RAM System
RAM is the energy resource shared by Hack Time protocols and Cyberware active skills. Uploading a protocol or firing a RAM-costing cyberware skill both draw from it.
The base maximum is 8, and it recovers 0.1 per second on its own. After each spend, recovery is delayed by about 1.5 seconds.
Where to see RAM
Section titled “Where to see RAM”The protocol interface shows your current RAM while Hack Time is active. With the CSTM Opti-Visual Cybereye installed, a dedicated RAM arc bar stays visible in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
When you cannot afford an action, the display flashes red. In some cases RAM is drained and briefly locked, during which it can neither be spent nor recover.
Permanent upgrades
Section titled “Permanent upgrades”The RAM Capacity Upgrade Chip and RAM Recovery Upgrade Chip permanently raise RAM. They are consumed on use, and the bonus is tied to your character save:
| Chip | Per chip | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Capacity Upgrade Chip | +1 maximum | up to 42 chips (max reaches 50) |
| RAM Recovery Upgrade Chip | +0.05 per second | up to 30 chips (recovery reaches 1.6/s) |
The chips come from laboratory security chests (security and aged security chests). During world generation every such chest holds at least one chip, and sometimes both kinds.
Temporary bonuses
Section titled “Temporary bonuses”Some cyberware grants extra RAM capacity or recovery while equipped:
- CSTM Opti-Visual Cybereye: +4 maximum
- Self-Hack Crystal: continuously adds recovery speed
Removing the cyberware removes the bonus.
Cost multiplier
Section titled “Cost multiplier”A quickhack’s actual RAM cost scales with target strength. Regular enemies range from 1x to 1.5x, with more dangerous ones costing more; bosses go up to 3x by tier. Before hacking a high-tier boss, make sure you have enough RAM, or upgrade your capacity first.