Hello all i'm wondering if it is allowed to utilize the Z-shop before starting the run as well as customizing the fighters before the run? It would still be started on a new file as stated by the rules but before selecting dragon adventure which is where the timer starts. any feedback would be appreciated.

I'm not exactly the biggest authority on this game anymore, but even so I would rule that anything that affects the run needs to be done after timer start.

During the Any% and AllStories% run you must start from a fresh file. Only during NG+% run you can have pre-made fighters.