Zenless Zone Zero: How to Get Encrypted Master Tapes

Looking for how to get Encrypted Master Tapes in Zenless Zone Zero? Encrypted Master Tapes are the most important gacha currency in HoYoverse's urban fantasy RPG, as they can be spent on Exclusive Channel Signal Searches and W-Engine Signal Searches. In short, this is the currency required to pull on time-limited banners. On this page, as part of our Zenless Zone Zero guide, we're going to explain how to get Encrypted Master Tapes.

What Are Encrypted Master Tapes in Zenless Zone Zero?

• Encrypted Master Tapes operate similarly to Intertwined Fates in Genshin Impact and Star Rail Special Passes in Honkai: Star Rail

Encrypted Master Tapes are the primary gacha currency in Zenless Zone Zero, as they're the resource used to pull on time-limited characters. It's important they're not confused with Master Tapes, as despite the similar name, the latter can only be used on the standard banner, or Stable Channel.

What Do Encrypted Master Tapes Do in Zenless Zone Zero?

Encrypted Master Tapes can be used to pull on the following channels:

• Exclusive Channel for time-limited S-Rank Characters
• W-Engine Channel for time-limited S-Rank W-Engines

A pull is also known as a Signal Search in Zenless Zone Zero. It costs one Encrypted Master Tape to perform one Signal Search. Each Signal Search will return one random item, according to the rates available when pressing R3.

The contents of both the Exclusive Channel and W-Engine Channel will refresh approximately every three weeks. In almost all cases, the available S-Rank Characters and S-Rank W-Engines will match, and are intended to be used together.

How Do You Get Encrypted Master Tapes in Zenless Zone Zero?

Encrypted Master Tapes can be purchased from the Signal Shop with the following currencies:

• Polychrome
• Residual Signal
• Fading Signal

The main way to purchase Encrypted Master Tapes is with Polychrome, and you can learn How to Get Polychrome through the link. It's also possible to use Residual Signal and Fading Signal, both of which are awarded for making pulls. The latter, however, is limited to 5 Encrypted Master Tapes per month.

It's rare for Encrypted Master Tapes to be awarded through gameplay or as event rewards; you'll usually earn Master Tapes as part of your gameplay progress. However, HoYoverse will occasionally run login events that reward you with up to ten free Encrypted Master Tapes if you login seven days over the course of an update.

One other way to get Encrypted Master Tapes is with the New Eridu City Fund, or battle pass. It's possible to earn a total of 5 Encrypted Master Tapes per update by reaching Level 50 here, although you will have to pay for the Growth Plan to claim them as rewards.

How Much Do Encrypted Master Tapes Cost in Zenless Zone Zero?

Encrypted Master Tapes command the following costs in the Signal Shop:

• Polychrome: 160
• Residual Signal: 20
• Fading Signal: 90

What's the Difference Between Encrypted Master Tapes and Master Tapes in Zenless Zone Zero?

Encrypted Master Tapes can be used on the following Signal Searches:

• Exclusive Channel for time-limited S-Rank Characters
• W-Engine Channel for time-limited S-Rank W-Engines

Master Tapes can be used on the following Signal Searches:

• Stable Channel for permanent S-Rank Characters

In all instances, we'd highly recommend you spend your Polychrome and Residual Signal on Encrypted Master Tapes only. As there's a limit of five per month, it's okay to spend your Fading Signal on both Encrypted Master Tapes and Master Tapes.

Did you find this page on how to get Encrypted Master Tapes in Zenless Zone Zero helpful? Take a look at our Zenless Zone Zero guide for more information, and let us know which characters you'll be spending your Encrypted Master Tapes on in the comments section below.