Skills
Skills are the six core attributes that define ZERO's capabilities in Terminal Descent. Every skill influences multiple game systems — from combat effectiveness to dialogue options to HEAT management. Skills level up through use, rewarding players who develop their approach naturally.
Overview
The six skills are: Intrusion, Combat, Analysis, Stealth, Social, and Crypto. Each starts at level 1 and can reach a maximum of level 6. Skills gain XP through successful use — there is no skill point allocation. The player who uses Stealth constantly becomes better at Stealth.
XP required per level: 50 + (current level × 25)
Players can also spend DATA (¤) to accelerate skill gains through training.
The Six Skills
Intrusion
Bypassing access controls, cracking passwords, breaching secured nodes.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic access attempts. Can crack simple locks. |
| 2 | +10% breach success rate. Can attempt encrypted terminals. |
| 3 | Can bypass Barrier IC without combat. Reduced hack time. |
| 4 | +20% breach success. Can forge basic credentials. |
| 5 | Master access. Can crack corporate-grade encryption. |
| 6 | Can breach any system. Unlocks hidden bypass routes. |
Influences: Hack success rates, node access, Barrier bypass, program efficiency
Combat
Fighting IC programs, attack program effectiveness, damage output.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Base damage with offensive programs. |
| 2 | +2 base damage. Unlock COUNTER command effectiveness. |
| 3 | +4 base damage. Protocol chain bonus increased. |
| 4 | +6 base damage. Reduced incoming damage from IC. |
| 5 | +8 base damage. Can engage BlackICE effectively. |
| 6 | +10 base damage. Master combatant. Chain bonuses maximized. |
Influences: Damage formula (skill.level × 2 added to base attack), protocol chain effectiveness, IC encounter outcomes
Analysis
Scanning nodes, identifying IC, reading encrypted data, critical hit chance.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic SCAN reveals connected nodes. ANALYZE shows IC type. |
| 2 | ANALYZE reveals IC stats. +4% critical hit chance. |
| 3 | SCAN reveals hidden items. +6% crit. PROBE shows node details. |
| 4 | ANALYZE reveals IC weaknesses. +8% crit. |
| 5 | Full system transparency. +10% crit. Can identify Mirror deceptions. |
| 6 | +12% crit (hard cap 35%). Can analyze the Architect itself. |
Influences: Critical hit rate (+2% per level), information revealed by SCAN/ANALYZE/PROBE, puzzle hints, Mirror detection
Stealth
Avoiding detection, masking presence, reducing HEAT generation.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic CLOAK duration (2 turns). |
| 2 | CLOAK extended (3 turns). Reduced passive HEAT gain. |
| 3 | Can SPOOF basic identity. Sentry detection range reduced. |
| 4 | CLOAK extended (4 turns). Can bypass Trace programs. |
| 5 | Master stealth. Can bypass Warden encounter entirely. SPOOF fools all IC. |
| 6 | Near-invisible. Minimal HEAT from any action. Ghost Protocol viable. |
Influences: CLOAK duration, SPOOF effectiveness, HEAT generation rate, detection avoidance, IC evasion chance
Social
NPC interactions, dialogue options, faction reputation gains, information gathering.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basic ASK/TALK options. Standard faction rep gains. |
| 2 | Additional dialogue branches. +10% rep gain. |
| 3 | Can persuade neutral NPCs. Unlock hidden dialogue topics. |
| 4 | Can negotiate with hostile NPCs. +20% rep gain. |
| 5 | Can access Kessler's Office (H4) via persuasion. Master diplomat. |
| 6 | Can reason with IC (Mercy Protocol). Debate score bonus. |
Influences: Dialogue options available, NPC relationship progression speed, faction reputation gain rate, debate score in Architect's Chamber, ASK topic availability
Crypto
Decrypting files, solving cipher puzzles, forging credentials, understanding encrypted systems.
| Level | Effect |
|---|---|
| 1 | Can DECRYPT basic files. Simple cipher recognition. |
| 2 | Can DECRYPT moderate files. Pattern recognition for puzzles. |
| 3 | Can forge basic credentials. SNIFF reveals encrypted traffic. |
| 4 | Can DECRYPT corporate-grade files. Advanced cipher solving. |
| 5 | Master cryptographer. Can forge any credential. |
| 6 | Can decrypt Architect-level encryption. Kill-switch verification. |
Influences: DECRYPT success rate, puzzle difficulty, credential forging, SNIFF effectiveness, paydata value identification
Skill Display
In Modern mode, skills are displayed as a hexagonal grid in the Cyberdeck HUD sidebar. Each skill is represented by a hex with:
- Abbreviation — Three-letter code (INT, COM, ANL, STL, SOC, CRY)
- Level number — Current level (1-6)
- Color coding — Active skills glow teal; inactive skills show muted
The hexagonal layout emphasizes that all six skills are interconnected — no skill exists in isolation.
Skill Synergies
Many game situations benefit from multiple skills:
- Intrusion + Crypto — Optimal for corporate infiltration sequences
- Combat + Analysis — Maximizes damage output via crits and weakness targeting
- Stealth + Social — The diplomat's path: avoid fights, talk your way through
- Analysis + Crypto — Best for puzzle solving and data recovery
- Combat + Stealth — Ghost Protocol chain: strike from hiding for double damage