-Fi Master Copy, Boopons |
The Master Copy is a top-tier calibration material crucial for min-maxing my best W-Engines. Boopons are always useful for standard purchases. |
| Outpost Logistics | Z-Merits | Master Tape, Boopons, Leveling Materials |
Master Tape is essential for leveling my Agents' skills beyond the baseline. This shop is vital for overall team progression. |
These shops don't have static inventories; they refresh periodically. This system ensures a continuous, rotating supply of the resources I desperately need to empower my Agents, boost my Bangboo companions, and fine-tune my W-Engines. My personal strategy has been to practice disciplined saving. Instead of spending my hard-earned Merits as soon as I get them, I check Casper's stock regularly and only splurge when the most critical items for my current team composition are available. There's nothing worse than wasting Merits on a less-useful item only to see a must-have Master Tape appear in the next refresh cycle. In the ever-evolving meta of 2026, these currencies are my strategic reserve, and spending them wisely is as important as earning them.