FTL: Faster Than Light
FTL: Faster Than Light

Hacking Strategies

Gain the advantage in FTL: Faster Than Light with advanced hacking strategies. Learn to disable enemy systems and manipulate their ships with the Hacking modul.

·Multi-source verified (43/43)

Hacking Strategies

The Hacking system, introduced in the Advanced Edition (AE) expansion, is a powerful tool that can turn the tide of battle. Unlike other systems, the Hacking module doesn't directly damage enemy ships but instead provides invaluable tactical advantages by disabling or manipulating enemy systems. Mastering its use is crucial for higher difficulty runs and against challenging enemy layouts.

Acquiring the Hacking System

The Hacking system is a purchasable system, much like Cloaking or Mind Control. You can find it for sale at most stores, typically costing around 80-100 Scrap for the system itself, plus additional Scrap for upgrades. Some events may also offer it as a reward, though this is less common. The system occupies one of your three auxiliary system slots, so plan accordingly if you also desire Mind Control or Teleportation.

How Hacking Works

Once purchased and powered, you can activate the Hacking system by clicking its icon in your ship's system display. This will bring up a targeting reticle. Drag and drop this reticle onto an enemy system to initiate a hack. A drone will launch from your ship and travel to the target system. If it successfully reaches the system (it can be shot down by enemy defense drones), the hack will begin.

Hacking consumes Drone Parts. The initial hack costs 1 Drone Part, and each subsequent hack on the same system (or a different one) will also cost 1 Drone Part. Upgrading the Hacking system primarily increases the duration and potency of the hack, as well as reducing the cooldown between hacks.

Target Prioritization: What to Hack

The effectiveness of Hacking lies in choosing the right target at the right time. Here's a breakdown of key systems to hack and why:

  • Shields: This is arguably the most common and effective use of Hacking. A hacked Shield system will rapidly drain its power, often reducing it to zero. This allows your weapons to bypass defenses and deal direct damage.
    • Strategy: Wait for your weapons to charge, then hack Shields. Fire all your weapons simultaneously for maximum impact. This is especially potent with high-damage, slow-charging weapons like the Glaive Beam or Heavy Laser II.
    • Counter: Enemy ships with Defense Drones can shoot down your Hacking Drone. Consider using a Combat Drone I or Beam Drone I to distract or destroy the Defense Drone first, or time your hack to coincide with enemy weapon fire to overwhelm their defenses.
  • Weapons: Hacking enemy Weapons will disable them, preventing the enemy from firing. This is excellent for mitigating incoming damage, especially from dangerous weapon arrays.
    • Strategy: Hack the most threatening weapon system (e.g., a Burst Laser III or an Ion Blast II). This buys you time to charge your own weapons or repair damaged systems.
    • Counter: Be aware that some enemy ships have multiple weapon systems. Hacking one might not disable all their offensive capabilities.
  • Piloting/Engines: Hacking these systems reduces the enemy's evasion, making it easier for your weapons to hit.
    • Strategy: Useful if you're struggling with accuracy, particularly against highly evasive Zoltan or Mantis ships. Combine with a Shield hack for a devastating alpha strike.
  • Medbay/Clone Bay: Hacking these systems prevents enemy crew from healing or cloning.
    • Strategy: Essential for boarding strategies. Hack the Medbay/Clone Bay before teleporting your crew over to prevent them from healing or respawning, allowing your boarders to quickly eliminate the enemy crew.
  • Oxygen: Hacking the Oxygen system will rapidly drain the enemy ship's oxygen levels.
    • Strategy: A slow but effective way to deal with enemy crew, especially if you lack strong boarding capabilities. Combine with a Shield hack to prevent them from repairing the system.
  • Drones: Hacking the Drone system will disable enemy drones, including Defense Drones.
    • Strategy: Crucial for ensuring your Hacking Drone isn't shot down when targeting other systems. Hack Drones first, then immediately hack Shields or Weapons.

Hacking Upgrades

Upgrading your Hacking system increases its effectiveness. Each level typically increases the duration of the hack and reduces the cooldown between uses. Higher levels also allow for more powerful effects, such as completely draining shields faster or keeping weapons disabled for longer. Prioritize upgrades based on your current strategy and the challenges you face.

Advanced Hacking Tactics

  • Hacking the Flagship: The Rebel Flagship has multiple stages, and Hacking is incredibly effective against all of them.
    • Stage 1: Hack Shields to quickly take down its powerful defenses.
    • Stage 2: Hack the Drone system to disable its combat and defense drones, then proceed with your main attack. Alternatively, hack the Missile Launcher to prevent devastating missile volleys.
    • Stage 3: Hack the Mind Control system to prevent your crew from being mind-controlled, or hack Shields for a direct assault.
  • Hacking and Boarding: Hacking is the perfect complement to a boarding strategy. Hack the enemy Medbay/Clone Bay to ensure your boarders can eliminate the crew without resistance.
  • Hacking and Ion Weapons: If you have Ion weapons, you can use them to suppress enemy shields, then use Hacking to completely drain them for a devastating attack.

Remember, Hacking consumes Drone Parts, so always keep an eye on your supply. Prioritize buying Drone Parts at stores, especially if Hacking is a core part of your strategy. With careful planning and execution, the Hacking system can make even the toughest encounters manageable.