Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is my favorite game released this year — a gripping spy thriller set in a world of compelling characters and the kind of “under the surface” world-building that immediately catches the eye of people who enjoy the weird and wonderful.
Many will know that ZA/UM was born from creatives playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) together, usually set in Robert Kurvitz's world of Elysium. Although most of ZA/UM's original members left the studio, many under difficult circumstances, the roleplaying spirit lives on in the studio.
An evening at Kulturpalatset is a Free Zero Parades One-Shot
With that in mind, ZA/UM has released a free one-shot for Zero Parades, complete with custom rules, background information, pre-built character sheets, and everything else you need to run the pen-and-paper adventure.
One-shot is a prequel that takes place 30 years before the events of Zero Parades. It takes place in the Palace of Culture, which is abandoned during the events of the game but is still in its heyday in this module.
You play as a security detail for Sweet Nestor – the despot in charge of Portofiro – during his meeting with representatives from the Superblock. Those who have played Zero Parades will be aware of this night, as its events are depicted in flashback sequences while exploring the ruins of the Palace of Culture — “You say Nestor isn't communist enough? Well, I say communism isn't enough Nestor!”
You are tasked with stopping the legendary Opera spy Probable from detonating a bomb and murdering Nestor. The module's pre-built characters each have their own secret disguises, roles and unique challenges. There are also item cards that grant the character they are equipped with certain bonuses.
The module features several NPCs, most of which will be familiar to those who played Zero Parades, including a certain stubborn trade unionist turned tailor.
I adore what ZA/UM has done here; Exploring worlds through alternative media is extremely exciting to me. Playing An Evening at the Palace of Culture with the added context of having played through Zero Parades (like the legendary rumor of Probable) will be a treat.
If you don't feel like playing for yourself, the cast of Zero Parades actually played through this module in a video posted shortly before the game's release.
An Evening at the Palace of Culture is available to download for free from Zero Parade's website.
ZERO PARADES: For Dead Spies
- Released
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May 21, 2026
- ESRB
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Rating is pending
- Developer
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ZA/UM
- Publisher
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ZA/UM
- Number of players
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Single player
- Compatibility with Steam Deck
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Unknown
