Part 111

Explore the skills of Electronics, Medicine, Computer, and Swimming in Deus Ex. Learn how each skill level impacts gameplay, from bypassing security to surviving underwater.

This section details several skills in Deus Ex, explaining their practical applications and benefits at different training levels.

4.8 Electronics

"By studying electronics and its practical application, agents can more efficiently bypass a number of security systems using multitools."

• Untrained: One Multitool decreases lock strength by 10%.
• Trained: One Multitool decreases lock strength by 25%.
• Advanced: One Multitool decreases lock strength by 40%.
• Master: One Multitool decreases lock strength by 75%.

This skill is similar to Lockpicking but uses Multitools and Control Panels. Training in Electronics is generally sufficient, but it becomes more valuable if you skip the Computer skill, especially if you struggle to find keycodes.

4.9 Medicine

"Practical knowledge of human physiology can be applied by an agent in the field allowing more efficient use of medkits."

• Untrained: A Medkit restores 30 Hit Points.
• Trained: A Medkit restores 60 Hit Points.
• Advanced: A Medkit restores 75 Hit Points.
• Master: A Medkit restores 90 Hit Points.

The usefulness of Medicine depends on how often you get hurt. The increase from Untrained to Trained (30 to 60 Hit Points) is a significant advantage for a small skill point investment. Further investment offers diminishing returns, especially if you have the Regeneration Augmentation. Note that the duration of poisoning is not reduced by this skill.

Notes: Medkits are assumed to be orally administered and can be used by both normal humans and JC Denton, implying they contain substances that can be metabolized. This suggests JC can consciously direct his nanomachines for targeted healing.

4.10 Computer

"The covert manipulation of computers and security consoles."

• Untrained: You can use ATM terminals, Security Consoles and Computer Terminals. You cannot hack.
• Trained: You can hack ATM terminals, Cameras and Doors through Security Consoles and Computer Terminals. You can extract 50% of an ATM's base value. Hacking takes 10 seconds, and you are detected in 25 seconds.
• Advanced: You can hack Turrets through Security Consoles. You can extract 100% of an ATM's base value. Hacking takes 5 seconds, and you are detected in 35 seconds.
• Master: When you are detected, you only lose 50 units of Energy rather than everything. You can extract 150% of an ATM's base value. Hacking takes 2.5 seconds, and you are detected in 60 seconds.

Gaining the 'Hack' option allows you to bypass the need for scattered DataCubes to access ATMs and other computers, making it a highly impactful skill choice. It is recommended to invest at least up to Advanced. Higher levels provide more time to read emails on hacked accounts. The benefits of Master level, such as increased ATM credit extraction, are not particularly useful as there are no significant ways to spend the extra credits.

Notes: Hacking uses an 'ICE Breaker,' a term for security software originating from William Gibson's work, often meaning Intrusion Countermeasures Electronics. ATM hacking errors may display 'ERR 06MJ12...' The visual effect of hacking is reminiscent of the Matrix movies, both of which were influenced by the anime 'Ghost in the Shell.'

4.11 Swimming

"Underwater operations require their own unique set of skills that must be developed by an agent with extreme physical dedication."

• Untrained: You have 20 seconds of oxygen before you start drowning.
• Trained: You have 30 seconds of oxygen before you start drowning.
• Advanced: You have 40 seconds of oxygen before you start drowning.
• Master: You have 50 seconds of oxygen before you start drowning.

This skill is useful for navigating the numerous bodies of water encountered later in the game. At Advanced, you can traverse these areas without taking damage. However, the Regeneration Augmentation can negate drowning damage, making the skill less critical. At Trained, combined with one or two Rebreathers, it is also sufficient. If you equip the Aqualung Augmentation, it is advisable to keep Swimming at Untrained to maximize the benefit of that augmentation.

Notes: Rebreathers in the game are depicted as extracting oxygen from water, unlike real-world rebreathers or the Aqualung Augmentation, which typically process exhaled CO2. The divers in Deus Ex wear Rebreathers identical to those found in the game.