Deep Rock Galactic How To Use Hacking Pod

The Hacking Pod is a support tool available to the Engineer class in Deep Rock Galactic. It allows for the temporary reprogramming of certain hostile robots found in the caves of Hoxxes IV, turning them into allies.

Acquiring and Deploying the Hacking Pod

The Hacking Pod is not a standard piece of equipment available from the start. It must be unlocked through progression. Specifically, it is unlocked at Engineer Level 10.

Once unlocked, the Hacking Pod can be equipped in the Engineer's loadout screen under the "Support Tool" category. Like other support tools, the Engineer can carry a limited number of Hacking Pods into a mission. The base number of pods carried is 2.

To deploy the Hacking Pod, select it from the inventory using the designated hotkey (typically '4' on the keyboard). Aim at a valid target robot and press the primary fire button (usually the left mouse button). This will launch the Hacking Pod towards the targeted enemy.

Identifying Valid Hacking Targets

Not all robots are vulnerable to the Hacking Pod. It is crucial to identify valid targets to avoid wasting resources. Valid targets are generally robotic enemies classified as "Automatons".

The primary targets for the Hacking Pod are:

• Patrol Bots: These are small, wheeled robots that patrol areas.
• Mini-Mules: Slower, but more heavily armored robots that also patrol, usually spawning from Prospector Drones.
• Shredders: Flying drones that attack with lasers.
• Turret Controllers: Stationary robots that control nearby turrets. Hacking these shuts down the turrets they control and allies them to the team.
• Nemesis Heads: Heads detached from a destroyed Nemesis robot, that can be hacked to become a stationary turret.

Attempting to hack other types of enemies, such as Glyphids or larger robots like Oppressors or Dreadnoughts, will result in failure and the Hacking Pod being wasted.

When aiming the Hacking Pod, the game interface will indicate whether the targeted enemy is a valid hackable target. A green outline will appear around the robot, accompanied by a hacking symbol, indicating that it can be hacked. A red outline means the target is invalid.

The Hacking Process

Upon successful deployment, the Hacking Pod attaches to the targeted robot. A hacking process then begins, indicated by a progress bar displayed above the robot. During this process, the robot is temporarily stunned and unable to attack.

The hacking process takes a certain amount of time to complete. The duration depends on the type of robot being hacked and any applied upgrades to the Hacking Pod. During the hacking process, the Engineer and their teammates must protect the robot from enemy attacks. If the robot takes too much damage during the hacking process, the process will be interrupted, and the Hacking Pod will be destroyed.

Once the hacking process is complete, the robot becomes an ally to the dwarves. It will attack any enemies that come within its range. The hacked robot is also marked with a blue outline to distinguish it from hostile robots.

Hacked robots remain allied for a limited time. The duration depends on the type of robot and any applied upgrades. When the hacking duration expires, the robot will either self-destruct or revert to its hostile state.

Upgrades for the Hacking Pod

The Hacking Pod can be upgraded to improve its effectiveness. Upgrades can be purchased from the Equipment Terminal using credits and minerals. These upgrades can significantly enhance the Hacking Pod's utility.

Some notable upgrades include:

• Reduced Hacking Time: Decreases the time it takes to hack a robot, making it less vulnerable to attack during the hacking process.
• Increased Hacking Duration: Extends the amount of time a robot remains allied after being hacked.
• Damage Reduction During Hack: Reduces the damage a robot takes while being hacked.
• Increased Hacking Pod Capacity: Increases the number of Hacking Pods the Engineer can carry into a mission.
• Overdrive: Allows temporarily Overclocking the Hacked Automaton.

Selecting the right combination of upgrades can greatly improve the Hacking Pod's effectiveness and make the Engineer a valuable asset to the team.

Strategic Use of the Hacking Pod

The Hacking Pod is a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of situations. Proper use of the Hacking Pod can provide a significant advantage in combat and help the team overcome challenging situations.

Here are some strategic uses for the Hacking Pod:

• Crowd Control: Hacking Patrol Bots and Shredders can provide additional firepower and help control large groups of enemies.
• Defense: Hacking Mini-Mules can create temporary defensive barriers, slowing down enemies and protecting the team.
• Turret Control: Hacking Turret Controllers can disable enemy turrets and turn them against their former allies. This can be particularly useful in areas with heavy turret defenses.
• Offensive Support: Hacked Robots can be used offensively to push into enemy positions and clear out nests.
• Emergency situations: Hacking a robot during a swarm can provide a distraction and buy the team time to regroup or escape.

When using the Hacking Pod, it is important to prioritize targets based on the current situation. In general, it is best to focus on hacking enemies that pose the greatest threat or that can provide the most strategic advantage.

Synergies with Other Classes

The Hacking Pod synergizes well with other classes, amplifying its effectiveness. For instance, the Gunner's shield can be used to protect a robot during the hacking process, while the Driller can create tunnels to funnel enemies towards hacked robots. The Scout's flares can illuminate potential hacking targets and allow the Engineer to safely approach them. Communication is key to coordinate effectively and maximize the benefits of the Hacking Pod.

The Hacking Pod's synergy with other Engineer tools is notable. Using platforms to create advantageous positions for hacked drones or protecting hacked Mini-Mules with a Repellent Platform field increases tactical options.

Conclusion

The Hacking Pod is a powerful and versatile support tool for the Engineer in Deep Rock Galactic. By understanding how to acquire, deploy, and upgrade the Hacking Pod, and by using it strategically, Engineers can significantly contribute to their team's success. The ability to turn hostile robots into allies provides a unique tactical advantage, allowing for crowd control, defense, and offensive support. Mastering the Hacking Pod is essential for any Engineer looking to maximize their potential and become a valuable asset to their fellow dwarves in the depths of Hoxxes IV.