Shadowrun 5e Matrix Cracking


Gamer Life General Discussion


Can someone explain how my character uses a Deck to find, read, and then replace a file in a bad guy's host? Also, does my PC actually have to dive into the Matrix, or is doing so only one of my options for finding files in the game of Shadowrun?


Eek. 5e. See, I never got past the ridiculous character generation in that edition to get to the point of examining the further rules. Sorry, can't help, aside to suggest stepping back to 4e...


Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Sorry, can't help, aside to suggest stepping back to 4e...

How did 4e have you do it?


Well, unless you're right in front of an access point to the system you're invading (i.e., having infiltrated to somebody's office and accessing through their keyboard) you do need to be "in the Matrix," whether via cold or hot sim.

Once in the appropriate node (which may take a bit of exploration to find) A Data Search check should identify the file in question; reading it just takes the time to do so -- you didn't specify whether to simply peruse the file or to make a copy, but either way shouldn't take terribly long (unless it's the War & Peace of datafiles, in which case copying it for later reading is probably your best bet).

If you're replacing it unaltered, no problem; if you want to change the file, that's an Edit (or Corrupt) action.

Now, how easy all of this is depends largely upon the level of infiltration into system security you've managed; i.e., the Exploit program lets you hack access to the node -- if you have the chops, you can get a Security-level access, or even an Admin-level (though those are increasingly-difficult to do, relative to a simple User-level access. Worth the effort, though, if you're spending much time in a hostile node).

Hope that's some help; I know it's a terrible simplification, but after all, they dedicate an entire chapter in the Core book to Matrix activities, and it has an entire supplement (Unwired) as well...


It may be informative to read each Matrix Combat Action.

Brute Force
Crack File
Crash Program
Data Spike
Erase Mark
Erase Matrix Signature
Jam Signals
Change Icon
Control Device
Edit File
Enter/Exit Host

Grid Hop
Invite Mark
Jump Into Rigged Device
Matrix Perception
Matrix Search
Reboot Device
Send Message
Switch Interface Mode
Trace Icon
Check Overwatch Score
Control Device
Format Device
Hack on the Fly

Hide
Complex
Set Data Bomb
Snoop
Spoof Command
Disarm Data Bomb
Jack Out
Full Matrix Defense


Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Well, unless you're right in front of an access point to the system you're invading (i.e., having infiltrated to somebody's office and accessing through their keyboard) you do need to be "in the Matrix," whether via cold or hot sim.

False. AR hacking has the same signal range rules as VR hacking.

TJH wrote:
Can someone explain how my character uses a Deck to find, read, and then replace a file in a bad guy's host? Also, does my PC actually have to dive into the Matrix, or is doing so only one of my options for finding files in the game of Shadowrun?

Assuming you make it into the host in the first place, you would do a Matrix Search for the file in question (potentially followed by Matrix Perception to make sure you've found the right file). After that, if the file's read- or copy-protected, you'll have to Crack File in order to read and copy it. If you're stealing it (which you always should be. No one ever wants anything edited to destroyed that isn't worth money to the right buyer), you can just say you're doing a data transfer. To edit the file, you'd do an Edit File. Erase Matrix Signature, if I recall, is a Technomancer-only thing, so you won't be doing that. Exit the Host, Jack Out and get out of dodge before anyone traces you back to that position. Oh, and if you're feeling vindictive, make sure to use Nuke From Orbit on the Host's operating system so whoever owns it never forgets you.


TJH wrote:
Can someone explain how my character uses a Deck to find, read, and then replace a file in a bad guy's host?

As GM, I would use this simple list of "How you need do it". (Feel free to change things up and augment it.)

Also, these are Actions/things "you" have to do. The Host will have Spiders and IC to fight you off. And to assist in beating them you can run/use programs on your deck.

>>list-file "How to Hack a File"
a. HACK ON THE FLY
Hacking + Logic vs. Intuition + Firewall
-- if you are outside the Firewall then this is significant and you are easily facing 15d6 to 20d6 total defense.

b. ENTER HOST

c. MATRIX PERCEPTION
Computer + Intuition vs. Logic + Sleaze
-- you have to know what you're looking for and find it.

d. HIDE
Electronic Warfare + Intuition vs. Intuition + Data Processing
-- a good idea neh?

e. SNOOP
Electronic Warfare + Intuition vs. Logic + Firewall
-- this depends upon your mission and situation of course.

f. CHECK OVERWATCH SCORE
Electronic Warfare + Logic vs. 6 dice
-- maybe, maybe not depending upon your objective(s)

g. CRACK FILE
Hacking + Logic vs. 2*Protection Rating

h. EDIT FILE
Computer + Logic vs. Intuition + Firewall

TJH wrote:
Also, does my PC actually have to dive into the Matrix, or is doing so only one of my options for finding files in the game of Shadowrun?

Yes, you need to enter the Matrix.


Neurophage wrote:


False. AR hacking has the same signal range rules as VR hacking.

Not sure where you got the idea I was saying AR and VR are different in range; my statement was, unless you're using a keyboard in somebody's office, you need to be in the Matrix.


Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Neurophage wrote:


False. AR hacking has the same signal range rules as VR hacking.

Not sure where you got the idea I was saying AR and VR are different in range; my statement was, unless you're using a keyboard in somebody's office, you need to be in the Matrix.

From this:

Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Well, unless you're right in front of an access point to the system you're invading (i.e., having infiltrated to somebody's office and accessing through their keyboard) you do need to be "in the Matrix," whether via cold or hot sim.

Cold and hot sim are both VR. AR is neither. It was probably just miscommunication.


Neurophage wrote:
Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Neurophage wrote:


False. AR hacking has the same signal range rules as VR hacking.

Not sure where you got the idea I was saying AR and VR are different in range; my statement was, unless you're using a keyboard in somebody's office, you need to be in the Matrix.

From this:

Ithsay the Unseen wrote:
Well, unless you're right in front of an access point to the system you're invading (i.e., having infiltrated to somebody's office and accessing through their keyboard) you do need to be "in the Matrix," whether via cold or hot sim.
Cold and hot sim are both VR. AR is neither. It was probably just miscommunication.

Hmmn; WAS laboring under the illusion that cold sim=AR. Don't have the books to hand (sadly) so am going on an (admittedly) faulty memory.


Here is an open question: You are in a Host fighting a few Spiders and some IC. How far can you move in one round inside a Host (not the Matrix)?


Electric Wizard wrote:

Here is an open question: You are in a Host fighting a few Spiders and some IC. How far can you move in one round inside a Host (not the Matrix)?

Did you get this question from playing the video game and wondering how to translate it into the TTRPG?


What are we going to do about this Shadowrun 6th Edition situation?

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