Hacking System
Breach organizations to gain intel, disrupt opponents, and secure resources.
Introduction
The Hacking System in Upload Labs is a dynamic mechanism used to gain Hack Experience Points, which are converted into skill points for upgrading the hacker and unlocking global perks that boost overall system performance and currency gains. The process involves setting up a payload chain, targeting remote services (like Anonymous), and carefully managing the threat level to ensure successful breaches.
Core Components and Setup
The Hacking System utilizes several specialized nodes, typically grouped together for organization:
| Component | Function | Requirements/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hacker Node | The central node that generates power and builds the payload. | Requires Hacker Experience Points to be routed back to the node for leveling. |
| Payload Node | Stores the generated breach payload. | Works in tandem with the Payload Launcher. |
| Payload Launcher | Launches the payload against the chosen target. | Connects the Payload to the target (e.g., Anonymous). |
| Target Node | The service or entity being breached (e.g., Anonymous, Government). | Different targets offer different rewards and challenges. |
Initial Setup Flow A basic hacking setup connects the Hacker Node to the Payload Launcher, which then connects to a Target Node (like Anonymous). Crucially, the experience points generated from the successful breach must loop back and route into the Hacker Node itself for the hacker to level up.
Mechanics of Breaching
Hacking relies on Hacker Power to overcome a target's defenses (Firewall and Breach) within a time limit.
Hacker Power and Payload Damage
The Hacker's power rating (e.g., 30 power) determines the payload damage (e.g., 30 per second). To successfully breach a target, the payload damage must overcome the target's total defense rating (Firewall + Breach) before the time limit expires.
Threat Level Management
Players can increase the difficulty, or Threat Level, of the breach to gain more points per successful tick.
- Success Indicator: A successful breach is indicated by the target flashing green. This means the breach was successful before the time ran out, and the hacker gains experience points.
- Failure Indicator: If the breach fails (e.g., by increasing the threat too high, such as 288), the target flashes red, and no experience points are gained.
Players must carefully monitor and adjust the Threat Level to maximize experience gain while ensuring the breach remains successful (flashing green).
Hacking Progression and Upgrades
Hacking unlocks two main paths for progression: Hacker Skill Points (pertaining to the Hacker Node itself) and Application Points (global system upgrades).
Hacker Skill Points
Every time the Hacker levels up, a skill point is earned. These points can be spent on various attributes to improve the hacking process:
| Upgrade | Effect | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Payload Damage | Increases the damage dealt by the payload. | Varies |
| Breach Speed | Increases the speed of the breach (e.g., by 4%). | Varies |
| Breach Time Limit | Increases the maximum time available to complete the breach (e.g., by 1 second). | Varies |
| Breach Rewards | Increases the rewards gained from successful breaches (e.g., by 100%). | Varies |
| Infection Damage | Increases damage for infections (by 100%) and reduces payload by 40%. | Varies |
Application Points (Hacking Rewards)
Successful hacking also generates a specific type of resource (represented by a pi graph icon) called Application Points. These points are used in the main upgrades menu to purchase global enhancements that benefit the entire lab:
- Insider Trading: Increases money gains globally (e.g., by 20%).
- Blackmail: Reduces prices globally (e.g., by 5%).
Research Unlocks Related to Hacking
To access more lucrative or advanced targets, specific research must be completed.
| Research | Cost (Science) | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Corporation Breaching | 25,000 | Unlocks the ability to hack corporate entities. |
| Government Breaching | 50,000 (requires 400,000 science in queue per observation) | Unlocks the ability to hack the government and obtain files. |
| Hack Skills Node | Varies | Unlocks a node that increases the maximum amount of hacking skills by one. |
Hacking Targets and Related Activities
Standard Targets (Nodes)
Initial targets include Anonymous. More advanced targets like Government Breaching are unlocked through science research.
Bank Breaching (Event)
Bank breaching is a feature that unlocks under the hacking section. Periodically, a little bank symbol (and a sound) will pop up on the screen. The user must click the symbol, drag it to the Hacker Node, and launch a payload against it. A successful breach yields standard tokens.
Infection System
The system supports the use of infections. Infection Damage can be increased via Hacker upgrades. Infection payloads can be launched.
