Hacking
Hacking is a Gathering Skill used to extract parts from robotic 
Hacking nodes. This skill is learned automatically once the player gains the 
Old Hacking Tool from a quest by Fritz in Arcadia.
Hacking Tools
How to Hack
Hacking requires a Hacking Tool to be equipped in the Toolbag.
TIP: A higher-level Hacking Tool can still be used to hack lower-level nodes.
To hack:
- Stand near and click on the
Hacking node to activate the Hacking mini-game window. You will see:
- bar timer (top) - denotes how much time you have to hack
- symbol code (top) - the symbols that you need to match
- symbol list (bottom) - the available symbols to choose from
- Press the A key to toggle symbol list to the left, then W to select the match for the highlighted symbol
- the timer will increase slightly for each matched symbol
Successful Hack: When all symbols are matched within the time limit, the mini-game window will turn bright green and check marks will appear. The window will close and the node will open, dropping loot.
Unsuccessful Hack: If any symbol is not matched correctly, or the bar timer runs out, the Hacking window will turn red to denote an unsuccessful hack.
Following an unsuccessful hack, a red grid-like timer will show over the robotic node and the player will be temporarily locked out for some seconds. Once the grid is gone, hacking can be attempted again.
Permanent Lockdown: If the Hacking minigame is failed 3 times on 1 node, the node will go on permanent lockdown, displayed with a red light.
Tip: If the node is on the overworld, the player can exit the area and come back to attempt a different Hacking node spawn. If in a dungeon, the node will need to be abandoned.
Hacking Locations & Re-spawn Timers
Overworld Dungeons
Hacking nodes are limited on the overworld.
Hint: Hacking nodes share spawns. If you are not satisfied with your selection of nodes, exit the area and come back to see fresh nodes.
Re-spawn timers vary; check for new nodes 3 hours (length of 1 in-game day) from last gathering.
Recommended Hacking routes:
- Needlepoint Pass (Everdune zone)
- Clifftop Pass (Farpoint zone)
Beacon Dungeons
- Gathering nodes are randomized per each dungeon floor
- If you leave the floor, the nodes are lost for that dungeon run
- New nodes spawn every run
Leveling Foraging