This guide may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for
personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise
distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on
any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited,
and a violation of copyright.
(From Gamefaqs copyright page)
Note: This guide refers to the latest version, V1.3, which has substantial
gameplay differences from earlier versions. Go to www.introversion.co.uk to
get the patch.
Version History
---------------
0.5: Found the old file- figured I'd go ahead and submit what's
in it. Spelling/grammatical errors abound, I'm sure.
Sometime in December, 2003: Wrote most of the guide in a week, then
lost interest and forgot about it.
Uplink: Hacker Elite is set in the year 2010. The world has now become totally
interconnected, with internet links spanning the globe. There is global
government, with massive corporations running everything.
Of course, hacking has evolved as well. Today, the single hacker working from
home is obselete. Most hackers work though the Uplink Corporation,
a company that provides gateway hardware and broadband connections to the
Internet. Uplink keeps no records on individuals- if you are successfully
traced, all the cops get is your gateway machine and your nick. Of course,
Uplink is forced to disavow you at this point (ie game over), but it's better
than jail time. :)
You start out with a a basic system, and a 3000-credit loan from Uplink. Your
goal? Become the foremost hacker on the Internet, amass a huge amount of
money, and, oh yeah, save the world. (Or help destroy it. It's up to you.)
Terminology
-----------
This is just a list of terminology that I use in the Walkthrough
Bounce- To jump from one system to another without accessing the first
system
Bounce Path- A chain of bounces, ending in your target server
Console- (see console section)
Delog- Remove logs from a system in your bounce path.
ISM- Internal Service Machine
Rev- Revelation
Gateway Interface
-----------------
When you first begin the game, your "computer" will dial in to the Uplink
Corporation's Public Access Server. (Note: For those who are true newbies,
you're not actually connecting to the Internet- it's a game. Hope this
is self-evident.) After some intro, you'll create a username and password.
Don't worry about having to remember this- it's automatically saved.
After you login, you'll be looking at the Gateway screen. This is your
only interface throughout the game, so it's important that you know what
everything does. We'll start from the top. (Much of this is covered in the
in-game tutorial.)
Exit- The X at the top-left corner closes your Gateway and returns you to
the main menu.
System Clock- At the top-left hand corner is your clock. This shows
the current date/time. Apparently, the world no longer has time zones,
so you can use this when you're looking at logs.
IP Address- To the right of the clock, a number displays the IP address
of the system that you're currently on. For example, your Gateway's IP is
127.0.0.1. You'll need to be familiar with IP's to complete the game, but
you won't need to look at this much.
Time Acceleration- Moving on to the right, there is a row of four buttons.
These buttons control the flow of time, and let you pause to take a quick
break, or accelerate when waiting for something to happen. Typically,
you'll only accelerate time when waiting for a mission.
CPU Usage- The CPU Usage Bar, in itself, doesen't actually do anything.
When you load programs, they will appear, in descending fashion,
below the CPU bar. Each loaded program has an indicator which shows how
much CPU time it is using, and arrows to decrease or increase its usage.
By default, all programs use an equal amount of CPU time, which is not
very efficient. Certain programs run faster with more CPU time, which is
a very good thing.
World Map- The small-scale world map, when clicked, takes you to the full-
screen map. Every computer that you have a stored IP address for will
display as a square on this map. This is how you set up bounce connections.
(Connections through multiple servers) The Save/Load buttons here will save/
load a current bounce path, so that you don't have to manually click
through it every time. Use it often. Note that while you can set up the path,
your computer won't do anything (or leave any logs) until you hit connect.
Also, if you're currently connected somewhere, you'll have to disconnect
to start a new connection somewhere else. The X, of course, takes you back
to the gateway.
Bottom Row (in order left to right):
Software- The large button, much like the Windows Start button, is where
you access all your programs. When clicked, a pop-up menu will appear, with
all the programs currently loaded on your gateway divided into categories.
If you've ever used Windows, you'll grasp this quickly. Unfortunately,
there is no way to put program shortcuts on the main screen, which would
be a major time-saver.
Hardware- This brings up a window which shows the specs of your current
gateway, as well as any interface upgrades. Yu can also view a full-screen
picture of your gateway, and installed components, from here.
Memory- This button will show a list of any programs and data you have on
your computer. Whenever you copy something to or from your computer, you'll
use this screen.
Rating- The next button will open a window displaying your Ratings.
Your Uplink Rating (both number and description) is an indicator of your
skill level. Making money and completing missions increases your Uplink
Rating, while abandoning missions lowers it. As your rating rises, you
will be able to accept more advanced assignments.
Here also is your Neuromancer rating, which is just a rough gauge of
your morality level. This is hacker morality, BTW, so actions that hurt
people will lower it, while actions that hurt corporations will raise it.
It doesn't mean anything in-game though, as far as I can tell. If you
get caught, this will also show your criminal record.
Financial- This button will just show you how much money you have on hand
in your account. (If, for any reason, you decide to open another account,
it will be listed here too.) Clicking on an account here will connect
you directly to the bank.
Email- Sends an email. You will never use this.
Connection Analyzer (once purchased)- Brings up the CA, which detects
any security systems currently running on your target. Also lets
you launch bypass software.
LAN View (once purchased)- Required to hack through a LAN.
IRC Client (once purchased)- Connects to the real-world IRC. Unless you like
to chat while playing Uplink, there's no need for it.
Hacking Basics
--------------
I'll do a quick overview of how hacking in the game works. (which, BTW,
bears absolutely no resemblance to real-world hacking.)
For most every system in the game that you connect to, you will need to have
admin access to do anything. However, you will never know the admin password.
This is where your Password Cracker comes in handy- it's the software
that you'll be using the most throughout the game. Unfortunately,
starting your Cracker will cause the system to trace your connection 99%
of the time. Basically, this means you have to crack in, do whatever
you came to do, and disconnect before the trace finishes. Pretty simple.
It does get more complicated, (ie you'll have more security systems to deal
with) but you'll always get more software to defeat them. Always remember
to bounce through as many systems as possible on the World Map, so that
you'll have more time to crack your target. Warning: If you connect
directly to a computer, and run anything suspicious, you will be
caught immediately. Depending on the level/type of system, you'll either
be fined, charged, or get Game Over.
There are two types of traces you have to deal with. The first is Active
Tracing, which is what I mentioned before. Simply click 'Disconnect' before
the trace completes, and you'll never get caught by an AT. The second,
and far more insidious, is Passive Tracing. Basically, the attacked system
will go through its connection logs, and see what system you connected from.
They will then go to that system, and see where you connected to it...etc.
Eventually, it'll be traced back to you, which results in a Game Over every
time. Solution? Delete your logs, somewhere along your bounce pouth.
Later in the game, you'll have to make that a habit.
+-------------+
+ Walkthrough +
+-------------+
This Walkthrough mainly covers the Special Missions. (the plot) I'll do
a little intro to get you up to speed, though.
(If you haven't done the Tutorial, I'd recommend it, just as a way to
get used to the interface. However, once you're done, start a new user and
follow these directions, as I spend your opening credits differently than
the Tutorial does.)
First off, connect to your bank, and borrow up to your credit limit.
This should give you 4000cr. Spend that on a lv4 Trace Tracker and a
Password Cracker. Use the Cracker to crack the Uplink test system,
use your File Copier to download the file, and send it to Uplink. (Just
hit reply to the mission email, and attach it. That's what you'll be doing
every time for a completed mission.)
You'll now have access to basic copy/delete missions. Do as many as you
have access to, and always ask for more money/half the money first.
As your rating increases, more missions will be available to you. (See
my Mission Types section for help/details.) Your upgrade path should be
as follows-
1. Log Deleter lv4
2. Proxy Disable
3. 200 Ghz CPU
4. Decypher lv3
5. IP Lookup
6. Connection Analyzer/Monitor Bypass lv5 (yes, it's 45k creds, but one
without the other is useless, and buying the best first saves upgrade
costs later)
7. Proxy Bypass lv5
8. Any other software you need for missions
9. Gateway/Hardware upgrades.
For the most part, you want to buy the highest level of software first.
There's no way to sell your old software, so only buying the highest
level is the most efficient. This will also make sure that every system
in the game is hackable, without you having to check to see if you can.
The only exception to this: you may need to buy a Decrypter, for the rare
early mission that asks you to decrypt a copied file. For this case only,
just buy the level you need.
Your goal here is to get your system upgraded as fast as possible. You only
have a limited amount of time before the plot missions start, and they will
require a high-level system, so don't dawdle. As time passes, keep checking
the news server- the plot will begin to unfold.
Mission 0: The Beginning
------------------------
Reward: 0c
Difficulty Level: 6/10 (more for the tedium than anything else)
(Note: This isn't an actual mission, but it must be completed to
advance the plot.)
Eventually, there will be a news item, saying that the #1 Uplink ranked
hacker (or #2, if you've already surpassed him) has committed suicide.
A week later, you'll receive an email from him, saying that he's
found some suspicious software on the ARC Central Mainframe. You get
the link and a password. Make sure you note the time/date of the email-
7 days before that is the time/date of the hack. You'll need to know that.
Now, this is a mainframe, so you're going to have to use the usual
techniques. You'll have to bounce through the ARC ISM and have the admin
voice recording. (See Mission Types: Mainframes if you're stuck.) BTW, the
password you're given won't work on the mainframe.
When you get into the system, you'll notice from the logs that the files have
been deleted. There should be a log that matches the time/date you saw before,
with an IP number showing where he connected from. Run the IP number through
your IP_Lookup, which will give you the system to connect to.
Now, lather, rinse, repeat, and hope he's gone through more ISM's than
mainframes. (I've never seen it go through a LAN.) :) Keep tracing his path
through the logs of the systems that he's bounced through. (Yes, this gets
old fast.) There's one monkey wrench, though- at certain points, he'll use
a Log Deleter v3 to cover his tracks. The Log Deleter v3 changes the
information in the log, but not the date/time. Therefore, just use a Log
Undeleter on all logs matching the correct time/date, before you lookup the
IP number.
Eventually, you'll get the IP number of his computer. It won't trace you,
so just connect and enter using his provided password. (Your cracker will
work too.) You'll find the RevelationCore file you're looking for there-
download it to your computer, and disconnect. You're done.
(Oddly, due to a bug, if you read the logs on the ARC mainframe, t
he files are deleted BEFORE our hacker copies it. ???)
Wait a couple days, and you'll get an email from ARC complimenting
you on your skills, and offering work. To continue the plot, reply
to the email. You'll get more information and the first ARC plot mission.
A couple minutes later, you'll get another email, this time from Arunmor,
with a couteroffer. This is where you decide which side to back: If you
want to go with ARC, and destroy the Internet, take their mission. If you
want to go with Arunmor, and save the Internet, reply to their email, and
abandon the ARC mission. I recommend choosing Arunmor for the first time
through the game, since their missions are easier, but it's up to you.
BTW, these are considered Special Missions- for each one you complete,
you'll get a little icon on your rating screen, and the Game Over screen.
Also, if you decide to work for ARC, Arunmor will post some of its missions
on the mission board. Playing both sides of the fence, however, will make it
tougher to finish the final mission. Taking the Arunmor missions and
ABANDONING them, however, will actually make the final mission easier,
since they'll never be completed.
You're hacking the ARC ISM, in order to isntall a tracer that lets
Arunmor keep track of Revelation.
This isn't too hard, as long as you have a Monitor/Proxy Bypass (and if you
didn't, how'd you crack the mainframe?) Run your bypasses, get in, turn off
the security, upload the tracer, run it, and disconnect. If you have time,
delog at ARC- if not, just delog on your bounce path, like usual.
You may have to delete a file from the file server to upload the Tracer.
Mission 3: Take Me To Your Leader
---------------------------------
Reward:
Difficulty: 3/10
This mission is exactly like the one before, except you're crashing your own
system, using Revelation, to put pressure on ARC.
Remember to turn off the security before running Rev. Rev should kill
the logs, but delog your bounce just to be safe.
Mission 4: ARC Infiltration
---------------------------
Reward:
Difficulty: 8/10
(Note: This mission was changed by the patch. I'll write it up later.)
The last battle. ARC has launched Revelation, and you must use Faith to
combat it. Speed is key.
You're basically doing the same thing you did in Mission 3, except now you
have to do it a lot faster. Use the Revelation Tracker to find the infected
systems, and your IP Lookup to place them on the map. Hopefully, you've
saved a bounce path. Keep disinfecting systems as fast as you can- the goal
is not to kill Rev here, but to keep it from reaching critical mass. Ignore
the infected mainframes unless you have time- focus on the ISM's.
BTW, if a system is crashed by Revelation, you can't connect to it, but it
can still be bounced through.
Also, there's a chance that Revelation will spread to your gateway. You'll
see (and hear) a bunch of white slogans spreading across the screen. QUICKLY,
run Faith locally, otherwise you'll lose your gateway.
After 15 minutes, the feds will bust in to ARC and capture the hackers
spreading Rev. This will slow down the spread of Rev considerably, enough that
you should be able to finish disinfecting it. You'll get a congratulatory
email from Arunmor when you're done.
Timesavers: Right after Mission 4, put every ISM on your list of links. (use
Internic) That saves you using the IP Lookup. If you want to save even
more time, go ahead and pre-crack the admin passwords to the ISMs. (Use a
monitor bypass, run your password cracker, but disconnect instead of hitting
proceed.)
The easiest way: Instead of waiting for the feds to shut down the hackers,
just crash the ARC mainframe right when the mission starts. If you want,
you can use Revelation. (Touche.) Then you just have to clean up a couple of
small outbreaks, and you're done. If you decide to use Revelation on ARC,
you won't get the mission complete email until ARC disinfects itself, which
will take a day or so.
ARC Missions
------------
Mission 1: Maiden Flight
------------------------
Reward: 10000c
Difficulty: 3/10
Crash the Arunmor ISM, using Revelation.
This is the exact same as Arunmor Mission 3, if you did those first.
Hack into the ISM, turn off the security, upload Rev (delete a file if
necessary), enter the console, and run Rev. As in the other mission, Rev
should take care of the logs, but delog your bounce path just to be safe.
Mission 2: Darwin
-----------------
Reward: 10000c
Difficulty: 8/10
(Note: This mission was changed by the patch. I'll write it up later.)
Mission 3: Save It For The Jury
-------------------------------
Reward:
Difficulty: 5/10
Frame the CTO of Arunmor for bank fraud.
You'll need a Log Modifier v2, if you don't already have it. Connect to the
bank, making sure to use a bounce path that includes a system with low
security, like InterNIC or the Academic Database. Be sure to note the current
system time. At the bank, do something to get yourself noticed, let yourself
be traced for a couple hops, then disconnect. Connect to the low-security
system you picked, look for the right bounce log, and use the Log
Modifier to change the From IP to the one listed in your email.
For insurance, (I'm not sure this is necessary) take another log and change
the type to 'BounceBegin' and the IP to the one listed as well.
Now, delog as usual, and reply to the email. If you did it right, they'll
tell you.
Mission 4: Shiny Hammer
-----------------------
Reward:
Difficulty: 7/10
(Note: This mission was changed by the patch. I'll write it up later.)
Mission 5: Grand Tour
---------------------
Reward: The destruction of the Internet
Difficulty: 11/10 (normal way) 9/10 (easier way)
Infect enough servers with Revelation to cause the entire Internet to crash.
You have 15 minutes- after that, Uplink will cut off your connection.
Whew! This mission is, by far, the most difficult in the game. You'll only
have 15 minutes to cause Revelation to reach critical mass before your
Internet connection is terminated. Not only that, you've also got Arunmor
working against you, cleansing systems that you infect. Speed will be
absolutely critical. Here's what you have to do- Connect to an ISM,
run a Proxy Bypass, crack the password, turn off security, upload Rev
(deleting a file if space is needed) access the console, and run Rev.
Then connect to the next ISM. You need to be able to do this in under 30
seconds to have any chance at succeeding.
Can't do it? Not surprising, since I can't either. :) It's not your fault,
however, it's a bug in Revelation v3.(A bug in a bug. LOL.)
When you infect an ISM with Rev v3, that system will stay infected for
a couple minutes, then the system will crash, and Rev will jump to
the corresponding mainframe. After a couple more minutes, the mainframe
will crash as well. Sounds good, right?
Well, the catch is that Rev v3 deletes itself when it crashes a system,
meaning that that system no longer counts towards your infection total. If
you run the Tracker, you'll be able to tell- you'll do great for the first
4-5 minutes, then your numbers will start dropping, or level off at best.
So, what's the solution? Use Revelation v1. While it won't spread, it will
crash a system immediately, giving Arunmor no chance to run Faith, and the
crashed system will stay infected, most of the time. The mission will
still be very tough, but that will make it possible. You'll have to be
able to crash ISM's in 40 seconds or less, though, to have any chance
of succeding.
If you're still having trouble, you can cheat a little bit. A few hours
before the mission starts, (when you see the news posting saying
Revelation launch due soon) start hacking random ISM's and uploading
(but not running) Rev v1. If you do it fast enough, and have a long
enough bounce path, they won't revoke the admin password. Do about
15-20 systems. Delog, speed up time until the mission starts,
and go. With the admin password and Rev preloaded, all you have to do
is run your proxy bypass, turn off the security, and run Rev from
the console. This saves a good 20 seconds per system.
Your first real missions. Very simple- connect to the target system,
run your password cracker, either copy or delete the file, and you're done.
None of these systems you see here will have proxies or firewalls.
Occasionally, you'll be asked to decrypt the file first- just buy whatever
decrypter you need.
Note: On all the Government systems, crack the password as 'readwrite' rather
than 'admin.' If you crack it, then disconnect before proceeding, the
password won't change. (If you crack it quick enough.) Then you can reconnect,
with no trace to worry about.
(Note: Occasionally, the mission board text will read, "Delete important data
stored on a mainframe," or something similar. Don't worry, if it only pays
2000cr, it's not a mainframe hack.)
These are still pretty simple. The IAD is very poor at tracing you, so just
make sure you bounce through a few servers, and you'll end up with at least
120 sec of time- more than enough. Once you crack the password, login and type
the name of the person you're looking for. Once there, simply change the info
listed.
If you're asked to change grades, there's no way to jump to whichever grade it
is- you'll have to delete from the bottom. Don't worry- once you change the
grade, you don't have to put the others back (though you can if you want.)
If you're asked to give somebody a first/third class degree, just change
the corresponding number. If you're adding a degree, it should look like
this-<degree>, Class <number>. For example- Physics, Class 1. Make sure it's
spelled like it is in the email.
If you're asked to add a qualification, it goes in the bottom box. Spell it
exactly as it is in the email. (Yes, some are misspelled.) It doesn't matter
what case you use.
International Social Security Database
--------------------------------------
Mission Level: Confident
Difficulty Rating: 4
Reward: 4000-5500c
Software Required: Proxy Disabler lv1
Mission Types:
Change Data
This is where it starts getting tougher. The ISSD will trace you at full speed,
and has a proxy server as well. (lv1) Hopefully, you've upgraded your CPU
by now. Run your Proxy Disabler first- it won't trigger a trace until it's half
done. Once the trace starts, quickly start your password cracker and give it
100% CPU time. Hopefully, by the time it and the proxy disabler
finishes, you'll have some time left to modify the necessary records.
Of course, if you have a Monitor/Proxy Bypass, use those.
Banks (no proxy)
---------------
Mission Level: Intermediate
Difficulty Rating: 5
Reward: 5000cr-7500cr
Software Required: IP Lookup
Mission Types:
Trace illegal transfer
Find financial details
These missions are more likely going to be easier than cracking the ISSD was.
You'll either be asked to find something out about an account, or find where
a person's money came from. Either way, connect to the bank given, run your
Monitor Bypass, type in the account #, and run your cracker. (If you don't
type in the acc #, it will try to crack the admin password by default, which
won't work since you're not at that screen.) If you don't have a Monitor Bypass,
just crack the password, disconnect, and reconnect-it won't change.
Once you're in, if your mission was to find something out, then just
click the account tab, and reply back with what you've found out. If your
mission is to trace, there's one more step. Go to the statement tab,
and you'll see a log showing a large transfer, and the destination IP and
acc #. Run your IP Lookup software, feed in the new IP, and repeat step 1.
(Your system won't save the new acc #- I usually type it into the IP Lookup
box so I don't forget it.)
Tip: If the mission is to find out the size of someone's loan, 90% of the time,
it will be 0. Try replying with that before you do the hack,
since there's no penalty for a wrong answer.
Global Criminal Database
------------------------
Mission Level: Intermediate/Skilled
Difficulty Level: 5/6
Reward: 5000-7500c or 8500-11000c
Software Required: Decypher, Proxy Disabler lv1
Software Recommended: Monitor/Proxy Bypass
Mission Types:
Clear Records (DL 5)
Add Criminal Record (DL 6)
Destroy Life (DL 6)
Similar to the ISSD, except for two major differences.
1. The GCD WILL passively trace you, and they can trace you through logs
that are deleted by anything other than a log deleter v4. (At least, I know
they can go through a v1.)
2. The GCD has an Elliptical Curve security system. Just run your Decypher.
Hopefully, you have at least a Monitor Bypass by now. If not, you're really
going to be pressed for time.
If you're asked to clear someone's record, just hit clear. If you're
asked to frame someone for computer crimes, add it in. (Spelling counts.)
If you're asked to destroy someone's life (This is a later mission) then
give them two convictions (It doesen't matter what you type), a Parole
violation, and hit authorize arrest.
These missions are much like your first ones, except you're
copying/deleting an entire set of files. I do NOT recommend the mass copy
missions, for three reasons.
1. You rarely have enough memory to get them all in one go. (What, they
don't have DVD-R's in the future?)
2. It's tedious as hell, since you can't mass copy files, you have to do them
one at a time.
2. The file server you're supposed to upload them to, if it's a large
job (+100Gq) will often not have enough space to store all the files,
giving you no way to complete the mission. This may have been fixed in the
patch, though.
But if you want to- crack into the ISM like normal. If you don't have a
Firewall Bypass, you'll have to go to the security menu and turn it off.
If you're deleting, simply do it from the console. (Go into the console,
type cd usr, then type delete.) If you're copying, go into the File Server.
If you have a fast CPU, you may want to have multiple instances of File
Copier running. Once you've copied them all (or what your computer can
hold) disconnect, decrypt, and upload to the file server. Lather, rinse,
repeat.
Mainframes have two new security wrinkles that you'll have to bypass.
First, they'll only accept connections from the ISM of the same company,
so make sure your last bounce is through that ISM. (Use Internic to
find it if necessary.) Before you do that, though, you'll need to get
a voice sample from the system administrator, to crack the voiceprint
security. Simply connect to that company's Public Access Server (also
listed on Internic) and click the link for the Administrator. Disconnect
and call him, with your Voice Analyzer turned on.
Hacker Tracing
--------------
Mission Level: Knowledgeable/Uber-Skilled
Difficulty Level: 7-8
Reward: 12500-15000cr
Software Required: Same as for a Mainframe hack + a Log Undeleter
Mission Types:
Tracing
You have to trace a hacker through multiple systems. I don't recommend that
you take these, much like the mass copy jobs, because of the length
of time required to complete the mission. But, if you want to, or if it's
the only thing open...
The email will tell you the compromised system, and the approximate time
of the hark. Typically, they'll give you a login/password too, but it's
useless since you need admin access. Crack in (they will trace you) and
read the logs, finding the one that matches the time they give. That
log will give you the computer that the hacker bounced through. Connect
to that one, and do the same thing, etc.
Once, along the way, you'll have to use a Log Undeleter.
I still remember a lot, even though I haven't played thie game for a while,
so you can email me for help if you need it.
My email address is chasehas AT hotmail DOT com.
