Getting Started
After creating your account, you'll be assigned your first host - a virtual computer system that serves as your base of operations.
Your First Hour
- Familiarize yourself with your host's components in the Host Manager
- Check your missions panel — the early missions are a guided tutorial
- Find your first target and attempt a hack (Connection Manager)
- Claim your Miner regularly — it's your first passive income
- Spend your first Bits upgrading the Cracker and CPU
- Claim your daily login reward — streaks matter!
Understanding Your Host
Your host consists of Hardware and Software components. Each component can be upgraded to improve your hacking capabilities or defenses — and your player level grows with your components.
- Hardware: CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, NET, Miner
- Software: Firewall, Antivirus, Cracker, Back-tracing, AI
Your First Hack
- Open the Connection Manager
- Select a target from your list (or add a new IP)
- Click "Connect" to initiate the hack
- Watch the crack timer - you need to crack before being traced!
- On success, you'll gain reputation and possibly loot
TIP
Start with targets at or below your level. Higher level targets are much harder to crack!
So... What Do I Actually DO?
Project Zero is a sandbox with several engines pulling you forward. There is no single "win" — but there IS a natural progression path:
Phase 1
Boot Sequence (your first days)
- Follow the missions — they teach hacking, the filesystem, mail and more while paying you for it
- Upgrade your Miner early: passive Bits fund everything else
- Hack NPC hosts to earn Bits, reputation and your first item drops
- Keep your components growing — they raise your level and unlock content
Phase 2
Pick Your Wars (early-mid game)
- Join a faction (Syndicate or Collective) and step into Nexus Control: capture hexes, create links, build Control Fields
- Run Normal dungeons for loot, lore fragments and module drops
- Start shaping a build: offense, defense, or economy — check the Archetypes page
- Learn log hygiene: clean your traces, watch who's hacking you
Phase 3
Incorporate (mid game)
- Join — or found — a corporation: it's the only place where crafting exists
- Push components to unlock module sockets and equip your first gear
- Contribute to corp research, hunt schematic files mid-hack, deliver materials
- Use your PvE gear to crack Hard dungeons
Phase 4
Run The Network (endgame)
- Lead Nexus campaigns — win the cycle for your faction
- Chase perfect Engineered modules and lore-tied Prototypes
- Build your corp's industry to higher factory tiers
- Take on Hell dungeons — and dig for the deepest lore. Something is down there.
A Good Daily Loop
- Claim your daily login reward and your Miners
- Spend your dungeon energy
- Run your hacks — drops, missions, reputation
- Check the corp: research slots active? Materials to deliver? Crafts to claim?
- Queue your next component upgrade before logging off
WARNING
Don't grind like a bot — literally. The network notices abnormal activity patterns (the heat system), and overheated operators see their rewards dry up. Play smart, take breaks.
Daily Login Rewards
Log in every day to claim rewards! The reward pool increases with consecutive daily logins. Don't break your streak!