How to Unlock and Use ZZZ's Signal Search Banners in 2026

Hey, fellow Proxies! If you’re just jumping into Zenless Zone Zero in 2026, you’re probably wondering where those flashy gacha banners are. You know, the ones where you can pull for awesome agents like the latest limited S‑Rank that everyone is talking about. Well, they’re called “Signal Searches” here, and here’s the kicker – they aren’t available right away. I remember when I first started, I was so confused because the whole feature was locked behind a short story intro. Don’t worry! I’ll walk you through exactly how to unlock them, what each banner does, and how to stock up on those precious Master Tapes.

In ZZZ, the gacha system revolves around three types of Signal Searches. Each pulls from a different pool and uses a specific currency. But before you can even see the banners, you have to complete the game’s prologue. HoYoverse has kept this tutorial requirement intact through all the updates up to 2026, so the process is still the same: rescue Anby and Billy from the Hollow, then get introduced to the Inter‑Knot.

After that initial rescue mission, you’ll find yourself on the Inter‑Knot platform. This is where you’ll accept your first commissions. Head over to General Chop’s noodle shop and then to Suzie at the Gadget Store. I remember thinking, “Why am I running errands for a noodle chef and a gadget seller just to unlock the gacha?” but trust me, it’s woven into the story and only takes a few minutes.

Talk to General Chop first to get the details of his job, then go meet Suzie. During that conversation, you’ll uncover that Suzie’s boss is secretly running an underground W‑Engine service. W‑Engines, by the way, are the weapons in this game – they look like round, futuristic gadgets. Suzie, blissfully unaware of her boss’s shady dealings, will happily offer you a free W‑Engine for your help.

Once you’ve finished chatting with Suzie, the game will prompt you to return to your sibling (or the other protagonist) at the video store. That conversation is the magic key. Right after you discuss the two commissions, a notification pops up: Signal Searches have been unlocked! The game even gives you a quick tutorial on how to use them. I was so relieved – finally I could spend those starting currencies I’d been hoarding.

Now that you have access, let’s break down the three types of Signal Searches you’ll see on the banner screen. This setup hasn’t changed since launch, but the featured characters rotate every few weeks. As of 2026, you’ll always find:

• Exclusive Channel (Agent Banner) – A limited‑time banner featuring a rate‑up S‑Rank Agent and a selection of A‑Rank Agents. The current lineup might include the latest Electric‑element attacker everyone is chasing. This banner costs Encrypted Master Tape to pull.

• Exclusive Channel (W‑Engine Banner) – Another limited‑time banner, but focused on an S‑Rank W‑Engine. It also requires Encrypted Master Tape. If you pulled the featured agent, grabbing their signature W‑Engine here can skyrocket their damage output.

• Stable Channel (Permanent Banner) – This one never expires and has a fixed pool of standard Agents and W‑Engines. You use regular Master Tape to pull here. Beginners often snag a solid starting character like Grace or Koleda from this banner.

So, how do you pile up enough Encrypted Master Tapes and Master Tapes to satisfy your pulling itch? Back in the early days, commissions were the main source. In 2026, you still get a steady trickle from completing story and side commissions on the Inter‑Knot, but the economy has expanded nicely. Here are the most reliable ways to farm tapes right now:

• Commissions & Main Story: Every story act and side quest showers you with Polychrome and sometimes direct Tape rewards.

• Time‑Limited Events: HoYoverse runs events almost constantly. For example, the current “Hollow Zero: Shadows of the Past” event gives out a bunch of Encrypted Master Tapes just for participating.

• Battle Pass (New Eridu City Fund): The paid tier is a treasure trove – loads of Tapes and Polychrome, plus other upgrade materials.

• Daily Login & Achievements: Small amounts add up. The daily check‑in at the video store and achievement milestones are always worth claiming.

• Pity System & Starlight Exchange: Every pull gives you Undying Starlight. You can exchange this in the shop for more Tapes, making it easier to snipe that 5‑star you want.

A crucial tip: you can convert 160 Polychrome into either an Encrypted Master Tape or a Master Tape straight from the shop. Polychrome is everywhere – commissions, events, maintenance compensation, battle passes. Whatever you do, avoid spending it on the permanent banner unless you absolutely have to. Limited banners offer better value because they rotate fresh, powerful characters.

One last piece of advice from a day‑one player: always check the current meta before going all‑in on a banner. In 2026, with the Elemental Reaction and anomaly build strategies becoming more refined, certain agents can completely change how your team performs. But honestly, the most important rule is to pull for who you love! The game is generous enough that with consistent play, you’ll eventually bring home your favorite heavy‑hitters.

That’s really all there is to it. To unlock Signal Searches, just finish the prologue, grab those two starter commissions, and have that chat with your sibling. After that, the gacha gates are wide open. Happy pulling, and may your 50/50s always land in your favor!