Programs
Programs are the software tools loaded into ZERO's Cyberdeck in Terminal Descent. Each program occupies memory slots and requires a minimum processor level. Programs are categorized as offensive, defensive, stealth, analysis, or utility.
Overview
Programs are your primary tools for interacting with The Lattice. They determine your damage output in combat, your stealth capabilities, your analysis depth, and your defensive resilience. Limited memory slots mean every loadout is a tradeoff — you cannot load everything at once.
Programs are acquired from the starting toolkit, purchased from FENCE at the Onyx Market, found as drops from IC encounters, or discovered in hidden locations.
Program Tiers
Tier 1: Starting Programs
Free programs from the Basic Toolkit:
| Program | Type | Memory | Proc | Stats | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATTACK v1 | Offensive | 1 | 1 | 5-8 dmg, 55-70% acc | Basic attack program |
| SHIELD v1 | Defensive | 1 | 2 | 8-12 def, 0 counter | Basic defense program |
| SPOOF v1 | Stealth | 1 | 1 | 10-18 stealth, 1-2 turns | Basic identity spoofing |
| PROBE v1 | Analysis | 0.5 | 1 | 8-14 scan, Level 1-2 intel | Quick reconnaissance |
| PING v1 | Utility | 0 | 1 | — | Network connectivity test |
| HINT | Utility | 0 | 1 | — | Reveals examinable objects |
Tier 2: FENCE Programs
Purchased from FENCE at the Onyx Market (200-500¤):
| Program | Type | Memory | Proc | Stats | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATTACK v2 | Offensive | 1 | 2 | 8-13 dmg, 60-75% acc | 300¤ |
| SHIELD v2 | Defensive | 1 | 2 | 12-18 def, 2-5 counter | 400¤ |
| SPOOF v2 | Stealth | 1 | 2 | 16-26 stealth, 2-3 turns | 400¤ |
| RELOCATE v1 | Stealth | 1.5 | 2 | 20-30 stealth, 1 turn | 500¤ |
| PROBE v2 | Analysis | 0.5 | 2 | 14-22 scan, Level 2-3 intel | 300¤ |
| ANALYZE v1 | Analysis | 1 | 2 | 18-28 scan, Level 3-4 intel | 200¤ |
Tier 3: Advanced Programs
Higher-cost programs and upgrades (800¤+):
| Program | Type | Memory | Proc | Stats | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATTACK v3 | Offensive | 1.5 | 2 | 14-22 dmg, 70-85% acc | 800¤ |
Special Programs
Quest rewards and unique finds:
| Program | Type | Memory | Source | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECHO_BACKDOOR | Utility | 0.5 | Lyra's Cache (H1) | Teleport to Public Lattice (one-time use) |
| GHOST_PACKET | Utility | — | Quest | Required for DIVE command at Backbone |
| ZERO-DAY EXPLOIT | Offensive | — | Crime Mall (H3) | Rare offensive exploit |
| MIRROR BREAKER | Utility | — | Crime Mall (H3) | Effective against Mirror deceptions |
| ANCIENT PROTOCOL | Special | — | Deep Pool (H5) | Enables Fossil Protocol chain (+200% dmg) |
| REFLECTION PROTOCOL | Special | — | Mirror's Nursery (H6) | Unlocked by recruiting Mirror |
Signal Grades
All programs have a signal grade that determines where their stats fall within the listed range:
| Grade | Symbol | Stat Range | FENCE Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static | ░ | 40-55% of range | 50¤ |
| Tuned | ▒ | 55-70% | 120¤ |
| Calibrated | ▓ | 70-82% | 300¤ |
| Resonant | █ | 82-90% | 750¤ |
| Overclocked | ██ | 90-96% | 2,000¤ |
| Pristine | ███ | 96-100% | 5,000¤ |
A Pristine ATTACK v2 with 13 damage is functionally superior to a Static ATTACK v3 with 14 damage when accounting for accuracy and reliability.
Memory Management
Your Cyberdeck's memory slots limit how many programs you can load simultaneously. Strategic loadout planning is essential:
- Combat loadout: ATTACK + SHIELD + PROBE (2.5 slots minimum)
- Stealth loadout: SPOOF + RELOCATE + PROBE (3 slots)
- Balanced: ATTACK + SPOOF + PROBE + ANALYZE (3.5 slots)
- Full kit: Requires significant Cyberdeck memory upgrades
Programs can be swapped at any safe location but not during combat.