Optimization
| Optimization | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Class | Intelligence Perk |
| Attribute | Intelligence |
| Tier | Rookie (4) |
| Levels | 1 |
Optimization speeds up the rate at which V's RAM comes back. RAM is what quickhacks are paid for with, so a faster recovery is the difference between a netrunner who hacks constantly and one who waits. It is the first pick in the Intelligence tree and most of the netrunning branch is bought through it. Any build with a cyberdeck starts here.
Effect
RAM regenerates on its own, and the rate decides how often a quickhack can be used. Nothing else in the tree matters if the bar is empty.
The increase is large enough to change behaviour immediately. A build that could manage one hack per fight can now manage several, which is what turns netrunning from a opening move into the way the fight is actually won.
How to Unlock Optimization
It sits behind the Rookie gate of the Intelligence tree, so the first points V puts there reach it. Nothing is bought ahead of it.
Perk Tree
Buying Optimization opens the perks below.
| Name | Image | Tier | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embedded Exploit | 
|
Pro (9) | +10% RAM recovery rate. |
| Encryption | 
|
Rookie (4) | -30% traceability for all quickhacks. |
| Proximate Propagation | 
|
Rookie (4) | Reduces RAM cost the closer you are to the target (max -35%). |
| Subordination | 
|
Rookie (4) | +100% duration for Control quickhacks used on full-Health enemies. |
Character Builds
The build is the netrunner, which means a cyberdeck in the operating system slot and as much RAM as the implant and the tree can provide. The weapon matters less than the deck.
Buy it with the first points that reach the Rookie gate, before anything else in the tree. Encryption, Proximate Propagation and Subordination follow cheaply, and Embedded Exploit at the Pro gate is where the hacks start doing real damage. A better cyberdeck is worth as much as any perk here.
Notes
Encryption, Proximate Propagation and Subordination all come off it, and Embedded Exploit above it opens the rest of the branch.
Cyberdecks are the operating system implants that hold quickhacks, and their quality decides how much RAM there is to recover.
All Intelligence Perks